20 QUICK SPIN
WR R
For many observers , the Subaru WRX holds a special place within the lineup . In fact , the WRX is universally loved by genuine enthusiasts because it offers honestto-goodness rally-honed performance blended with everyday versatility .
Over the years , the WRX has always been an interesting proposition , especially when special editions and different variants were released . These versions often created even stronger links between the road car and its motorsports kin , something that always resonates with true gearheads .
It ’ s also worth remembering that the WRX predates the WRX STI ; the first edition was released internationally ( but not for North America ) back in 1992 , two years before the WRX STI arrived . Initially , the WRX was based on the Impreza platform and was positioned as a rally-inspired version of the compact car . The name “ WRX ” was a derivation of the phrase “ World Rally eXperimental ,” in honour of Subaru ’ s success in the FIA World Rally Championship .
Back then , features of the car included standard all-wheel drive , a beefed-up suspension system and a turbocharged SUBARU BOXER ® 4-cylinder that generated 236 horsepower . While this number seems quaint today , it was a huge amount back in the early ‘ 90s , matching the output of certain Porsche 911 models at the time .
Within a year of the first WRX being released , the first special-edition version was already on the market . This model , the Subaru WRX Type RA , was targeted at weekend racers and rally drivers . The Type RA featured a boosted engine and close-ratio gearbox , as well as weightsavings measures including reduced soundproofing and manual windows .
While this version was only offered in the domestic market , it foreshadowed many high-performance variants that would be released around the world . Over the years , this approach has focused mainly on the Subaru BRZ and the WRX STI , but there have been a few key WRX models to receive the special treatment .
South of the border , in honour of Subaru ’ s 50 th year in America , there were special editions of all models in 2018 , including the WRX . This collector ’ s item featured a heritage blue paint scheme , special exterior badges , silver seatbelts , silver interior stitching and Recaro seats with an embroidered 50 th anniversary logo .
That same year , the Canadian market welcomed the 2018 Subaru WRX Raiu Edition , named after the Japanese term for “ thunderstorm .” On the outside , this special edition featured a unique cool grey khaki paint scheme , 18-inch alloy wheels with a gunmetal grey finish , and an STIbranded front lip spoiler , side sill and rear side spoilers .