News Source: motortrend.com

Since its introduction in the U.S. in 2002, the Subaru WRX has been an enthusiast staple. Expectations couldn't be higher for the newest model, and Subaru gave us a taste of things to come earlier this year with the WRX concept. Now, the 2015 Subaru WRX has been fully revealed at the 2013 Los Angeles auto show, and things look promising for the successor to the famed rally special. Auto Show Floor Update: Yeah, yeah, the new 2015 WRX may have an optional CVT, but with a minor power bump, new six-speed manual, and handling lessons learned from the BRZ, the new WRX promises to be better than ever. The WRX really looks sharp in the metal, with many styling cues from the NYIAS concept carrying over. The new interior, while lacking the center-mounted tach, is worlds better than the outgoing car.

The new Subaru Legacy concept is just that, a concept. That said, it looks as if Subaru has learned a few midsize sedan lessons from Mazda and Ford, perhaps realizing that you can build a family sedan that is both fun to drive AND nice to look at. - Christian Seabaugh

The 2015 Subaru WRX is based on the current-gen Impreza sedan's body, and, as you might expect, features a similar profile. The WRX, however, gets a unique hood, rear doors, rear quarter panels, headlights, taillights, bumpers, and front fenders. Those fenders receive the characteristic flares, while the model's distinctive hood scoop is set more deeply to improve visibility. The front end vaguely resembles that of the concept, with the hexagonal grille jutting out past the headlights. Those headlights maintain the basic shape of the concept, but don't get the same wild, 3D LEDs. A C-shaped LED accent envelops the main lamps within the housing, which utilizes full LED low-beam lights on higher-trim models and halogens on others. Subaru says the front end look is meant to "evoke a raptor's stare." Of course, you can't have a WRX without a turbocharged flat-four engine and a performance-oriented all-wheel-drive system, and the 2015 model delivers on both fronts. Subaru borrowed the turbocharged, direct-injected 2.0-liter boxer four-cylinder from the Forester XT, and employs a high 10.6:1 compression ratio, twin-scroll turbocharger, and the Subaru Dual Active Valve Control System. The engine gets different camshafts and higher-rate valve springs, among other upgrades unique to the WRX, to bring output to 268 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, which peaks between 2000 and 5200 rpm. That represents an increase of 3 hp and 14 lb-ft of torque over the previous-gen model's turbo 2.5-liter.