WRX/STi

The WRX will forever be an enthusiast car. While the initial reactions to the latest iteration of Subaru's sporty sedan we're as gleaming as they once were, the essence of what made this namesake legendary still lurks under the slick new styling, layers of tech, and plush comfort features. The turbocharged flat-four mated to a full-time AWD system that still powers the WRX today is why it rumbled its way into our hearts and many of our driveways. As this rally racing legend evolved into the VB platform, however, some of those rambunctious roots were forgotten along the way, but we hope to jog its memory.

Some things never change. Like how Subaru hasn't strayed from its boxer engine layout since its introduction, we enthusiasts often start our automotive attitude adjustment with

Let's face it; nobody's perfect. From the OEMs and the engineers to the one turning our product development into engaging behind-the-scenes blog content (yours truly), no one can claim the superlative of "No longer Needs Improvement." Yet, as unattainable as the concept of perfection is, it's our human nature to chase it still. No matter our trade or walks of life, we're always striving to improve and enhance every aspect of our lives one step at a time.

Since we, the human race, are intrinsically less than perfect, the same could be said about the things we make and create. The constant cycle of innovation is just another journey toward the ever-elusive destination of perfection. While we may never reach that destination, each iteration is still a step above the last. It's an improvement on the creation and for those making the revisions. Case and point, the 2022+ Subaru WRX. The VB may be the latest and greatest of the highly-regarded road-going rally car, but some aspects still need

The days of the internal combustion engine are numbered. That's not much of a surprise given the impending electrified takeover, but keeping our precious gas burning, manual shifting, turbocharged machines in proper working order is that much more important. The trouble is that the VB WRX's main nemesis is itself, or at least the by-product of its operation. Like every WRX before this one and fossil fuel-powered engine to hit the streets, blow-by and carbon build-up lurk in the vehicle's intake tract. Not to worry, though. We're already on the case to preserve the WRX's power plant.

If you're scratching your head at the notorious boogyman that is blow-by and how to prevent this monster from attacking your WRX, let's review. Any internal combustion engine operates by using thousands of tiny explosions to drive the piston to the bottom of the cylinder. This process turns the crankshaft, generating the power to propel you down the highway. The downside is that not all of the combustion

Subaru's WRX and rally racing have long been synonymous with each other. Ever since Colin MacRae's iconic blue and gold GC8 dominated the dirt through the early '90s, enthusiasts worldwide sought out their own rally car for the road. Subaru fulfilled this desire for dirt-ready road warriors for four generations and plenty of re-stylings, injecting their rally racing heritage into each generation. As the WRX saw more time on highways and commute routes, each new generation needed to grow up to also fill the daily driver role. After seven years with the VA, it was time for an update. Enter the fifth-generation 2022 VB WRX. This generation hits the streets as the most mature and sophisticated WRX to date but still remembers its roots. It still fills the role of the AWD fun machine, ready to tackle rally stages and long stretches of highway, but still leaves "Rex-heads" out there with the same desire: bigger and better performance. So naturally, we couldn't wait to get our hands on this WRX.

"You know cars, right?" I'm sure that's a question that all of us gearheads have been asked before. It's typically the wind up for a pitch to help them find the car that's going to suit every one of their specific needs, which usually looks something like a combination of reliable, fun, and gets good gas mileage. Oh yeah and it snows like once a year so all-wheel-drive is a must. Their budget is around $30k. I know what you're thinking, a 2013 BMW 328i xDrive hits the nail on the head, but I know most of us would point this friend to the obvious choice"the WRX.

Since 1992, the Subaru has made a name for itself by mixing these characteristics into the affordable WRX. Granted, we didn't see this trim until 2000, but it's no surprise why it immediately took off and became a staple in the enthusiast community.