Will the 2021 Subaru WRX be all-new?
Signs say yes – Subaru says “maybe.”
Nathan and The Fast Lane Car team are here to answer your (reasonable) questions. Interesting and/or entertaining emails will be posted to this column. If it’s relevant in the automotive universe, there’s a chance we may know something about it. The author’s email address and full name will be omitted – leaving your first name, initials or nickname, your preference.
In this week’s Ask Nathan:
- What will the 2021 Subaru WRX be like?
- Will there be a next US Fiat 500?
- Very cheap used car fun.
This first question comes from a Subaru fan wanting to know about the next WRX.
Q: Via Twitter (NathanAdlen@Twitter) Nathan. Do you know what’s going to happen to the future Subaru WRX? Not interested in the STI, just the WRX.
Lomita
A: Howdy!
From what we hear, only a few tweaks are expected this upcoming year; however, all of that changes for both the WRX and the STI thereafter. Some of the rumors are pretty wild while others are simply fanboy wishes. There are a few from “inside” sources that feel pretty legit. Maybe.
Here are some of the most recent rumors about the upcoming Subaru WRX:
- It may get the new, cleaner, more efficient and more powerful FA20 2.0-liter boxer engine. Rumored output increases tag it between 315-335 for the WRX and up to 400+ horsepower for the STI.
- The new Subaru Global Platform (SGP) may underpin the WRX. This will allow the platform to be stronger and lighter It will also give the designers more real estate to work with.
- While the awesome photos supplied are from various Subaru concepts, rumor has it that Subaru will (once again) keep things somewhat conservative. We hear that it may look like a smaller, sportier version of the newest Subaru Legacy.
- We expect to see a return of the 6-speed manual and continuously variable transmission (CVT), but some fans say Subaru is looking at some sort of dual-clutch (DSG) performance transmission. This seems to be aimed at the STI… if it happens
- It’s no secret that Subaru has been playing with the idea of hybrids, plug-in hybrids and electric cars. Yep, there’s a rumor that the next WRX could be partially electrified.
- There may be a return of the hatchback WRX. Lots of fans have begged Subaru to go back to the hatchback configuration. While they maintain that the sedan is very popular, they are fully aware of the fan’s desire to have that hatchback as an option
- WRX Crosstrek? This one is completely baseless and I have no intel on any rumors even contemplating the possibility. This is based solely on my own desire that a vehicle like the Subaru Crosstrek gets the WRX treatment to become something truly special.
I will do my best to keep an ear open to any new rumors that come my way.
Cheers,
N
The next question comes from a Fiat 500 owner – it’s about the Fiat 500’s future in the USA.
Q: I always laugh when I see one of your videos. You are fun to watch and I learn just enough to be informed. Keep up the good work!
I love my Fiat 500 Pop. It’s had no problems in years and I have almost 60,000 miles on it. It makes me happy every day and I was wondering if there will be another Fiat 500 in the United States. I hear rumors of Fiat going away altogether.
I hope not.
Asha
Sarasota, FL
A: Hi Asha, thanks for the email!
It sounds like, for now, Fiat is going to stick around. According to sources, there was a recent meeting among the FCA higher-ups who want to make the Fiat 500 fresh and competitive. That means a new platform, a possible longer range Fiat 500 EV and other variants.
They (hopefully) learned their lesson with the polarizing Fiat 500L and appear to be interested in more of the fun-loving Fiat 500’s image going forward. There was even a rumor of Fiat bringing in a smaller-than-the-Fiat 500X crossover.
We shall see. You’re not the first person to sing the praises of the regular Fiat 500, and I’m glad you’re so happy with it.
N
The last question comes from a fan who wants to spend very little money on a fun car.
Q:Â (Via Twitter@Nathanadlen) Love me some big Nathan!
What would you recommend for a poor as dirt fella looking to drive something seriously fun for a few grand?
J Lewis
A: Hi there!
You didn’t give me much to work with, but the first thing that comes to mind is the mid-90’s Ford Mustang GT. It’s a simple car to upgrade, they are very cheap right now (a good runner can start between $2,500 – $3,500) and they are gobs of fun.
The same goes for the Camaro and, to a lesser extent, the Firebird. For me, the older Mustang’s seem to be easier to find in okay condition.
Hope that helps!
– N
Speaking of the Ford Mustang…
From day one, The Fast Lane Car has made it our policy to answer as many questions and comments as we can. We get thousands of emails and comments and feel that, as part of a tight-knit automotive community, having an open dialogue with you keeps things fresh and exciting.Got a question for Nathan? Drop him a line at: asknathan@tflcar.com.
