Does This 2022 Subaru WRX Render Fix or Ruin Subie’s Controversial JDM Icon?
- Russian artist changes up the new Subaru WRX
- No, the side cladding didn’t get changed
- The changes show us what modified WRX’s will look like
The debut of a new Subaru WRX is always a big deal. The last time we saw one was way back in 2014, and the model hasn’t changed too much since. Now, the 2022 Subaru WRX takes the previous design and chucks it out the window. Some people are happy, and about eight times as many aren’t. The design is, at a minimum, controversial. One artist decided to see if they couldn’t spruce up the new WRX.
People hate the new WRX
It’s hard to understate the public reaction to the new ‘Rex. It no doubt spurred the artist to redesign some key elements of the car, but more on that in a moment. Why exactly are people so mad about the new JDM rally superstar? It’s certainly not the drivetrain. There’s an ever-present turbocharged Subaru boxer engine and a manual transmission. It’s certainly not the infotainment, which has been totally redone for 2022.
No, it’s the looks. Perhaps you thought the new WRX looked familiar because of the Subaru Outback Wilderness. After all, it has the same body cladding. And that’s what’s got people so upset by a good margin. In its defense, you could say it adds to the tough, rally-bred image the 2022 Subaru WRX is attempting to cultivate. We wouldn’t blame you.
Are there aftermarket parts for the 2022 Subaru WRX?
Of course, that’s something a few cans of paint and primer can solve. Obviously, the aftermarket will always have solutions for issues like this. Clearly, that inspired Russian ‘Grammer and artist Nikita Chuicko to make some mild changes to the WRX. Starting at the front, not much has changed here. Some red accents have been added to the grille, but we think they should be STI pink (stop that, you child) in an homage to the color scheme of Subaru’s tuning arm in the late ’90s.
Obviously, the biggest change is the wheels. Legally, Nikita might have to tell you they’re not ultra-coveted JDM wheels: the Volk Racing TE37’s, but they sure look like the famous racing wheel. The suspension has also been lowered, a common mod on existing Subaru WRX models. At the back, a Subaru WRX STI wing has been added as well, another common mod. All in all, the changes are subtle but effective.
A manual transmission in the new WRX helps
They also give us a real look at what owner’s cars will look like five whole minutes after financing is done at the dealer. People love to modify their Subarus, and this WRX will be no exception. Frankly, had Nikita colored in the cladding, it would be hard to distinguish this car from a 2014-2021 Subaru WRX. With a manual transmission in the middle, we’re sure people will come around to the new WRX, especially if it looks like this render.
