Masuo Takatsu

SubaruDevelopment lead

PGM who directed development of the first WRX S4 / WRX STI (VA) to stand apart from the Impreza

Timeline

2014
WRX 1st generation WRX S4 (VAG)
2014–2021Development lead
Subaru's best driving, for more people
In Japan, the previous WRX had been sold only as the STI. The new generation added the "WRX S4," and Takatsu, the development lead, explained its product concept as "letting more people, more broadly, enjoy Subaru's best driving." Like the STI it carries a 2-liter four-cylinder turbo, but its transmission is a CVT rather than a six-speed manual, and work also went into quickening the response from turning the wheel to the car actually turning, and into steadying the rear wheels' footing.
Subaru
Subaru
2014
WRX 4th generation WRX STI (VAB)
2014–2019Development lead
Power alone doesn't win
The WRX was born to win in the WRC, taking three consecutive manufacturers' titles and later class wins at the Nürburgring 24 Hours. Takatsu, the development lead, says that experience taught him that "power is necessary to win, but power alone doesn't win." Deciding that what mattered most was being able to use all of that power and control the car at will, and building the driver's confidence in the car, he set the development concept of the new model as "Pure Power in Your Control." The goal was the feeling of the car becoming an extension of your own hands and feet.

Masuo Takatsu

PGM who led the development of the WRX S4 / WRX STI (VA series).

Translated from Japanese sources.