In 2007, Subaru filed a patent application for a new technology involving an electrically-powered turbocharger unit. Subaru’s parent, Fuji Heavy Industries, is reportedly developing the technology which involves the generation of electricity from the heat energy of exhaust gasses, which could technically revolutionize the method of forced induction if perfected.

As Australia’s car website Drive points out, such a system would eliminate the complicated turbocharger plumbing thus leading to a more linear power delivery by removing turbo lag.

Subaru are keeping cards close to their chest on this technology, but rumors are flowing around that this electric turbocharger could make an appearance on the next WRX and WRX STI.

The current WRX and WRX STI models were a completely redesigned Impreza, and its obvious that Subaru are distancing future WRX models from the Impreza family tree.

You can expect that all the next generation WRX and WRX STI models will have significantly different styles compared to the New Impreza models. Like the new Impreza, models may carry smaller engines with similar or better power outputs, in the interest of fuel economy.

There’s also speculation that these next-gen WRX models could be offered with both a six-speed manual and a CVT…

We can’t imagine how a “sports car” can function with a “CVT” gearbox, so let’s just hope this speculation isn’t true.