Making its European debut at the 2013 Frankfurt motor show in September is the aggressive-looking Subaru WRX concept.
First shown at the New York motor show earlier in 2013, the low-slung four-door breathed life back into the idea of future hot Imprezas, but UK enthusiasts were set to miss out. Spy shots of bewinged test mules at the Nurburgring have appeared, but Subaru confirmed it had no plans to replace the outgoing WRX STI once stock ran out.
>> Click here for CAR’s A-Z guide to the 2013 Frankfurt motor show
So why wave the new Subaru WRX concept under our noses in Europe?
Because Subaru has had a change of heart, and is re-evaluating the business case of offering a hardcore WRX four-door model as a performance flagship for the future Subaru range.
Subaru says ‘changing market conditions have allowing a re-examining of the feasibility of bringing the new car to the UK’. So, if you crave a return to Subaru’s hot hatch-bashing glory days, lobby Subaru to show your interest when the car gets its European debut on 10 September 2013.
What’s the new WRX’s expected specification?
The WRX will enter production in 2014, sporting all-wheel drive and a turbocharged boxer engine, likely to develop around 335bhp. Rather than the low-cost rally-inspired specials of old fast Imprezas, Subaru will pitch the new WRX as a range halo car, sitting above the BRZ coupe in the line-up and costing more than £27,000.
>> Should Subaru go ahead and offer a flagship WRX model to UK buyers? Weigh in with your opinion by clicking ‘Add your comment’ below
