[D$]

Here's something I was wondering if people considered:




When Edumunds.com finally reported the news that the WRX was here, one thing they mentioned after talking with Subaru officials is that "Subaru will slowly dole out more horsepower over the years" or words to that effect.




So, has anyone considered that the MY03 WRX might have say 235hp and 222lb/ft of torque? Other car companies do tiny increments like this all the time from one model year to the next.
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I've totally made these numbers up but the implications are the same. Maybe Subaru will release a slightly faster WRX next year, and say "Well, we're $5k cheaper than the lancer and only 10HP behind, there's no need for the STi yet." Horsepower sells cars! Most people, even enthusiasts, won't place as much importance on brakes and all that.
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Any thoughts? Have I been smoking crack again?

 

[danc]

Well, THANKFULLY the EVO is coming. They may indeed up the HP on the WRX, but I personally believe the EVO forces their hand to release the STi sometime next year.

 

[thermite]

well the 01 and 02 in japan are the same. If the 03 is the same our WRX will probly be the same too. But they will have to release the STi. just my .02 cents worth.

Glen

 

[tisbe]

If they nudge the HP year-to-year on the WRX, maybe they'll do the same with the STi once it's in the US. 265 -> 275 -> 285 ... ???

What I'm wondering more about is the rumored front-end body redesign by Prodrive in the '03 or perhaps '04 WRX and STi. Haven't heard anything on that since last year.

 

[why?]

they will have to release the STi once the EVO comes out, they won't have any choice.

 

[jesse370]

I have to agree if mitsu can bring the evo in some real numbers it will hurt wrx sales worse than the sti could ever