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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Check out this web site for the other shapes of WRX http://www.scoobyblog.com/2008-impreza/.
i believe when this is revealed at the tokyo motor show this year it will look cool as!! the japanese spec version will probably look cool but like always the us spec model will look shit (us specs always have those shit orange inserts in the headlights coz us doesnt get the indicators on the wing mirrors)!! and it will probably burn da shit out of da focus rs and volkwagen gti or r32 coz the r32 doesnt even make 200kw out of its 3.2 v6!! and this is only a wrx model so we can expect much more from the sti version!!
i dont like the overall look of the car, though i do like some features of it, like the lights are freakin beautiful, and the size of the car…i dont like the hatch..are all the wrx gonna be like this? or are they going to make the sedan? i WISH they would keep the sedan model of the wrx cuz i have the 04 model and i was hoping to trade it for the 2008 wrx if it was sedan..but if not,,then i’ll get n sti.. BTW,,is it gonna have paddle shifters, if yes then im keeping my current car. paddle shifters are the STUPIDEST IDEA EVER THOUGHT UP.
That’s ugly!
Looks like a Saab or Mazda 3.
arnt subaru’s spose to be fused with the wind or some shit i dont think this is a new subaru it would have be designed more aerodinamic or i could be wrong lol i am just guessing but dont trust me cuz i am only 14
I say its a pic of a new VW concept…the location for the badge is way too big and round to fit the Subaru badge. The car they are testing it with is a GTi…why would they compare a WRX to a GTi? The whole thing stinks.
subaru exauhst aint like that aswell still could have changed
they r making sedan by the way
I went to the Montreal international autoshow and I spoke with a subaru canada representative. She said that the STI will not be in hatchback form. But the current imprezda hatchback will look like the top picture.
awesome
this is awful there used to be only one car for me (subaru).
looks like mitsubishi are going to have an extra customer on there books.
there is no way on earth i will ever buy another subaru if this what they plan on giving to us.
DON’T FIX WHATS NOT BROKE !!!!!!!!!
listen to your loyal customers subaru
Yuck, What were they thinking. This is the worst Subaru WRX ever. First they f*ck it up with a nose job on the ‘06 WRX and now this. This is hard for me, I have a 1999 WRX and I really want to upgrade my car, have always wanted to stay in the WRX family, but I think I will save my cash and buy the Mitsubishi EVO X. That car looks absolutely fantastic, which is odd, as only a few years ago I wouldn’tve looked at any Mitsu’s (other then the Evo, but I use to look at the WRX instead).
Wait, we havn’t seen the interior yet! Maybe Subaru have improved that, but… oh wait, its a peformance car, ok then, no more Subaru for me
There is a rear differential and those are Subie wheels however, take a moment to expand the picture. The front grill is taped off but you can almost see a large “V” in the center as in VW. Also Subaru may have totally rerouted the exhaust system seeing as it is on the right side. All of the subies (first one a 1984 wagon) I have owned have had the tailpipe on the left side here in the North American market. That is a CA plate on there and it is a left hand driver so I can only conclude it is a car for the N.A. market.
We know from the literature that Subaru was trying to make a partnership with Toyota to develop a diesel engine for the lineup as well as a hybrid (per the 2006 LA Auto Show). Is it possible Subaru has joined forces with VW? Saab wanted the WRX wagon…perhaps VW did as well?
In any case I only ask one thing. Don’t make the Impreza any larger than it is. Its practically the size of the Legacy currently…I miss the GC8 size.
Having leased a 2002 WRX wagon and on the last year of a lease on a 2005 Legacy GT wagon, this looks very exciting….almost exactly what I’d ask for…something between the two in size, with cleaned up 5 door styling. I just hope they can keep the weight down.
I never understood my fellow Americans’ dislike of hatchbacks…to me, the Audi A3 5 door is one of the most attractive cars on the market today. If Subaru can approach their styling and workmanship with WRX perfomance and value, this will be a slam dunk for me, as long as I can get one by the time my lease is up in Nov 2007.
Subaru takes winning the World rally championship VERY seriously. The winners lately have had something in common, they were hatchbacks! The 2008+ Subaru Impreaza line will be faster on the race track, and also on the street. A lighter weight WRX/STI with more horsepower will make more Subaru’s show up on the front covers of Car & Driver. Who cares what a car looks like when it can accelerate like a super car? Horsepower = Fun.
Ummmmmmm…. no thanks for the ugly ass hatchback(wagon). Who would take you seriously in a wagon? 2008 STi= bad idea
Im a big fan of the STi, but after seeing that picture, i might buy a evo X instead.
Can anyone tell me what these are?
http://www.fhi.co.jp/about/english/outline/index.html
Those are beautiful!! (link in the last post) I hope those really are the new wrx…I will be first in line to upgrade from my 04 wagon!!
NO NO NO !!!! Dont go hatchback… the impreza’s are known for sedans (+ wagon) dont ruin its reputation by making it a hatch!
i think that the impreza wagon is an interesting and welcome new platform but you all know what we really need…. the FORESTER STI!
Hey Dave the idea behind the top mount intercooler is very simple and actually smart. The WRX is suppose to be a rally car driven on dirt and grave roads. What would happen to your front mount intercooler if you started bouncing rocks off the front of it. Maybe that’s why the rally versions also have TOP mounted intercoolers. And Dominic I think paddle shifters would be awesome as long as they make the transmission work like the rally cars and not a cheap version like the automatic cars that have the sporttronic shifter like on a maxima for something like that. But this comes from a guy who is a die hard WRC fan and could care less about comfort and styling if it sacrifices performance. If I had the money I would put a dog engaged gearbox(it’s the high pitch whinning noise you hear in the WRC cars) in my car and would love how much nosie it makes just because it’s better for performance.
dont care much for the one u are showing but i seen the blue one that had the dress up kit it’s nice. the wing in the back looks great on it
has no one heard of “body armor”???? they cover test cars with random crap and unfinished exteriors to throw people like us off. Garunteed itll looked way different and much cleaner when released.
Based on these pictures actually being the Hatchback WRX, here is a link to a drawing that is closes to these pictures.
http://www.zerotohundred.com/newforums/automotive-news/140304-2008-subaru-wrx-sti-hatcback-aims-at-new-evo-x.html
now if you don’t think that looks awesome, go buy a EVO, lol.
I’ll take it; went from WRX wagon to Legacy GT wagon; would like to see a real sport wagon in a legacy gt wagon STI… no more wagon; i’ll take the five door
Why all the hatch bashing? Sedans are completely worthless – hence why they’re so rare in many countries. Sedans (with a trunk or boot) really only work on large cars.
A Hatchback?
This concept looks like a VW Jetta or something…
Ugh… NO NO NO
Here guyes I found another pic to back up what I believe really is the WRX in the top picture and what I found before.
Here is on pic I found before.
http://www.zerotohundred.com/newforums/automotive-news/140304-2008-subaru-wrx-sti-hatcback-aims-at-new-evo-x.html
Here is the one I just found.
http://www.nihoncar.com/en/news_gallery.php?id=457&img_name=001.jpg
Finally, down the poop shoot with Subaru. First they put an Edsel Grille on the wrx and now copy another POS the focurse. Which looks like a bloated tick. Sedans Rock! I’d be willing to suffer the inflated ego of an STi sedan, before I’d climb in that monstrosity. The only hatches worth driving were the 323GTX and the Skoda felicia/golf (both of which in the fun form are extinct). Any more car design has become a Booty Call.
Subaru Sucks
here it is guys…
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?p=17581959#post17581959
i’m happy with my 07
What were they thinking??? thats aweful. I was under the impression new models were meant to be an improvement of the previous!
I really don’t think that’s a subaru. In the one picture you can see a VW rabbit or jetta following and the styling is alot more lika a wierd VW than a WRX. It also has the huge round VW symbol all leather clad but come on. Just because it has a hood scoop doesn’t mean it’s a WRX.
well, it is the new wrx, i just picked up the new motor trend, it is shown in there
Goddam the STi better not be a hatch!!!! If it is then me and many others will proudly buy and EVO X. If I wanted a hatch I would get a VW GTI. GET A CLUE SUBARU!!!!!! IF THE STI IS A HATCH THE EVO X SPANKED THEM LIKE A 4 YEAR OLD IN WALMART!!!!
subaru rules! i will buy my 10th.
quit talking shit people. I work at a subaru dealer and i’ve seen the new wrx at the ride and drive. seeing the car in person will change your whole outlook. I ordered the new 08 STI and will be driving one of first one’s in Northn California. anybody who talks crap about the STI is just broke and uninformed
I just got done checking out this car from all angles. Regardless of the power ratings, this car is cool. I’m sure it’ll be a hit, and become a big seller. Check it out up close now and you’ll see. Of course, I’m a family man, but way back since I”ve owned an 89 Civic Si, this is a dream come true. I’m glad I didn’t go after that VW!!
by the way for greg, you just bought an 07, where’s the relevance here??
this car is cool but what is with the pricing i thought these where the affordable car choices
this car is cool but what is with the pricing i thought these where the affordable car choices. I am trying to find a cool affordable hatchback but they are few and hard to find.i like the toyota yaris but they are only selling two door without turbo. Sometimes i wish my family still lived in europe. any thoughts toyota matrix, mazdaspeed 3, what else subaru wrx
i prefer 2007 subaru Impreza wrx sti spec c type R-Ra.
I dont like 2008 subaru Impreza sti Hatchback . If there is new generation of Sti
Sedan version will come back again to market in world wide . I will buy subaru Impreza sti
sedan version . now im prefer mitsubishi lancer evolution X GSR 5mt
I hope new Subaru Impreza Wrx Sti Sedan 4 doors will launching also !
Nothing can stop me by posting these comments.