2008 Subaru WRX Preview – New York Auto Show: Who says video games are child's play? On the strength of the WRX's appearance as a rally and street car in multiple game titles, including the wildly successful Gran Turismo series, Subaru debuted the long anticipated WRX to Americans in 2002. Designed to capitalize on the Japanese automaker's World Rally Cup successes, the original WRX gave Subaru its first credible performance car in years. That it was available in practical sedan and wagon formats made it easier to live with as a daily driver. Now, for 2008, the Subaru WRX gets a complete redesign, offered in traditional sedan and striking five-door hatchback body styles.