Have you ever wondered what it would be like to race a sports car? Have you experienced the thrill of watching or participating in a stage rally? Rallies have been around almost as long as the automobile itself. The first official rally race was the Monte Carlo Rally, which had its inaugural event in 1911. Rallying grew in popularity around the world, enjoying a rapid ascension in the public’s eye after the World Wars. Today, there are dozens of types of rallies, from off-road to cross-country. Whether you’ve taken part in the activity or you’re seriously considering joining or volunteering for an event in the next few years, you’ll need a great car to get you from one stage to the next, an easy-to-drive, comfortable, high-tech number that will put you in a good position. That vehicle is the 2023 Subaru WRX.
While Subaru may not be the first automotive brand that comes to mind when considering a vehicle for a rally, the WRX is highly suitable for the task, both in looks and power. There are plenty of specialized features in the WRX that make it a fun, competitive drive. Even if you’ve relegated your rally dreams to nighttime rest, you can still take the WRX for a spin and see how well it performs, no matter the task. Don’t we all deserve a fast, fun car at least once in our lives?
Subaru’s Own Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive System
Many things separate the 2023 WRX from its competitors, but perhaps one of the most well-known specialized features is Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive. You may have thought previously that all-wheel drive systems were the same no matter the vehicle, but that isn’t the case. In fact, systems vary from model to model even in one brand’s inventory. Subaru’s tailored symmetrical all-wheel drive system was created to counteract the effects of instability and rough roads. This is helpful for rally racing, but it is also incredibly helpful if you live anywhere with dirt, gravel, potholes, or poorly paved roads.
This specialized feature is possible because of the way Subaru has structured the WRX, with a Subaru Boxer engine and an AWD drivetrain mounted in a straight line. This peculiar setup is not new to the Subaru company, but it is a proprietary configuration by Subaru, and as such does not have many competitors on the market. Since the engine and drivetrain are located low and in the middle of the chassis, the center of gravity becomes the center of the vehicle. This makes it more difficult to tip, pitch, roll, or rock, instead creating a solid, steady, base from which to begin your journey.
The Subaru Boxer Engine
Another special feature of the WRX is the Subaru Boxer engine, a big guy topping out at 2.4L. The direct-injection, turbo engine relies on its twin-scroll turbocharger as well as its waste gate to efficiently utilize exhaust pulses. Generally, a single-scroll turbo is less efficient and less powerful than a twin-scroll turbo. This is because when exhaust gets sent to the turbine, it does so in a way that allows the exhaust pulses to collide, creating unnecessary friction and additional wait time to gain speed, known as “turbo lag.” A twin-scroll turbocharger, on the other hand, has been programmed to send exhaust gases to the turbine in sequence instead of all at once, which allows a steady gain of power that doesn’t get bombarded by colliding exhaust pulses and little, if any lag. To put it bluntly, the Boxer engine streamlines the process of powering up so that you can accelerate smoothly, faster.
With the Boxer engine in place, the WRX gets 271 hp to play with, along with 258 lb-ft of torque. This might seem out of character for Subaru’s typically practical, eco-friendly outlook, but when it comes to motorsports, Subaru goes all out to provide drivers with enough power to compete and win.
Subaru’s Global Platform Creates an Enjoyable Driving Atmosphere
Every racing event has the potential to be incredibly loud, whether from spectators cheering, terrain, or engine choice. While the loudness is part of the fun, it can wear on you after a while. Instead of having to include noise canceling headphones, noise blockers, or other accessories, Subaru has elected to build the WRX in such a way that it cuts down on noise all on its own. This global platform build of Subaru’s not only creates a quieter atmosphere in the cabin, it also has the added benefits of body rigidity, which also increases the quality of the vehicle and the ride.
Subaru’s rally car for the road benefits from the company’s dedication to providing high quality vehicles to their customers. The global platform ensures that the driver can enjoy the experience over and over again for a long time. The global platform is constructed of high grade steel, which protects the inner workings of the vehicle with a tough exterior, while also providing a sound dampening quality for the interior. All of these benefits allow for a more focused, relaxed, and safe ride, whether you’re driving through the mountains, or you’re racing across the desert to the next checkpoint.
The WRX Has Real Experience in the World of Rallies
Even if you aren’t looking for your next race car, it’s good to know that the WRX can run with the best, and that you’ve got enough power to rev up and have a fun driving experience whenever you get in the car. In the world of rally racing, the WRX has done incredibly well, winning the American Rally Association National Championship in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2022. One of the models, a WRX STi Open 4WD Class Sedan, has been dubbed “America’s fastest rally car.” Judging from the Subaru driving team’s incredible track record in the hands of drivers like Travis Pastrana, Ken Block, and David Higgins, that sounds exactly right.
The documentary show “Launch Control” spans a decade of Subaru racing, showing not only coverage of Subaru Motorsports at rally events, but also behind-the-scenes footage of how rally cars are built, as well as new projects in the works. Have you ever wondered what the process looked like? Are you interested in learning more about the WRX and its rally siblings? You’ll definitely want to check out “Launch Control.” All ten seasons are available on YouTube, so if you want to learn more about the WRX and the events that made it a star, that’s where to go.
Want To Play Speed Racer? Take the WRX For a Spin
In our heart of hearts, all of us have at one time or another dreamed of becoming a professional driver. Watching Speed Racer, The Fast and the Furious, Baby Driver, and other films and franchises has created a thirst in Americans for fast cars and fancy driving. It’s understandable, of course, why we would be drawn to such things, as it is a unique experience and fandom. The enthusiasm with which Americans have embraced Subaru and its interesting racing vehicles is exciting to see, and it just may mean we get plenty more years with the Subaru WRX in racing.
If you’re curious about Subaru’s sports car offering, we highly recommend that you go out and give the 2023 Subaru WRX a try. You’ll marvel at its comfortable, quiet interior, its beefy engine, and the high quality frame that guarantees your drive will be amazing each and every time. Don’t be shy. Find a Subaru WRX and take a few moments to revel in the opportunity to sit in one of the premier racing vehicles in the Americas.
