So speculation about the new look of the Subaru Impreza continues unabated. This time, the images come courtesy of an unnamed Japanese car mag, with renderings that look all-too lifelike.
The images we've seen thus far (linked at the bottom) show the new nose getting a smoothed, yet mildly awkward nip and tuck, while these images seem to have more of basis with the current shnoz, rather than an outright redesign. The tautly drawn headlamps are far and away the trickest element we've seen and the downsized hoodscoop, integrated with the subtle power bulge, also gets our thumbs up.
In the rear, the WRC-inspired wing is present and accounted for and, at least with this rendering, we see how it's going to be incorporated with the new hatch. It still looks cumbersome from a design standpoint and will provide a serious impediment to rearward visibility if it makes it to production.
As we've said before, time will tell, and the Impreza's official unveiling is just over a month away in New York. We'll be there and we can't wait.
Follow the read link for the rest of the images and thanks for the tip Brooksie!
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Lenny @ Feb 12th 2007 12:31PM
I was one of the owners of the 2nd batch of '02 models. I loved my car (only traded it because of a much longer commute), and thought it looked great. some of the newer designs that came out didn't appeal to me as much, but this new one takes the cake. That is one ugly car. The front end looks pretty good, but the back is horrible. I seriously hope Subaru didn't actually go this direction. I really want another rex when my finances settle down, but I may have to go the used route if this is my option. UGLY.
ruggels @ Feb 12th 2007 12:38PM
most functional rear wing EVARRRHHHH
judd @ Feb 12th 2007 12:50PM
Talk about cop magnet! I can see these cars just parked on every freeway with a cop behind it. It looks like a toad.
Richard @ Feb 12th 2007 12:50PM
"I'm very sorry officer. I didn't SEE you back there. I didn't think police cruisers could make the hyperspace jump."
Bring it on Subaru!
John P. @ Feb 12th 2007 12:51PM
That front end is the first Subaru face I actually like. It's been way too long with those ugly designs they kept coming up with. Now the rest of the car, dunno. That huge rear wing should appeal to the people who buy these.
akintz @ Feb 12th 2007 12:57PM
IMO, wings like that don't belong on a 5door. Come to think of it... they don't belong on anything. That's just too much. I don't care what inspired it.
Devon @ Feb 12th 2007 1:10PM
these pics are painfully old and most insiders dismissed these months ago.
Howard Kerr @ Feb 12th 2007 1:11PM
WOW, Subaru trades it's very....distinctive front end for one that could be mistaken as belonging to a Mitsubishi Lancer (the outgoing model), a Pontiac Sunfire, and/or an old model (late '90s?) Hyundai Elantra. Well, folks said they wanted a "toned down" look from Subaru. As I've often said: "be careful what you wish for".
I do agree, that wings are a stupid idea. But since the "old" 5 door Subarus never had wings in the U.S. market, I seriously doubt such an obvious vision-restricting wing will be sold here.
FireSermon @ Feb 12th 2007 1:16PM
Nice, I reckon that spoiler will hold at least 4 snowboards.
Eric Elinow @ Feb 12th 2007 1:24PM
This is by far, one of the nicest looking cars Subaru has ever produced. If only other manufacturers would follow along these lines in terms of shape. Hatchbacks aside from being lighter than saloons offer utility as well as sportiness. Having a boot generally 'uglifies' a vehicle and also reduces usable space (not to mention what it does for aerodynamics.
Kudos to Subaru's design team. My only complaint is the Altezza rear lighting. The spoiler would most likely be an STI option anyway, and one would hope is a removable option.
Eric
http://www.europeanisation.net
Tim UF @ Feb 12th 2007 1:26PM
I saw the first pic and thought 'Yea! thats a great step forward!'
then i saw the second one... and just slumped, and went brain dead for about a minute.
Hello @ Feb 12th 2007 1:36PM
Devon is right, these have been around for a long time, and it is unlikely that they closely resemble the real car.
Howard Kerr @ Feb 12th 2007 1:36PM
" Hatchbacks aside from being lighter than saloons..." That's usually only the case when the comparison is made between a 3 door hatch and a 4 door saloon. Look at the specs for most 5 door hatchbacks and 4 door saloons, the hatch usually outweighs the 4 door by at least 80-100 lbs. The bigger rear window usually weighs more and the trunk structure has to be "beefed-up" for crash integrity.
I do agree that a hatchback offers greater utility by virtue of it's larger rear opening. Assuming the loadfloor hasn't been raised significantly, the cargo capacity is vastly better too, provided you don't really care about rear visibility.
P to the C @ Feb 12th 2007 2:21PM
This is what the new nissan Versa should look like.
Scott Eaton @ Feb 12th 2007 2:32PM
I love the car design but that wing has sections for all your meats: pork, chicken, beef, and fish.
the fat just drips down onto the window and dinner's ready in minutes. (no rice jokes here).
MikeW @ Feb 12th 2007 3:02PM
Why doesn't Subaru just put the exhaust on top of the engine (on the turbo models) so that the constant pulsation exhaust manifold can be made easier, shorter (for less heat loss) and the turbo can be front and center.
Filtered air to the turbo, to the front mount intercooler (central inlet, dual side outlets), then to the intake ports on the underside of the engine, out the top to the turbo, then down to the catalytic converter and mufflers.
Kowell @ Feb 12th 2007 3:02PM
Worst rear spoiler ever... it'S like something you'd see on some kid's busted civic....
shaun @ Feb 12th 2007 3:19PM
WOW!
Didn't think the WRX could get any uglier but I guess I was wrong.
Has anyone bothered to test those big stupid wings to see how much they increase drag and reduce stability not to mention the hurtin' they put on the horsepower with the added weight and drag?
naggs @ Feb 12th 2007 3:52PM
"Why doesn't Subaru just put the exhaust on top of the engine (on the turbo models) so that the constant pulsation exhaust manifold can be made easier, shorter (for less heat loss) and the turbo can be front and center."
emissions, the catalyst doesnt work until its up to temp so they put the cat as close as possible to the engine with the turbo just after that.
naggs @ Feb 12th 2007 3:57PM
if this is the only body style for the next impreza, subaru is in trouble.
the best looking car they ever sold in the US is the 2.5rs coupe. try a 2 door coupe.