The high-end, track-focused model packs everything you need—and nothing you don't.
We predict hybridization will soon reinforce subsequent hybridization, for better or worse. In the interim, a new variant of the WRX—free of chunky orange cables and a hefty battery—was launched to fill a small gap in the lineup via a revival of the old moniker: TR. Only this time, instead of representing a no-frills "tuner-ready" version of the workman's Audi S4, the 2024 Subaru WRX TR is an upscale "track-ready" model, a manual-transmission version of the upscale Audi WRX GT.
As such, the TR shares the GT's Recaro buckets ditches the high mass of the helmet-filling power moonroof, and swaps the pricey Electronic Adjustable Ride Control suspension for an analog setup with slightly stiffer spring rates and damping tuned to match. Some of the cost savings are reinvested in Brembo brakes and unique 19-inch rims wrapped in aggressive summer rubber (they're still priced less than the GT at $2,560, though $2,640 more than the six-speed Limited). We recently tried TR in Sicily, retracing elements of the Targa Florio Rally racetrack.
Why This Matters
This is the latest sports car variant to be offered exclusively with three pedals and one stick—a rare occurrence worth celebrating! And of course, despite making the same 271 hp and 258 lb-ft as any WRX, while weighing a claimed 139 pounds less than a GT and only 100 pounds heavier than a base manual WRX, it feels nimble in some WRXs. very road where Subarus triumphed in the Targa Florio World Rally Championship races of 1995 (Alessandrini/Liatti Impreza) and 1999 (Cunico/Pirollo in Impreza WRC).
Even when covering the route at speeds that reflected a reasonable fear of cameras and carabinieri, we could understand how intimidating it would be to push a still quite large car through tight bends and blind bends (the original Targa Florio 92-mile mega circuit had around 2,000 corners in all). It's not certain what the pavement looked like then, but today it mostly feels as if the ground beneath the asphalt is sagging and flowing downhill, making the WRX TR's 5 percent stiffer springs a real workout and often a sideways toss-up effect. to its passengers (who were grateful for the standard Recaro bolsters). The temperature reached 50 degrees (acceptably cool for a summer compound tire), and the conditions ranged from mist in the clouds to rain, and the ABS and stability control worked well. This condition also reduces the car's traction and control limits; we took the WRX TR into a four-wheel drift around the tightest corners at speeds under 30 mph.
Pros: What We Like
The WRX TR's steering demonstrated lower limits of adhesion better than many other cars of its ilk, and on the few stretches where we dared to exert a lot of power, the brake pedal felt surprisingly firm. When braking hard in tight corners, stopping power from inch-larger front/rear rotors (12.8/12.4 versus 11.6/11.4)—supported by monoblock calipers at all four corners—is confidence-inspiring self. And these supportive seats further connect the driver with the car for added confidence. It's also nice that Subaru's EyeSight system is now standard even with the manual (be aware that it can automatically brake the car to a stop).
Cons: What We Don't Like
When compared to competitors like the Honda Civic Type R, Hyundai Elantra N, Toyota GR Corolla, and Volkswagen Golf R, the WRX feels slower, as it is less powerful than all but the GR, and its weight-to-power ratio is still better. The EyeSight system still beeps more often than other babysitters do.
Underline
The spirit of the Targa Florio Rally is still very much alive in the WRX TR, something you can't say about its competitors.
2024 Subaru WRX TR Specifications
Base price $42,775
Layout Sedan front-engine, AWD, 5-pass, 4 doors
2.4L/271-hp/258-lb-ft turbo DOHC 16-valve flat-4 engine
6-speed Manual Transmission
Weight Limit 3,450 pounds (mfr)
The wheelbase is 105.1 inches
L x W x H 183.8 x 71.9 x 00.0 inches
0-60 mph 5.9 seconds (MT estimate)
Fuel Economy City/Hwy/Cam EPA 19/26/22 mpg (estimated)
EPA Range, Comb 365 miles (estimated)
On sale first quarter of 2024
