http://www.drive.com.au/2007wrx
http://img.drive.com.au/drive_images/Editorial/2006/09/21/WRX03L_m.jpg
http://img.drive.com.au/drive_images/Editorial/2006/09/21/WRX02L_m.jpg
http://img.drive.com.au/drive_images/Editorial/2006/09/21/WRX01L_m.jpg
http://img.drive.com.au/drive_images/Editorial/2006/09/21/WRX04L_m.jpg
http://img.drive.com.au/drive_images/Editorial/2006/09/21/WRX05L_m.jpg
Here's an article I read:
http://www.smh.com.au/news/news/boyracer-grows-up/2006/09/21/1158431836634.html
Boy-racer grows up
RICHARD BLACKBURN
September 22, 2006
Subaru's Impreza WRX gets a conservative makeover, writes RICHARD BLACKBURN.
In an attempt to shed its boy-racer image, Subaru has toned down the look of its cult car, the Impreza WRX. As these spy shots show, the Japanese manufacturer has opted for a more conventional European hatchback look for the new Impreza.
The disguised WRX hatch was spotted undergoing hot-weather testing in California. Engineers in a Volkswagen Golf GTI were tailing the car, giving an indication of where Subaru is aiming.
Subaru Australia refused to confirm that the pictures circulating on the internet were of the new WRX. A spokesman also refused to release any details of the new Impreza range.
The new model, the first all-new Impreza since the controversially styled, bug-eyed 2000 model, is likely to go on sale in Australia in about August next year.
The pictures of the hatch reveal a more conservative front end, with a front grille that looks a little like that of the Mazda3. The rear end bears a resemblance to European hatches such as the BMW 1 Series and the Golf.
The trademark "letterbox" vent on the bonnet remains but it appears Subaru has ditched the current Impreza's distinctive grille and prominent headlights.
The fact that the hatch model is the first to break cover suggests Subaru may depart from its custom and launch it before the sedan.
The more conventional profile incorporates some elements of the B5 concept, which Subaru unveiled at last year's Tokyo motor show. And it shows that, as with the newly released Liberty, Subaru wants to take on European makers.
Subaru says the Liberty is drawing sales away from European brands in the novated leasing market, where company car buyers are attracted by its reputation for strong resale values and its extensive list of standard features.
Enthusiast websites speculate that the new WRX will get a more powerful 2.5-litre turbo engine, developing about 245kW - potentially more in some markets. There are also suggestions that Subaru may drop the Impreza name for its 2008 models in some markets.
For more pictures see http://www.drive.com.au/2007wrx.
l Meanwhile, Hyundai has released images of a concept car, the Arnejs, which the company says is the "best clue yet" to the styling of the new Elantra hatch.
The concept confirms that the Hyundai hatch will be radically different from its plain-Jane sedan sibling, launched in Australia last month.
Designed at Hyundai's research and design centre in Russelsheim, Germany, the Arnejs (pronounced Ar-nez) has a distinct European hatch feel.
I like it. Nice direction.
Discuss. |
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