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New Subaru Impreza and WRX

Old Apr 2, 2007 | 02:09 PM
  #1  
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New Subaru Impreza and WRX

Impreza:



Impreza WRX:








Nose Job
Three-port nostril surgically removed from 2008 Impreza

By JONATHAN WONG

AutoWeek | Published 04/02/07, 9:36 am et

Subaru will reveal its rally-bred 2008 Impreza WRX at the New York show, sans the much criticized and short-lived three-hole grille. Replacing the three-section grille is a horizontal spreading-wing grille that Subaru says pays homage to the company’s aviation heritage.

Suspension and chassis changes are significant, with both the 2008 WRX sedan (sold in North America only) and hatchback growing 3.7 inches in wheelbase and getting a new double-wishbone rear suspension. Aside from what ought to be a more refined ride, less trunk intrusion allows for a wider and deeper trunk.

Engines carry over with emission and fuel economy improvements. The WRX’s turbocharged 2.5-liter flat-four packs the same 224 hp and 226 lb-ft of torque, but peak horsepower now comes at 5200 rpm instead of 5600, and peak torque arrives at 2800 rpm, down from 3600. The base Impreza’s 2.5-liter boxer four drops 3 hp to 170, but torque jumps to 170 lb-ft from 166.

Handling enhancements come courtesy of a lower center of gravity as a result of a lower engine mounting point, stiffer chassis and new optional vehicle dynamics control.

Inside, occupants enjoy more front shoulder room, headroom, rear legroom, new standard side-curtain airbags and higher-grade materials. An optional navigation system is available for the first time.
http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dl...OTORSPORTSNEWS

It may grow on me, but it's looking a bit too Daewoo or Toyota Corolla upon first impression. I'm glad they're improving some of the material quality.

Btw, the US is the only market to receive the WRX sedan. Everyone (including US) will have the WRX hatch.
Old Apr 2, 2007 | 02:41 PM
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Wow! That front end is UGLY. The front looks like a crappier Ion.
Old Apr 2, 2007 | 02:48 PM
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I don't get it.

Two bad re-dos in a row.
Old Apr 2, 2007 | 02:54 PM
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They really messed up an awesome little car.
Old Apr 2, 2007 | 02:56 PM
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centric's Avatar
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Note to Subaru designers: you do not have to use EVERY curve in the book.

In other news, yark, another ugly Subaru. Wake me when they take that drivetrain and wrap a well-styled 2-door body around it.
Old Apr 2, 2007 | 03:05 PM
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I don't think the front end is that bad, I just don't quite get the car....The wagon is ugly.

The interior is a step up, but my problem with the previous interior that seems to not have changed, was the huge lack of space. I mean, I felt more comfortable in the Sky and Solstice.

Last edited by JB'z 94; Apr 2, 2007 at 03:08 PM.
Old Apr 2, 2007 | 03:11 PM
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Ew!
Old Apr 2, 2007 | 03:14 PM
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The Imprenza WRX hatch almost seems like it has a bit of a Mazda feel to it. Once again, they need to do something with that front end. The engines look relatively unchanged as well.
Old Apr 2, 2007 | 03:17 PM
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Looks like a cross between a Pacifica and a Focus.
Old Apr 2, 2007 | 04:24 PM
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How in the H$LL did they go from this...


To this!


And now this!!!???


Somebody needs to get fired
Old Apr 2, 2007 | 04:34 PM
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Originally Posted by centric
In other news, yark, another ugly Subaru. Wake me when they take that drivetrain and wrap a well-styled 2-door body around it.


I'm with this guy.
Old Apr 2, 2007 | 04:48 PM
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Quite disappointed.
Old Apr 2, 2007 | 04:58 PM
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The latest incarnation is an abomination,the designers need thier eyes plucked from thier heads and cast into a pit of fiery hell fire.

Or a body cavity search with a spike encrusted glove, this design makes me love my 98 Imprezza more.
Old Apr 2, 2007 | 05:02 PM
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Originally Posted by centric
Wake me when they take that drivetrain and wrap a well-styled 2-door body around it.

You mean something like this???
Old Apr 2, 2007 | 05:07 PM
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Check out the EVO X. It's going to eat the STI for lunch. The EVO X is actually a pretty tough looking little car.

Dan

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