2015 Subaru WRX debuts at Los Angeles Auto Show

If you loved the rakish WRX concept that bowed in New York earlier this year, the production 2015 WRX, which debuted today at the Los Angeles Auto Show, may be a slight downer: decidedly less boy-racer than its predecessors, its sculpted fender flares and unique sheetmetal only slightly disguise its Impreza rootstock.

But the WRX has always been more about performance than style, anyway, and Subaru says the new car will top its predecessor on that front.

The '14 WRX's 2.0-liter turbocharged boxer-four squeezes out 268 hp and 258 lb-ft -- just a little bit more than the outgoing 2.5-liter turbo-equipped car. The motor is based on the 2.0-liter in the 2014 Forester, but it gets a list of enhancements, including different cams and valve springs; a six-speed manual transmission or an optional CVT connects it to all for wheels.

The WRX has grown a bit, which makes for a slightly roomier cabin. Subaru promises higher-quality interior materials, better fit and finish and a 4.3-inch LCD screen. To the despair of hatchback fanatics everywhere, however, there's no word on a five-door WRX variant -- at least for now -- so you'll have to look elsewhere if you have a pressing need to haul those groceries down gravely roads at rally speeds. Expect to see an even hotter WRX STI in the coming months.

Graham Kozak
No, the Subaru Legacy concept is not on fire -- that's just a fog machine in action. We'll post clearer pictures as soon as we can snap them.

Just feet away from the new WRX, Subaru officially unveiled the Legacy concept, which celebrates the 25th anniversary of the model while previewing future styling for the Subaru lineup.

There's nothing revolutionary about the clean, uncluttered concept, which shares some styling cues with the far more radical Viziv concept shown at Geneva. Its fascia is dominated by a hexagonal grille; sculpted fenders lead back to a tail not too dissimilar from the one on the WRX concept. Some of the features you see here will make it onto production vehicles down the line, though they'll undoubtedly be toned down first.

The Los Angeles Auto Show has long served as a spotlight for "green" cars, and a popular place to unveil new hybrid and electric vehicles. We'll have photos, video and complete coverage of all the manufacturer reveals and top news from this year's LA Auto Show right here, so check back often.

By Graham Kozak