Filed under: New York Auto Show, Spy Photos, Sedans/Saloons, Wagons/Estates, Japan, Hatchbacks, Subaru
Sporthatch Illustrated: 2008 Subaru Impreza STi
The Subaru Impreza has changed faces more times than a dirty politician, but still manages to sell well thanks largely to a loyal customer base. And those loyal customers – not to mention the enthusiasts to whom the letters s-t-i are close to g-o-d – have been patiently awaiting the launch of the current Impreza's replacement, due for unveiling at the New York Auto Show in April and on the market next year.
These images published in Japan are now hitting the internet, and if the illustrations are accurate, the wait just might be over, not to mention worthwhile. Subaru's design director, Andreas Zapatinas, who was responsible for the current Subie's rather unfortunate (though arguably distinctive) front end, was shown the door. And it seems Zapatinas' successors did a much better job putting together a sharp-looking cohesive package that should make the technically excellent Impreza more palatable – if not more desirable – to a broader range of customers.
Does Subaru have a winner on it's hands?
[Source: Edmunds' Straightline]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Justin 7:43AM (2/07/2007)
So...since we got word they are dropping the WRX...
is this sort of the replacement that will evolve into something like the WRX? Thoughts?
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Robert 7:56AM (2/07/2007)
This honda looks like a Ford Van. Why can't the stupid japanese come up their own idea's
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Owen 7:57AM (2/07/2007)
If that's the car that at some point will be the WRX styling as well, I say go for it. I still need to see what the tail lights look like, but if that's truly a lift back, this could just be the best Impreza yet. Hotness.
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Anthony 8:01AM (2/07/2007)
I think the rumor that Subaru is dropping the WRX name is just a rumor, Subaru has too much brand equity built into that name.
As for the design I really like it. I love how the how the front top of the grill is a direct connection to Subaru's past. It's shows the aircraft heritage in a nice tasteful way. It's the sort of thing that could very well become a Subaru trademark and not a flavor of the month.
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Michael Karesh 8:06AM (2/07/2007)
Does that type spoiler make sense on a hatch?
I suppose it's better than the current car, but clearly people will continue to buy these because of how they drive, not how they look. I like how the current WRX drives, but much prefer how my Mazda Protege5 looks.
Info on the current car:
http://www.truedelta.com/models/Impreza.php
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B-NOIT 8:07AM (2/07/2007)
I do like this a lot... And I think many people will. There are a few Mazda Protege5 cues here and there, which is a very good thing in my opinion. Can't wait to see it ;)
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purecoda 8:17AM (2/07/2007)
So help me, Evo, STI, I love them both.
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Immortalhippo 8:42AM (2/07/2007)
Hey at least they quit ripping off suzuki for front ends.
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alex hofstetter 8:44AM (2/07/2007)
I have an original bug-eye wrx and have been patiently waiting for the current design to be deep sixed.
This looks infinitely better. Plus, if this is a hatch, I'm in.
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DJ_Swammi 8:46AM (2/07/2007)
Maybe I'm just mistaken, but isn't a 4-door hatch a wagon? And isn't this just basically the same shape as the existing Impreza/WRX wagon? Call me crazy but I've always preferred the sport sedan.
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Justin 8:53AM (2/07/2007)
I think #2 hates so much it transcends time, space, and posts.
Loser, how hard is it to post to the right page.
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sl8anic 8:56AM (2/07/2007)
I like the new design. I still don't get why people don't like current design, I still think it looks much better than the 2nd "gen"... Whatever, to each his own.
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sl8anic 8:57AM (2/07/2007)
Maybe if they make a 3-door version I'll buy two! :D
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c lo 9:17AM (2/07/2007)
is it me or does it look quite a bit like the new saturns?
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Juan 9:19AM (2/07/2007)
The new illustration looks too muted. Sorta Pontiac GTO-like.
Or maybe a Corolla with a hood scoop.
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James Sonne 9:22AM (2/07/2007)
Zapatinas had nothing to do with the 2006/7 WRX exterior or interior design. That three part propeller grille was designed and approved before Zapatinas even joined the company. The only thing that Zapatinas designed that was used by the company was the interior only of the Tribeca. I can't believe AutoBlog is spurting out this blatant libel like some kid on a message board. Get your facts factual.
The above image of the Subaru fits with spy shots seen of the Subaru WRX, yes, spy shots of the supposedly "dropped" WRX.
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Peter 9:29AM (2/07/2007)
Woa! is that ever bland. Subaru has been changing the front end on the current Impreza almost yearly. This year I i think they nailed it, so now they are going to get rid of it? Subaru has record Impreza sales in Canada this year and they want replace it with a blander, uglier, smaller card that weighs the same. Yuk!
This rendering at least had an agressive look to it. That new one above is so bland.
http://www.scoobyblog.com/2007-01-30/debut-of-the-new-impreza-60-days-remaining/
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PuffyC 9:29AM (2/07/2007)
Yep, the frontend is a combination of Saturn grill and Pontiac G8, all grafted on to a 'Son of Pacer' body. Wayne and Garth would be proud.
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FrankTheCrank 9:44AM (2/07/2007)
THIS IS COOL!
I can't see Subie dropping the WRX moniker. It just doesn't make sense. The STi is $$$.
Open letter to Subie....keep the WRX in the lineup, add bluetooth and keyless ignition with some CVT like Nissan and I'll buy one.
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osnofla 9:45AM (2/07/2007)
are they serious about the 431 lbs-ft for the STI road car or is it for the rally car?
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=119503
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