A gap exists smack dab in the course of the Subaru lineup. It was left by the beloved WRX STI, gone lacking since 2021, and one thing ought to actually be achieved about it.

I not too long ago drove Subaru’s effort to a minimum of partially fill that gap, the 2024 WRX TR. This isn’t the primary WRX TR. It was initially launched for the 2006 mannequin yr as a stripper WRX and the TR stood for Tuner Prepared. Slightly than coming with all of the niceties, it had a really fundamental stereo, no physique add-ons, and the steering wheel from the bottom Impreza 2.5i mannequin. It did have a sport-tuned suspension and a limited-slip differential, although. The pondering was to supply the efficiency elements and keep away from including facilities that tuners would simply strip out of the automotive.

The 2024 WRX TR goes in one other path by including much more efficiency elements and teaming them with loads of facilities.

2024 Subaru WRX TR

2024 Subaru WRX TR

2024 Subaru WRX TR

Primarily a half-step towards the STI, the WRX TR will get suspension and brake upgrades however no further energy. Slightly than the WRX’s commonplace 17- or 18-inch wheels and tires, it rides on 19-inch wheels that mount Bridgestone Potenza S007 summer time efficiency tires. The springs are 5% stiffer and the damping charges are revised to deal with the automotive’s bigger wheels and tires. The steering can be retuned for improved street really feel, and it will get greater, higher brakes.

The bottom WRX comes with 12.4-inch ventilated entrance rotors with 2-piston calipers and 11.8-inch ventilated rotors with single-piston rear calipers. The TR ups the ante to cross-drilled 13.4-inch entrance rotors with Brembo 6-piston calipers and cross-drilled 12.8-inch rear rotors with 2-piston calipers.

The TR, like different 2024 WRXs, additionally advantages from a few enhancements loved by all 2024 WRXs. The WRX’s physique construction is barely stiffer this yr due to further help within the floorpan, largely towards the rear. The 2024 WRX additionally positive aspects the EyeSight suite of security options for the primary time with a handbook transmission. It contains adaptive cruise management, computerized emergency braking, and lively lane management. A Subaru spokesman stated about 75% of WRXs are chosen with the handbook transmission, and that is an effort to maintain handbook transmission-equipped vehicles viable by including key security options.

Inside, the TR has 8-way power-adjustable Recaro seats upholstered in artificial suede with purple distinction stitching. It additionally lacks a sunroof to take away that weight up excessive and depart extra room for helmeted drivers.

I drove the WRX TR in Wisconsin in mid-March, with circumstances that ranged from the mid-50s and dry to the low 40s and rain to the low 30s and snow. The automotive got here out of the Chicago media fleet, and having arrived in winter it was geared up with Michelin Pilot Alpin winter tires in the identical 235/45R19 measurement because the Bridgestone Potenza S007 summer time efficiency tires that come commonplace.

2024 Subaru WRX TR check drive overview, Sicily

2024 Subaru WRX TR check drive overview, Sicily

2024 Subaru WRX TR check drive overview, Sicily

Whereas the winter tires don’t have the grip of the Potenzas, I might nonetheless really feel the modifications Subaru has made to the TR. The automotive turns in additional willingly. The entrance finish feels higher tied collectively, too. In a flip, the nostril doesn’t dip as a lot on the skin as it could in the usual WRX. A few of that may very well be because of the improved construction, however the stiffer springs are possible extra accountable for it.

The experience high quality can be notably stiffer, although it doesn’t change into punishing. The WRX has a agency experience to start with, and this goes additional in that path, so potential drivers ought to check drive it earlier than they purchase.

Whereas Subaru says it has revised the steering for extra street really feel, I must drive the TR and one other WRX back-to-back to evaluate that. A Subaru spokesman stated the change could be felt through the use of a light-weight grip of the wheel. Whether or not that’s true or not, the steering has the identical fast ratio of 13.5:1, however it’s nonetheless too mild for my style.

With no monitor or autocross entry, I by no means drove the WRX TR arduous sufficient to problem the braking energy. Nevertheless, they did really feel sturdy with a predictable pedal within the few twisties I might discover. The larger rotors and calipers crew with a bigger grasp cylinder to make the automotive extra prepared for monitor obligation.

The texture of different controls stays unchanged, although maybe they need to change. Simply because the steering is just too mild, so is the texture of the gearshifter, which might additionally use shorter throws. The clutch might additionally use slightly extra weight, although it feels pure and is straightforward to modulate. Slightly extra weight throughout would really feel sportier.

2024 Subaru WRX TR check drive overview, Sicily

The engine can be unchanged. It’s the identical 2.4-liter turbo-4 that makes 271 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. It’s a robust engine, with a 0-60 mph time of about 5.5 seconds with the handbook, however it lacks the punch of the 315-hp 2.5-liter turbo-4 of the final WRX STI.

The WRX TR begins at $42,775, together with a $1,120 vacation spot cost. It’s geared up just like the $40,135 WRX Restricted, although it lacks that mannequin’s sunroof. That means the modifications made to the TR price about $4,000. The worth can be about $4,000 greater than the final STI. To be honest, inflation has raised costs throughout the board since 2021, although that doesn’t make it any much less disappointing {that a} automotive with out the potential of the STI prices extra.

Whereas the WRX TR isn’t a full substitute for the WRX STI, the TR now means Monitor Prepared, in accordance with the Subaru spokesman. Its further tools backs up that declare. My suggestion to Subaru: Go the half step additional by growing the facility, including a physique equipment, and firming up a few of the controls to carry again the STI. Till Subaru decides the STI ought to return, nonetheless, the WRX TR is as shut as we’ll get to a current-generation WRX STI.