Frank's Irvine Subaru Lake Forest CA

What's New for 2013 Following last year's regular Impreza redesign, the 2013 Subaru WRX will be all-new. Introduction The Subaru WRX has long been known to provide considerable performance at an affordable price. Now for 2013, the WRX is set to get even better. Aside from a name change, the 2013 Subaru WRX will get an all-new platform to call home, along with a new engine underhood. Subaru is dropping "Impreza" from the WRX nameplate, but will continue building the car from the Impreza platform. Subaru wants to distinguish the Impreza as its mainstream small car offering while highlighting the WRX's gravel-spitting, rally-racing heritage. As such, the new WRX will likely ride on a slightly shorter wheelbase and use lighter-weight suspension components and unique suspension geometry for enhanced performance handling. The 2013 WRX will use a new turbocharged 2.0-liter boxer four-cylinder engine that, while a half-liter smaller, will make more power than the engine in the current model. Aided by direct injection, the new four-cylinder should make close to 270 horsepower and, coupled with the new WRX's expected weight loss, help achieve better fuel economy than the current model's 19 mpg city/25 mpg highway. Expect a six-speed manual transmission and all-wheel drive to come standard. The top-performing WRX STI -- expected by late 2013 -- should make about 305 hp and offer a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with paddle shifters. We don't expect a thorough exterior makeover, but it's likely the WRX and WRX STI will be offered only as hatchbacks, with a style leaning to the popular four-door "coupe" look. The new WRX may debut at this year's Los Angeles auto show and arrive at dealers early next year. Watch for a full review of the 2013 Subaru WRX, including specs, driving impressions and buying advice as it becomes available.