2008 Subaru Impreza WRX

jeffmc

Yes, it's legit... no, it's not an Impreza. That's the B5-TPH concept car from the '05 Tokyo Auto Show. Subaru specifically said it was not intended as a glimpse of future design direction, but was there to show off what's inside: the Turbo Parallel Hybrid (TPH). WRX performance at roughly 40MPG, if I remember right. The TPH plan was scrapped when Toyota bought shares in Fuji Heavy, with the intent on saving big bucks by utilizing Toyota's hybrid technology. Still 3 or 4 years away from a Subie hybrid, though.
Here's a recent spyshot of a real Impreza. Not 100% positive if we'll see a turbo 5-door hatch like this in North America, though... it's possible turbos will be in sedan form only here.

Check out this link for a compilation of all the different Photoshop renderings magazines and individuals have come out with so far... pretty amazing there's so many takes on it: http://home.arcor.de/subaru-impreza/indexStudien07.htm

aaykay

Didn't hear that but I could be wrong. Camary is made in the GM plant IIRC.


Toyota builds Corollas in the joint Toyota-GM plant, along with Chevy Prizms (rebadged Corollas) and also maybe the Matrix/Vibe twins (built on the Corolla platform).

Camrys are built in a purely Toyota facility.

mayberryguy

Camrys are built in a purely Toyota facility.

Toyota Camry will be produced at Subaru of Indiana beginning on March 1, 2007.

robr2

Toyota builds Corollas in the joint Toyota-GM plant, along with Chevy Prizms (rebadged Corollas) and also maybe the Matrix/Vibe twins (built on the Corolla platform).

The plant is known as NUMMI - New United Motors Manufacturing, Inc.

They currently build the Corolla, the Vibe, and the Tacoma there.

ateixeira

And the Axiom too, mike (built in SIA).

Remember, folks, at one point the Rodeo was the best selling import truck, period. They sold in huge numbers.

It's just a shame that GM bought into them and then starved them of cash for new product. They could have kept updating the Rodeo, instead they just created the Axiom using existing powertrains.

-juice

rsholland

http://blogs.edmunds.com/Straightline/2270

rsholland

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=119503

samiam_68

They really need to get rid of that JC Whitney spoiler and put something permanent looking back there.

kens

Looks good. Is the WRX wearing Prodrive wheels? Looks like a P7 or PFF7.

Ken

rsholland

Don't remember if this has been mentioned, but it sounds like it will get a double-wishbone rear suspension, probably similar to what the Tribeca uses.

Bob

ateixeira

That plus a longer wheelbase should really help create better rear leg room and possibly cargo room, too.

I can't imagine it will hurt performance, either, as struts aren't as good as keeping the tires level with the ground.

-juice

rsholland

http://www.nihoncarandbike.com/news-457-Subaru+Impreza+WRX+STI+2008+%3F%21%3F%21- %3F%21.html

paisan

hmm maybe I'll wind up with an STi instead of a legacy after all! Haaaa

-mike

kurtamaxxxguy

Well, if Subaru can get rid of turbo lag, flatten the torque curve, get the torque peak down (last WTI I drove was first gutless, then peaky !!) , and add telescoping steering to interior, the Outback would be a very strong contender to replace my aging Maxx.

dino001

What is WTI? Did you mean WRX? Was it 2006 (2.5) or earlier (2.0)? Latter one has the lag, former - got to try it to believe it. Moreover, Legacy/Outback have even stronger version of it. 2.5 turbo still does have some lag, but it's hardly "gutless" at low revs.

bat1161

Wonder if they would ever do the STI wagon version? That would be interesting.

Mark

rsholland

STI hatch, yes. Impreza wagons will be no more.

For North America I believe the WRX will come in sedan and 5-door hatch. The STI will be 5-door hatch-only. I think the sedan will only be sold in North America. All other markets will be hatch-only. There have been rumors of a 3-door hatch for overseas, but that may come later.

Bob

sweet_subie

i really like the looks of the new impreza. everything looks good except the grill, still reminds me of the early 2000 subarus.

why is it different face from 2008 leg/ob ?

rsholland

Remember, we're still looking at Photoshop images. I think what we're seeing is very close, but they're not actual images yet. Small detail differences can make a huge difference—be it good or bad.

Bob

sweet_subie

then, i'm pretty sure the face/grille is wrong. it will look like 2008 ob/leg and the way the 08 tribeca from Automag link reads is that tribeca face/grille will look like 2008 ob/leg

ateixeira

That's a good looking 'chop.

Although I'm a bit concerned because the STI looks great, but the base Impreza they also show looks very bland.

-juice

jeffmc

It's not that they won't bring it to America... it's that it's not here yet.

I'm pretty sure we'll see it in '08 or '09... Subaru has essentially said they want to spread STI models throughout the lineup.

trustno_1

No, the car dose not really look like a Subaur designed vehical.

chiefjojo

link to Edmunds article.

More pics (from Motor Trend):

famof3kids

I'm not sure of this new design. Frameless windows? I knew the Tribeca ended up with frameless windows because of the GM co-development (Saturn Outlook, etc.) , but, what happened here.
This looks like a Vauxhall Astra/Opel Vectra (GM Europe) or Saturn Astra, with a Chrysler grill. Is this another GM leftover??
Guess I'll have to wait until I see it in person to make my final decision, but, initial impression is yuck.

jon_in_ct

The Inside Line article is using pictures stolen from Motor Trend and claiming: "Original photo source unknown."

blue330xi

Grill by chrysler, hatchback by lexus....not sure if this is good or bad, flying vagina wasnt great but all this chrome on the grill isnt either.....They mention better low end torque I wonder if they used another turbo, maybe HP is underrated.

powderhound

Daewoo Lanos Esp from the rear">

powderhound

Daewoo Lanos Esp from the rear">

merrycynic

Well, it doesn't exactly push my lust button. Hopefully the new rear suspension in the hatch will allow for room taken away from the wagon. If so, this might be as close to an STI wagon as I'm going to get. Bring on the Legacy STI wagon!

aaykay

I am not too fond of the looks but I am willing to live with it and vote with my wallet, if:

a) The WRX finally hits the turf with a 5EAT and paddle shifters and not the tired old 4EAT. Putting a 4EAT into an all-new redesigned WRX is an insult to the buying public, especially since they charge almost $30K for buying a 4EAT equipped subcompact with AWD....and other Subaru vehicles in the 25-30K range, already come with a 5EAT and paddle shifters. :mad: Hell the "WRX" brand-name deserves a true automanual like the SMG from BMW, than a lame 4EAT.

b) The WRX comes with the SI-Drive

c) The brake downgrade from 4-piston to 2-piston in the WRX, is a rumor and not a fact. :surprise:

d) I am not too fond of the tire size downgrade from 215/45/17 to 205/50/17 but I am willing to live with it, if it does not impact overall grip performance.

rsholland

http://blogs.edmunds.com/Straightline/2555

These came from Road & Track.

Bob

merrycynic

I can't help but wonder if rather than following the herd, Subaru might be better off doing something really unique like developing a high tech, super performance paddle controlled CVT tranny. Proper programming could do wonders with infinitely (well almost) variable options. Considering Subaru's background with the low performance Justy, it might be easy for Subaru to jump to the lead with perhaps the best performance tranny, bar none.

rsholland

http://blogs.edmunds.com/Straightline/2559

chamar

Tubgirl is more graceful then this act of incomplete abbortion.

sivart9876

You're all of whining little children. You don't like anything that deviates from what your used to (even if it is already butt-ugly)? What do you think this car is, a Porsche 911? Honestly!

I mean please, this car is ten times better than the "tribeca-ed" version that we currently have. Even with that cars ugly snout, I would still drive it because of it performance and track record of dependability.

If anything, the style appears a little staid and derivative, but I see that as a good thing. Let the guy in Evo get pulled over as I cruise by anonymously. Trust me, you are all much better off without all those moving violations. If you disagree, why don't you bring your opinions over to the Evo forums, or maybe just buy one those cars. (Btw, have fun with that POS; they have issues with them all the time).

ateixeira

These photos look much better. The grille looked all chrome and now we can see it's mostly black, with a small chrome surround.

It'll be lighter, too. Good, because the 02 model gained a lot of weight. Impressive considering they added SAC.

I swear that interior looks 100 times better. Makes the old one look very dated.

Factory GPS is nice. Even better, in a standard double-DIN opening, freeing up aftermarket options.

I can't wait to see the 09 Forester.

Misses: a 4EAT is lame, but at least most WRXs come in 5 speeds. Hope they don't make that same mistake with the Forester. And where is VDC?

drbyers

the car styling is typical subaru: not quite attractive but will suffice.

networkguy

I have always been impressed with the WRX spec. I just couldn't get past the styling and interior. When I was my 20's it was all about performance. I rode motorcycles most of the time. In my mid 40's, I want some creature comforts and decent looks to go along with my velocity. I also need the practicality of the hatchback (family, work, etc.). I passed on the current WRX specifically because of the boy racer styling and low rent interior. I agree the new grill looks a bit PT Cruiser, but the rest of the car looks fine. In the interest of full disclosure, I did buy a Mazdaspeed 3 a few months ago, and like the looks alot.

mrracecar

:sick: 2008 WRX rear side hounches need some liposuction, way to heavy. Moustache grille looks like "Dick Dasterly", why not make the front grill Subaru's Logo....Stars or a variation of it? At least it would not be mistaken as a FORD/Mazda!!! I thought new models are to be improvements in design, performance and function......I must be from the old school.
Charles

ateixeira

I disagree. The panels are concave already, so they look like they've had too much liposuction.

Also, the flares are gone, so the sedan doesn't appear to be as wide.

nippononly

with someone above: the back end screams Daewoo Lanos. Overall, the thing is an improvement, especially over the ugly nose of the '07, but now it kinda vaguely looks like a Mazda something-or-other. Not much like either the Legacy or Tribeca. Why oh why does Subaru have such a hard time with styling? I do like the flying wings theme of the grille.

The Autoweek article today confirms that VDC is optional, much overdue, and that the peak torque and hp arrive at lower rpm now. Those are both good things.

It also mentions that fuel economy has been boosted, but provides no real numbers, which makes me suspicious. Oh well, FE is not exactly the first mission of the WRX.

I wonder how much the price will rise with all these improvements. At least with 3.7" more wheelbase, adults will actually be able to sit in the back seat now.

voxlocus

Hey! All cars start to look the same. I don't know if it is because the car designers and execs smoke the same funny weed, or because their "focus groups" lead them to such designs. At least Subaru dropped the fish mouth of the Tribeca WHICH IT HAD ANNOUNCED IT WAS GOING TO USE ON ALL ITS CARS.

Though this WRX, especially the back/side looks like a mini-Tribeca. Would that make it a BiBeca? And the interior wrap around dash? Tribeca.

The grill does look much like the new Sebring. Not ugly. Just like a Sebring. The hatchback looks very pratical, and if the WRX goes fast then its owners will be able to carry the mail --- fast. ALSO means ( I presume) Subie can drop the "wagon" version of the current line and cut its production costs.

Now if the vehicle is quieter, as safe, and rides more smoothly . . .

04_xkr

The sides, from the picture, look like a corolla with a 1 inch stretch on the doors...not too bad, but then why pay more and have to settle with this ugly thing. The ford focus/kia front must be meant to attract people who are still living in the 1960's and think that imports break down a lot (even though we all know the american cars always break down, even when new). Possibly it's also to attract people who are not informed enough about import cars and just settle with their disproportioned and obese ford focus. Some will stick with their domestic brand no matter how fast it depreciates it's whole value or how unreliable and costly it is...and they tell their children to go the same way. Plus, since domestics loose their value so quickly, they make a cheap alternative when buying used (even though you'll pay for more than the difference in repairs). For some reason, this behavior happens all the time with domestic cars with a countless number of people I run into as well as people I used to sell parts for in my previous business. Why did you buy that domestic car? My dad said they're good, or my dad said that mechanics usually don't know how to fix imports, or my dad asked me if I wanted one so I said yes because it's a free car. Sure there are good domestic cars and people have their own reasons to buy them and i'm not against domestic cars, I just usually see them as a less attractive alternative in the car marketplace. Maybe subaru is trying to look domestic while actually being reliable and having a good drive, plus looking bland enough for anyone who's just after a simple and basic appearance. Is this what people now want just because it looks less like the "boy racer" car? I wouldn't think so, but the hatchback only looks good for a minivan. If subaru buyers don't settle and stop buying, then this poor excuse for a subaru may luckily be changed after 3 years or less. Then subaru should go back to it's winning formula of outside appearance along with it's other qualities.

bankerdanny

I am ok with the new body, although the grill is very Mazdaish.

I am surprised with the 4 speed auto. The 2007 Legacy Turbo offers a 5 speed auto so they have one available for this engine.

Even the bargain basement Honda Fit offers a 5-speed auto.

whiteandnerdy

I think Subaru wanted to carry over as much tech as possible from the old Impreza. For example, the new Impreza has the same engine as the old one, too.

Also, for the record, I actually like the new body style, especially from the front. I think it looks cool, way cooler that the outgoing model, which looked like 7 different kinds of @$$.

sjendraszak

I totally agree that it looks much cooler than the old Impreza. Granted, it's still not as attractive as a GTI or Mazdaspeed 3, but then, that's not really why people buy WRX's, is it?

voxlocus

Just saw picture of new Tribeca front end being unveiled at NY Auto Show. It REALLY looks like a Chrysler minivan. So Subaru has replaced its "fish mouth" theme (they tried to say it was Alfa Romeo, ha!) with Plymouth Voyager. Whatever.

So for fish mouths - there's the 2007 Honda CR-V which looks like a filter feeder (think Whale Shark). Soon, the new Saturn Vue based on an Opel product will also filter feed. Wouldn't it be nice if it could filter feed on exhaust hydrocarbons and skip the gas pump?

swwj

The Edmund's article about the internet out-cry over the re-design seemed to have missed a key point by many people who hate it. Yes, Subaru's WRX's have always been kinda quirky and weird and have never been renowned for their looks. But what's different about the 2008 model, is the fact that it seems to be a mish-mash of designs from other automakers, which not only looks amateurish and derivative, but it's also devoid of any distinctive style, or design, related to not only the history of Subaru, but the rest of the Subaru model line as well. (Though with the Chryslerfication of the '08 Tribeca, Fuji-Heavy seems to have created an equally derivative stable-mate.)

Yes, the '06-'07 was often criticized for its looks, but no one accused it of looking like a Suzuki, Daewoo, Mazda or Yugo clone.

drbyers

has everybody forgotten that subaru has always had quirky styling?

i remember people cried foul when honda released its new civics last year with their raskish windshields and dual level instrument gauge panel.

the criticism subsided over that one, and it'll subside over this.