
Subaru and Toyota's rear-wheel-drive lovechild is on its way, and AutoExpress has tapped Larson to render the new coupe to give us an idea of what we'll be saving up for come 2010.
As previously reported, both versions will be sporting separate sheet metal to differentiate the two coupes from one another. We'd suspect that the Toyota version will be fitted with a traditional trunk, while the Subaru version will get a hatch similar to that found on the WRX/STI. The image above takes all the right cues from the current Impreza, particularly the aggressive roofline and hunkered stance, and ratchets it up a notch with a new front bumper, swept back headlamps and bulging fender flares.
As we're already aware, both the Toyota version (which supposedly won't make it to U.S. shores) and the Subaru variant will be powered by a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter boxer, sending around 180 hp to the rear wheels. AutoExpress claims that a 300-hp version equipped with the turbocharged 2.5-liter flat-four is also destined for production, along with an all-wheel-drive version further down the road. For those of us that have been dreaming of an STI-powered GC8 coupe, this could spare us the considerable headache and expense when it goes on sale in 2012.
[Source: AutoExpress]











Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
Michael @ Jun 4th 2008 1:02PM
I know it's just a rendering, but that looks pretty awesome.
Torrent @ Jun 4th 2008 1:44PM
I know. The Impreza just got a whole lot more attractive.
Xcountryflyer @ Jun 4th 2008 2:56PM
Lopping off the ugly rear end of the Impreza sedan and 5DR hatchback has definitely improved things.
rai @ Jun 4th 2008 2:58PM
I was about to say, that thing caught my eye... and ate it too..
but considering it's coming in 2010... something in 2009 might steal my money before this... :(
hoosker_doo @ Jun 4th 2008 3:00PM
UMM...DO WANT.
tbyron @ Jun 5th 2008 12:37AM
If it is RWD and a new platform, why does it have all of the front overhang? Keep trying.
Kowell @ Jun 4th 2008 1:04PM
Now THAT is a thing of beauty
Kaptain75329 @ Jun 4th 2008 3:26PM
Seriously. Amazing what a few simple tweaks to the fascia, headlamps, and fenders can do.
Just damn. That looks good enough to even put it my short list.
Too bad this rendering is a fantasy and nothing more - Subaru's been hanging out at all the Honda/Acura styling parties lately, and with Toyota paying their tickets, there's nothing to really see here. Just more squandered potential.
John Johnson @ Jun 4th 2008 1:07PM
Looks like a Vauxhall.
tankd0g @ Jun 4th 2008 1:35PM
I assumed it was until I read the headline. Somehow I doubt "chrome" will be an available color :)
ken_aisin @ Jun 4th 2008 2:08PM
I agree. It definitely looks more Vauxhall than Subaru.
Cam @ Jun 4th 2008 3:48PM
@ John Johnson
It looks like a Vauxhall because the photo-chopped picture is based on one. That's where the license plate comes from!
VXL = Vauxhall
Kris @ Jun 4th 2008 1:07PM
The 'Blue Genie' would definatly call this car 'Humpable'....at least I do!
Kotse @ Jun 4th 2008 1:07PM
Whatta transformation...a Subaru Impreza "Ugly Duckling" turned into a looker!
John Johnson @ Jun 4th 2008 1:07PM
And where'd 40HP go? Thought it was supposed to be 220HP out of the NA 2.0
djSyndrome @ Jun 4th 2008 1:12PM
Did anyone honestly thing the NA boxer engine would even come close to approaching 100hp/L? That engine is about torque, not hp.
djSyndrome @ Jun 4th 2008 1:13PM
Argh, think, not thing. Sorry.
John Johnson @ Jun 4th 2008 1:35PM
Yeah, I wish it were like forums where you could edit for typos :p
xpolarx @ Jun 4th 2008 1:08PM
Great job on the rendering! Someone should send this to the Sube design department.
ML @ Jun 4th 2008 1:13PM
Larson's rendering is just a guess but if anyone can - and usually does - come close to the real thing, it's Mark Stehrenberger. Mark has inside connections in the industry, and his renderings are always nearly 100% accurate. I'll wait to see his version of this car in pen and ink.