Subaru’s latest WRX concept shown at the New York Auto Show this past week was needless to say, light on specifics, but heavy on the visuals.
One thing we do know from the show was that the concept was in fact 100 percent blue. Paying homage to the WRX’s legendary blue/yellow status in the rally community the concept was one pearlescent treat from start to finish. Gizmag’s own C.C. Weiss attending this week’s show in New York, did indeed attest to the new Subaru’s dynamic visual impact – as shown in the provided photographical documentation.
Beyond the blueness, the concept is said to provide design language cues for the next generation WRX. The result as a whole, is significantly lower, sleeker and more confident in its brashness than its predecessors.
Hexagonal themes mysteriously populate not only some of the car’s smaller design elements, but also the computer generated PR video at the end of this story.
A new carbon fiber roof plays a role in not only enhancing the WRX’s dynamic assertiveness, but also serves as a weight loss measure.
Rear haunches, still retain the current model's swollen characteristics, except here there’s a cleaner, tighter finish. Filling out those sexy new haunches is provided by BBS “RI-D” one piece forged Duralumin wheels and 245/40ZR20 Dunlop tires, with an exclusive tread pattern.
New hawk-eye headlight treatments complement rather nicely with the narrowed nose, whereas the bigger, bolder grille, sporting hexagonal design elements, makes the current model look old and bulgy by comparison.
Covering up the currently unknown turbocharged engine is managed by a rather pronounced powerbulge on the hood. Below the grille work are deeper, lower valences with air-intake functionality. These intake vents are in place to enhance aerodynamics, engine cooling while increasing downforce.
Up the sides Subaru reports a sharp "character line" running from the front, all the way back through to the taillights, visually interrupted only by those big AWD haunches that define the WRX. Fluorescent Yellow as an accent can be seen on the WRX badge, the Brembo brake calipers and the exhaust tip finishers. Again paying homage to the WRX’s early day color stylings.
A tighter cabin, with aggressively raked rear bits and a curved trunklid that acts as a functional spoiler, make the WRX appear almost coupe-like in its finished execution. Design elements from Infiniti’s G35 series and maybe BMW’s 6-series, plus a touch of Volvo and Civic Si are there to be sure but in a new way.
That hexagonal motif out on the back is carried over from the front grille. The exaggerated rear of the WRX, sports a serious turbulence diffuser for enhanced aerodynamics while sizeable quad exhaust pipes ensure we all know the thing means business.
So given the lack of engineering information, in combination with the fact it’s Easter Weekend, I’m just going to let you guys enjoy the visuals. We’ll keep watch for any information regarding underpinning, engine options and release details as the come available.
Source: Subaru
