Spied!!! 2008 Subaru WRX Prototype!
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The past month has brought many sightings of next-gen Subaru WRX test mules in Legacy bodies, but these are the very first photos of an actual WRX prototype, and it isn’t like any WRX we’ve ever seen. At first glance, you might think this is just a WRX Wagon variant, but the bodystyle is actually that of a hatchback a la the VW GTI rather than a wagon! Subaru hinted at this style change with the B5 concept and it seems that the WRX models are following the lead of the concept with a dramatic makeover. We have actually heard rumors of Subaru dropping the Impreza name for the 2008 models, but can’t imagine they’ll drop the WRX designation. As for power, we are anticipating a highly upgraded version of the 2.5-liter H4 turbo with an output around 330 horsepower, and higher for some markets!
Anyway, enjoy these first shots of the next generation WRX, and leave us a comment to tell us what you think!
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A hatch? No thanks. And only STi variants will get 300+HP here in the states.
i believe thats the wagon… also, why is a GTI following it? seems like Subaru is pulling a Mazda move and taking the characteristics from the GTI
Not liking the exterior and what is with the exterior lines on the doors not matching? I hope the sedan is much better than this current version.
I like that Subie is going to hatchback styling. I always thought the wrx wagons were nice.
Hatchbacks rule. That being said, I will hold out for something with a diesel, more than likely.
I like it…. i think.
Matt, those door lines look like just a coating slapped on to cover the vehicle’s body, not what it will look like later. It has the same sort of thing on the front corners of the grill.
looks like a SAAB
That’s not a Subaru……let alone a WRX.
Wanna bet?
those are subaru rims
I own a Nissan Pulsar GTi-R and have been waiting for a decent awd turbo hatchback for years. looks like this thing is the *^&!……..
i think it would be cool if they made it a 2 door
4 door hatch back doesn’t do it for me
bring back the GTi-R looks!
taht is the body of a Chevrolet Malibu Maxx. the grill and the rear door give it away, although its obvious they went to great lengths to hide it.
I think it looks cool, can’t wait to see more. It may come out just around the time I am looking for a new car too… convenient… then I will decide by driving.
Whoo, hey, looks like it IS possible to projectile vomit! The ‘07 model tested my loyalty but this is going too far. Seriously…this thing looks like my Dad’s Honda Civic with a bad Audi nose.
If this is the next Subaru that’ll be inflicted on us, I’ll be buying a Mitsubishi. This coming from a loyal Boxer fan! This looks like a car I’d buy for my grandparents so they could go pootling down the shops and back…not something I’d hit the track in!
One word.
TRAGIC.
i do not believe that this is subaru..it looks like something between a3 and c70…
That is a wrx and will be the only body style. Note the tail pipe location “some say” the production car will have dual 2 into 1………….
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looks nice. the grille is better than the current one. the hatchback is nice. i never really liked the wagon style of subaru but this is nice. i hope they offer a hatch and a sti sedan also
This thing is ugly as hell……Why make it a hatchback?????????????????? Keep the wagon and the sedan. The front end is good. I am very dissapointed !!!!
Everyone has an opinion about the looks of this masked prototype. Dont count you chickens before theyre hatched kids. When the production model finally appears we probably wont recognise it as what we see here at all. Im paitiently awaiting those press release photos before I jump the gun with a firm opinion. This coming from a design student…
Only Stevo seems to have actually seen spy shots before, with all the body masking. Don’t people realize all the dummy body trim is intentional, not wanting the final design out for public and competitor’s consumption – hence SPY photo designation? I suspect Subaru is going to hatch a real Audi A3 Mazda3 wagon competitor, or at least develope one for Saab to market. That, and I’ve heard that Subie is also revamping the Forester for 2008, which is based on the Impreza. One more piece to the puzzle…
That is terrible. I have been a loyal subaru fan for years, but like someone else said, the 2006 grill design disappointed me greatly, and really tested my patience with subaru. I have an 04 sti, and have been hoping to see a sleeker version of the same concept. i.e. wide open grill, 06 style headlights, new taillights, A FRONT MOUNT INTERCOOLER FOR CHRIST’S SAKE!, etc. The top mount intercooler was the worst idea ever, heat soak is terrible. Power delivery is inconsistent after motor is hot. DUMB, SUBARU, VERY DUMB. Please dont loose me as a customer. If you com out with that ugly hatchback crap, i will sell my current subaru out of disgust and buy something else.
strangely a little seat, ibeza and fiat looking. These are europian trashy cars.
i think if this is what the WRX is going to look like,less people would buy it.
Subaru would come out with a much better quality veichle than seat Ibeza and Fiat
(seat is pronounced Seyat)
I love it. I hope it’s light and has improved gas mileage over the previous WRX. Hatch’s rule; basically the same wind resistance but you can load your ski stuff or mountain bike. I think the styling, though not racer-boy STI, will stand up through time
Additionally, Subaru has been getting licked in WRC because of the old long wheel overhangs in the body style. This car could have Mini Cooper handling with AWD and 300plus HP, the perfect combination.
I hope that they don’t destroy the inpreza’s sexy curves by trying to make it a family cruiser
Fuggglies…………………I’ll keep my stoout 2005 wrx thank you.
I think Subaru will make the same lines as the current venue ya bunch of playaz!!!!
The GTi is following to try and fool people into thinking that it is 2 GTi’s on the road or alternatively the next model GTi. Doesn’t really fool anyone with any know how but we all know how paranoid manufavturers are with new models and the tricks they will try to disguise them.
amuna komuşunuz arabanın
sikmişiniz arabayi gavur olu gavurlar
sikmişiniz arabayi gavur olu gavurlar
sikmişiniz arabayi gavur olu gavurlar
sikmişiniz arabayi gavur olu gavurlar eskisi daa iidi sizin mühendislerinizi sikiim ben emi
LA BROTHERS I hate new subaru hatch pok gibi olmuş laaannn bu hakaret lann bu ayıpp lan bu biz buralarda bu arabalarla doing drag yapıyoz neöörmüşünüz la böle please dont tell something this poktan car.bırakıyom ben burda the end.ayıp ayıp
looks like my lowered new forrester
Onur napacaz biz bu ütü kafayı naaappaaaccaazz ha ütü kafa kardeş I want to kill my computer teacher please brothers help me if you dont want to help me go away subaru brothers ha onurseninde mina koyyem
ortallıın amına komussunuz bilgisayacıyı oldrmeessem provided i don’t kill my computer teacher i fail the exam.i’m sure if you were me you do this….skerim lan 9 milyarr par werdim o kadar parayla sizin subaruya ne modifiyeler olrdu…amına koduklarım egitim sart ali senin de amına koem…..yaraagımı ye fener nedesem baska lan.new subaru hatch look like ananızn bi tarafı
YYYARRRAAAGAIMI YE FENERRRR
that is not a subie…that is def a VW…look at the front grill there is a large circle in the middle covered in black tape…and it is in the same place as on the GTi following it…
also that car seems to be somewhat black in the front, esp if you look directly around the grill area there are parts not covered in white that are way to large to be part of the design (cause it’s ugly as sin)…so i think what we are looking at is a new GTi turbo or something (isn’t that the GLi when it is a hatch?)
Don’t like it the classic shape rules and is nice in my mind!!
Hi all,
To alleviate any more assumptions that this is a Subie I agree with Stevo and ask that you all wait out.
If you want to have a look at the 2008 STI (Impreza – Australian version) Hatch take a look at wheels.com.au – December [Current Issue].
Enjoy,
Blacky
I don’t think this is a WRX Sti Sedan for the matter becuase if you look up in google the 2008 Subaru WRX Sti, it has different headlights but the taillights look very similar.
Should be interesting with this Subaru WRX hatch, i think they are trying to compete with the Mazdaspeed3 Hatch. Shoots
I like the bonnet scoop… it looks to be built into the bonnet, apposed to be stuck on top. The rear lights look very nice in the after burner L.E.D’s, BUT!!!!! i agree with the other comments. Even though this is a new car (prototype) and the 2000 bugeyed impreza took a long time to grow on me, i dont think this 1 will. The HUGE power is very tempting but i feel they have given/offered the power to cammoflage the looks and to make people more tempted to buy it. This does look like a Hatch back, and even though here in the UK Hatch’s rule the roads… this isnt how subaru should follow. Just look how Subaru’s hatchback the Justie turned out… i have mixed feelings about the 2008 impreza, and i think most people will do to. Thanks edd
please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! offer sedan and two door models.any true wrx lovers would love a stripped interior model no radios power windows full spare tire and best of all at least a intergrated front roll cage.
There will be both a sedan and a hatchback! The reason for this is because of the groing popularity with hot hatches esspecially in europe where the wagon struggles to sell. personally I will be buying a 2008 wrx sedan!
unless there is 500hp in that thing I don’t want it. It’s fugly.
Is that the next generation for the future subaru, the 2006 model discust me and now they are bringing this this. If that’s the case i’m going with mitsubishi then, that new Evo X looks sick
The Current shape look nice but the only thing that it required is more modern dash with the option of sunroof & navigation. Hatch car’s are for females or nards.
[...] t we expect that it will keep the WRX model names. Larger image after the jump. ## Source: Dubspeed Driven ##
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