2024 Subaru WRX RS Gets Closer to STI, Except Under the Hood
This year’s Subiefest Florida at the Daytona International Speedway marks the debut of the new 2024 Subaru WRX TR, a special, track-ready edition of the Japanese sports sedan. In Canada, it will be called RS.
Essentially, this car brings suspension, steering, braking and tire upgrades for improved track performance. There are no changes under the hood, however, which is a shame.
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More specifically, the Subaru WRX RS gets stiffer springs, revised damping rates and a retuned steering rack for better body control and steering response. It rides on 245/35R19 Bridgestone Potenza S007 tires delivering increased wet and dry grip and improved braking performance.
Speaking of which, a definite highlight of the WRX RS is the high-performance Brembo braking system including six-piston front calipers and two-piston rear calipers, larger pads and rotors, as well as a larger brake master cylinder. This not only enhances stopping power, but also fade resistance and pedal feel, as Subaru will tell you.
The exterior design is basically carried over except for the red-painted brake calipers and exclusive 19-inch wheels in a satin grey finish. Alas, the turbocharged 2.4-litre flat-four engine continues to generate 271 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 258 lb-ft. of torque from 2,000-5,200 rpm. With the WRX STi still not returning, a bit extra power would have been nice, don’t you think?
Inside, new Recaro seats offer the driver and front passenger increased support. They are wrapped in black and grey Ultrasuede with contrasting red stitching and the “Recaro” logo embossed on the seatbacks. Meanwhile, the power moonroof has been deleted for weight savings and additional headroom for drivers wearing a helmet.
For the first time, Subaru’s EyeSight driver assist technology is now standard on a WRX equipped with a manual transmission, following the lead set by the 2024 BRZ coupe. In other words, you will no longer have to sacrifice features like Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking System, Lane Departure and Sway Warning, along with Lead Vehicle Start Alert.
The top-line 2024 Subaru WRX RS will go on sale early in 2024, with pricing to be announced shortly before.