JDM Subaru Levorg gets WRX's 275HP turbo engine

When Subaru introduced the new Levorg last year, most expected it to use the previous-generation WRX's turbocharged engine. However, that wasn't the case. Instead, Subaru launched the model a smaller turbocharged 1.8-liter engine. But it seems Subaru wasn't done with the Levorg just yet.

Earlier this year, the automaker brought back the WRX Wagon, an Australia-exclusive model based on the Levorg. Like the new WRX, it used the new 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four producing 275 horsepower and 376 Nm torque. Now that the WRX Wagon has been revealed, it seems the same engine has made its way into the Japan-spec Levorg.

Alongside the launch of the WRX in Japan (called the WRX S4), Subaru also introduced the new Levorg STI Sport R variant. Unlike the other Levorg variants, this one uses the turbo 2.4-liter WRX engine and has the same power output. Unfortunately, there's no manual gearbox available, similar to the WRX Wagon in Australia. Instead, the only transmission option is an 8-speed Subaru Performance CVT.

On the outside, the WRX-powered Levorg looks very much like the standard Levorg STI Sport we saw last year. It features sportier bumpers, STI badges, and rides on 18-inch wheels. The main exterior difference would be the new larger STI exhaust with the STI logo. Inside, it's the same story as the standard Levorg featuring a digital instrument cluster and a tablet-style infotainment screen. STI Sport models also get the red-black interior color scheme for a sportier vibe.

Since the Levorg with a 2.4-liter engine is now available in Japan, we can't help but wonder if Motor Image Pilipinas will offer it locally. The Subaru distributor has yet to launch the Levorg in the Philippines and is still quiet about the model. But if their timeline remains unchanged, it will arrive in the first half of 2022.

Want Motor Image Pilipinas to offer the Levorg with the 2.4-liter engine? Say it in the comments section, and they might just hear us.