Subaru Claims Its Next WRX Will Actually Follow the Concept
Following the debut of the Viziv Performance Concept at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show, Subaru confirms reception has been positive.
The Japanese automaker has built a reputation crafting some of the best-looking concept cars we’ve seen in recent years, only to disappoint us when the production model rolls out with significantly toned down styling. But this time around, Subaru design chief Mamoru Ishii claims the next WRX will be heavily influenced by the Viziv Performance Concept. Speaking to Autocar, Ishii said reaction to the concept has been positive and he’s eager to see certain design themes carry over to production. “We have built up this tradition with the Legacy, Impreza, and WRX,” he said. “We want it to look fast even when it is parked.”
SEE ALSO: Subaru Viziv Concept Signals the Future of the Impreza
And since the next Subaru WRX will ride on the new Subaru Global Platform, a plug-in hybrid powertrain is a possibility. Ishii shared that four-wheel drive is critical to WRX customers, but the automaker has a little more freedom with the engine. This suggests that so long as the WRX is still a high-performance vehicle, its owners or prospective buyers may not care whether it’s from electrification.
Most importantly however, Subaru wants to make sure the next WRX remains a driver’s car despite other automakers investing into autonomous technologies. “For some, driving pleasure is still very important and that is what we are exploring.”
[Source: Autocar]
Discuss this story on our Subaru WRX Forum
Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
More by Jason Siu
Comments
Join the conversation
We want it to look fast even when it is parked. Sadly, every Subaru across the lineup is slower than cars it competes against. Subaru needs to put money into engine development and boost hp and tq. across the lineup.