How Many Exhaust Tips Does the 2017 WRX Have?
Many car fans, especially those new to the Subaru WRX, often wonder about its exhaust setup. It’s a common question when you see a WRX looking sporty from the back. This might seem like a small detail, but for some, it’s a point of curiosity or even confusion.
Don’t worry, figuring out How Many Exhaust Tips Does the 2017 WRX Have? is pretty straightforward. We’ll walk through it simply so you know exactly what to expect.
Decoding The 2017 WRX Exhaust Tip Count
Understanding the exhaust tip configuration on a vehicle like the 2017 Subaru WRX is a key detail for many automotive enthusiasts. It’s often one of the first visual cues that differentiate models and trim levels, or simply speak to the performance intent of the car. This section aims to clarify the exact number of exhaust tips present on the 2017 WRX model, leaving no room for guesswork.
We will explore why this detail matters to owners and potential buyers, and how it contributes to the overall aesthetic and performance perception of the vehicle.
Why Exhaust Tips Matter to WRX Owners
Exhaust tips are more than just functional outlets for exhaust gases; they are a significant styling element. For WRX owners, the appearance of their car is often as important as its performance. The number, size, and finish of exhaust tips can dramatically change the perceived aggression and sportiness of the rear end.
They are a focal point for enthusiasts who take pride in their vehicle’s aesthetics.
These tips are often the first modification many owners consider, aiming to enhance the visual appeal and signal the car’s performance capabilities. A well-designed exhaust system with attractive tips can make a statement. It shows that the owner cares about the finer details of their car’s design.
This attention to detail is part of the WRX culture.
The number of exhaust tips can also hint at the exhaust system’s configuration. More tips might suggest a dual exhaust system, which is often associated with better performance and a more aggressive sound. For beginners, identifying these cues can be part of the learning process when appreciating performance vehicles like the WRX.
It helps them understand the car’s design philosophy and potential upgrades.
The Standard 2017 WRX Configuration
For the 2017 model year, Subaru equipped the WRX with a consistent and recognizable exhaust setup across its main trims. This consistency simplifies the answer for those curious about the vehicle. The design choice emphasizes a balanced approach, blending sporty aesthetics with practical engineering.
The primary goal was to offer a look that conveyed performance without being overly ostentatious for a daily driver. It strikes a balance that many find appealing. This standard setup has become a signature of the WRX’s rear-end appearance.
This configuration has resonated well with the WRX community. It provides a solid foundation for those looking to personalize their vehicle further. Knowing the base setup helps enthusiasts understand potential modification paths they might consider down the line.
It’s a detail that contributes to the car’s identity.
Exploring Different 2017 WRX Trims And Exhaust Variations
While the 2017 Subaru WRX generally presents a consistent visual identity from the rear, it’s always beneficial to explore if any subtle variations exist across different trim levels. For car enthusiasts, even minor differences in design can be significant. This section aims to meticulously examine the exhaust tip configurations for the various trims of the 2017 WRX.
We will clarify whether there are any distinctions that might influence a buyer’s perception or a modifier’s plans. Understanding these nuances helps paint a complete picture of the vehicle’s design and its appeal to a broad audience.
The Base WRX Model
The entry-level 2017 Subaru WRX comes with a well-proportioned and sporty exhaust system. This base model is designed to offer a strong visual presence that aligns with the WRX’s performance heritage. It’s a clean and functional design that appeals to a wide range of drivers who appreciate understated sportiness.
The rear of the base WRX features two distinct exhaust tips. These tips are typically finished in a standard, polished metal look. They are positioned symmetrically on either side of the rear bumper.
This dual-tip layout is a hallmark of the WRX, signaling its sporty intentions even in its most accessible form.
This configuration provides a satisfying aesthetic for everyday driving and spirited sprints alike. It avoids unnecessary complexity, focusing on a look that is both aggressive and refined. The dual tips contribute to the car’s balanced appearance, making it visually appealing from multiple angles.
The WRX Premium Trim
Stepping up to the 2017 WRX Premium trim often brings subtle enhancements that further refine the vehicle’s sport-tuned character. While the core performance remains, visual elements are frequently updated to offer a more premium feel. This includes considerations for the rear styling, where exhaust tips play a crucial role.
The WRX Premium trim continues the tradition of a dual exhaust setup, featuring two prominent exhaust tips. These tips are often designed with a slightly more refined finish compared to the base model. The goal is to provide a visual upgrade that complements the trim’s other premium features.
Owners of the Premium trim can expect a similar symmetrical arrangement of exhaust tips. This ensures that the car maintains its balanced and sporty silhouette. The slight differences in finish or possibly the tip’s beveling are meant to offer a subtle distinction, appealing to those who prefer a touch more flair.
The WRX Limited Trim
The 2017 WRX Limited trim represents the pinnacle of the standard WRX offerings for that model year. This top-tier model typically incorporates the most sophisticated styling cues and features. When examining the rear of the vehicle, the exhaust system is a key area where distinctions might be observed, enhancing the car’s premium appeal.
Similar to the other trims, the WRX Limited also features a dual exhaust system. However, the exhaust tips on the Limited trim are often enhanced with a more premium finish. This might include a polished stainless steel look or even a darker, titanium-like finish depending on specific package options or manufacturer updates for the model year.
The arrangement remains a symmetrical dual-tip setup, reinforcing the car’s performance identity. These upgraded tips contribute to the overall more sophisticated and aggressive stance of the Limited model. They are designed to catch the eye and signal the car’s top-spec status.
WRX STI and Exhaust Tip Differences
It is important to note that while this discussion focuses on the standard WRX models, the Subaru WRX STI often presents a distinct exhaust setup. The STI variant is positioned as a higher-performance, track-focused version of the WRX. This performance differentiation is frequently reflected in its exterior design elements, including the exhaust tips.
The WRX STI typically boasts a more aggressive and visually prominent exhaust system. This often includes larger diameter tips, and sometimes a more pronounced quad-tip configuration, or distinctively styled dual tips. The goal is to emphasize the STI’s enhanced power and racing heritage.
While the standard WRX models consistently feature a dual exhaust tip setup, the STI variant may differ. This distinction is crucial for enthusiasts looking to identify specific models or understand the nuances of Subaru’s performance sub-brands. Always verify the specific model year and trim to confirm exhaust details, as manufacturer specifications can vary.
Understanding Exhaust Systems And Tip Functionality
The number of exhaust tips on a vehicle is directly linked to the design and function of the overall exhaust system. It’s not merely an aesthetic choice; it’s a component that plays a role in how efficiently exhaust gases are expelled from the engine. For the 2017 WRX, understanding the basic principles of its exhaust setup provides valuable insight into its engineering and performance capabilities.
This section will break down the essential aspects of a typical WRX exhaust system and the specific role exhaust tips play within it.
The Role of The Muffler And Resonator
The exhaust system’s primary function is to safely channel harmful exhaust gases away from the vehicle’s occupants and to reduce the noise produced by the engine’s combustion. Key components in achieving this are the muffler and the resonator. These parts work in tandem to control both the volume and the tone of the exhaust sound.
A muffler uses a series of chambers and baffles to absorb sound waves, essentially muffling the noise. It’s designed to reduce the intensity of the exhaust’s roar to a more acceptable level for street use. Without a muffler, the car would be extremely loud and likely illegal to operate in most areas.
A resonator, on the other hand, is designed to cancel out specific sound frequencies. It works by creating sound waves that are out of phase with unwanted exhaust noise, thereby neutralizing them. This helps to eliminate droning or irritating sounds at certain engine speeds, contributing to a more refined exhaust note.
The combination of these two components ensures a balance between performance sound and daily drivability.
How Exhaust Tips Contribute To Performance And Sound
Exhaust tips are the visible exit points for the exhaust gases after they have passed through the muffler and resonator. While their primary role is often perceived as aesthetic, they can subtly influence exhaust flow and sound characteristics. The diameter, shape, and length of exhaust tips can have a minor impact on backpressure and the overall exhaust note.
Larger diameter tips, for instance, can help reduce exhaust backpressure. This reduction in backpressure can theoretically allow the engine to breathe more freely, potentially leading to small gains in horsepower and torque. However, for most street-driven vehicles like the 2017 WRX, the impact is often more noticeable in sound than in significant performance metrics.
The sound produced by the exhaust is also shaped by the tips. Different tip designs can alter the resonance and how the sound waves emanate from the vehicle. Polished tips might reflect sound differently than matte or carbon fiber tips.
While the core sound is determined by the engine and the internal components of the exhaust system, the tips add a final touch to its character. For the 2017 WRX, the dual-tip setup is optimized to provide a sporty yet controlled sound profile.
Dual Exhaust Systems Explained
A dual exhaust system, as found on the 2017 WRX, involves having two separate exhaust pipes or a single pipe that splits into two before exiting. This configuration is often implemented to improve exhaust flow and enhance the vehicle’s sporty appearance. The benefit of a dual exhaust lies in its potential to reduce backpressure more effectively than a single exhaust system.
By providing two separate paths for the exhaust gases, the system can handle a higher volume of expelled gases more efficiently. This can lead to better engine performance, particularly in higher RPM ranges where the engine produces the most exhaust volume. It also allows for a more symmetrical and aggressive look, as seen with the twin exhaust tips on each side of the WRX.
The sound produced by a dual exhaust system can also be different from a single exhaust. It may offer a deeper tone or a more pronounced rumble, depending on the overall system design. For performance-oriented cars like the WRX, a dual exhaust is a common choice to not only enhance performance but also to contribute to the car’s aggressive and sporty character.
The two tips on the 2017 WRX are a clear indicator of its dual exhaust setup.
Example Scenario: Upgrading Exhaust Tips
Imagine a 2017 WRX owner who loves their car but wants a slightly more aggressive look. They decide to upgrade their exhaust tips. They purchase a set of larger diameter, polished stainless steel tips that are designed to fit their existing dual exhaust system.
After installation, the car’s rear end looks bolder. The new tips fill the bumper cutouts more effectively, giving it a more substantial presence. While the sound of the exhaust might change subtly, the most noticeable difference is the visual improvement.
This is a common and relatively simple modification that many WRX owners undertake to personalize their vehicle.
Aftermarket Exhaust Options and Tip Variety
For enthusiasts looking to further customize their 2017 WRX, the aftermarket offers a vast array of exhaust system options. These systems go beyond just changing the tips and often involve replacing the entire cat-back or axle-back sections of the exhaust. This allows for significant customization of both sound and appearance.
Aftermarket exhaust manufacturers provide a wide variety of tip designs. You can find tips in different sizes, finishes (chrome, black chrome, carbon fiber, titanium), and shapes (straight cut, angled cut, rolled edge). Some high-performance systems might even feature a quad-tip configuration, offering a much more aggressive look than the stock dual tips.
When choosing an aftermarket exhaust, it’s important to consider the intended use of the vehicle. For daily driving, a system with a moderate sound level and refined tips might be preferred. For track use or a more aggressive aesthetic, larger, louder systems with more prominent tips might be desirable.
Researching reputable brands and understanding the specific sound profiles they offer is key to making an informed decision.
Case Study: Impact of Aftermarket Exhaust on Sound
A 2017 WRX owner decided to upgrade their stock exhaust to a cat-back system from a well-known performance brand. The new system featured larger, dual polished stainless steel tips. The primary goal was to achieve a more aggressive exhaust note without being excessively loud for daily driving.
Upon installation, the owner reported a noticeable difference. The exhaust note became deeper and more resonant, especially during acceleration. The drone at highway speeds was minimal, which was a key concern.
The new tips also provided a more substantial visual upgrade to the rear of the car.
This case illustrates how aftermarket exhaust systems, including the tips, can significantly alter the auditory and visual experience of driving a WRX. The choice of system is crucial in achieving the desired balance between performance sound, aesthetics, and everyday usability. Statistics from automotive forums suggest that over 60% of WRX owners consider exhaust modifications within the first three years of ownership.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: How many exhaust tips does the standard 2017 WRX have?
Answer: The standard 2017 Subaru WRX comes equipped with two exhaust tips, one on each side of the rear bumper.
Question: Do different trims of the 2017 WRX have a different number of exhaust tips?
Answer: No, the base, Premium, and Limited trims of the 2017 WRX all feature a dual exhaust tip setup with two tips.
Question: Are the exhaust tips on the 2017 WRX purely for looks?
Answer: While exhaust tips are a significant styling element, they also play a functional role in the exhaust system by being the exit point for gases and can subtly influence sound and flow.
Question: Does the WRX STI have the same number of exhaust tips as the WRX?
Answer: The WRX STI often features a different, typically more aggressive exhaust system than the standard WRX. While some STI models may have dual tips, others might have quad tips or larger diameter tips, which distinguishes them from the standard WRX.
Question: Can I change the exhaust tips on my 2017 WRX?
Answer: Yes, many owners choose to upgrade or change the exhaust tips on their 2017 WRX as a cosmetic modification. Aftermarket tips are widely available.
Summary
The 2017 Subaru WRX features two exhaust tips. This dual-tip setup is consistent across the base, Premium, and Limited trims. These tips are a key part of the car’s sporty design and contribute to its performance appeal.
