New Subaru WRX 2021 to target Mercedes-AMG A35 with thumping 220kW 2.4-litre turbo – reports

Rumours that the base-model WRX would share the Levorg’s 1.8-litre turbo engine appear wide of the mark, with fresh reports suggesting the performance icon will actually target vehicles like the AMG A35 with a 220kW, 2.4-litre turbo-petrol engine in even the cheapest model.

That’s the word from Japan, where media are reporting it’s actually the Levorg that will go on to adopt the Subaru WRX’s engine, and not the other way around, once the Japanese brand’s halo model launches around the middle of 2021.

And as far as just what to expect from the Subaru WRX when it does arrive, details are beginning to crystallise. In fact, the brand is said to be targeting the monstrous Mercedes-AMG A35 with a turbocharged four-cylinder 2.4-litre engine producing in excess of 220kW. For the record, Merc’s mini monster produces 225kW and 400Nm, and Subaru is thought to have at least those outputs in mind, though with a focus on driving balance over out-and-out madness. That, it seems, will be reserved for the STI version.

We also know the new WRX will ride on the same SGP (Subaru Global Platform) as the Levorg, but should prove lighter than Subaru’s handsome wagon. It will also arrive with electronic damping, borrowed from the Levorg, as well adjustable drive modes.

The WRX is still expected to be revealed in the first half of 2020, ahead of a launch date around the middle of the year.