Electric Cars

In an inspiring display of automotive passion and engineering ingenuity, a Subaru devotee has successfully crafted a bespoke WRX hatchback, a vehicle concept that many enthusiasts believe the manufacturer itself should have delivered to the American market. This ambitious undertaking, combining the robust performance of a WRX with the practical versatility of a Crosstrek, stands as a testament to what determined individuals can achieve when official offerings fall short of fan aspirations.

The Birth of a Dream Machine: A Subaru Enthusiast's Journey

The saga began with Stephen Ketslen, known online as @vb_hatch, a Subaru enthusiast who, in 2020, acquired a new Crosstrek. While appreciating its manual transmission, Ketslen found its standard 150 horsepower lacking. Frustrated by Subaru's decision to discontinue the WRX hatchback in the US, he embarked on a mission to build his own, transforming his daily driver into a high-performance, WRX-powered hatchback.

Ketslen initiated his ambitious project by consulting with Dan Hurwitz, owner of Mach V Motorsports, a Subaru specialist located in Sterling, Virginia. Together, they assessed the feasibility of transplanting WRX components into a Crosstrek chassis. After careful measurements and a test drive in a new WRX, Ketslen was convinced and decided to proceed with the swap.

In October 2024, Ketslen procured a salvaged 2022 Subaru WRX Premium, complete with its desirable FA24 engine and six-speed manual transmission. Working diligently in his home garage, he meticulously dismantled both vehicles, labeling every part in preparation for the complex integration. Mach V Motorsports provided crucial assistance with heavier components, such as the engine and transmission.

The integration process was intricate. Ketslen managed the interior wiring, adapting the WRX’s electrical systems to the Crosstrek’s cabin. While most elements aligned seamlessly, some rear-end wiring required professional intervention from Mach V to ensure proper functionality in the hatchback configuration. Subsequently, Ketslen replaced the Crosstrek’s rear subframe with that of the WRX, noting its perfect fit and allowing the retention of existing suspension modifications.

Both vehicles were then transported to Mach V’s facility in August 2025 for the core mechanical transplant. The WRX’s FA24 engine and transmission were installed into the Crosstrek without requiring any modifications to the engine mounts, a significant engineering advantage. However, a minor challenge arose when the Crosstrek’s radiator core support proved incompatible with the WRX components. This necessitated swapping the entire front end of the Crosstrek with the WRX’s corresponding parts.

Marc Gomez of Independent Car Collision, also in Sterling, Virginia, handled the front-end swap. Although the bumper and hood aligned well, the front fenders presented a fitment issue due to differing mounting points. To overcome this, the team ingeniously cut and re-stitched both fenders, ensuring they integrated correctly with the chassis while maintaining the aesthetic lines of the WRX front end.

With these modifications complete, the vehicle returned to Mach V for final adjustments and powertrain refinements. Stephen Ketslen's dream of a modern WRX hatchback was realized through months of dedicated effort and collaborative expertise.

Stephen's journey in creating his WRX-swapped Crosstrek highlights the unwavering spirit of automotive enthusiasts. It's a powerful reminder that innovation and passion can bridge gaps left by manufacturers, bringing to life vehicles that perfectly cater to specific desires. This project not only delivers a formidable performance machine but also inspires others to pursue their own automotive visions, proving that with enough dedication and skill, unconventional dreams can become remarkable realities. His work underscores the dynamic relationship between car culture and personalized engineering, where boundaries are pushed and new possibilities are forged.

Porsche, a leading name in high-performance automobiles, has openly lauded the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, citing its innovative features as an inspiration for future electric models. This endorsement from a traditional powerhouse signals a notable shift in the automotive landscape, where even established luxury brands are recognizing and adopting advancements from emerging electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers. The Ioniq 5 N's ability to simulate engaging driving experiences, through artificial sounds and gear shifts, has particularly caught Porsche's attention, demonstrating a potential path forward for electric sports cars to retain an emotional connection with drivers.

Hyundai's Ioniq 5 N, often considered a standout among performance EVs from South Korea, has undergone rigorous benchmarking by Porsche. Frank Moser, vice president of the 718 and 911 model lines at Porsche, described his experience with the Ioniq 5 N as "eye-opening." He specifically commended the car's engineering, noting that Hyundai's team had created something truly exceptional. Moser was especially impressed by the N Active Sound+ and N e-shift technologies, which provide artificial engine sounds and simulated gear changes, offering a more visceral driving experience in an electric car.

The influence of the Ioniq 5 N on Porsche's design philosophy is evident in their plans for the electric 718 Boxster and Cayman. Moser confirmed that these upcoming models would draw inspiration from Hyundai's approach to driver engagement. Porsche intends to integrate similar features, such as simulated flat-six engine sounds and virtual gear shifts, into their electric sports cars. However, a key emphasis is placed on giving drivers the autonomy to activate or deactivate these features according to their preference, ensuring a customizable driving experience.

An interesting anecdote shared by Moser involved convincing Andreas Preuninger, Project Manager for GT Vehicles, to test drive the Ioniq 5 N. Initially reluctant, Preuninger, known for his focus on track-oriented internal combustion engine cars, eventually relented. His reaction to the Ioniq 5 N's N Grin Boost mode, a feature that momentarily maximizes the dual motors' output to 641 hp and 568 lb-ft, was a simple yet powerful "Wow." This mode allows the vehicle to achieve 0-62 mph in just 3.4 seconds, though it requires at least 30 percent battery charge and a 10-second cooldown period between uses.

Looking ahead, Porsche is committed to introducing the electric 718 Boxster and Cayman by early 2027. While these models were initially envisioned as purely electric, Porsche has now indicated that "top" versions will also retain combustion engines. Moser acknowledged that the electric versions would be "a little bit heavier" than their gasoline-powered predecessors, which ceased production recently. However, he reassured enthusiasts that the electric 718s would still be remarkably lightweight for an EV. Recalling the Mission R, a Cayman-based race car concept weighing approximately 3,306 pounds with an 82-kWh battery, suggests a benchmark for the electric 718's weight. For those prioritizing the lightest possible next-generation 718, the hybrid combustion engine versions, potentially featuring a flat-six engine with a T-Hybrid setup similar to the 911 GTS, might be the preferred choice, though even these are expected to be heavier than the retired 982 generation.

The increasing appreciation from a brand like Porsche for Hyundai's advancements in electric vehicle technology underscores the rapid evolution within the automotive industry. It highlights a future where electric performance cars can offer an exhilarating and engaging driving experience, even without the traditional sounds and feel of a combustion engine, and sets a new precedent for collaborative inspiration across manufacturers.