A number of Japanese car-themed media are reporting that Subaru plans to equip its best-performing models with a boosted version of its 2.4-liter opposite-cylinder engine.
This is in line with the rumors from earlier that both the new WRX and WRX STI will get powerful turbocharged versions of an existing production engine. The mill mentioned above is currently used by Legacy and Outback models, where it churns out up to 260 hp (194 kW) and 376 Nm (277 lb-ft) of torque. The sports car version of the same engine reportedly produces 400 hp (298 kW) and up to 490 Nm (361 lb-ft) of torque.
Transmission options remain uncertain at the moment. There is nothing preventing the current six-speed manual gearbox from being used, but the Subaru CVT cannot really stomach more than 400 Newton-meters of torque. As for the AWD system, Toyota might lend Subaru the all-wheel drive tech used in the rally car version of its Yaris hatchback.
In other news, entry-level Subaru models should soon switch to using brand-new, fuel-efficient engines. The Impreza and XV (Crosstrek) will trade their naturally aspirated mills for a 1.5-liter turbocharged opposite-cylinder unit, while the Levorg will benefit from a 1.8-liter turbocharged engine. Subaru eventually plans to make the abovementioned three engines available for 80% of its model range.