Subaru may have introduced the 2013 BRZ and 2013 XV Crosstrek this year, but the small Japanese automaker isn’t done fleshing out its model range. Though a flagship sedan and larger crossover might be what Subaru needs right now, a report from Automotive News suggests the brand will focus on adding a few new performance-oriented cars in the coming years. Here’s a look at what’s in store for Subaru’s future.
Subaru Cars
The last two years have been big for Subaru cars. The automaker introduced a new Impreza sedan and hatch last year, launched the BRZ sports car this year, and will give the Legacy sedan a mid-cycle refresh for 2013.The next Subaru car due for an update will be the Impreza WRX and Impreza WRX STI. As our spyshots from this morning show, Subaru is hard at work on the next WRX. The next-gen WRX is expected to be based on the current Impreza and it may still possibly come in a two-door version. The WRX will pack a turbocharged version of the Impreza’s 2.0-liter F-4 under the hood, likely making around 270 hp. The WRX STI will produce upwards of 305 hp, and will likely feature an updated version of the driver-controlled differential used on previous models, among other rally-inspired goodies. Both the WRX and WRX STI are expected in 2014.
Though brand-new this year, an update could be coming soon for the BRZ, too. As we’ve reported previously, a higher-powered, turbocharged version of the BRZ, possibly wearing the STI badge, is perhaps the worst-kept secret in the industry. Also in store for the BRZ is a drop-top version. Both the high-performance BRZ and BRZ convertible are expected for 2014, with a facelift in 2016.
No major changes are expected in the rest of Subaru’s car lineup in the near future. The Impreza was new last year, and is expected to get a refresh in 2014 or 2015. A hybrid version has been rumored. The Legacy was just given a mid-cycle refresh this year. A new model will likely drop in the 2015 model year.
Subaru Crossovers
Subaru will soon give its crossover lineup some much-needed attention. With the Impreza-based XV Crosstrek new this year and the Outback the recipient of a mid-cycle refresh (a new model is due in 2015), the Forester will likely be the next crossover to be updated. Expected in 2014, the new Forester will stay on the Impreza’s platform, but will likely grow in both length and width. Inside, the Forester will get a high-quality interior to show off Subaru’s new (yet-to-be unveiled) infotainment system. A Forester Hybrid is also rumored to be a possibility. Subaru’s forgotten Tribeca three-row crossover won’t live on past the 2013 model year, but a successor with three-row seating based on the Toyota Highlander has been rumored.
Source: Motor Trend
