There are some acronyms in the motoring world that appeal to gearheads; Z28, SS, M. These top-models have all the manufacturer’s best parts for a premium price. For years, Subaru has known this strategy; if the WRX isn’t fast enough, ante-up for the STi. But since discontinuing that model, Subaru has come up with a half-hearted alternative.
Subaru has released pricing details for its 2024 model lineup, and the special edition WRX TR (Track Ready) has a steep price tag. The base-model WRX starts at $33,855, which isn’t cheap, and the STi ‘placeholder’ WRX TR carries an MSRP of $42,775. The range-topping WRX GT starts at $45,335 but only comes with an automatic CVT transmission.
So, if you just have to get a stick shift (and in this car, it’s a must) what does the extra $8,920 + TAX get you? The 6-speed manual transmission (of course) plus bigger Brembo brakes for increased stopping power. The TR also comes equipped with Recaro seats to keep you secure when G-forces start coming in sideways at the track. The engineers have revised the suspension calibration and revised the steering geometry for a sharper feel. Plus some up-sized 19″ wheels with Bridgestone Potenza S007 tires.
But Subaru kept its adaptive dampers for the automatic-equipped GT model only, which is a disappointment, since track focused drivers could really benefit from this feature. Worst of all, the power output remains 271 HP / 258 TQ from the turbocharged 2.4L boxer engine.
The STi designation on the Impreza used to mean something. A higher-output engine with forged pistons and internals that could be tuned 400+. A centre differential control that changed the driving dynamics of the vehicle on the fly. Stiffer springs and struts to maximize cornering capability. Even a wide-body kit and massive spoiler so nobody could confuse your STi with a vanilla ice-cream Impreza (or even a WRX).
But when Subaru decided not build a WRX STi, motoring enthusiasts cried foul, and the WRX TR is just a parts-bin special to placate them. Really nothing unique to attract a track enthusiasts.
For $9K an enthusiast is better off buying a base model WRX and replacing the suspension with adjustable coilovers, replacing the wheels with something more unique, and putting however much is left into a bigger turbocharger and a Cobb Accessport. By selling off the brand new ‘stock’ parts, a frugal customizer could boost their budget by a couple grand on the way to re-creating what the STi used to mean; more power, better handling and Subie style.
Spot on! Totally agree with the WRX TR markup being a tough pill to swallow. For that price difference, I’d rather mod out a base WRX myself.
Exactly. A base model WRX as a starting point, then wheels, coilovers, bigger turbo and body mods and the result is a vehicle as YOU want it to be.
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As much as we all with the WRX TR was a ptoper STi alternative, it simply isnt. You can do better on your own.