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Old 04-03-2007, 03:02 AM   #1
ricochet
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Default New Impreza Makes Debut at NYAS



New Impreza Makes Debut at NYAS
By Ryan Douthit, Subiesport Magazine

On April 5, at the New York Auto Show, Subaru will finally lift the curtain on the all-new 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX and 2.5i models. Here is what you need to know about the most significant change to the Impreza since Bill Clinton took office.

Impreza Styling
Yes, it's a hatch. Well, a 5-door hatch at least. No, that doesn't mean the Sedan is "dead." Subaru knows that mainstream North America isn't as enamored by hatchbacks as the rest of the world. So it has also taken the effort to prepare a sedan variant, exclusive for the US market. This will be available as both an NA (2.5i, shown here) or turbo (WRX) model, both available from dealers by September of this year.

On the inside is a Tribeca-inspired cabin with sweeping lines and brushed-aluminum accents. If this doesn't finally shut-up the VW fanboys about their GTI interiors, I don't know what will. It looks great. The cabin also boasts an additional 2-inches of shoulder room up front, large cup-holders (up to 24-oz bottles) in the doors, available satellite navigation and an MP3/video jack, for plugging in either an iPod, XBox or some other fun gizmo.

Both longer and lighter than the car it replaces, the new WRX also has a lot more cargo area, thanks to a new double-wishbone suspension configuration. Subaru claims it also delivers an improved ride and a quieter cabin. We'll let you know if this holds up when we finally get to put this new model through its paces this summer.

Adding to the utility of the sedan model, the rear seats now have a 60/40 folding mechanism to increase cargo capacity. That's one item that always bugged us about the previous Impreza, the lack of a pass-through. And we're happy to have that item finally checked off our list of complaints.

The only downside for this new setup is that Subaru was unable to put dual-exhaust outlets on the hatchback version, due to clearance issue with the suspension. The sedan doesn't have this limitation, so you'll find it has the tougher-looking dual outlets that we are so fond of over here. (Subiesport Editor, Travis Geny, would like to point out that he is, personally, not fond of dual outlets on 4-bangers.)

Feel the Power (?)
By the numbers it seems as though Subaru tossed the Legacy GT turbo mill into the chassis, turned down the boost and called it a day. Visually, that certainly seems to be what has happened. We'll have a complete rundown on the engine specifics in an upcoming issue, but for now, let's just hope that's what happened. Because if it is, 300-horsepower is a reasonable mod, and Legacy owners will no longer be the "odd duck" engine configuration. Since we just added a Legacy GT to our in-house fleet, this will help us down the road.



On the spec sheet it reads as follows: 224 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 226 lb. -ft of torque at a low, low 2,800 rpm. We've come to the conclusion that Subaru is artificially keeping the WRX low on power to make the Legacy GT look better. And we can't argue with this logic, since more power (if that's what you're going for) is just a reflash away.

For drivers new to all-wheel drive turbo-charged hot hatches, there is no better driver aid than a handling nanny. And, thankfully, Subaru has delivered on this option, making its Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system finally available on its small-car. Originally VDC was only available on high-end Legacy and Forester models. This should earn the new Impreza high marks with the safety-conscious.

The STI model, which is expected to be much more aggressive-looking, is scheduled to make its first public appearance later this year and go on sale in early 2008. Subaru has remained tight-lipped regarding details thus far.

Click the following links for more pictures:

- Subiesport Magazine Story

- Official Thread in NASIOC News/Rumors
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Last edited by ricochet; 04-03-2007 at 03:28 AM.
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Old 04-03-2007, 03:21 AM   #2
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I'm disappointed and unimprezzed. I was thinking that I was going to replace my '03 with the new style, but I just don't like it at all. The front looks a bit like a Ford Focus or Mazda while the back looks like more Ford with a hint of RX330. It also appears that someone stuck a front strut tower bar on it just above the rear plate... odd styling cue to say the least. The whole of it looks just 'off' and nothing like the more styling-conscious car I expected Subaru to follow the nicely redone Legacy with. Looks like I'll be hanging on to the bugeye for just a bit longer yet... Thanks for the scoop... oh wait, that's gone too!

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Old 04-03-2007, 03:22 AM   #3
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looks like a chysler pacifica
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Old 04-03-2007, 03:23 AM   #4
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eh, ill wait to judge until i see one in person, nice write up though.
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Old 04-03-2007, 03:24 AM   #5
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Pics in this article are the 2.5i model. The WRX Still has a scoop.



USDM WRX Sedan
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Old 04-03-2007, 03:25 AM   #6
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Boy as it sits it looks so plain and un-subylike... Lets see what the STI is coming with.
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Old 04-03-2007, 03:26 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ricochet View Post
Pics in this article are the 2.5i model. The WRX Still has a scoop.



USDM WRX Sedan

DAMN! That thing is fuuuugly
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Old 04-03-2007, 03:26 AM   #8
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Thanks for a great photo! That looks sophisticated - and HOT!!! Pretty darn good for not even being the WRX. Nice wheels, too. This does not look like a subcompact economy car!!!


Ryan - where were the photos shot? Or are those official Subaru pics?
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Old 04-03-2007, 03:28 AM   #9
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:Puke:

GC forever.
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Old 04-03-2007, 03:28 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ricochet View Post
Pics in this article are the 2.5i model. The WRX Still has a scoop.



USDM WRX Sedan
I figured as much but ran with it for literary humor's sake. In any case, I think it looks worse with the scoop, so that's no good either. I note you make no subjective comment as to it's visual impressions upon you or your staff...

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Old 04-03-2007, 03:33 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Platinum03Wagon View Post
I note you make no subjective comment as to it's visual impressions upon you or your staff...
P03w
Photos can be misleading. You'll be able to read our driving impressions and what we think about the real car in the August issue of Subiesport (or the issue right after that, I don't have the schedule in front of me right now).
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Old 04-03-2007, 03:35 AM   #12
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Originally Posted by keepclam View Post
Ryan - where were the photos shot? Or are those official Subaru pics?
These pics are from Subaru.
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Old 04-03-2007, 03:35 AM   #13
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it has the shape of a corolla s. looks like a chicks car. i wanna see how much more aggressive the sti will be.
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Old 04-03-2007, 03:37 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ricochet View Post
Photos can be misleading. You'll be able to read our driving impressions and what we think about the real car in the August issue of Subiesport (or the issue right after that, I don't have the schedule in front of me right now).
True enough. Understand the politics of your position as well. Thanks for the blurb, and look forward to PIR on Saturday.

Peace,
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Old 04-03-2007, 03:38 AM   #15
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everyone said the 06' was ugly as f***, but hey look now, everyone loves it. only time will tell .....
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Old 04-03-2007, 03:39 AM   #16
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**** this...
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Old 04-03-2007, 03:41 AM   #17
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the rear-end shot of the wagon looks like a Matrix while the sedan shot looks like a Corolla.....disappointing
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Old 04-03-2007, 03:45 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dmross View Post
:Puke:

GC forever.
Werd!!
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Old 04-03-2007, 03:48 AM   #19
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WTF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The hatch looks like the focus, mazda3, and the old civic si hatch had an orgie.... The sedan I will have to see in person......the sedan looks like a mazda 3 and an 06-07 wrx got it on in the back room of an auto show..

Last edited by 06grayrex; 04-03-2007 at 03:58 AM.
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Old 04-03-2007, 03:55 AM   #20
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Obviously it just doesn't photograph well. I can't wait until people start putting up actual photos of this car from the auto show. Hopefully there will be some big high res interior photos as well.
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Old 04-03-2007, 04:07 AM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dmross View Post
:Puke:

GC forever.
Damn straight. I'm looking at mine now and I just fell in love again. Wow and to think some of those "photoshopped" versions were actually making me consider a new one... Not now that it looks like this... Geez
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Old 04-03-2007, 04:21 AM   #22
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omfgggggg!!!!!!!!! this bettttter be april fools joke!!!!!!!!!!!???? god pleasee..........
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Old 04-03-2007, 04:28 AM   #23
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The Subaru WRX/626? Eww.
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Old 04-03-2007, 04:29 AM   #24
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Looks like a camry on steroids, I used to love Japanese cars, but in recent years im disappointed and have to say that domestics and euro cars are looking much better, while japanese cars are looking more and more alike and fugly... no offense to you Subaru owners, but the new Impreza styling looks like ass, and the euro lights are horrible and cheap looking, while the EVO, which was pretty cheap looking before now became much more aggresive, however the new EVO X is also looking pretty ****ty. Nissans new cars are horrible, the 350Z looks like a fat frog and the new sentra SE-R is a cube on wheels, luckily Honda is still somewhat good on the looks, however the new civic looks like a space shuttle.
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Old 04-03-2007, 04:32 AM   #25
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Man im not diggin the front at all. That grill makes it look cheap with the chrome on the sides. Uh yeah looks like a corolla........a little too cheap and fat looking.
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