2008 Subaru Impreza Shows a New Face

TOKYO — The 2008 Subaru Impreza will feature a new look next year, as we've seen in pictures leaked from Japan.

The controversial propeller-style motif developed for the current generation of Subaru vehicles under the leadership of former Subaru Design Director Andreas Zapatinas has been exchanged for the new look. As illustrations of the 2008 Subaru Impreza confirm, the new-look grille is broad and narrow, and it's complemented by upswept headlights.

Equally noteworthy is the availability of a new hatchback configuration. Hatchbacks are experiencing a comeback in coolness as seen in the trend-setting Audi A3 and Mazda 3. We've learned the 2008 Subaru Impreza hatchback is 5.1 inches shorter, 2 inches wider and virtually the same height as the current sedan. Entry-level versions will weigh in at about 3,086 pounds.

The 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI will be offered only as a hatchback, as we've already seen in the 2007 Subaru factory rally car. There's a strong possibility the car will feature a new multilink rear suspension. It will get a reworked version of the current intercooled and turbocharged DOHC 2.0-liter flat-4 engine, expected to produce 300 horsepower and 431 pound-feet of torque.

Subaru's engineers have improved the engine's performance by enhancing engine torque at low and midrange rpm, and we expect some tweaks in the DCCD (Driver's Control Center Differential). A six-speed manual transmission will continue to be used.

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