Automakers are fond of embargoes, as they help to level the playing field and give all media outlets the ability to release information on new products at (more or less) the same time. Media outlets, on the other hand, hate embargoes, since every last one is scrambling to put as many eyes on page as possible. Breaking an embargo is the surest way to find yourself blacklisted by an automaker, unless you’re one of the big sites or (even better) glossy magazines, in which case manufacturers generally take a “boys will be boys” attitude and look the other way.
We’re not sure who broke the embargo on Subaru’s WRX Concept, which will make its official debut at this week’s New York Auto Show, but in a matter of hours the images were everywhere. And with good reason: if this is what the next Subaru WRX will look like, we suspect that the Japanese automaker will have a hard time keeping inventory on dealer showrooms.
2014 Subaru WRX Concept
The look is certainly more mature than we’ve seen from previous WRX models, and it banishes the ghosts of Impreza’s past. We’re sure that certain details (like the tiny side view mirrors, or the massive wheels and brake rotors) won’t see production, but if this is as “near production” as other outlets are reporting, the new WRX (which should drop by year end) will still be the best-looking variant to date.
2014 Subaru WRX Concept
Details on the car’s powertrain and output are still pending, but it’s a safe bet that Subaru will retain the flat-four “boxer” engine and all-wheel drive. Expect the next WRX to make more than the current version’s 265 horsepower and 244 pound-feet of torque, which should make the 0-60 mph trip even shorter than the current model’s 5.3 seconds.
Kurt Ernst has been passionate about automobiles and driving nearly his entire life. His early years were shaped working in the family service station, though his real passion was auto racing. After graduating from the University of Colorado, Kurt spent a year club racing with the Sports Car Club of America, before focusing on a business career in marketing and project management. Later, his passion for writing and the automotive hobby found him freelancing for a variety of automotive news sites, including Automotive Addicts and Motor Authority, where his work was syndicated and appeared in several national publications. Recognized as an expert in the automotive field, Kurt joined Hemmings Motor News as an Associate Editor in 2013, and in the years since has progressed to Editor, Hemmings Daily; Managing Editor for Hemmings Motor News, Hemmings Classic Car, Hemmings Muscle Machines, and the Hemmings Daily; and now, Managing Editor, Hemmings Auctions. Kurt was instrumental in organizing the Hemmings Motor News Concours d’Elegance from 2013-2019, and has served as a judge at this event and The Vintage Racing Stable Concours d’Elegance. A Skip Barber Racing School graduate and prolific writer, Ernst is also skilled in copyediting, project management, brand development, and public relations.
