New Subaru Impreza unveiled - with bold aeronautical styling

The new Subaru Impreza was unveiled in Japan yesterday and it’s a sleeker, smoother-looking Impreza than ever before that will become available beyond Japan later this year. The big news for WRX fans is the addition of a 2.5-litre, turbocharged version of the horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine in the top-of-the-line WRX.

Subaru is hoping the new Impreza will raise its product appeal by redefining its sporty looks and further improving the drivability.

The looks have been radically altered from existing Imprezas and is part of the new Subaru design DNA introduced by new chief designer Andreas Zapatinas which will eventually flow across the entire range – the new face is designed to recollect Subaru’s aeronautical heritage - it’s a bold move because existing Impreza aficionados may not like the significant changes to the overall look, the front bumper, grille, headlights, as well as what may become a signature second rear spoiler at the top of the rear window.

The top-of-the-range Impreza WRX STI now boasts a maximum engine torque of 422 Nm (43.0 kg/m), adding to its already outstanding performance and drivability.

The model also features an improved version of the driver’s control center differential (DCCD), an electronically controlled All Wheel Drive (AWD) system that adds a torque-sensitive, mechanical limited-slip differential (LSD). Balancing high levels of maneuverability and stability, it embodies driving pleasure. Impreza’s exterior designs have been made more fully aerodynamic, in recognition of its participation in high-speed rally events and motor sport activities.

Since 2003 FHI has been strengthening its support of the Subaru World Rally Team (SWRT), which takes part in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC). FHI and SWRT have been closely working to improve on vehicle performance in rallying, to accumulate know-how with the feedback from rallying experience, and to apply that know-how and technology to the production of the Impreza base model.

SWRT’s Petter Solberg is featured in a promotional videa from Subaru that demonstrates the advances of the new WRX compared to the current machine.