tazzydnc

I've heard rumours that the new 06 wrx (not the sti) will be upgraded to a 2.5 liter engine. Can anyone verify this? Assuming they keep the turbo more or less the same, this should result in a big increase in HP, maybe more like that of the legacy?

I've posted about this before, but I'm still in the decision process of choosing a car (under 30, under 300 hp , has to have side airbags) At this point I'm considering the wrx, rx8, and 350z. Obviously though I dont want to get a wrx then have there be a big power increase in the next model. Regarding the 8, I really like it but the lack of torque really irks me. Even though it is fast, it doesn't feel fast like the wrx and Z do.

Thanks

murix

The Sti already comes with a 2.5l turbo today.

BlueEyes

i'm going to ron popeil this one.

tazzydnc

I meant the regular wrx. Why does everyone always assume I mean sti lol.

Ike

This has been a rumor for a couple years. It may happen down teh road but it seems thus far like the MY06 isn't going to have any major changes. When they redesign the exterior it may happen but I highly doubt it before then. Besides the 2.0 is very tunable and if you want to go faster than a stock WRX it's very cheap to do so and there are stock STis in other parts of the world making over 300hp and it's the 2.0.

Ike

If you want the latest rumor it's that the newly redesigned Impreza will be a hatchback to conform with new rules that may be put in place in the WRC.

Ike

I think this is a pretty good indication it's happening. Now whether or not this change will coincide with the new design remains to be seen, and subaru is doing a good job keeping tight wraps on what will become of the Impreza appearance wise. If they change the engine but little else I'm going to have one hell of a decision to make. Get the better engine which will most likely have the better ratio 5mt from the forester, or wait and see what the redesign looks like for the 07 model year...

What this means performance wise... We're looking at mid to high 13s 1/4 mile with low 5s 0-60, a better torque curve, less turbo lag, and peak hp being made much earlier than with the ej20. In addition, adding about 100whp will cost about 1500-2000 if you get some used stuff from an sti owner.

Mindtrip

There not going to do it because they want to keep the Legacy I higher model.

Ike

did you look at the pic I posted? I don't think subaru cares about whether or not the legacy is faster, in fact I bet they would rather the Impeza is faster.

globi

Isn't there a WRC rule that limits the displacement to 2.0l?

Steiner

Yes, but that ship already sailed when the USDM STi got the 2.5L. :p

globi

Correct me if I'm wrong but I think the US is the only country that currently sells a 2.5l STi and not a 2.0l STi. (Possibly because of the gasoline quality).

Also a turbocharged 2.5l engine doesn't necessarily have to have more low end torque than a 2.0l turbocharged engine. Evo vs. STi:

Ike

I don't know where Motortrend came up with those numbers, but they don't acurately represent the usdm cars. I think you're wrong, I believe the 2.5l turbo is offered elsewhere with the forester xt and maybe some other cars.

Steiner

The '05 Evo is up about 5%-8% in HP/TQ over the '03 and '04 model. Somebody from Vishnu had a thread going for a while about it on EvoM. The consensus after X number of dyno pulls was that the '05 STi was a little down on power and the '05 Evo was a little up. IIRC they attributed the differences between the '04 and '05 STi to a different factory tune that had been implemented to offset some pinging problems associated with 91 octane gas. I believe the differences between the '05 Evo 8 and previous USDM models had to do with changes made to the turbo and exhuast manifold.

Just the same, during my test drives the STi felt like it had more down low (between 1,800 and 2,800 RPM's) but the WOT accleration in the Evo felt more linear. Once you get to about 3,000 RPM's it's tough to tell a difference between the cars though...the smaller 2.0L in the Evo boosts like crazy (20-22lbs) and the bigger 2.5L in the STi propels the scoobie like a raped ape too.

Ike

Yeah, but the problem I saw with it was the peak torque on the Evo, most that I've seen actually peak lower @ around 3500rpms. Anyhow, even those curves show the STi has more torque down low so I'm not sure what Globi's point was, and the curve is far smoother on the STi. Lastly my comparison wasn't between the STi and the Evo, it was between the Forester XT engine that will be used on the next WRX most likely and the current WRX engine... I know how both engines react and my statements hold true, whatever point Globi was trying to make is lost on me...

mikeb

I like the pic blue eyes posted

looks mean as hell

downshift

About the WRC homologation requirements, I think Subaru doesn't have a problem selling the 2.5L engines in the US market as long as the 2.0L ones are still sold in other countries. The new hatchback design requirement would be interesting because that means the Evo has to be redesigned as well; if we assume Mitsubishi would still be in the game by then.

Steiner

I think it would look something like this...

Ike

The homologation rules currently are rather weak. To give you an idea on how weak, the Peugeot and the Citroen aren't even available in AWD anywhere in the world yet the WRC cars are AWD. Those two manufacturers are also pulling out of the WRC this coming year and the future of Ford and Mitsubishi in the WRC is somewhat in question... The hatchback won't be a requirement, but it's more something that would allow them to shorten the car and potentially improve its handling dynamics and make it lighter.

downshift

Steiner, are you serious? If that is what the future of WRC is, I don't think I'll be following it any longer. It's sad to see Peugot and Citroen pulling out as well. Some of my favorite drivers and in those teams...

Steiner

That's really more of a Lancer station wagon than a hatch, but I believe either the Evo 6 or Evo 7 could be bought in a hatchwagon trim a few years ago. I looked online for a picture or some literature but couldn't find...but I'm about 90% sure it did exist. When you think of WRC and hatch think of something more like this though...

http://www.rsportscars.com/foto/02/f...c04_05_800.jpg

http://us1.webpublications.com.au/st...103005_4mg.jpg

http://us1.webpublications.com.au/st...50581_00mg.jpg

http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/7177/twrc5.jpg

...so it won't be that bad.

Japan8

MItsubishi is already doing it. They are getting ready to release a "wagon" Evo according to JDM magazines. There had been rumors of it for about the last 2 years or so and what seems to be confirmation in a recent mag article.

Ike

I don't think that has anything to do with the WRC though since the wagon version will probably weigh more than the current Evo. It's more a reaction to compete with the Subaru wagon offerings such as the Forester STi, WRX Wagon, Legacy B4 Wagon, and Possible upcoming Impreza STi wagon.

BlueEyes

I wouldn't mind seeing a subaru or mistu hatch, something more like the Peugeot 307's would be sweet though! too bad they don't look nearly as good in road going form.

Ike

I don't know what I think of the Impreza going hatch, most of the guys on the Subaru boards are pretty excited about it. But if it happens I might jump ship and get a Forester XT or Legacy GT. I like Sedans for some strange reason... As much as I loved my DSM I was happy to be rid of the hatch and liked the A4 and Maxima quite a bit despite them being slower and a poor handlers. So give me a fast nice handling sedan.