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.
