2008 Subaru Impreza (WRX) to go after VW GTI
Here's another future Subaru Photoshop rendering, this time the
next-generation Impreza WRX-STI. Again, as with the previously posted
Outback rendering, don't take this as absolute fact, but more as a good indicator of what Subaru might be thinking.
UK's Auto Express is reporting the next WRX has set its sight on the VW GTI, as the target vehicle of choice. They're reporting 3-and 5-door hatches, and no sedans...
Now keep in mind this is a UK car magazine, and in the UK and Europe, hatches are the hot ticket. Whether we see those configurations here, I have no idea.
Well, actually I
do have an idea, as there have been numerous rumors floating around on the Net about the US-spec '08 Impreza, and one being that a sedan may still be on the table for consideration. It's also been rumored that it would be built off the Legacy platform, which could mean it would have the same 105.1" wheelbase as the current Legacy, but will be no longer than the current Impreza. That means less front and rear overhangs. It also means more interior room—a much desired feature. While I have not heard anything regarding suspensions, my guess it will also use the multilink rear suspension from the Legacy.
This vehicle is reported to debut at the next Tokyo car show in the fall of 2007.
- Permalink | Comments (7)
- Posted by: Bob Holland April 27, 2006, 5:43 AM
- Categories: Subaru
Interior room? Didn't notice that, but it's fine as long as they don't compromise anything else in the process. I'd say the Impreza needs a new interior, a more aggressive roofline, a better shifter, and quieter diffs.
It's depressing to hear about a US-spec version. The US version of the STi isn't quite up to the Evo's level, but the Europe/Japan version is somehow a more balanced car. And now we'll get a totally different car altogether?
Again, this is all rumor and speculation at this point. However, basing the new Impreza on the Legacy chassis is a rumor that's been rumored from a number of sources, so I think that's pretty much a sure thing.
As to a better shifter, the '06 WRX comes standard with the short shifter (which I have), and I have no complaints, other than wishing for a 6-speed (which is rumored for the new model).
The bugeye Impreza was long-rumored to be a hatchback also. I believe that those rumors had 2 sources:
1) Asia and Europe enthusiasts who like hatchbacks
2) The fact that in the late 90s-early 00s, Toyota, Ford and Peugot all raced hatchbacks in WRC. Sometimes the bigger Impreza coupe was at a disadvantage.
I didn't buy it then and since the coupe Impreza has been gone since MY2002 I don't buy it now.
~Colin
do i need any more evidence to support killing the new subaru designers??? c'mon!!!! if the japanese are so into aesthetics, why are they uglifying their entire line (i mean, it's not THAT bad but it's no "looker" either). i'm a subie guy... i absolutely love their cars but this is making me want to get the new Evo! by the way, whoever photoshopped this, nice job adding the new E90 3-series headlights... it fits with that grille... which looks a bit decent... has design lines reminiscent of the new Civic Si up front... *sigh* what happened to all the great designers and why isn't subaru hiring those guys? oh.. personally, i don't think they'll come over here with the hatch... we'll see though....
That is a very ugly rendering of a car. Nobody will buy that.
I really like the drawing. And those headlights make the grill fairly attractive- I don't care for the center opening's appearance on the few other Subie's I've seen with it. I wonder if the car would (will?) be as attractive in the metal and plastic as on paper though.
That chop looks like they put an STI wing on a B5-TPH. The reaction to that show car was lukewarm so my guess is we'll see something totally different.