Subaru Introduces WRX TR, No Longer a Stripped Base Trim

by Matthew Guy

Published: October 6th, 2023

subaru introduces wrx tr no longer a stripped base trim

Set to be shown in person at tomorrow’s Subiefest in Florida, the new Subaru WRX TR adds a yaffle of performance-grade components to this boxer-engined all-wheel drive package.

Whilst the word appears exactly zero times in the bumf, we do feel that TR actually stands for ‘Track Ready’ this time around, instead of the old designation of ‘Tuner Ready’ on the last WRX to wear this badge. As you may recall from our post about this rig’s teaser shots last week. When last seen about 15 years ago, the TR stood for ‘tuner ready’ – essentially a base WRX with a few deleted features and a lower price tag.

For 2024, the TR trim is ‘enthusiast-focused’ and layers on gear such as a high-performance Brembo braking system which surprisingly has six-piston front calipers. Two-piston loaves hang out in the rear. Pads, rotors, and the master cylinder are also larger than stock. This should help anyone who takes their WRX to track days or autocross events. Stiffer springs, revised damping rates, and retuned steering round out other suspension tweaks.

Notably, the brand’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is offered here for the first time on a WRX equipped with a manual transmission. This safety tech includes safety tools like adaptive cruise control, a pre-collision braking system, and lane departure warnings. In fact, Subaru says all 2024 WRX models equipped with a stick will include this variant of EyeSight as standard equipment. That’s great news for those of us hoping the Exploding Galaxy continues – at least for a spell – as one of the last bastions of manual transmission. After all, it would have been a lot easier (and cheaper) for Subie to leave well enough alone instead of adapting EyeSight for dance duty with a manual transmission.

Other TR tricks include a set of Recaro seats as standard equipment, offering the driver and front passenger increased support (or at least the chance to brag). They are wrapped in black and gray Ultrasuede with red stitching and have 8-way power adjustments for the driver. Harkening back to the original stripper TR, this new one deletes the sunroof in search of weight savings and a better center of gravity, not to mention extra headroom for a helmet. Good.

Under the hood is that familiar boxer engine, displacing 2.4L and belting out 271 turbocharged horsepower. Torque settles at 258 lb.-ft and is completely available at just 2,000 rpm. Pricing will be announced later this year.

[Images: Subaru]

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#Subaru #WRX #AllWheelDrive #Boxer

Matthew Guy

Matthew buys, sells, fixes, & races cars. As a human index of auto & auction knowledge, he is fond of making money and offering loud opinions.

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2ACL on Oct 07, 2023

My only qualm with advanced safety tech is that some elements are more prone to suffering collateral damage that can be demanding and expensive to fix. I get that it potentially pays for itself in avoiding a severe crash, but when the bulk of one's accidents are bumper knocks they don't always bother fixing, that value isn't apparent.

Nevertheless, my experience with it has been akin to that of the stability control many swore we didn't need; more often than not, it falls into the background if you're making sensible decisions behind the wheel.

Looking forward to seeing if the TR package rectifies the cries of the WRX having gotten soft.

1 Reply
Mebgardner on Oct 08, 2023

The WRX is traditionally one of the most expensive small coupes to insure, because of the ahhh uninfallibility of the owners. I wonder which arm or leg they will want for this.

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