2007 New York Auto Show: 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX

PTL indeed! Although I still don't really "like it", I would sport it.
 
What do you think about the trend of ricing out your taillights at the factory for you? Obviously I'm not a fan...

It's not as bad as I thought it'd be, but I'm still not a fan.
 
I'm starting to despise the IS300 for making clear taillights this popular with OEM stuff. And what's up with all these cars having the separate circular fixtures for the red sections of the taillights?!? I think that's hideous.

Altezzas!!!

this is completly ugly. that french man mustache grill makes this car look chaep. not to mentiion the out of place tail lights....What were you thinking SUBARU?

bbechtel16, I'm guessing you're a Christian because not too many people, if any, who aren't use that acronym. :o)
 
Getting back on track, the Toyota Altezza is the first generation Lexus IS300 as us Yanks know them and was in the Japanese domestic market (JDM) well before we got the IS. Just in case anyone out there didn't already know.
 
I actually think the real photograph of the right rear taillight makes it look a lot better than what we saw in the Motor Trend rear 3/4 image. I won't be surprised if 2008 WRX drivers will try swapping them out for base/lower model taillights. NASIOC.com (North American Subaru Impreza Owners Club) will probably be the place the light swapping will commence. For those who didn't know, many 2006 Impreza sedan drivers try to get 2004-2005 taillights for their vehicles to rid themselves of the ricey/Altezza look. It's just hard to find a person (read: sucker j/k) willing to do so!

idk i kinda like it, but not the grill, i like the old grill better.

It looks better, but I haven't the faith to convert to this neo-Imprezaism. The changes are simply not fanatical enough in my view. I want my savior to be edgy and nonconformist. I fear the higher ups have converted to an alternate form of belief: Corollism.

No question they're out to grab new customers from other nameplates. Still should be a superb driver and fun ride though.

Actually, those photos are taken from Road & Track's website, which is mentioned (and linked) on your link to autoblog.it.
http://www.roadandtrack.com/article.asp?section_id=15&article_id=5095

These pics are *much* better. Motor Trend should feel ashamed.
 
First off, the black grille looks a whole lot better than it appeared in the early shots, where the whole thing looked chromed.
 
Profile seems a bit tall. Styling is half way between the Mazda3 and the BMW 1 series 5 door, though those shoulders have been on the Tribeca for a couple of years now.
 
Interior is a huge improvement. Again they took cues from the Tribeca, and seemingly the better ones.
 
I'd prefer an all black grille but that should be an easy swap. The Altezzas are so JDM, but the sedan will have red lights and I do like the LEDs (and the projector beam headlights).
 
Nice update overall. Thumbs up.

Its good to see new shape.
But really, all of a sudden when I see new Impreaza, I get feelings of Spectra and Mazda3. Specially the light and front overall reacalls Mazda3 and hatch is mix of spectra and Mazda3 and little bit of Tribeca.
Let me say that I dont like hatch back at first place.
Man! whats wrong with Subaru? why cant they make sedan WRX? or is that Subaru see whole world as Europe?
I am out of word... total disappointment

rb26dett, a WRX sedan is on the way for the North American market only. The STI (upper-case "i" for MY2006-on) will be hatchback only.

Yep. The hatch is a replacement for the wagon. We will still have a sedan for those who would rather have that body style.

I will buy one. It will be my 5th Subie and my 3rd Impreza. All this negative talk makes me want it even more. The fewer people like it, the better. That's the point of Subarus, they are not for everyone.
 
I will reserve judgement for later but so far it seems that Subaru has concentrated on improving the refinement level of the car more than its mechanicals. It is the right thing to do, since Subaru has always been superior in mechanicals (within its market segment) and lacking in refinement.
 
I think it was the right choice to keep the drivetrain bits substantially unchanged. I am also happy with the fact that they worked on one area that was slightly behind the curve -- fuel economy.
 
In this day and age it is WONDERFUL to hear about reduced weight -- that points to increased spending on lighter and stronger materials. Other companies keep making their cars heavier -- kudos to Subaru.
 
Great to hear that windows will now be framed! Finally! I have always wished for that. As impressive as well crafted framless windows are, the truth is that framed windows are just more practical. And more durable.
 
Really good to hear about improved rear suspension packaging. Double wishbones may prove to be more expensive to maintain on high mileage cars but I think it is a good trade off if we get significant cargo space improvement.
 
 Last, but not least, 5-door hatch is my favorite body style. I am very glad they kept the hatch! I just hope they moved child seat top tether mounts to the seat crossmember. The old location made the Impreza hatch (it was never a wagon, thank you very much) practically unusable for people with toddlers.

Base Impreza hatch, WRX sedan, and WRX hatch photos here (thanks, Bob!):
http://forums.thecarlounge.net/zerothread?id=3160414s@@.ef14c39%21make=Subaru&model=All

In response to SubyTrojan:
That is a true statement. I am a Christian and an "acronym enthusiast" as well.
 
In response to vvk:
Although one could aruge you are biased, I agree with all your points about the positives of the new Imprezza. But why does it have to be ugly?

I don't like the hatchback idea, though the rest of it is tight.

I wish its a joke on April 1. Is Subaru really making it? :(