New sports boxer version: Subaru WRX TR (2024)

The Subaru WRX has a devoted fan following, especially in its STi variant. And that, of all things, has changed little since the introduction of the current generation, because there is no sports version of the WRX. In the home market, Subaru relegated the STi flagship to an accessory line, in the US it was completely split and we in Europe don’t get a new WRX at all due to our emissions regulations.

A small improvement, but no more power

In the US market, the new WRX is offered in four trim levels: Base, Premium, Limited and GT. All have a 275 hp 2.4-liter boxer under the hood. With TR now submitted, another variant follows. The abbreviation TR already existed in the history of the WRX; in 2006 it stood for “Tuner ready” and was paired with a reduced base price WRX. TR left high-quality components in various areas that tuning fans would have changed anyway. For example, only a cheap stereo system, simple seats, a standard steering wheel and colorless exterior glass houses were installed.

However, the new WRX TR follows a different philosophy. Subaru stiffens the springs and dampers, puts performance brakes behind the larger 19-inch models, improves the steering and keeps the driver and front passenger in place with Recaro seats. There are also a number of new assistance systems and always a six-speed manual gearbox. However, the TR is deprived of the sports logo desired by fans, such as increased performance or a conventional rear wing. At least in the USA.

In Australia, leaked images from the talks documents have revealed the details of the WRX TR even before its debut. In addition to the features mentioned above, Australian customers will receive a wing in the style of the old STi. But there’s no more power or even an STi model there either, because Subaru has banned that for all markets.