Will the Impreza WRX get a different grille?
Click the image above for a gallery.
Although our initial (negative) impression of the restyled Impreza remains, every time it's caught in the wild with a de-chromed, color-matched grille, we warm up to it a bit more. Sure, the headlights and profile still scream Corolla, but it's amazing what a nose job can do – just ask Ashley Simpson.These most recent shots of the 2008 Impreza come courtesy of a NASIOC member who was attending an event hosted by ESX Motorsports, one of the top Subie tuners in the nation.
As we said before, we're still not entirely convinced that the redesign is in the best interest of the Impreza, especially those taillights, but if the driving dynamics remain, we'll just force ourselves to get over it.
[Source: NASIOC]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
ClutchCargo 9:22AM (6/04/2007)
That looks 100% better than the grill that was shown on the car. Still, like the last WRX hatch it needs the fenders widened. This looks like a plain Impreza with a nice set of wheels and a big hood scoop. I still hate clear tail lights. Hopefully aftermarket suppliers will step up and offer something different.
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airiox 9:31AM (6/04/2007)
The past 2 weeks I've seen several of these in the "wild" or so to speak. I must say from the initial pics, I was disappointed, but after seeing them in person I really like the new styling. I saw the hatchback version up close parked on the street, stopped and checked the badge to ensure it was indeed the new WRX. It didn't have the chrome grill which I feel was the ugliest part of the car and in my opinion the paint matched grill is much better.
So good job Subaru, much more appealing than the old WRX.
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Calebe 9:45AM (6/04/2007)
This is what happens when you let your B9 Tribeca get it on with the neighbors Corolla. Kinda like a St.Bernard/Dashound mix. Not pretty. I'm a hatchback lover and even i have problems with this look.
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Brian Vermette 9:46AM (6/04/2007)
I like the look of this Impreza WRX, the nose job as put does look better than the current one and even better than years ago.
However, my favorite look would have to be the 2005 model, I don't know how many years it ran for, but it looked great.
Bottom Line: Better and cleaner look for this model and if you don't like it, go to aftermarket, they will come up with something.
See Yeah!
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BC 10:17AM (6/04/2007)
It doesn't matter, because you know most Subie owners will mod the heck out of them anyway. Subaru might as well sell the car without wheels, tires, grill, stereo, exhaust, or paint.
tariq 10:20AM (6/04/2007)
"Sure, the headlights and profile still scream Corolla"
headlights more like proton's Gen2
http://www.webcarcenter.com/photos/normal/proton_gen_2_2005.jpg
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Avinash machado 10:46AM (6/04/2007)
I do hope that Toyota won't ruin the Subaru brand. Now that they have a stake in Subaru there are chances of too much platform sharing between the two makers.
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Juan 10:49AM (6/04/2007)
Color-matched (or just black) grill makes all the difference.
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Richard 11:03AM (6/04/2007)
I don't think Toyota will ruin Subaru: it is only an 8% stake if my memory is correct.
If they have done this right Subaru has designed an entry-level car that sells in volume to a broad base of potential buyers while retaining the loyalty of the tuners and those of us who just want the stock STi to be a little more luxurious than was its predecessor.
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geo.stewart 11:10AM (6/04/2007)
taillights are from the RX330..
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Mike 11:17AM (6/04/2007)
I've seen the car in person... It doesn't look like a Corolla at all. The Sedan looks like a mix between an Acura TL/TSX and a BMW 3 Series. The Hatch looks like a mix between a Mazda 3 and a BMW 1 Series. It's a very nice looking car. I'm interested in getting one now. *Memo* anyone who gets the hatch will need to fix the chrome strip in the back. yuck! otherwise the car is pretty sexy. SEXY TIME!
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Kowell 12:12PM (6/04/2007)
can't ALL subarus get this one insted?
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bmoredlj 12:33PM (6/04/2007)
I like that...clear taillights are so prevalent, people will start buying aftermarket RED taillights...the circle is complete.
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Ben Levy 2:14PM (6/04/2007)
When I went to the Subaru dealership a sales guy told me to wait until the WRX came out. He was implying that the exterior styling could be different from what they first showed.
I think they may actually make some changes to avoid the problems they had to deal with because of the Tribeca.
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Namir 2:21PM (6/04/2007)
I agree, ashlee simpson looks way better post rhinoplasty
but it might take a little more than a new grill to get me to like this car. I still like the old WRX design, just personal preference i guess.
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rv 4:56PM (6/04/2007)
This is an improvement. Very excited about this car. Loved the bug-eye, the one after was hideous - with some of the strangest curves and angles going on up front (didn't even look like a Subaru - looked like a Transformer©), the Tribeca-schnoz was very sweet IMO. But I guess this will have to do... Can't wait to drive one.
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Matt Dell 6:00PM (6/04/2007)
Is it really that difficult to take a decent photo? Just give me a 3/4 view of the ENTIRE care from the front!
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ebm 6:43PM (6/04/2007)
I would have wished that they came out with a 2 door version instead of a sedan like the pre-bugged eyed sedans, but maybe Subaru is working on something special in a few years time, but for now they should have rear spoilers standard on all sedans. It would enhance the look and bring the model up-market as Subaru intended.
As far as the black mess grill, it should be an option
through out the Impreza model range.
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