Filed under: Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Hatchbacks, Subaru
Subaru Impreza WRX STi: First official shot shows up
by John Neff on Sep 20th 2007 at 11:41AM 
click above image to enlarge
We've seen more spy shots of the upcoming Subaru Impreza WRX STi than we care to recount, but it looks like the first official image of Subie's road rocket has finally been leaked on the web. While there's been no confirmation from Subaru that this pic is the real deal, it has that official flavor that only press pics seem to have. Unfortunately, this particular pic is dark by nature and obscures many of the elements in which we're interested like the grille and lower front bumper. What we can see is gigantoid hood scoop, mega wide front fenders, and what appears to be a large rear wing out back. The official arrival of the Subaru Impreza WRX STi is imminent, as the debut will take place at the Tokyo Motor Show next month. Suburu will likely release its full batch of official images and specifications before then. Until then, chew on this.
[Source: Carscoop]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
jnaggs 11:46AM (9/20/2007)
1st
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yakapo 11:51AM (9/20/2007)
I'm convinced that subaru has team of designer competing for the ugliest possible design. Just when I'm convinced it can't get any uglier they amaze me with new levels of ugliness.
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Chris 3:14PM (9/20/2007)
I second that the design keeps geting worse. At least in the past they started growing on me this one is just plain bad. I guess the answer is definately EVO this time.
Richard 12:02PM (9/20/2007)
I think that to appreciate this you have to like the WRC.
I think this is great! It really captures the brutish nature of the WRC econoboxes on steroids.
I wonder if it will be the current engine in the US or if they will upgrade it a bit.
Anyway, I'll be grabbing on in the spring...unless the interior is too econo for the price tag...which I doubt it will be.
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David Gevert 12:03PM (9/20/2007)
I have an '04 Subaru WRX. Up until now I have hated the look of the '08...but I must say, this doesn't look half bad. Giving it the flared wide fenders really improves the look substantially....with the optional dechromed front grill, that just leaves the rear of the car. Do something about the chrome on the rear hatchback door and find something to fix the f-ugly tail lights and you've got yourself a decent looking Subaru. At least with the flared fenders it no longer looks like a turbo Corolla with a hoodscoop! I'm not a fan of the dual exhaust w/ 4 exhaust tips though....
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James 12:04PM (9/20/2007)
Wow, this profile shot looks really nice! Too bad the rear end looks like a Mazda 3. Though if it comes with ~330hp and interior borrowed from the Legacy, who cares! (As long as the tranny isn't made from glass, like previous Subies...)
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Richard 12:46PM (9/20/2007)
What Subbies had glass transmissions beyond the SVX?
I had 2 of those and the fix was pretty straightforward.
I have had 3 others (2 manuals and one auto). The first manual a '96 Legacy GT was @ 130k when I traded it in on an H-6 Outback, which is at 160k with no tranny issues.
My currentl Spec. B is at 30k with no issues except a little clutch maintenance needed because I let one of my college buddies drive it, forgetting how difficult it was to teach him to drive stick back in the 1980's.
James 1:39PM (9/20/2007)
The 02-03 bugeye WRXs did not have relatively strong trannies. The trannies were updated with the introduction of the new Legacy.
doglet 12:12PM (9/20/2007)
they need to get those flared fenders on the wrx
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graviton 12:13PM (9/20/2007)
Why would anyone consider buying a VW R32 with a beast like this so close in price and so much heavier in performance? I will definitely be test driving my first subaru this spring. This looks so much better than the stupid sedan with the wing on the back.
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YouFaceTheTick 12:18PM (9/20/2007)
Looks schmooks. If it goes like stink and doesn't feel bargain basement like the last car, maybe this thing will pull me away from BMW. I'd rather the wagon anyway and BMW refuses to offer the 335 in wagon form.
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John R 12:20PM (9/20/2007)
It is nicer than the WRX and I do like the idea of 300hp+ five door. But I still think I'll take an EVO X over this.
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Jacob 12:37PM (9/20/2007)
I think Subaru made a wise choice leaving the fender flares off the WRX/S-GT. It gives the product a wider audience drawing those who want the bar room brauler look up market while not offending those who don't want the boy racer look.
If this is indeed the STi, It's a nice way to make the STi stand out on the street instread of wondering if the Subie next to you is an STi or some kid with a WRX and huge wing on the back.
They should have lowered the price on the WRX though so it can compete better in the market. I'm not a huge fan of the WRX style at all, but this has attitude, and I don't think it will get old like the Evo X.
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Christian Fredrickson 12:39PM (9/20/2007)
Sign me up when it comes out. I love my 2007 WRX Limited wagon. But a more souped up wagon/hatch. I am in love. I begged Subaru USA to sell a WRX STI wagon or hatch and here it comes.
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Jason 12:47PM (9/20/2007)
Oh, come on. That's either a rendering or a Photoshopped picture, and a crappy one at that. Can't believe I'm the only one to say so thus far...
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Maestro1 12:57PM (9/20/2007)
I agree with Richard that you definitely have to like the WRC to appreciate this design. The STI design is certainly growing on me and considering I follow the WRC and most of them are hatchbacks (Focus RS, C4, New SX4, 207) its definitely appropriate for Subaru to get in on the action and in a sense create a new niche for themselves.
That said, I don't like the WRX design and believe they could have done a much better job on it to distinguish it from the base Impreza and the STI while still making it look good. This design makes the hatchback much better and I quite like it. I'm looking forward to watching it compete in WRC.
However, Mitsubishi didn't go the wrong route by continuing its sports sedan look, because this new X model looks great! Its aggressive and distinctive, and I think with their new AWD system they'll move to the top of the pack once again, as well as bringing in mainstream buyers with the Lancer.
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Jason 1:00PM (9/20/2007)
Looks awesome. Now all we need is 350hp(at least), 18x8 wheels, and the Aisin semi-auto paddle shift transmission. Then with those three things, Subaru officially has another monster on its hands to compete with the likes of the M3.
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psarhjinian 1:03PM (9/20/2007)
It's nice that they STi'd the hatch instead of the sedan. One of my peeves with the last STi (the other being the brutal insurance premiums) was that it was sedan only.
It's nice to haul ass and cargo, without resorting to the pricier Audi S4 or significantly more massive Hemi Magnum. It also begs the question of whether or not this might entice Mitsubishi to bring over the Evo wagon.
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Maestro1 1:10PM (9/20/2007)
3 words:
Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
That should be based on the concept we saw last year, and not on that crappy cX thing they showed in Frankfurt. Either way if the sportback comes here looking anything like the concept, then Mitsubishi has Subaru beat even in hatches.
The only two things which are kinda annoying about the new Impreza STI design are the Grille and the Tail lights, but all those can be fixed. Otherwise I like it!
nardi 1:11PM (9/20/2007)
Looks better but still needs to be a 3 door to have the look of the euro wrc cars. And looks DO matter - a lot!
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