Subaru has undergone something of a recent image change with a range of competent, but largely unexciting, models aimed more towards American tastes than the quirky appeal of its earlier offerings. This could be set to change with the implementation of a program that will overhaul the powertrains and underpinnings of the company’s upcoming models.
According to a report in Motor Trend magazine the program, given the rather ominous moniker of Motion V, will see the Japanese manufacturer implement model down-sizing, petrol-electric hybrids, a lighter next-generation Legacy model range with “a higher quality of finish” and all-new WRX and WRX STI models which will reportedly emerge within the next two years.
The WRX and STI will drop its stylistic affiliation with the Impreza but will be underpinned by a modified version of the current car’s platform. Initial reports suggest that the new Impreza will draw a number of styling cues from the Advanced Tourer Concept that was shown off at last year’s Tokyo motor Show.
On the powertrain front, the most likely candidate for a hybrid system is the 2015 Legacy, but it has been suggested that the WRX models could play host to a hybrid unit too. Currently under development are new 1,6- and 2,0-litre direct-injection turbocharged flat-fours. The next STI (due in 2015, too) will reportedly have at least 240 kW at its disposal.