Many enthusiasts have voiced concerns that the Subaru WRX has lost its edge, with the latest iterations feeling more like turbocharged family sedans than the rally-bred beasts of yesteryear. The discontinuation of the STI only added fuel to this fire. However, a recent test at the Team O'Neil Rally School in New Hampshire aims to put those doubts to rest, showcasing that the WRX still carries the rallying DNA that made it legendary.
Instructor and host Wyatt Knox takes the reins of the 2024 Subaru WRX, eager to put it through its paces on a real rally stage. From the get-go, it's clear that the WRX hasn't lost its touch. Knox describes the standard all-wheel-drive system as "pretty darn perfect," handling gravel with ease and precision.
With 272 horsepower under the hood, the WRX surprises Knox with its agility and speed, outperforming his expectations, especially compared to its more powerful sibling, the STI. The key to its on-gravel prowess lies in Subaru's decision to stick with a purely mechanical power distribution system, eschewing electronic aids for a more intuitive driving experience.
Even though not many WRX owners will find themselves launching their cars off jumps, Knox notes that the WRX handles airborne maneuvers with finesse, flying level and maintaining stability upon landing—a hallmark of any capable rally car.
In a timed stage course at Team O'Neil, the WRX reigns supreme, leaving competitors in the dust and clocking a time two seconds faster than the next quickest vehicle—a CanAm Maverick side-by-side. This victory solidifies the WRX's position as the undisputed king of street-legal rally cars, at least until the arrival of the GR Corolla, which Team O'Neil plans to test under similar conditions.
Comments
Post a Comment