Turbocharged FA20 Targeted for 270hp. Confirmed to appear in Next Gen WRX

[import_nation]

A spokesperson at Subaru of America just confirmed that the next generation Subaru WRX will receive a turbocharged 2.0-liter flat-four engine with a targeted output of 270 horsepower. This engine will be a turbocharged variant of the FA20 engine found in the recently-released 2013 Subaru BRZ we just drove in Japan. Although half a liter smaller in displacement than the current WRX’s 2.5-liter 265-horsepower engine, it looks as though the all new FA20 will make slightly more power. The FA20 turbo is a return to the car’s roots, of sorts; when the WRX made its American debut in 2001, it had a 2.0-liter turbo flat-four under the hood. Why the downsizing? We can only assume fueleconomy has something to do with it. The current WRX manages 19 mpg city and 25 mpg highway on the EPA cycle. Subaru recently announced the naturally aspirated FA20 should achieve 30 mpg highway.

The announcement of this new engine is also in line with statements the company made at the launch of the 2012 Impreza sedan and 5-door, the vehicle upon which the WRX should be based. At that time, Subaru said that it was planning for greater separation between Impreza and WRX models. Currently the Impreza uses a 2.0-liter flat four from the FB family of engines found in the Forester SUV and other models. This engine does not feature the same compact dimensions, 86 mm x 86 mm bore and stroke, or complex D4S port/direct injection technology as the FA20 engine.

No word on when we can expect the next generation WRX, but past product cycle timing indicates sometime in 2012, as a 2013 model.

[FR_S_Fan]

I wonder if any changes will be made once the turbocharged FA20 gets dropped into the Subaru BRZ or if it will stay the same. The turbo FA20 was said to be in the BRZ STi and making around 300-350HP, yet this makes 270HP, maybe there will be 2 different turbo models? or an option of single turbo or twin turbo

[import_nation]

Don't think it willl be impossible to drop this turbo FA20 into the FR-S. OF course if they just offered it as an option it would be 100x easier

[dboz]

I don't think there is any room for the turbo in its typical location since they moved the engine in the BRZ closer to the firewall. It will require some different mounting location and things looks tight under the hood already. Something tells me there is no turbo option coming from the factory.

[AE86]

a change up in manifolds... is all i think it will be since they couldn't mount them right there, someone with some fab work will figure it out eventually but i knew we'd get turbo's eventually!

[FR_S_Fan]

space in the engine bay is another issue I see with the FR-S, not as simple as bolting on a turbo kit, i wonder how the layout will be. turbo in the front of the engine? back?

[levin]

I am guessing the turbo will be tucked underneath the engine. Exhaust manifolds can take some crazy bends. The shorter and straighter the piping the more efficient the turbo will become but I have no doubt that a exhaust manifold can't be made to fit inside that engine bay.

[dboz]

I will have to a see a turbo fit to believe it. There is going to have to be some major mods to get it to work. This is probably why there is no factory turbo option. Not practical to do so they went more for handling vs. speed and power. Somewhat of a disappointment to me. Plus, way more expensive if you need to buy a new manifold.

You can't be serious about under the engine?!! The engine almost is going to hit the ground as it is. The whole point was to lower the center of gravity. THERE IS NO ROOM UNDER THE ENGINE or BEHIND the engine. Side mount, maybe. Rear mount, yes, STS style, but that always scares me with sucking up junk and water.

[import_nation]

The exhaust manifold sits pretty low in these motors. It's going to require some thought to be able to fit a larger turbo inside the engine bay. I really wish they just gave us a small sized turbo factory. I know a turbo will fit, its just at what cost to make it fit... The engine bay does seem really tight on the FR-S

[Viprdude]

The engine is just begging to be supercharged....