The next generation Subaru WRX may bring about a new, ground-breaking electric turbo when it finally sees production at the end of 2013.
Back in 2007, the Japanese automaker filed for a patent on an electrically-operated turbo and it’s believed that Fuji Heavy Industries, Subaru’s parent company, has been developing a method to trap the heat energy from exhaust gases in order to generate electricity to power up the turbo. The result would be a revolutionary forced induction setup, creating plenty of power with less turbo lag normally associated with turbochargers as we know them today.
Rumors have been circulating on what will become of the WRX and STi models, from separating the models from Subaru’s Impreza line to sporting a new 1.6-liter engine. The future WRX might also be sporting a continuously variable transmission (CVT) which has already found its way onto the rest of the Impreza models. Don’t worry though, STi and WRX enthusiasts will still have a choice of a six-speed manual, a transmission that Subaru is well aware is popular amongst its target market.
Would the success of an electric turbocharger in the next generation WRX give good reason for Subaru to apply the same technology to the BRZ?
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