I was reading the current issue of EVO (Feb/04) when I fell on a article about the new 2005 Euro safety rules.

And in that article, found this:

"The basic difficulty for Engineers trying to meet the new regulations is the profusion of hard points under the car skin. Areas such as the tops of the front struts, the engin cam cover, the steel bars behind the bumper and even the turbo intercoolers mounted on top of the engine (as used by Subaru) are all potentially hugely hazardous to a pedestrian."

And probably the hoodscoop will not be seen as pedestrian friendly?

They say the reguations come in effect late 2005. So the question is as Subaru models are designed for the world market, how will this more specifcally impact the new impreza design coming out soon.


Could not find a current document on the regulations but found this:

http://www.etsc.be/pre_11july01.htm

There are some references in the press release that Subaru UK published over a year ago (Jan 3, 2003) about the re-designed ("New Look") Impreza (equivalent to the US 2004 model with the enlarged hood scoop). The release is at http://www.subaru.co.uk/IMGGB/WWW/Subaru_news_events.nsf/WebInternetNewsByDDate/A7E0CADE8CE5C32380256D57003A5DEE/$FILE/New_look_Impreza_20030103.pdf and has several mentions of "pedestrian-friendly" features (wipers and bonnet?). Obviously, FHI is aware of, and trying to cater to, Euro safety standards. I imagine, as a by-product, that US Imprezas also have "pedestrian-friendly" wipers and hoods. :)

"Outside, pedestrian injury is reduced thanks to a more rounded contour to the top of the
front bumper, a gently curved bonnet and windscreen wipers which crush, softening any
impact."

And probably is a reason behind the more bulgy hood of the 2004 models. Giving more crumple distance between the hood and the motor. Hopefully this is enough to keep them happy!

You can read what Subaru says about the re-designed Legacy's pedestrian safety at http://www.subaru-global.com/lineup/legacy/wagon/safety/protection.html. And the Forester's description is at http://www.subaru-global.com/lineup/forester/safety/bonnet.html.

This interview with a Forester designer is also germane: http://www.subaru-global.com/lineup/forester/interview/05.html.

Originally posted by Choose
"Outside, pedestrian injury is reduced thanks to a more rounded contour to the top of the
front bumper, a gently curved bonnet and windscreen wipers which crush, softening any
impact."

And probably is a reason behind the more bulgy hood of the 2004 models. Giving more crumple distance between the hood and the motor. Hopefully this is enough to keep them happy!



:lol: It seems to me that rather than protect pedestrials, the '04 hood scoop is more likely to impale them :)

Or inhale them in the case of the STi

lol

The new turbo legacy's hood is starting to look like a cheese grater to me :huh:

I would hope that the plastic scoops on the imprezas would shatter or tear away on impact.. rather than take a bite out of any windsheild destined pedestrians.

i wonder if the new plastic intake manifold/side flow intercooler (on the 2.5 turbo) have anything to do with these new rules. i thought i read in autoweek that one rule specifies something like 5 inches of clearence between the hood and any solid motor parts?

just a thought.