Following in the trend of pretty much the whole industry, Subaru is said to be downsizing the engine in their next-generation Impreza WRX, while bumping power up to 270 horsepower. This new engine will bring the car a little closer to its rally roots, with a 2.0L displacement as seen in competition use.

The engine in question is said to be a turbocharged version of the FA20 flat-four seen in the Subaru BRZ. In addition to the power boost, it should bring improved fuel economy to the WRX as well. The current car is rated at 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway, while the naturally-aspirated FA20 brings 30 highway mpg to the table.

While there’s no word on when we can expect to see the next WRX hit showroom floors, Subaru’s product cycle timing of the past points towards a 2012 launch, as a 2013 model.

Source: Motor Trend