so then you will see the real deal :huh:

that is some of the coolest news i've heard today... :must go to rally mexico:... oh wait i actually might be :D

so then you will see the real deal :huh:

Proof or link please.

Bob

if this is true, it makes some sense that the new impreza will debut at Geneva. but a link or some real evidence would be nice.

WRC.com only has mention of Skoda and Mitsu plans of releasing new cars in Mexico (http://www.wrc.com/page/BreakingNewsDetail/0,,10111~628961,00.html). So as above, I want to see proof

Count me in too, I want proof. I'm deciding if I want to go down to Mexico for the Rally or not, if the new Impreza is going to be released that would help my decision alot ;)

PLENTY of mention of it on the web, from the horse's mouth in many cases too.

from http://www.tiscali.co.uk/motoring/crashnet/2005/01/18/news/worldrally/104357.html
David Lapworth:
"We'll be following a slightly conservative approach for the first two rallies, both technically and in terms of driver strategy. Monte Carlo and Sweden are specialised and the focus is on tyres and tactics, so we feel there's little to be gained by introducing a new car at this time. These are events where you capitalise on experience.

"From Mexico onwards, it's the car that counts and that's when the Subaru Impreza WRC2005 comes along. We start being less conservative and more focused on wins. That said, we think Petter in the Impreza WRC2004 car is more than capable of achieving podium results on the first two events."


from http://www.subaru.co.nz/Rally_News_Results/News/index.php?article=749
Claiming ten points in the Drivers and Manufacturers Championships, the result marked Subarus 45th WRC victory, the 44th with the Impreza, and was a perfect SWRT finale for the WRC2004 model, which will be replaced for the next event in Mexico.
~~
Rally Mexico will see the first competitive outing of the latest evolution of the Subaru Impreza, the WRC2005.


from Rally Paradise, FIA entry list for Rally Mexico
http://netti.nic.fi/~globe/rally/paradise/wrc/2005/entry_mex.htm
SWRT PETTER SOLBERG/Philip Mills N/GB 5 Subaru Impreza WRC2005
SWRT CHRIS ATKINSON/Glenn MacNeall AUS 6 Subaru Impreza WRC2005

Although the thread at http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?p=8391958 indicates that Subaru's new WRC car will debut in the Mexico WRC next month, it also casts serious doubt about whether it'll look any different than Subaru's current WRC car.

woooHOOOO!! i'm ready to see it thanks for the confirmation
:banana: :disco: :banana: :disco: :banana:

']Although the thread at http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?p=8391958 indicates that Subaru's new WRC car will debut in the Mexico WRC next month, it also casts serious doubt about whether it'll look any different than Subaru's current WRC car.

Yeah, the new WRC cars come out every year and traditionally Subaru debuts them after the first two snow-ish rounds of the WRC. This will just this years WRC car (which is only slightly different then the 04, which is slightly different then 03). There is absolutely nothing to indicate that this will be the debut of the new body style.

What month does the '06 hit the floor?

']Although the thread at http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?p=8391958 indicates that Subaru's new WRC car will debut in the Mexico WRC next month, it also casts serious doubt about whether it'll look any different than Subaru's current WRC car.

That suggests that the dimensions shouldn't change much from the current model, if the shell remains as is.

Bob

I suspect that there's some confusion here. The SWRT's introduction of a new season's rally car does not necessarily correspond to the introduction of a new production version of that car (as nKoan points out).

Ed

so then you will see the real deal :huh:

<http://www.autoweek.com/article.cms?articleId=101815> :cool:
read down the story in this weeks Autoweek on newstands now

so then you will see the real deal :huh:
this weeks Autoweek, read down the article for Rally Mexico

<http://www.autoweek.com/article.cms?articleId=101815> :eek:

this weeks Autoweek, read down the article for Rally Mexico

<http://www.autoweek.com/article.cms?articleId=101815> :eek:

From Soberg's comment, it suggests the whole ball of wax, which to me includes styling. Should be interesting...

Bob

“Now we are square and the fight really begins,” promised Solberg. “Subaru has a new car for the next rally in Mexico, and I’m confident it will be one of the biggest steps forward we ever take. I think everyone can expect quite a surprise.”

That's pretty clear.


I'm guessing it will be the new body style. A facelift at MINIMUM, possibly even a new chassis designation, i.e. GC->GD->Gx

Why is the new model getting "UFO status"? (As in, NO ONE will believe it until they see it?)

more n likely it will just new goodies on the current shell/chassis

(Weasel 555 posting under bunny's sn)

I agree with Weasel 555. Petter is likely excited by what's new under the skin of the new 2005 WRC car, not the skin itself. And, of course, there was no mention of WRX or STi in that article.

Why is the new model getting "UFO status"? (As in, NO ONE will believe it until they see it?)Everyone believes there will be a new re-designed Impreza on sale this year because FHI's chairman has said so. What's not clear is whether we'll see its design for the first time in Mexico next month.

Question... where does Subaru do its WRC testing? I ask this, as one could assume that any new WRC car would undergo rigorous field testing before being introduced to the circuit. Rigorous field trials equate to a lot of open air, photo ops of the new rally car. I personally, have seen no such shots. Is Subaru that good at keeping such a car away from the press?

It would be rather difficult Im sure to get into a WRC testing site unless the team wanted you there.

Understood, but photos can be taken from a great distance with the proper lens, and cars still need to be transported to and from... maybe they are that tight with security, it just seems we should have seen something by now if they had been testing the new MY in the open.

I was just thinking about that testing too. Seems like Brenda Priddy et al could make a fortune just by renting a helicopter (which tends to bypass any security/secrecy issues - just ask celebrities) and snapping pictures all day if they knew where this sort of testing was done.

If you knew where it was happening...

All they have to find is a curvy road high on a mountain in the middle of nowhere and vwala, secret testing site. Plus, WRC transporter trailers are closed trailers right?

Question... where does Subaru do its WRC testing? I ask this, as one could assume that any new WRC car would undergo rigorous field testing before being introduced to the circuit. Rigorous field trials equate to a lot of open air, photo ops of the new rally car. I personally, have seen no such shots. Is Subaru that good at keeping such a car away from the press?Perhaps Subaru cajoled its part owner, GM, into letting it use some unused (i.e. unpaved) portions of GM's AZ proving grounds facility?

PLENTY of mention of it on the web, from the horse's mouth in many cases too.

from http://www.tiscali.co.uk/motoring/crashnet/2005/01/18/news/worldrally/104357.html



from http://www.subaru.co.nz/Rally_News_Results/News/index.php?article=749



from Rally Paradise, FIA entry list for Rally Mexico
http://netti.nic.fi/~globe/rally/paradise/wrc/2005/entry_mex.htm


Ok guys, the WRC2005 Impreza isnt the new impreza, its just an improved version on the 2004 car. Probably only going to be very minor aerodynamic changes, some suspension changes, and engine changes. Nothing to cream yourself over. Youll just have to wait a few more months for a REAL debut.

~Leor

All they have to find is a curvy road high on a mountain in the middle of nowhere and vwala, ...Vwala?

I think he meant to say, "voila."

I think he meant to say, "voila."


:lol: :lol: :lol:

Rumors of past mention 330 HP with Electronic stability control in STI for USA. "Freshing" body and suspension and adding to options. Did they add the longer nose to acomidate a front intercooler?

WRC racers are based on production cars (at least in theory). Meaning there have to be a certain amount production versions available, right? If that's the case, can Subaru introduce a new racer if its production counterpart is not yet available to the public?

Bob

look if SWRT /Prodrive had a new car(as in body shell) etc we all would of seen it by now.
I think it would be a lil fool hardy to start now with a "new car" (as in shell) since its 3 weeks to WRC Mexico especially since it takes time to evolve parts/equipment get them tested and FIA homologated. Since there are new FIA 2006 rules that will be coming into effect and i'm sure any constructor/manufacturer would like to exploit the FIA rules to the max.

so i expect the new WRC to have wider fenders than the new STI but be pretty similar in body style. A auto shifying manual trans ( SMG or DSG style) would be a nice option

"I think he meant to say, "voila."

DOH!
I knew it didn't look right, oh well, it was late, gimme a break.

http://www.webwombat.com.au/motoring/news_reports/subaru-wrx-2006.htm

http://www.webwombat.com.au/motoring/news_reports/subaru-wrx-2006.htm

....And?

~Leor

http://www.webwombat.com.au/motoring/news_reports/subaru-wrx-2006.htm
Please don't start. Thats fake.

I expect Subaru to redesign their front bumper. They don't want Argentina to repeat itself do they?


-Mark
MAPmotors.com

They don't want Argentina to repeat itself do they?Really, who could stand something called Argentina, Argentina?
:huh:

Please don't start. Thats fake.

I expect Subaru to redesign their front bumper. They don't want Argentina to repeat itself do they?


-Mark
MAPmotors.com

Yes, that was a problem... (Click) (http://www.srh.noaa.gov/serfc/archive/Manatee/photos/dam.jpg)

I remember when the bugeye was changed, images of the new design applied to the wrc car was available in SWRT website way ahead before its debut. So, i doubt there will be any new look/redesign unvailed in Mexico.

I'll kiss everyone's butt on this thread if the wrc2005 is anything but just the new and improved race car. Those of you who follow the races know what I'm talking about. They come out with a 'new' car every year. The last time there was a complete change in the body stlying, the styling was old news. C'mon noobs, start watching more rallies. Everyone who own a Subaru should be contractually obligated to watch rally events.

I am interested in seeing a different interior. The change from 04-05 was great, but very simple for Subaru to do. They need to put some darker colors in the interior and change the center console around a bit (maybe some better materials, thats a long shot though). Please, please, please get some better seats.

According to Petter Solberg, "Subaru has a new car for the next rally in Mexico, and I'm confident it will be one of the biggest steps forward we ever take. I think everyone can expect quite a surprise." (Feb. 21, AutoWeek)
That sounds a bit more than just the usual yearly freshening.

Let's start making bets.....

According to Petter Solberg, "Subaru has a new car for the next rally in Mexico, and I'm confident it will be one of the biggest steps forward we ever take. I think everyone can expect quite a surprise." (Feb. 21, AutoWeek)
That sounds a bit more than just the usual yearly freshening.

People, they said the EXACT same thing this time last year.

There were regulation changes in the WRC, so the WRC car will be a little wider, with some new materials. The biggest difference that's rumored is the powerplant. Petter has said it's about 20bhp down on the other cars, if not more, so it's expected to get a power boost. I doubt the skin of the car will reflect the new body, but it might.

Of note, it's impressive the Impreza was so fast on gravel since it was "underpowered".

Oh, they start testing the Impreza 2005WRC this week I think.

Oh, they start testing the Impreza 2005WRC this week I think.

Yup and a few pics are already up in rally-live.com

...no "tribeca" styling found! :D

Who honestly thought they would release a entirly new car at mexico anyways... I wouldnt belive any of the new impreza pictures till theres a car fully made and pictures of it on subarus site.

first to post actual photo wins!

Courtisy of Rally-Live.com
Pictures of the car being tested.
http://img166.exs.cx/img166/1499/diapo1050fa.jpg

direct link: http://rally.racing-live.com/en/index.html?http://rally.racing-live.com/en/photos/2005/index_latest.shtml

Yup and a few pics are already up in rally-live.com

...no "tribeca" styling found! :D

Edit: Beat me too it, but these are the rest of them

http://rally.racing-live.com/photos/2005/tests17/diapo_102.jpg
http://rally.racing-live.com/photos/2005/tests17/diapo_104.jpg
http://rally.racing-live.com/photos/2005/tests17/diapo_105.jpg

Are you talking these pictures

Looks like he broke one of the windows...

Dose anyone know where they are testing this?

boooooooooooring :rolleyes:

:p

Looks like he broke one of the windows...

Dose anyone know where they are testing this?
I think in Spain. They can only test in Europe if memory serves me.

think the fact that the unpainted front fenders and front bumper look odd? Maybe when the actual race car debuts at Mexico, it will have the new look front end attached?

Bob

think the fact that the unpainted front fenders and front bumper look odd? Maybe when the actual race car debuts at Mexico, it will have the new look front end attached?

Bob


To me it just looks like this is the beater car and the Black fenders and bumper are primered body panels that replaced cracked up ones.

Nice Beater!

No new info, guess we will have to wait 2 more weeks.

maybee teting more hydodynamic nose that won't destruct when going through puddles

Just hope the new improvements are reliable, since they engine must be sealed and used for two events.

think the fact that the unpainted front fenders and front bumper look odd? Maybe when the actual race car debuts at Mexico, it will have the new look front end attached?

Bob


interesting way to look at it.

Seriously, I'll bet you $20 that it won't. :D

think the fact that the unpainted front fenders and front bumper look odd? Maybe when the actual race car debuts at Mexico, it will have the new look front end attached?

Bob

Since testing is all about trying out new developments/designs, then why hide a new front end if there's one. Still looks like no fresh look to me...at least not this year!

Does anyone think Subaru hasn't had much luck with new drivers? They tried Mikko Makinen last year without success. They replaced Mikko with two new guys and they haven't been impressive so far.

Are there any reasons they can't bring back Colin McRae?

Solberg isn't doing all that bad.

as long as soldberg is around, its all good

lol, he was saying in autoweek he wants to win 10 stages this season, i think 6 is the record? hes a machine, im so glad hes on our side,lol

Solberg is so dreaammyy :)

http://img28.exs.cx/img28/5661/untitled1fy.jpg

dude what are you talking about! Subaru has a long reputation of developing young drivers, Solberg being the latest. Mikko Hivronen (not Makinen) is one of the few they have given up on after one year. They must have seen something in Mikko that they really didn't like in order to give up on him after putting so much into him last season. I for one have faith that one of these new guys will develop into a very good driver.

dude what are you talking about! Subaru has a long reputation of developing young drivers, Solberg being the latest. Mikko Hivronen (not Makinen) is one of the few they have given up on after one year. They must have seen something in Mikko that they really didn't like in order to give up on him after putting so much into him last season. I for one have faith that one of these new guys will develop into a very good driver.

IIRC, Lapworth said Mikko showed resonable results for a first year drive but he seemed to lack the agressiveness that made McRae, Burns, Solberg and Markko Martin all world class drivers (even though Subaru didn't get to make him such, Lapworth really liked Martin during his short time at Subaru). I also think there was an issue with his press presence (or lack thereof)

Any news of Richard Burns' return?

but the lack of news is not encouaging

think the fact that the unpainted front fenders and front bumper look odd? Maybe when the actual race car debuts at Mexico, it will have the new look front end attached?

Bob
I have to agree that the new look is not indicated by these unpainted fenders. My reason is that the hood, and more importantly the headlights, are unchanged. The unfinished panels still obviously fit to the current body style. Any change to the concept photos we have seen would incorporate both a new hood, and new headlights. Fenders and front valance would need to change appreciatively to accommodate such a change. We do not see such a change here.

one thing to keep in mind is that they dont need the new body to test the innerworkings of the car, i'm sure you guys have seen and heard of the infamous new "GTR" that has been caught roaming around during its test phase with a G35 "skyline 350gt" shell. the internals can be whats going into the new car while the shell itself isnt ready for the public to see, or maybe its being tested in phases and we are yet to be surpised soon enough.....

dude what are you talking about! Subaru has a long reputation of developing young drivers, Solberg being the latest. Mikko Hivronen (not Makinen) is one of the few they have given up on after one year. They must have seen something in Mikko that they really didn't like in order to give up on him after putting so much into him last season. I for one have faith that one of these new guys will develop into a very good driver.
Umm Solberg came up through Ford, granted he didn't win much till he was in a scooby

Interesting comments by David Lapworth......does sound like something major is afoot, but the Mexico debut of the "new" car is not set in stone....we shall see.

http://www.tiscali.co.uk/motoring/crashnet/2004/12/16/news/worldrally/103717.html

I stand corrected, thank you.

Subaru has been good about keeping secrets in the past, I'm hoping we see a brand new machine, new looks, more power, better everything.... :D

aside from soldberg, they have some australian kid as there other driver, never been in a WRC car, but seems promising, hes not proven obviously, but with soldberg as sort of a mentor, he will blossim and subaru will be laughing all the way to the finish line.

Solberg is so dreaammyy :)

http://img28.exs.cx/img28/5661/untitled1fy.jpg


bwahahahahhahaa

one thing to keep in mind is that they dont need the new body to test the innerworkings of the car, i'm sure you guys have seen and heard of the infamous new "GTR" that has been caught roaming around during its test phase with a G35 "skyline 350gt" shell. the internals can be whats going into the new car while the shell itself isnt ready for the public to see, or maybe its being tested in phases and we are yet to be surpised soon enough.....

Or, it could mean that there is no new shell (apart from the wider stance now allowed by the FIA rules) and the "new" WR Car is just an evolution of the internals.

There has been a change to the WRC regulations that allow longer cars to use wider tracks, one of the cars affected by this change is the Impreza. The front fenders most likely are wider than the outgoing car's to accomodate the wider track. I doubt they changed the rear panels on the test car, as there's more to installing them when compared to the front, and the rear wheels don't turn. Also, the front bumper is going to mildly redesigned to help aerodynamics, as well as to resolve the issue with watersplashes (which was caused because the car produced too much downforce.) If there WAS to be a change to the entire front end, it would be shown here, because the change would certainly affect air flow. It would be foolish of Prodrive to test old aerodynamics and airflow setups, then use a totally new, untested setup at the event.

Besides, why the hell would they paint test parts? Waste of money since the part may have a few revisions before it's finalized for the event.

Also, although the rules as far as road cars and WRC cars is a bit different from days of old, they do have to have a number of cars on the road of which the WRC car is based prior to releasing a WRC car based on a new vehicle (if memory serves me). It's different from when the WRC car had to have a similar road car (i.e. Lancer EVO, WRX STi, Sierra Cosworth, etc). I'm pretty sure if Subaru launched the WRC car BEFORE the road car hit the streets, it would be in violation of FIA regulations.

one thing to keep in mind is that they dont need the new body to test the innerworkings of the car, i'm sure you guys have seen and heard of the infamous new "GTR" that has been caught roaming around during its test phase with a G35 "skyline 350gt" shell. the internals can be whats going into the new car while the shell itself isnt ready for the public to see, or maybe its being tested in phases and we are yet to be surpised soon enough.....

That can be true if your talking road cars, but we're not. They're testing a competition vehicle that relies heavily on aerodynamics. They have to test the car as a solid unit to get the data they need. It's the same in just about every form of racing, the test mules are pretty much racing spec without all the livery.

aside from soldberg, they have some australian kid as there other driver, never been in a WRC car, but seems promising, hes not proven obviously, but with soldberg as sort of a mentor, he will blossim and subaru will be laughing all the way to the finish line.

Chris Atkinson. He made his way up to 9th place before he ran into troubles that dropped him down. He's gonna be one to watch for sure.

So will it still be a turbo flat 4 motor? I thought there was talk about some drastic rule changes last year? Or is that for 2006?

The WRC2005 will be like the WRC2000, the first outings will probably be in the current bodyshell.

Glenn

So will it still be a turbo flat 4 motor? I thought there was talk about some drastic rule changes last year? Or is that for 2006?

The proposed changes were struck down. And it was for 2006, not 2005 anyways.

http://www.wrc.com/page/BreakingNewsDetail/0,,10111~631130,00.html

Solberg talks about new Subaru

2003 world champion Petter Solberg has talked for the first time about the car that he hopes will deliver him his second world title. The Norwegian tested the 2005-specification Subaru Impreza WRC - which is set to get its competitive debut on next month's Corona Rally Mexico - for three days in Sardinia last week.

Although Subaru has not talked officially about the new car, it is understood to feature a new roll-cage and wider suspension track - allowed under new rules for 2005 - as well as improvements to the engine and turbocharger. Modifications to the transmission and hydraulics have been limited, as these are likely to be areas in which less development is allowed for 2006 under new cost-cutting regulations.

"The chassis and stuff like that I'm pleased with," Solberg told Motorsport News after his first taste of the car late last week. "The guys have done a really good job. Now we will see if it comes up to expectations on the rally. I still have to work on small details, but most of the car is there."

Only Peugeot and Mitsubishi have so far unveiled totally-new cars for the 2005 season. Reigning champion Citroen and current championship leader Ford will use modified versions of last year's car, while Skoda is set to unveil an Evo 2 version of its Skoda Fabia WRC alongside the new Subaru in Mexico.

http://www.swrt.com/687717.html

Hey does anyone know what city in Mexico the rally takes place in.. I wana go see that shiznit!! I wonder how far of a drive it is From AZ, But If anyone is near it would be well worth it to see a real rally..

But hey if any of you have any info P.M me Please

Never mind!! Its in Guanajuato City Like smack dab in the middle of mexico :(
Dang Its like 1,000 miles from pohenix guess I cant go

http://www.swrt.com/687717.html
Un-loaded on arrival, the car went unnoticed as it was pushed into a photography studio normally reserved for high-profile fashion photography. The car was there in order for the team to obtain a selection of images ahead of its launch on 28 February.

~~

Any grey areas on the white canvas were scrupulously touched up, while the Impreza was polished and preened under the studio’s huge lights, which illuminated its many new features.

Are people really still saying the car is going to look just like the current model? Wow, folks... heads in the sand!

So tomorrow is the launch. I hope the new design is simlar to the GC8! I hope they sway away from the Tribeca look.

Are people really still saying the car is going to look just like the current model? Wow, folks... heads in the sand!


these two threads should be merged ... they say the EXACT same things ...

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=723380

Are people really still saying the car is going to look just like the current model? Wow, folks... heads in the sand!

you obviously havent read too much on it. This isnt going to a be a drastic new change to the car. Its just a few minor difference to match the regulations (to use a formula 1 anology, its like the difference between the Ferrari F2004 and the F2004M) its just to fit the regulations. Itll just be a little wider, a different roll cage, maybe a somewhat different suspension and a hp increase. THATS IT! Its not gunna look lke the 2006 concept or anything. In two weeks you will all know how minor this is.

Actually, by tomorrow we'll know what the WRC2005 car looks like when official photos are released.....I hope we're in for a surprise.

so the official pics are comin out tomorrow??? great :)

so the official pics are comin out tomorrow??? great :)

Unfortunately the grotesque photochops of the next Impreza will probably continue, as my guess is the 2005 WRC is still based on the current body. Its "many new features" are probably quite big changes from a WRC perspective - maybe vastly improved aerodynamics, and other enhancement - but nothing indicative of the next Impreza redesign.

Yea, the face is going to be the same. When have we ever had a redesign introduced with the WRC car.

It would be cool if it were though.

The SWRT website has been updated with pictures of the 2005WRC Impreza at http://www.swrt.com/689152.html. Here are some enlargements from elsewhere:
http://www.crash.net/pictures/view/127405.jpg

http://www.crash.net/pictures/view/127400.jpg

http://www.crash.net/pictures/view/127403.jpg

http://www.crash.net/pictures/view/127401.jpg

http://www.crash.net/pictures/view/127406.jpg

http://www.crash.net/pictures/view/127407.jpg

Additional images are available at http://www.subaru-sti.co.jp/e/news/050228/index.html.

STi's press release issued today about the 2005WRC Impreza, with a list of changes and specifications, is available at http://www.subaru-sti.co.jp/e/news/news050001.html.

Unfortunately the grotesque photochops of the next Impreza will probably continue

the next Impreza will have a flux capacitor and continuem transfunctioner...sorry I got nothing.

So much for the hype. Let the photoshopping commence.

the next Impreza will have a flux capacitor and continuem transfunctioner...Wow, thanks for explaining why Subaru of America is trying to get a trademark on Continuum (see http://tarr.uspto.gov/servlet/tarr?regser=serial&entry=76581151). I could never figure out what that trademark application was all about before your post.
:)

']Wow, thanks for explaining why Subaru of America is trying to get a trademark on Continuum (see http://tarr.uspto.gov/servlet/tarr?regser=serial&entry=76581151). I could never figure out what that trademark application was all about before your post.
:)
oh dear, I've said too much!!



;)

Right side exhaust?!?

Right side exhaust?!?

The WRC car has had it on the right for years.

http://www.swrt.com/cpimages/689464.jpg


Big version here:

http://www.swrt.com/cpimages/689463.jpg

wOw this sux after all this hype and nothing new :(

wOw this sux after all this hype and nothing new :(

something weve been trying to say the whole time. Not our fault if you guys overexagerate. But also, just because you can see a difference from exterior shots doesnt mean its not different. Id like to see some side by side shots of the two. Get an overall feel for the width change.

12345

Hopefully, Subaru is doing the sensible thing by not wasting any more money on the current car and trying to get out the next Impreza ASAP.

something weve been trying to say the whole time. Not our fault if you guys overexagerate. But also, just because you can see a difference from exterior shots doesnt mean its not different. Id like to see some side by side shots of the two. Get an overall feel for the width change.

One thing that I still cant understand is the lugnuts.

On occasions in 2004 we saw the 4 lug pattern as opposed to five. Since they switched to BBS wheels, nothing changed.

here, you see Solberg in service in sweden, with 5 lugs.
http://www.thawa.net/gallery/albums/album41/5Subaru.jpg

And in the WRC2005 you see they have 4 lugs.

The only plausible reason I can find is that they run different rotor sizes for Snow/gravel/tarmac events, and those have different lug requirements.

I would think that in some way, that would interfere with homologation rules.

you think?

Only the shell has to be based off a road going model. Everything else can be changed.

My guess on the bolt pattern is that they didn't have any wheels from BBS to run the ice tires on, so they used the old OZ/Speedline rims.

The WRC change is a technical thing, not a cosmetic thing. People in this forum make me want to bang my head against a wall repeatedly.

Only the shell has to be based off a road going model. Everything else can be changed.

I dont think thats true. They have to have a rally-spec car on the markets. this doesnt mean full out race car, but similar suspension setups and stuff like that. The Subaru Impreza WRC is available in Europe, along with all the other WRC street version cars.

But i dont know for sure, i just remember seeing a magazine article on the impreza WRC in a friends magazine, and it wasnt on the race car.

Only the shell has to be based off a road going model. Everything else can be changed.

My guess on the bolt pattern is that they didn't have any wheels from BBS to run the ice tires on, so they used the old OZ/Speedline rims.

The WRC change is a technical thing, not a cosmetic thing. People in this forum make me want to bang my head against a wall repeatedly.

And knowitall asshats in this forum make me bang my head against a wall repeatedly.

You did nothing to help answer the question other than injecting 'what you think'. Explain the engine rule then with your bodyshell only comment.

gsus...... :rolleyes:

And knowitall asshats in this forum make me bang my head against a wall repeatedly.

You did nothing to help answer the question other than injecting 'what you think'. Explain the engine rule then with your bodyshell only comment.

gsus...... :rolleyes:


this thread is soooo full of love !!

:lol:

One thing that I still cant understand is the lugnuts.

On occasions in 2004 we saw the 4 lug pattern as opposed to five. Since they switched to BBS wheels, nothing changed.

here, you see Solberg in service in sweden, with 5 lugs.

And in the WRC2005 you see they have 4 lugs.

The only plausible reason I can find is that they run different rotor sizes for Snow/gravel/tarmac events, and those have different lug requirements.

I would think that in some way, that would interfere with homologation rules.

you think?

I'd wait untill you see the car on the Stages before you make that assumption. It's very possible they fit 4 bolt hubs to the car just to get it to the studio to be shot. The WRC car isn't the only thing they build, so it's possible for them to snatch a 4 bolt wheel from another car at the plant.

Although it is possible for them to use 4 bolt hubs on gravel rallies (dunno why), and it wouldn't interfere with homologation rules.

Only the shell has to be based off a road going model. Everything else can be changed.

That is incorrect. There are a number of parts that must be similar to a road going car, including the block. However, much of the internals (crankshaft, pistons, rods, etc) are open.

KAX:
Rules state that there has to be a certain number of cars sold of which the rally car is based off of. Unlike the old Group A and Group B rules, the street car doesn't have to closely match the rally car. Just has to share the general look, and a good chunk of the chassis.

You know, the language in that article is rather odd.

Not only have the teams worked more closely than ever before but, for the first time, the Impreza WRC2005 has been styled by the design team at FHI led by chief designer of Advanced design, Andreas Zapatinas. "In terms of airflow, the team in the UK worked on a design concept, but the wind tunnel testing, evolution of the aerodynamic package and final styling was carried out by the design team at FHI," said SWRT principal David Lapworth.

...

Another fresh feature of the exterior styling is the carefully sculpted wheel arches, penned by the Japanese stylists, which help balance the increased track with the design of the front and rear bodywork.

As far as I can tell, the only fresh feature is the wheel arches. The article seems to be talking up the styling changes more than the pictures let on.

Wow, people should re-read the STi press release I cited earlier in this thread (see http://www.subaru-sti.co.jp/e/news/news050001.html). It answers a lot of questions and raises even more, perhaps because it's a translation of Japanese into English.

On the issue of "homologation" it says:The base car comes from so called "family of car"- 25,000 cars(minimum) of different series models belonging to one and the same production series with identical external general lines of the bodywork produced in 12 consecutive months. Freedom of modification is wide and may include replacement of engine, fitting of turbocharger and transformation of driving system to AWD. However modifications must be homologated by FIA (Federation International de l'Automobile) and the homologation is renewed in principle once a year.

On the issue of wheel studs, it says Adoption of 4 stud hub
Forged aluminium wheel made by BBS

And, according to the press release, this is the first Zapatinas Impreza:In addition, the bodyshell was re-designed including the front bumper and the front and rear fenders. The shell was designed by the Advanced Design Team in charge of antecedent design at FHI considering aerodynamics, cooling performance and driving performance in rallies. The design team at FHI led by Andreas Zapatinas finalized the determining details as well as styling in a close collaboration with SWRT.

The base car comes from so called "family of car"- 25,000 cars(minimum) of different series models belonging to one and the same production series with identical external general lines of the bodywork produced in 12 consecutive months.

The FIA rules I've read stated a 2,500 vehicle minimum.

Freedom of modification is wide and may include replacement of engine, fitting of turbocharger and transformation of driving system to AWD.

The engine replacement isn't as broad as that suggests.

The FIA rules I've read stated a 2,500 vehicle minimum.So send STi a letter to tell them they know squat about the WRC rules.

']So send STi a letter to tell them they know squat about the WRC rules.

No, how about you relax, and perhaps chalk it up to translating error, or a mistake in the rules.

People around here need to step back from the internet, and take a breather.

On the one hand, you'll only accept a Subaru press release as evidence, but on the other, you're willing to dismiss a Subaru press release as nonsense.

That is incorrect. There are a number of parts that must be similar to a road going car, including the block. However, much of the internals (crankshaft, pistons, rods, etc) are open.

KAX:
Rules state that there has to be a certain number of cars sold of which the rally car is based off of. Unlike the old Group A and Group B rules, the street car doesn't have to closely match the rally car. Just has to share the general look, and a good chunk of the chassis.


I was speaking in a general sense, not specific. The engine block can be rebored quite a bit, resleeved, and otherwise strengthened by some redesign. Pistons are free, however crank and rods are not. That's why Subaru makes homologated connecting rods and a nitrided crank available.

I believe the Peugeot 307 uses a homologated car with a 1.8L engine, but the rules allow you to overbore the engine enough that they can make it 2L.

The current FIA rules require 2500 models of the GrpA/GrpN homologated version of the current WRC car, but additionaly require 25000 models of the same "family" of cars.

']On the one hand, you'll only accept a Subaru press release as evidence, but on the other, you're willing to dismiss a Subaru press release as nonsense.

Will you stop putting words in my mouth. Unless I make a direct quote about something, don't assume I meant anything, because you suck at that.

I didn't say that PR was nonsense, I said the information on the rules differred from what I read.

I was speaking in a general sense, not specific. The engine block can be rebored quite a bit, resleeved, and otherwise strengthened by some redesign. Pistons are free, however crank and rods are not. That's why Subaru makes homologated connecting rods and a nitrided crank available.

I believe the Peugeot 307 uses a homologated car with a 1.8L engine, but the rules allow you to overbore the engine enough that they can make it 2L.

The current FIA rules require 2500 models of the GrpA/GrpN homologated version of the current WRC car, but additionaly require 25000 models of the same "family" of cars.

:) Thanks for clarifying.

http://www.subdriven.com/news/publish/Motorsport_News/article_342.shtml

Bob