Just seen an article on this on Pistonheads, but they have got their information from a large article over on Motor Trend. I'd say its definately worth a read:
http://www.motortrend.com/future/fut...way/index.html
They have a silly "artists render" on the Motor Trend site (which I'm guessing the final car will look
nothing like), but the text makes for very interesting reading. I recommend you read the whole thing, but here are the bits that stood out to me:
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Originally Posted by Motor Trend
...the Impreza and famed WRX -- joined at the hip since 1992 -- are going their separate ways.
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I know we have kind of seen this already as the current UK WRX and WRX STI no longer wear the Impreza badge, but there is more...
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Originally Posted by Motor Trend
...the next WRX will take a completely different path of development and will not surface until 2014
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Originally Posted by Motor Trend (Subaru Source)
Apart from a few nuts and bolts, every part on the WRX will be unique. Even the engine and body. Obviously the WRX’s platform will be inherited from the new Impreza, but it will be radically modified and significantly shortened
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Originally Posted by Motor Trend
From now on, the Impreza will be the company's core model, boasting a fuel-efficient, naturally aspirated 2.0-liter boxer engine. The car's wheelbase has been slightly lengthened, while the A-pillar has been brought forward to maximize interior space and comfort levels
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So, sadly, it looks like the Impreza name may go on to represent a very different car, but read on...
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Originally Posted by Motor Trend (Subaru Source)
The first thing you must understand about our all-new WRX is that we have developed it from the ground up to win in motorsports events. That's why we have focused so heavily on weight issues, not to mention a shorter wheelbase that permits faster, more precise turn-in. Marry that to our proven AWD system, and we think we have a winner
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Originally Posted by Motor Trend
Our source also revealed what is going on in the bowels of Subaru's R&D. On the short list for the WRX’s powerplant is a turbocharged 1.6-liter boxer pumping as much as 270 hp, and a twin-charger system involving a supercharger is being tested as well
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Twin charging sounds ambitious, but its interesting reading...
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Originally Posted by Motor Trend
The WRX, on the other hand, will employ the very best from Subaru's parts bin, starting with an updated version of the company's rally-proven AWD system and a turbocharged boxer engine
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Originally Posted by Motor Trend
The car’s body is rumored to be a little bigger than a Toyota Yaris, while its tread width is said to expand significantly. As for the STI, we are told that the flagship will also employ the WRX’s 1.6-liter boxer turbo, but that the engine will be reworked to generate upwards of 300 hp for motorsport competitiveness
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A 1.6T? That would align rather nicely with the 1.6L engine requirement for the WRC, wouldn't it?...
Obviously a lot of "ifs" at this stage, but the basic concept really excites me - what does everyone else think?