http://www.smugmug.com/photos/140768849-M.jpg

New Impreza Makes Debut at NYAS
By Ryan Douthit, Subiesport Magazine (http://www.subiesport.com)

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.

http://www.smugmug.com/photos/140770159-M.jpg

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 (http://mag.subiesport.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=59&Itemid=41&limit=1&limitstart=0)

- Official Thread in NASIOC News/Rumors (http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?p=17581959#post17581959)

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!

P03w

looks like a chysler pacifica

eh, ill wait to judge until i see one in person, nice write up though.

Pics in this article are the 2.5i model. The WRX Still has a scoop.

http://www.drivingsportsvideo.com/subiesport/08sedan_cornering.jpg

USDM WRX Sedan

Boy as it sits it looks so plain and un-subylike... Lets see what the STI is coming with.

Pics in this article are the 2.5i model. The WRX Still has a scoop.

http://www.drivingsportsvideo.com/subiesport/08sedan_cornering.jpg

USDM WRX Sedan


DAMN! That thing is fuuuugly :huh:

:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:
Thanks for a great photo! That looks sophisticated - and HOT!!! :devil: 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?

:Puke:

GC forever.

Pics in this article are the 2.5i model. The WRX Still has a scoop.

http://www.drivingsportsvideo.com/subiesport/08sedan_cornering.jpg

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...

P03w

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).

Ryan - where were the photos shot? Or are those official Subaru pics?

These pics are from Subaru.

it has the shape of a corolla s. looks like a chicks car. i wanna see how much more aggressive the sti will be.

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,
P03w

everyone said the 06' was ugly as f***, but hey look now, everyone loves it. only time will tell .....

**** this...

the rear-end shot of the wagon looks like a Matrix while the sedan shot looks like a Corolla.....disappointing

:Puke:

GC forever.

Werd!!:(

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..

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.

: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:huh:

omfgggggg!!!!!!!!! this bettttter be april fools joke!!!!!!!!!!!???? god pleasee..........

The Subaru WRX/626? Eww.

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.

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.

DAMN! That thing is fuuuugly :huh:

hell yeah it is, looks like something an old woman would drive, does not look like a rally bred car at all... **** I bet soon it will be a hybrid too....

..well there is always 2010 :lol:

Ugly is the new hottness/////

looks like the camry found a new car to share its grille with...

They look like Kia's. :(

.

Pics in this article are the 2.5i model. The WRX Still has a scoop.

http://www.drivingsportsvideo.com/subiesport/08sedan_cornering.jpg

USDM WRX Sedan

I like the sedan!:banana:

I like the sedan!:banana:

i like it to
i think imma like the hatch more though

I have always wanted a camary with a hood scoop!!! NOT! They are losing the younger market and going for the more family oriented market...guess the only subaru's I can buy now are from 05 and yearlier years.

:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:
Thanks for a great photo! That looks sophisticated - and HOT!!! :devil: 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?

:huh: and you are over 40 right?

Well at least 06 and 07 were decent too. Except for the tails, of course. But I won't have to worry about that for much longer.

...They are losing the younger market and going for the more family oriented market...



I don't necessarily see this as a bad thing. I hate the way our insurance continues to go up for these cars. Maybe moving the the age of the target demographic up will be a good thing?

could be good, could be bad....I like the fact that the resale value on my 05 will probably increase!!!

I am pretty sure the reason they made the hatch was for rallying purposes, (the reason these cars exist) to be alble to compete with ford, probably in a different class..though I do not like the styling it probably won't last long, they will change it in 2 years like have done with the last two models.

Not liking the fender bumper line in front of the pass front wheel...

Otherwise it looks OK... kinda reminds me of the Corrolla S:

http://www.toyota-corolla.50megs.com/2005-corolla/02_corolla_xrs.jpg

http://www.toyota.com/images/vehicles/2007/corolla/gallery/exterior/large/photo_5.jpg

and a little like the Mazda 6... and I guess with the hatch looking like the Mazda 3, that makes sense...

http://www.mazdadw.hu/images/mazda-6-mps_hk_1024x768_12.jpg

Especially in the front end treatment...

def

They would need to flare the fenders and put some bigger fogs on there (bugeyes 4ever!!) before I would look at that thing twice.:mad:

:lol: Where are all the people who've posted in the forums "I'm waiting on the 08 model?"

looks like a chysler pacifica
Looks like a small Tribeca...

http://www.drivingsportsvideo.com/subiesport/08sedan_cornering.jpg

USDM WRX Sedanwhats up corola S

^ that's a happy smiley faced little fella the girls will like

:: sigh ::

Pics in this article are the 2.5i model. The WRX Still has a scoop.

http://www.drivingsportsvideo.com/subiesport/08sedan_cornering.jpg

USDM WRX Sedan

why does that mazda 6 have a hood scoop on it?

I'll wait to comment until I see one n person, but just looking at these photos, I am really glad I went ahead and pulled the trigger on my 07!

when does the sti debut?

i like it.... gotta do something wit hthe grill tho.

kinda looks like the new camrys. man and i was gonna wait to see what happens in 08 to pick up another subie. this sucks

the aftermarket will make a killin on front bumpers/grills, fenferflares, taillights...... bugeye4life

ugly as sin... makes me want to keep my 04 that much longer

everyone said the 06' was ugly as f***, but hey look now, everyone loves it. only time will tell .....

08 impreza...look! it's a mazda, no wait, it's a camry? ah...nope, it's a WRX:eek:

As far as the 06 looks...well, it is far different from any other model with the exception of a few Alfas and maybe one Suzuki Forenza? Other than that, you can distinguish an 06 from a mile away from the rest of the ordinary cars.
I wish we could say the same here with the 08 but is not.:huh:

I like it. The other Imprezas were all pretty ugly. This one, while it doesn't stand out with good looks, at least it blends and looks like a normal car. The previous versions were all failed attempts to put a pretty face on an ugly car, and they all ended up as ugly faces that looked out of place on the rest of the car.

But really, I don't care how it looks. I never would have bought a bugeye if looks were my main concern.

Maybe the lack of fender flares make it more aerodynamic and save a little gas? Maybe the new suspension will give it outstanding handling?

So, if the engine is just a reflash away from 300hp, the suspension is improved, it's lighter weight, it gets better gas mileage, and the interior is classier, then I won't be concerned one bit about how it looks. At least it won't stand out as an exceptionally ugly car like it's predecessors (2002+).

:disco: :alien: :banana: <- meet the three guys who came up with the new look!

I think the value of my 04 WRX just went up.
This is so ugly, It looks like a compact Sabb turbo.


Why God, WHY!!!!!:furious:

I'll take my bugeye over ANY other design (minus a modern interpretation of the GC8 coupe)... regardless what the haters say ;)

def

say it ain't so....

Pics in this article are the 2.5i model. The WRX Still has a scoop.

http://www.drivingsportsvideo.com/subiesport/08sedan_cornering.jpg

USDM WRX Sedan

it has a mazda front end:confused:

subaru made me just die a little inside

The more i look at it...the more I like it.

i will NEVER, EVER own one of those.

the more i look at it, the more i see prosaic and uninspired design, and a botched rush job. I remember my high school days, rushing to finish an assignment and producing a crappy, botched, copy of someone else's work. Dear subaru, i made it out of high school, why are you still there looking over the shoulder of the person in front of you?

too much sheet metal between the rear fender wells and the trunk deck. Like the Evo had, ewwwww

looks like a freakin carolla.

Pics in this article are the 2.5i model. The WRX Still has a scoop.

http://www.drivingsportsvideo.com/subiesport/08sedan_cornering.jpg

USDM WRX Sedan

The Hatch is most definitely not as good looking as my 02 wgn was but this picture of the sedan reminds me a little bit of the Acura TL lines (not grille). Of course it is early in the morning!

Thumbs up on the sedan....thumbs down on the hatch!

it's like the PS3. it came out really soon and it is not really looking good at all. im very very disappointed. why do designers always go for the "capsule-like" shapes??!!! no offese guys, but the image of the new EVO looks alot nicer. ...and all this time i thought we culd whip those suckers on body style.

what happen to all the "oldskool shapes"??!!

IMO this makes me want to sell my car so it is'nt associated with a company that is going in a direction that is so lame . this looks like a car only elderly people would look good in . not a lusted after ripper . i'm over 40 and own 3 hatchbacks including a 300 hp WRX wagon ( my demographic ) . the only way to make the front look good is to replace it all , headlights can stay , the rear is a total mess and the tail lights look like e-bay crap . if i owned a car like this i'd feel like a teenager that just got his grandparents old car that they couldn't drive anymore , for free , and no matter what i'd do to make it cool it would still suck so i'd drive it only because i didn't have any other choice but to walk everywhere . just me but i hate it that much . they should call it the new justy .

btw, ill just pretend that i didn't know anything about "this" car

Good Job Subaru you just added more value to my GC!!!!!!!!!! lol

Can you say ford foci btw!!!!

go away, go far, far away.....:eek:

http://www.kiwinetcafe.com/www.onestupid.org/photos/show/5-lo.jpg
http://www.the-car-club.co.uk/Images/Pictures/Vauxhall-Astra-400.jpg
http://www.kitcarsweb.com/cars/2000/astrakit/astra-9.jpg

one can only dream the sti saves this platforn, and this is what i think a hot hatch is.. subaru=failed

i'll stick with my 04 thank you very much

ugly as sin...

Depends which ;)

:Puke:

GC forever.

Damb right!! And this is why im keeping my car!!! haha!!

YA!! The price of my car just went up!!! haha

It looks like a toyata corolla!!
I was hopeing the new one was going to be FMIC too! like the evo.
Ease of modding!

http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/6744/wrx5uz2.jpg

http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/3851/wrx6xv8.jpg

http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/5417/wrx3ie3.jpg

http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/2559/wrx4kx3.jpg

Off solsticeforum.com

def

Subaru better offer an aero sport package for the new WRX. The kit should include new grille treatment, fender flares, 4-pots and better tires...

Interior looks much improved.

Put more succinctly:

...Tribeca-inspired cabin with sweeping lines and brushed-aluminum accents.
...an additional 2-inches of shoulder room up front,...
...large cup-holders (up to 24-oz bottles) in the doors,...
...an MP3/video jack, for plugging in either an iPod, XBox or some other fun gizmo.
...longer and lighter than the car it replaces,...
...has a lot more cargo area...
...an improved ride and a quieter cabin.
...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.
...making its Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system finally available on its small-car. ...This should earn the new Impreza high marks with the safety-conscious.

The seats look like Recaro Topline design...from the angle/view of the interior pic....

BRING BACK THE 04-05!!!!

the designers must have been TANKED when they made the design....

i like the wrx....from the front/ sidefront view reminds me of a 3 series bimmer...from the back uh...

What were they thinking????

It looks like its missing a few 60+ year old couples sitting in it going to a game of lawn bowls on a Sunday afternoon.

Rear looks too bulky from the side profile, Front looks like crap.
Overall my itch to upgrade from my bugeye has just gone away. I do like the new EVO 10, but I'll never buy a Mitsubishi regardless of how much better than the Subaru it looks.

When I first saw the pics I thought- Chevy Impala front end down sized:(

Interior looks better:rolleyes:
The side view pics of the wrx REALLY DON"T HELP:furious:
(where's the puking smiley?)

acura tsx + lexus is 300 + some mazda blood = the new wrx

in the pic on the homepage i thought it looked dead sexy. seeing more of the side...not so much but I'm sure it will grow on us just as the '06 did.

wow she sure is ugly, i just hope she still puts out lmao

I don't necessarily see this as a bad thing. I hate the way our insurance continues to go up for these cars. Maybe moving the the age of the target demographic up will be a good thing?

My insurance has been constantly going down. Maybe because I don't drive lke an idiot.

Some edge from the design department wouldn't hurt, or maybe some consistancy....

My heart is filled with disappointment. Looking at the hatchback makes me want to commit suicide while the sedan is only slightly better...if I had a fork stuck in my eye. The "thing" (not worthy enough to be called an impreza) looks like a shrunk down version of the Tribecca. Way to be creative subaru. Is the Tribecca really so popular that all the new subarus have to look like it?...i doubt it. Plese...just for once Subaru...leave the impreza styling alone. You don't have to change such perfection every year or two. You had a thing of beauty with the GC. Now, it's all going downhill...and fast. Since when does Subaru take styling cues from Toyota? The other we-WERE-fans on this sight say themselves say that the new impreza looks like a camery...and they are right...It does. You'll never be able to compete with Toyota, so don't even try. They are too big. You have (and are on the verge of losing) a big enough fan club to survive on your own. What will be next a WRX made of plastic? What happened to the gaping grill that looked like it was ready to eat anything that got in it's way or the towering hood scoop that said "Yes, it's a subaru and I'm bad ass."? Please...throw that piece of crap car in the garbage and start over.

^^ you mean corolla + camry + kia + mazda w/ altezza lights = the new wrx

If this grows on me, kill me. It means my eyes started to accept ugly.

Subaru has just pulled the trigger on itself.

http://www.toyota.com/images/vehicles/2007/corolla/gallery/exterior/large/photo_5.jpg





this is the exact same car i thought of the moment i saw the new wrx. I then i remembered my ex girlfriend drove a corolla... NOOOOOOO!!!!!! :mad:

this might be a good thing to all of us current suby owners... if nobody wants the new ones, then they'll want the 02 to 06 models, which means our cars will be more sought after... which means our cars will hold value yay!

BRING BACK THE 04-05!!!!

the designers must have been TANKED when they made the design....


I Agree, the 04-05 are the only models that subaru has come out with that I personally think is the coolest so far... That 2008 looks like a bad dream for all current subaru owners!

Fail.

chris619
dr_wheel


Full_Clip didn't think the design could get worse.

Lets just all hope the STi will be the saving grace and give us all new hope for Subaru. Im not really liking the sedan, but the hatch with the right tweaks and treatments could be a pretty nice looking ride.

I think I would have to buy a EVO X over this new style. Thank god I got an 06.

May look ugly, but that's what we all said about the '06 and look <---------:lol:


Anyway, these pictues are a million times better than the pics in Motortrend. That car looks like it got hit in the face with a spade.

wow. i thought the 06 was ugly, then it grew on me. now, the new body design is worse. god i hope this one doesn't grow on me as well..de-evolution

Good Bye Subaru

toyota corolla with scoop and wrx wing, NICE!!!

Well, Subaru helped me decide what my next car WON'T be.... That abomination isn't fit to wear WRB paint.

http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/6744/wrx5uz2.jpg

http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/3851/wrx6xv8.jpg

http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/5417/wrx3ie3.jpg

http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/2559/wrx4kx3.jpg

Off solsticeforum.com

def

I actually don't mind the hatchback as much in those pics. They look better than the official Subaru ones. Don't like the interior shot at all, though. I hope that's the 2.5i and not the WRX interior. A WRX is a sports car, not a luxury car. It needs a nice leather-wrapped Momo wheel, not some crappy plastic thing with radio controls on the wheel. And it doesn't need an LCD for a nav system taking up half the dashboard space. Also hate the wheels -- too many spokes and look too heavy. And both models desperately need a lower chin spoiler. They both look like they have WAY too much ground clearance.

I think I would have to buy a EVO X over this new style. Thank god I got an 06.

+1

Do you remember what happened when you mixed 5 different colors of Play-doh together? If you mashed it all together long enough you get a unique color. That color was the shade of poop. Congratulations Subaru, you just made poop. I agree, the tri-grille design was not that great at first glance. But it grew on me because it was mixture of old school scooby and new design. This, this...thing is nothing but a mixture of, as a lot of other people have said, EVERY car. I'm sorry but that new EVO just keeps looking better.

ibtoyotacorrola

:( x10000000....Looks like ill never own a new Subaru again. VIVA LA BUGEYE!!

i'm glad theyre keeping the sedan too though... never been a big fan of most hatch designs. only hatches i've ever liked (and owned both btw) were integra's and tiburons.

They took all the agressiveness away from the wrx too its kind of disapointing... but it does make it look more refined which may appeal to a broader market.... hopefully the sti will have all the agressive styling that i love.

The interior is nice though and i wish my current wrx had a 60/40 split.

with more power too i hope they beefed up the gears for staying with the 5speed.

Can't wait to see what the next one will look like in 2 years. :rolleyes:

Hey Subaru, pick a styling idea and stick with it for more then two years maybe.

yeah that looks like a bad mix of cheap cars. im glad i got my 06 when i did now.

I'll hold on to my 05 STi, thank you very much Subaru.

The first pics I saw, were highly dissapointing, but these latest pics dont look THAT bad... Needless to say Subaru is getting worse and worse as the years pass. Maybe they just need to listen to the feedback of customers more and copy the competition less.

I don't like the toothy look where the whole front end slants down and forwards and ends with the two points on the outer corners. I like fat square ends ALA 04/05, 06/07, VW R32, Aston Martin.

=(

trunk monkey is a sad...sad..monkey.

I'm liking it thus far. I think it has great potential, and I can't wait to see what the STI looks like.

As always, I'll wait until I can actually see one in person before I judge it completely.

You people do realize that most of you are using the same excuses when the 04-05's and 06-07's came out, right?

"I'll keep my 01, thanks." "I'll keep my bugeye, thanks." "I'll keep my 05, thanks."

Eh.

Potential....yes
Out of the box...ehh

guess i'll just have to wait to see if they redo it for 2010 :( :( :(

That thing looks HUGE. Altima in size kinda.

looks a bit too chunky.

You know what, I think I'll be getting this instead of the EVO and the STI.
http://208.249.122.227/photos/3070109.007/1021big.jpg
IS F > 08 STI

didnt toyota buy some stock in subaru or something? is that whats going on here?

I dunno.. Im on the fence about this. I think the front end is OK.. tails are junk.. But I can see how it might have some potential. Hopefully someone makes a bodykit for it like Ings.

Grille has to go, and the tail lights need to be red not the clear.
Otherwise I definately like it. Sure it may look like the Mazda, but I'd take the Impreza over the Mazda.

i dont like them at all..
:( :( :(

http://a904.g.akamai.net/7/904/506/v0011/www.autobytel.com/images/carcom/05_Kia_Spectra5/400/05_Kia_Spctra5_exfrpass342.jpg
http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2004/06/10/199389.2-lg.jpg

Kia anyone?
Pics in this article are the 2.5i model. The WRX Still has a scoop.

http://www.drivingsportsvideo.com/subiesport/08sedan_cornering.jpg

USDM WRX Sedan
WHERE ARE THE GODDAMN FLARES!!!!!!! AND if the STi is a hatch CRY!

It doesnt look anything like a rally car anymore. Looks like a mid-class semi-luxury car.

I thought that was what the Legacy was for?!

Grille has to go, and the tail lights need to be red not the clear.
Otherwise I definately like it. Sure it may look like the Mazda, but I'd take the Impreza over the Mazda.

There is no impreza left to take, you can either take Mazda Mazda3 or Subaru Mazda3 :(

i LOVE my GC8... :banana:

"Ladies and Gentlemen, first we'd like to welcome you to the New York International Auto Show!

....


...


..

.


"And now, the moment you've all been waiting for *drum rollllllllllllllllllllllllll*, the all new....



*curtain lifts*






MAZDASPEED IMPREZA!!!! "






*crickets*

the STi could be a good looking hatch. But yeah, i think the 08 is going to be harder to grow on people. So far, i'd have to agree with it looking a little cheapy. Then again, you can never 100% judge a car til it's on the road. Styling isnt my taste though.

I think the situation was like this:
Subaru designers had a great holiday for the last 2 years, when the last night arrived to finish the design for the new impreza, they had no idea about what to do?? They gathered and nothing came out, sooo they copied front, back and side photos of Kia, Mazda and Focus (these had good selling number) to form a new car, and this car is what they came up with.

Hail to the Designers :furious:

Looks like a 2006 Toyota Corolla with a hood scoop, that my friends is really cool!

http://e.autokrata.pl/a206/5266ee21000948ad460a416b

http://e.autokrata.pl/a509/cd4d579300247801460a4174

http://e.autokrata.pl/a1706/b5afb718001321fc460a417c

The first pics I saw, were highly dissapointing, but these latest pics dont look THAT bad... Needless to say Subaru is getting worse and worse as the years pass. Maybe they just need to listen to the feedback of customers more and copy the competition less.

During a Subaru clinic, everyone saw the car and no one criticized it at all. People were liking it.

I am disgusted with what they have done. There is just nothing about it that would attract me to buying one. I don't have a lot of hope for the sti version either if it's based on the hatch. Just a horrid, uninspired mess of design ideas copied from other manufacturer and then blended together.

Why did Subaru not get more consumer feedback with their design before settling on this? I cannot believe this is what they went with. :mad:

Pics in this article are the 2.5i model. The WRX Still has a scoop.

http://www.drivingsportsvideo.com/subiesport/08sedan_cornering.jpg

USDM WRX Sedan


wow what an ugly pos, looks like any other sedan out there but with a scoop.

I think the Mazdas look agressive with the straight riased line fron the A-pillar to the side of the grille. The Impreza line is too soft and low, makes it look Corrolla/Kia. The body just doesn't appear to have punch. I do not know how much a grille and tail lights can hide/cover-up that.

I will hold final judgement untill I see it in person.

Peace,

Greg

the new camrys look better than that garbage

looks like a lowered bmw x3

Ha Ha April Fools........Wait, what do you mean its for real?
I can't believe that Subaru would put a new hood on the 07 Chrysler Sebring and try to pass it off as a WRX. I'm so glad I got my 02 Bugeye 6 years before subaru commits suicide!!! :lol:

Omg Its A Corolla With A Hoodscoop

people said the '07s were ugly but atleast they were unique, there is absolutely nothing unique bout this. Photo shop that hood scoop onto any current sedan and you wouldnt know the difference.

WHAT is subaru thinking? The sedan looks like a corolla...sad I treasure my 04 STI
:)

I hope they fix the STI

It could be done

Greg

Man, people on Nasioc whine about the looks of every iteration of Impreza that comes out, then after a few months of it being on the road everyone loves it.

-Waits for a repeat whine fest in two more years.

Remember fellas, you sit in the car to drive it, it's not all about the exterior. I haven't owned a Subaru yet, but I like the evolution of the design. It's a little bigger, not huge and the ground clearance isn't all bad some of us live in miserable places with crappy roads/snow. Besides it's easily fixed with some fresh springs and shocks.

Subaru has to grow to survive, one of the ways to do that is to make autos which appeal to a greater audience. BMW did it in the '80's, and Porsche has gone through several recarnations of design and evolution. Cut Subaru some slack.

This is almost as bad as the Porsche forums when the 911's went from air-cooled to water cooled, '96 if memory serves. Except for a small minority no one has seen a production model yet. Reserve judgement until you've seen one in the flesh.

no words for the ugliness

Man, people on Nasioc whine about the looks of every iteration of Impreza that comes out, then after a few months of it being on the road everyone loves it.

-Waits for a repeat whine fest in two more years.

I still think the 06 is wack, so there! It at least kept the same body as the previous ones so the front end was fixable.

The new design just looks so... generic...
Looks like i'll be sticking with my 02 bugeye! :)

I am looking forward to what the new STi looks like though.

OMG the interior looks like crap too? *sigh*





/hugs my GC and promises to never let go.

I am holding out hope they look better in person than they do in these photos, but even so, I was compelled to run out to the parking lot to hug my car after seeing them.

3 people here at work have come up to me to comment on the Motor Trend cover, all saying it looks like a KIA. Told them I had to see the pictures for myself, and I guess I have to admit it does bear an unfortunate resemblance to a 2004 KIA Rio hatchback?

Only time will tell how well it does. I do like the interior though.

Going back outside for another hug.

Subaru has historically put models on the market that had a unique flare to them. They were usually pretty quickly identifiable as a Subaru. This is why I liked the gc8 and gd cars so much. They were agressive and different, not the average tercel, corolla, accord, sentra, etc.

The new impreza is not horrible looking, not great looking, not differnet. It just looks like another japanese car. That's what's really so disappointing to me. They lost their flare (figuratively in the design, and literally in the fenders).

When I pull up in my wrx, people immediately know I drive an awd turocharged street legal rally car (kinda). With the new chassis, drivers will get "Hey you got a new corolla-S... nice. :o "

Guys, it's lighter weight, has a new double wishbone suspension, and a detuned Legacy GT motor (300hp easily with a reflash). VDC comes on the Impreza. Who cares about the looks? It will be a sleeper again instead of a high-school testosterone boy car.

I'm sad. :(

I'm sad. :(

Me too.:(

Guys, it's lighter weight, has a new double wishbone suspension, and a detuned Legacy GT motor (300hp easily with a reflash). VDC comes on the Impreza. Who cares about the looks? It will be a sleeper again instead of a high-school testosterone boy car.

I'm sure it's a mechanically superior car, but it still looks like a corolla. And if they're mounting a 5mt behind a motor capable of a quick upgrade to 300hp, just watch how many more "OMG My Tranny Sploded :( " threads pop up in the next couple of years.

the rear-end shot of the wagon looks like a Matrix while the sedan shot looks like a Corolla.....disappointing

+123454677889!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:confused: :confused: :( :confused: :(

at first i thought the 04-05 sti was ugly, then it grew on me. then i bought one. then the 06 came out, and i thought it was hideous. then it grew on me. i think that i will learn to like this new one as well. but the only thing that i don't know if i can get over is that the car seems to be way bigger. the back end after the rear door seems long and unproportional. :(

I still think the 06 is wack, so there! It at least kept the same body as the previous ones so the front end was fixable.


I agree the 06 is ugly as hell, and so is the 08..what the hell have they done.

Why o Why is it a 4 door hatch? I think a 2 door hatch would make it appear better.

Hey I hate the exterior as much as the next guy... but does anyone think an interior swap is possible... a start up guage sweep and navi system is exactly what i've been wanting for my 06...

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.


Second that, what happened to the aggressive rally style that Subaru touted for years. Looks like next round I'm gonna go EVO

http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/6744/wrx5uz2.jpg

http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/3851/wrx6xv8.jpg

http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/5417/wrx3ie3.jpg

http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/2559/wrx4kx3.jpg

Off solsticeforum.com

def

Is this some sort of bad joke?

I think the value of my GC just went up!

Man o man.. I am speechless, I feel like crying... EVO is definately looking good right now, however this design may only be around a few years so one can only remain optamistic..

I hate to join everyone in the hating, but I don't like it from the pics so far...

:(

I will reserve final judgement until inspection in person though.

Waah waah waah. :rolleyes:

Every single new Subaru that has come out has been met with derision on someones part.

'02 WRX finally comes stateside. Its ugly.

Mighty STi comes in monster form 300hp/300tq. Umm, why didn't we get the high-revving JDM 2.0L?

Face lift. Its ugly.

Redesigned WRX. Waah waah waah, all over again. :huh:


Sounds like all the Porsche guys. They complained and moaned about every new model that Porsche has added to the lineup... including... the 911. Their gripe is usually about it not being a real sports car. And oh yeah, the new 911's are no longer "true" 911's because they have water cooling (for what was that again? Oh yeah, emissions. :rolleyes: )


New cars will constantly change. And the car you drive will typically be your favorite (Bugeye, GC, whatever). Look at BMW, they stumbled across what could be called the perfect look for their 3/5 series. They changed it so it would be different... and people still buy them. Its part of the game, new cars change their look.

Guys, it's lighter weight, has a new double wishbone suspension, and a detuned Legacy GT motor (300hp easily with a reflash). VDC comes on the Impreza. Who cares about the looks? It will be a sleeper again instead of a high-school testosterone boy car.

That 300 hp is not a given......

Let's wait and see what turbo it has on there plus what engine it really is. Legacy intake and I/C does not mean anything - they could be using those parts since plastic intakes and end caps are a LOT cheaper to make.

TD04 does not equal 300hp even with a reflash

So unless it has a VF43 or similar......

SubieGal is on her way to NY today - see if she gets an answer on what the blower is

That looks much betta

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/images/front_picture_library_UK/dir_425/car_photo_212758_5.jpg
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/images/front_picture_library_UK/dir_425/car_photo_212757_5.jpg

:banana:

Somethings I like, somethings I don't.

I like the 92x hoodscoop for sure!

Man, people on Nasioc whine about the looks of every iteration of Impreza that comes out, then after a few months of it being on the road everyone loves it.

-Waits for a repeat whine fest in two more years.

I still hate the bugeyes. Always will.

they overwinged it but STI could look ok if they dont fck it up

Greg

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/images/front_picture_library_UK/dir_425/car_photo_212757_5.jpg

I guess Subaru made it a little easier for me on my next car to get, cause it sure as hell wont be this thing. What are they thinking with that grill??? Sure the only one I didnt like at first was the 07 redesigned front end, but I at least figured that would grow on me, and it did I like it now. But this thing will NEVER grow on me. Before it was hands down Subaru over a Mitsu any day, but looks like Mitsu at least has their styling down to some sense, cause the Evo X kills this ugly thing....Subaru has officially went stupid.

wow -- i guess subaru is moving more toward the soccer mom aesthetic


this sedan design is such a bummer -- totally killing the herritage.

WHAT IS SUBARU THINKING??? Don't they take polls to see what the general population thinks before they design a car? LOOKS LIKE CRAP!

What in the heck is this festering bag of feces that Subaru is coming out with. I am deeply disappointed with this design. People might as well buy a Kia Rio Cinco. This is a travesty … I’m deeply offended! I guess will just have to wait til 2010-2011.

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f278/nbrill251/riocinco2004-1.jpg

http://galeon.com/psijas73/wrx5.jpg

http://galeon.com/psijas73/wrx6.jpg

http://galeon.com/psijas73/wrx7.jpg

http://galeon.com/psijas73/wrx8.jpg

http://galeon.com/psijas73/wrx9.jpg

http://galeon.com/psijas73/wrx10.jpg

:rolleyes:

CACA! If this is not a April fools joke then this my friends is the day the impreza died. long live the bugeye!

love my 06 that looks nothin like a subaru...
it kinda looks like my friends mazda 3speed. we just have 2 see wat 2010 has for us....

hey! who photoshoped a carrola and focus together?....oh wait, that's the new impreza......


Can you imagine seeing that thing in a rally?

http://www.leblogauto.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/03/Bruno/mars/subaru_wrx_fullsize_500.jpg

http://www.leblogauto.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/03/Bruno/mars/subaru_wrx_rally_review_500.jpg

http://www.subaruwrxnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/02/2008-impreza-concept-front.jpg

http://subaru.pl/forum/files/2008_impreza_concept_behind_109.jpg

http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/1168/0929mitu04thumbfw8.jpg

:(


Looks like a saab and civic si mix. Terrible where subaru, along with all the Japanese cars, are headed with their designs.




....Yep, i'm definately gonna mod my 05 away :devil: Time to seriously consider that STi swap. :lol:

http://galeon.com/psijas73/wrx2.jpg
http://galeon.com/psijas73/wrx4.jpg

yup definately not buying the new wrx... :( looks like i'm goin evo

wow...:confused:

The body is very much like the mazda or many other european small hatches for that matter. But then the engine looks out of whack? The innercooler looks very small and what's with the plastic intake? I'll reserve complete judgement until I see some performance data but over all I'm glad I bought my 2007 STI.

Ohh god it looks horrible.....I have been waiting for an awesome redesign and we get this?!

I still say 04-05 were the best. Bring those designers back :(

nothing about that car says "lighter"....

I hate how everyone is like "Oh, everybody cries about the new style when it first comes out." Yeah, not everybody likes each new design. But the only reason I hate this design the most is because it looks just like a Mazda/Carrola. I like Subaru because they USUALLY give their cars a little something different to make them stand out. Like the 06/07 pig nose. It stood out. It was different. Instead of doing something different it's like they just wanted it to fit in with all the other cars. That is what I hate. And for the people who are like "Oh but the potential power is awesome." Yeah, thats cool. But I'll never find out that potential because I would never buy/drive it. Last thing, for the people who say it can be a great sleeper and it's not like a "boy ricer highschooler car", yeah have you seen the tails on that thing?

The one thing that does interest me is that countdown thing. Are they really making a big deal over the new Impreza or something else? I haven't gotten to read much on what is going on with that but I don't think that countdown is for the Impreza. I'll always pray for a coupe though. Never going to get one, but I'll still pray.

This sucks. They kill the Legacy wagon, make the Outback ugly as hell. Now they foist this abomination upon us. Why are they wanting to offend their loyal customer base?

I think I understand what Subaru is doing by making the Impreza more appealing to a wider audience (which necessitates toning down the aggressive styling of the current model) but I think a lot of the negative backlash from the current customer base could have been avoided by naming this new WRX something different. Maybe something like the "Impreza GT," for example. The title "WRX" means something very specific in the hearts and minds of car enthusiasts world wide. Something bold, aggressive, sporty, sharp and rally-inspired. None of these adjectives come to mind when viewing the styling of this new WRX.

I believe Subaru figured this was acceptable since the new STI would fill this gap for the dedicated enthusiast. Unfortunately, many current WRX buyers are not "hardcore dedicated enthusiasts" and are not looking for (or cannot afford) something as extreme and expensive as the STI. I for one do not need 300+ hp and punishing ride of a track-ready STI... nor do I want to pay SIGNIFICANTLY more to purchase, fuel and insure one.

The sad part is that I think Subaru could easily have "eaten their cake and had it too" if they had named the new WRX something like "the Impreza GT" and made a separate Impreza WRX trim level with a more sporty/aggressive front-end, rims, spoiler, suspension etc. I can’t imagine superficial upgrades along these lines would have cost significantly more to implement and it may have been enough to meet the needs of those customers looking for a new/updated version of the old WRX. (Increasing sales).

Damn it, Subaru...!

You have my decision much easier to buy a 3-Series BMW instead of this freggin' Daewoo...

That Sedan has potential, but that hatch version as gotta go!

Lighter weight, better suspension (front double-wishbone?) and more cargo space are nothing to scoff at, will be interesting to see if the price goes up and by how much.

I too hate the styling though.

yeah so mazda 3ish anyone? plus that grille will be the first thing to go

ok im sorry the design totally lost the impreza look impreza was something that stood out against the average car this jus blends in the front in looks chrystler and the back end looks cheap with those chromed tail lights the hatch is not cool and the sedan is too plain deff disappointed in the new designs subaru please make a new model soon

{quote}I think I understand what Subaru is doing by making the Impreza more appealing to a wider audience (which necessitates toning down the aggressive styling of the current model) but I think a lot of the negative backlash from the current customer base could have been avoided by naming this new WRX something different. Maybe something like the "Impreza GT," for example. The title "WRX" means something very specific in the hearts and minds of car enthusiasts world wide. Something bold, aggressive, sporty, sharp and rally-inspired. None of these adjectives come to mind when viewing the styling of this new WRX. {quote}

totally agree man im very disappointed :(

i like the way the sedan looks..
i think the sti is gonna be crazy!

why is the hood scoop all up in the front like that..!?

What kinda spoiler is that on the sedan? Looks a bit small. Looks like a 1991 Ford Escort Spoiler or somthing. Small and it's not even sporty. Sad.

only thing i can say is that it does look less ricerific

imana buy one and put a camry badge on it:lol:

http://www.subaruwrxnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/02/2008-impreza-concept-front.jpg

That actually looks decent.....Still ugly, but it will probably grow on me as the 06 has.

Thats horrible...

man, I'm going to be sick.

If they want a 5 door, they should use the rally template above instead of their goofy SUV design.

0/10...

You keep talking about a Flash like it wont void your warranty .

looks like an american car..:o

it looks like garbage IMHO. i think the aggressive body style and fender flares were what really made the other rex's. i love the styling of my bugeye... compared to this fugly corolla-looking thing. why does subaru just keep watering down the styling over the years? the powertrain gets better every year from the 02 up, with stronger gears, then the stock 2.5 liter this last year. but the styling is just going downhill IMO. this is my first subaru but ive felt strong brand loyalty, and i knew eventually i would go for an sti after my wrx had served its purpose. but the way these new wrx's look, if i had the money to go either way, id really consider an '08 evolution. traitor, you may say, but im not very biased towards cars, as long as its fast and looks nice. i had loyalty to subaru, but IMO the 08 evo is a HOT looking car, 10x better looking than the new rex. the evos seem to get better every year. dont get me wrong i love my suby. we saw how the look of the '06 could be improved with grilles and bumpers and other aero parts, but i just cant see the new rex looking much better. losing the front fender flares in addition to other changes i cant discern just made it lose that wrx look. hopefully the sti will be alot nicer.

Blasphemy you say? Open your eyes.
http://www.kedaikopionline.com/postimg/evo1.jpg
http://www.seriouswheels.com/pics-2007/2007-Mitsubishi-Prototype-X-Side-Angle-1024x768.jpg
http://images.leftlanenews.com/content/29-2008-mitsubishi-prototype-x.jpg

Pics in this article are the 2.5i model. The WRX Still has a scoop.

http://www.drivingsportsvideo.com/subiesport/08sedan_cornering.jpg

USDM WRX Sedan

I think i just sharted..........:confused:

dissapointed with the 06 . . . . shocked at the 08 - what the heck is going on in Japan?

mmm

wait 8 years later than the rest of the world to get a WRX (1993 to 2001)

wait 5 years to get the brakes the rest of the world have had since 1998 (2001 til 2006) - get the engine yes but the same too small snail from the 2.0

and now with the EVO coming in flavors to compete with both the WRX and STi (and arguably handling better out of the box - plus very very purposeful styling) you get a new car with crappy brakes not seen on a WRX since 1998!

That new rear suspension better work miracles, cause the styling doesn't inspire - it's way too much like too many other cars.

Now yes aerodynamics are what they are but that does not force you to not have some sort of styling DNA that is your own

and WHAT THE ^*^$# is the idea of chrome where you put your hands to close the hatch?

I suspect that a LOT of the sheetmetal on the Sti is going to be different else it's going to look very bland compared to the EVO X

why didn't they just mass produce the prodrive p2?!?!?! sexiest subie ever!! am i the only that thinks subaru is going in the wrong direction? a car similar to the p2 would have so much more appeal.. hopefully this is a bad joke. and subaru has something else planned..:rolleyes:

http://static.paultan.org/proooodrive.jpg
http://static.paultan.org/101661158591.jpg
http://static.paultan.org/101661158593.jpg
http://static.paultan.org/10166120110.jpg

http://paultan.org/archives/2006/01/26/prodrive-p2/

this no longer makes me consider trading in my GC8.............. BOO HISS Subaru! Fire someone.....and FAST!!!!!

I like it...looking forward to the STi version.

omfgggggg!!!!!!!!! this bettttter be april fools joke!!!!!!!!!!!???? god pleasee..........

*choking back vomit*

Like MetallicA said....Sad but true...


And I am only left to cry and sob "Why?"

What a difference some pictures make. I like the way the car looks in the OP, although I'm still not sold on those tails (ouch). Who knows, maybe we'll look back on this design 5-10 years from now and beg for it to come back.

-Mike

:( I thought i was going to see a wrx, not a corolla. This thing looks like s**t. What was subaru thinking? where are the fender flares? Where is the look that no other car has? Oh yeah, it still had a scoop. Honestly, it looks like a corolla with a scoop. boo subaru boo

I don't know Mike...as much as I'm wanting this design to go away (far, far away), I don't think that I'll EVER wish for it to return...

The latest photos and specs have me convinced that I will like the new Imprezas when I get to drive one. I'll bet most of you guys will too. The interiors look great and the exteriors look like, well, Subarus. Yes, I love the way my GF OBS looks and my SF Forester and my GD Bugeye 2.5RS too but frankly I think in a few months they will just start to look old compared to the new cars. One of the new Imprezas or maybe the '09 Forester will probably get me back into a Subaru showroom. Time to buy something designed in this century.

Noticed one thing though. I haven't seen a roof rail yet. That makes me think that the '09 Forester will be the replacement Impreza Wagon for the missing 2.5i Wagon and the OBS.

i kind of like it. it'll probably look better in person. the interior is pretty awesome as far as i'm concerned - taken from the B9. i should be ready to get a new one next year and depending on what the STI looks like, i should be able to choose between the 2007 and whatever the new one looks like if dealers still have a few 07's left over.

Guys, it's lighter weight, has a new double wishbone suspension, and a detuned Legacy GT motor (300hp easily with a reflash). VDC comes on the Impreza. Who cares about the looks? It will be a sleeper again instead of a high-school testosterone boy car.

Anyone know how *much* lighter?

Also, is the double-wishbone rear only, or front and rear?

i kind of like it. it'll probably look better in person. the interior is pretty awesome as far as i'm concerned - taken from the B9. i should be ready to get a new one next year and depending on what the STI looks like, i should be able to choose between the 2007 and whatever the new one looks like if dealers still have a few 07's left over.

the buzz I heard (as given to the dealers when they were shown the images a few weeks back) was the Sti would not be here in the US until late 2008 (fall) as an 09.

so it will be questionable if there will be any STi's around after the 07's are finished being built until that time.

I suspect we will see a special legacy or similar to fill the gap in the meantime

Anyone know how *much* lighter?

Also, is the double-wishbone rear only, or front and rear?

Supposedly 50lbs on the hatch but is that compared to the GD sedan or wagon?

Struts in front double wishbone in the rear just like the Legacy

Originally Posted by scott_gunn VDC comes on the Impreza.

VDC is NOT DCCD.......

It's stability control and typically acts by pulling throttle and/or applying brakes......

New Impreza Makes Debut at NYAS[/SIZE]
By Ryan Douthit, Subiesport Magazine (http://www.subiesport.com)

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. =41&limit=1&limitstart=0"]Subiesport Magazine Story[/URL]



What the F---- are they talking about. AWD is known for it's forgivieness. Especially our beloved understeering WRX. Nannies are for kids.

The sedan looks like a corolla

What the F---- are they talking about. AWD is known for it's forgivieness. Especially our beloved understeering WRX. Nannies are for kids.

Nannies, provided they are switchable, are for everybody. I'll take switchable VDC anyday--in fact, the next car I buy, probably an Evo X or STI, will have a form of VDC or I won't be buying it.

that is NOT a hot hatch. its a friggin crossover suv/sus. looks absolutely terible.

btw the weight was probaly lost by taking layers out of the unibody fraim rails meaning thiner b pillars and rails than weve been used to (the heavy 5 layer unbreakable safety factors) making it flopier than cotton candy.

im keeping my gc and then im buying an evo.

Nannies, provided they are switchable, are for everybody. I'll take switchable VDC anyday--in fact, the next car I buy, probably an Evo X or STI, will have a form of VDC or I won't be buying it.

What next, cars that follow sensors in the road? :lol: Yes I know, they'll be here before we know it.

If you want someone (or something) to drive for you, then take the bus?

I...I...really don't even know what to say.

It doesn't drive for you--it corrects errors. You do make errors, don't you?

What next, cars that follow sensors in the road? :lol: Yes I know, they'll be here before we know it.

If you want someone (or something) to drive for you, then take the bus?

If you want to get from Point A to Point B, why would you even used mechanized transportation?

Switchable traction control is a reasonable safety feature that should be on all cars. Nobody drives with their A-Game 100% of the time.

:p

so sad...so sad

*choking back vomit*

Like MetallicA said....Sad but true...


And I am only left to cry and sob "Why?"

yeah, and the impreza just took a dive like metallica...:lol: :banana: thank god i bought an '06..

If you want to get from Point A to Point B, why would you even used mechanized transportation?

Switchable traction control is a reasonable safety feature that should be on all cars. Nobody drives with their A-Game 100% of the time.

:p

Yes it is

But - many people get VDC and DCCD confused....

And if some lobby groups get there way and as some manufacturer's have already - it is not switchable.

BMW is a classic case - people were begging for a 5 with a manual transmission but when they got it, the traction control is not switchable and the end result is a slower car than the auto version.

what is it? i'm seeing Ford, Toyota, Suzuki, et. al. I just bought an '07 2.5i Sport Wagon, but was thinking about waiting to see what the new '08 would look like. Now I'm really glad I bought now!! Will this be the World Rally Cup car of the future? Subie's web site is counting down to some big announcment. I'm betting that this is it. Maybe '09 will look better.

while Mitsubishi is trading in the idea of an econo-based lancer,and going to a bad ass platform for the evo(even the plain Lancer is actually good looking), subaru is going from bad ass impreza to econo-box trash. What is Subaru thinking!?!?!?

My six year old nephew just commented on how un subaru like this new design is by saying "it looks like a hyundai!?" and "why would subaru make such an awful car?" If a six year old can see it, why cant Subaru see it? The EVO looks like it is dead on with next gen looks...

This is how the redone Legacy GT should have looked! Instead the Legacy looks almost identical to a certain ford.
One of the best things about the wrx exterior has been the flared fenders!
Now it has the same basic shape as the is300.

corolla for the win

Looks really toned down, doesnt look like its a descendant of a rally car or even inspired by one. Im sure it drives great and once behind the wheel it has a similar feel to the older imprezas but it doesnt look the part. I have to see one in person i guess

Damn TOYOTA influence kicking in ............ i see where the 7% owner ship went lol

Corolla Type S FTW for sure

Well, I can say this... If someone gave me one for free, I would sell it and spend the money on my 99 RS coupe, and on my GF's bugeye wagon, both of which I have a tremendous new appreciation for. Hopefully this 08' ugliness was just a brain fart, or someone got fired over it, and they'll be back to the good stuff soon.

It appears to have a frame around the door windows. That in itself is enough for me to NOT buy one.

And all this time I thought they would stop mounting the engine in the headlights, and move it back a bit. The interior is definately an improvement, though not as big of an improvement as the Evos interior. The sedan ,imo, looks better than the hatch, but then again I've never liked the look of 5 door hatchbacks. If your going to make a 5 door hatchback, why not just call it a wagon?

The sedan does have its problems though, as most have said it doesnt have the fender flares that have been on all of the previous WRXs (usdm or otherwise I believe). But also I noticed the roof looks a bit too high, and the height of the bottom of the bumpers and sideskirts compared to the wheel gap looks very off and cheap, probably where most are seeing the resemblance to a carolla.

I like the idea of a sleeper, but I think this car is too much of a sleeper. Sorry but I dont feel like spending 25k or more for a car thats supposed to be rally inspired, but instead is trying to look like the far cheaper econoboxes that arent even their competitors.

im going to go with eeeewwww but then again itll probably grow on my like the 06's did kinda. but the my 01 gc8 is still the ultimate:D

the sedan looks like a corolla to me, i cant get over it.. subaru! booo to you

Wow... I don't even think theres any words... Hopefully the tragic belly flop this thing does in the market will be a sign to the fellas at Subaru. Then again think of all the old chicks and weird-o guys that will be buying all the new models...

Were screwed.

The new design just looks so... generic...
Looks like i'll be sticking with my 02 bugeye! :)

I am looking forward to what the new STi looks like though.

I'm with you!

Actually, I don't think the 4-door looks too terribly bad, but expect the STI version to look better. Interior looks pretty nice too. The wagon/hatchback...um, no. I'll stick with mine...thanks!

The sedan look like a mean Corolla....

Nobody drives with their A-Game 100% of the time.

:p

You would only need your "A-Game" if you were at the limit of your and/or the car's capabilities for a given situation. Which should never be the case on public roads. Drive with a margin of safety.

who did they get this time to design the cars???? it still blows.... i think i'll keep my 05 thank you.. i hope the sti is COMPLETELY different.

That looks like something my parents might drive . . . . :(

So much EMO in here.

This car will do well.

I remember quite well:

People dissed the bugeyes in '02. now they like it.

People dissed the peanut eye in '04, now they like it.

People dissed the 'horus' eye in '06, now they like it.

This shape too, will grow on people, especially the sedan.

To me, it's a set of lowering springs and 18"wheels away from looking great.

If that's no consolation, just consider that with subies, you never have to wait more than 2 years for the front end to change :lol:

someone should bump all the omg '06 are so hideous topipcs.. then we count how many of those posters now own one themselves. i still think the '06s are ugly, and the 08's look way too bland. but that's nothing an aftermarket or jdm lip can't fix. when was the last time someone replied in the members' gallery that your 06-07 is ugly as hell?!

I didn't like the '06 style at first, but it grew on me quickly. That was edgy and different, this is just... boring and bland.

Slabside FTL. :(

I just hope she finally treats Chris and Petter well next year. I'll hold my judgement on her looks untill I see her in her work clothes. ;)

a rebadged corolla.
or is it a KIA?
soon to be killed in action?

someone should bump all the omg '06 are so hideous topipcs.. then we count how many of those posters now own one themselves. i still think the '06s are ugly, and the 08's look way too bland. but that's nothing an aftermarket or jdm lip can't fix. when was the last time someone replied in the members' gallery that your 06-07 is ugly as hell?!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v462/jumpmayn23/08WRX2.jpg
a PS done by jumpman23 on i-club. i think it looks pretty sweet, imagine the STI with bigger wheels and fender flares :cool:

Hopefully I'll awake to this being a bad dream! Looks like Subaru is trying to uglify the impreza so much that no one will buy one so they can get rid of it and sell more of the Legacy.