Spyshots of 2008 Impreza (no more frameless windows!)

Doesn't look too bad... but I'm not really digging the whole Dodge Caliber / Toyota Matrix shape of the car.

different, I really hope they aren't changing it too much from the current Impreza, or the whole 'Subaru's are like Lego's' might go out the window.

It would be awesome if they made a 2 door version of that.

Fuzzy Logic wrote:

The only thing in those pics that looks like Subaru is the rims. Framed windows, exhaust on the pass. side, folded down black antenna(?) Even the door handles look a little odd. I don't think I'm a fan. That could change though.

Carl

how do you see that?

I like the air inlet composed into the hood. Nice. What else: 330KM do not believe that. And thew worst what can happen is dropping "Impreza" name. I would accept "B9 Impreza" though.

so perhaps it is time to grab 2007/6 model ...

That's what they look like. If ther 'faked' them they did a better job than the other camo/decoy stuff. Plus, seems like an odd item to try to disguise.

I dunno

Carl

It's not too bad. But the posterior looks worse than the current gen. Apparently whoever at FHI monitors the group did not get the "don't have any confidence backing the car up: need a better feel and visibility" part judging by the huge Mazda3 style pillars next to the hatch. I hope the body skirts will stay on the mule and won't end on the production car.

Actually, I think I agree with that too - something bothers me about the rear of it. maybe the camo stuff is just over done. I'll wait before I condemn it. But really, I don't SEE much to recommend it over the '07s . Now, if the internals are like the numbers mentioned (I wonder if those numbers are for JDM or for the US?) AND it doesn't get heavier - I might overlook a few cosmetic problems - just like I did buying the Subarus I have now! lol!

Carl

Really, would you buy "Subaru 3". Then we will have "Subaru 6". And model 5 will come around 2010:-).

A.

Sorry. to be more clear, my concern was the HP and torque values quoted were for a japanese domestic model and the US would get a detuned model. Still, even 300HP, assuming not much gain in mass - sounds OK.

Carl

I like to think there is a beautiful automobile underneath the camouflage. Something not much different from this concept car:

A Mazda3 look alike would be a shame. I admit the thing looks somewhat similar. By the way, can you really tell that it has frame type windows?

M.J.

There's some speculation that they may have further hidden it's identity by using black tape in such a way to simulate frames. The Tribeca has frames. I dunno

Carl

FHI, repeat after C&D: "cautious evolutionary styling update augmented by significant engineering improvements"

"The power feeds through a six-speed manual gearbox that's the personification of precise engagement - it makes BMW's 3-series manual transmissions seem rubbery - to a limited-slip rear end and thence to the pavement via a set of 245/45-18 Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires."

Quiotes stolen from

Or, in other words: Impreza looked good from 05 on. Why fsck with its looks? If I wanted a WV GTI lookalike I'd get the WV ass-ugliness. But based on GTI looks alone I might choose Si if I'm in fwd mood.

Of course noone expects a G35/3xx contender from an FHI for $18-24k, but could not they at least get some decent shoes from Bridgestone? Now that 960pole positions are available maybe Bridgestone would be willing to replace 92s with RE-950s on the rs and wrx? Just about anything would be an improvement over 92s.

Looking from the rear view, sure looks like framed windows, and they have depth so does not look like tape.

Blair