Everyone thought the rumor that Subaru would be dropping its popular WRX model when it launches a redesigned Impreza was bunk. The rumor originated with an article by Autocar that stated Subaru had "no plans to carry over the intermediate WRX model." Michael McHale, Subaru's Director of Corporate Communications, got in touch with Autoblog to let us know that the WRX is safe and will be present after the relaunch of the redesigned Impreza. Those worrying that the Impreza will only be offered as a five-door hatchback in the future can rest easy, too. Sedan variants will be offered, presumably along with the five-door hatchback we've seen in spy shots. We still expect to see the new Impreza at the New York Auto Show in early April, though it's unclear whether or not Subaru will follow Mitsubishi's lead and introduce only the standard models before trotting out the hotted up WRX and STi variants. We'll be on hand in the Big Apple to let you know from the show floor.
[Source: Subaru]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Drewboy @ Feb 15th 2007 3:07PM
In other Subie news, I just checked their site and they have a preview up of the 2008 Legacy and Outback. I think Autoblog has already reported on it, but they look like an improvement. The front grill on the Legacy, I'm not so sure about. Is their goal to be a Japanese Audi? BMW?
Ron @ Feb 15th 2007 3:18PM
...now all they gotta do is confirm it ain't ugly. Good luck with that.
Richard @ Feb 15th 2007 3:36PM
Well, you can't trust 'em. They whacked the Legacy wagon just as they give us an option for a 6-cylinder GT sedan with paddle shift. Great! But I need the GT wagon - not a jacked up G'day mobile.
NoNameDenton @ Feb 15th 2007 4:00PM
Well, at least the sedan is staying, for now
d0wnxsh1ft @ Feb 15th 2007 4:05PM
#3 - I agree that getting rid of the LGT Wagon was a bad idea, even though financially it makes sense. However, the Outback 2.5XT is more than sufficient. It is as fast as the LGT Wagon, looks great, and can haul a ton. Also it is the ultimate sleeper. sub 6sec 0-60 and no cop would look at it twice. Oh and its the 3.0R that has a H6 not the GT which stays the 2.5GT and 2.5GT Spec.B.
2008 WRX Sedan
2008 WRX Hatch
2008 WRX STi Hatch
Sounds good to me. Hopefully they will be as agressive looking as the Evo X. If so then this 2005 WRX sedan owner will be driving at hatch in '08!
RPM38 @ Feb 15th 2007 4:23PM
Thank you, Subaru! Not just the Impreza news, but the sedan. That was close.
Jimmy @ Feb 15th 2007 4:26PM
Outback Wagon is lame compared to a LGT Wagon. I want a cheaper S4 avant. Not an SUV/Crossover/too tall to handle well wagon.
DKB_SATX @ Feb 15th 2007 6:32PM
#3, d0wnxsh1ft: Would you be just as happy with your WRX if it were built on the Outback Sport model? (several inches more ground clearance, taller sidewalls/smaller rims, higher center of gravity, cheesy plastic body cladding)
I didn't think so. I love my 5spd '05 Legacy GT Wagon and wouldn't consider an Outback XT unless I lived down a rough dirt road in snow country. Now the WRX Wagon will probably be less wagon-like (steeper slope to the back glass means less useful cargo space.) Looks like Volvo is de-uglifying the V70 a bit this time around, maybe that'll be sorted out by the time I have the new-car itch.
Daffy Duck @ Feb 15th 2007 7:13PM
I just hope that they offer the WRX at launch of the new impreza. Seems like I have been waiting for ever for a WRX and want it to be one of the new good looking ones. (Because anything will look better than the current design)
Justin @ Feb 16th 2007 8:11AM
THANK YOU GOD
captaintater @ Feb 16th 2007 10:20AM
I'm glad to hear that tha WRX is still in the mix. I hope that the 5 door STi is still in the mix too. I've been concidering shipping one in, but it would be so much easier if I could just pick one up at the local dealer.
"Moving Forward" = Chapt. 11 for U.S. @ Feb 16th 2007 3:40PM
Is that a car from this decade? I think I see the front end of a Subaru Brat behind it ready to have it's introduction photo taken.
DAN SMITH @ Mar 2nd 2007 11:55AM
REINCARNATION:
IN THE HINDU RELIGION, IT IS BELIEVED THAT IF YOU LIVE A VIRTUOUS AND VICE FREE LIFE, YOU COME BACK IN A FAR BETTER FORM. WELL, APPARENTLY THE IMPREZA WRX SPORTWAGON HAS LIVED A REMARKABLY VIRTUOUS LIFE, BECAUSE IT'S COMING BACK AS A 2008 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX STI 4-DOOR HATCH. SO NOW THE STEADFAST AND INCREDIBLY LOYAL LITTLE BURRO GETS TO COME BACK AND KICK SOME SERIOUS AUDI S-3 ASS. I'M DAN SMITH FROM SQUARE-ONE AUTOMOTIVE.