Subaru WRX Model History

Born in the late 1980s from World Rally Experimental (branding used by Subaru in rally car competition), WRX inspiration eventually migrated over to the Subaru Impreza production car. First appearing in Japan in the 1990s, Subaru's higher performance version of the Impreza was formally introduced to the United States during the 2002 model year. Including sport suspension as well as sporty exterior and interior touches, the 227-horsepower Impreza WRX trim was offered as a sedan or wagon body style. The rounded headlamps seen on 2002 and 2003 model year WRX were replaced by a new design in 2004. For 2006, an Impreza WRX TR model presented a lower-cost sport compact option powered by a 217-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter Boxer engine. All-new for 2008, a 224-horsepower WRX enjoyed an improved platform and standard stability control. Engine power through the turbocharged Boxer powerplant was revised to 265 horsepower in 2009. Redesigned again in 2012, the Subaru WRX adopted the wide body dimension of the WRX STI. For 2015, the Subaru WRX gained a new platform as well as a direct-injected 268-horsepower engine.