Subaru’s 2008 Impreza 2.5i and Impreza WRX feature all-new styling for both the 4-door sedan and the new 5-door hatchback that takes the place of the previous generation wagon. The design is more refined both inside and out, with more room and utility while continuing to offer fun-to-drive handling and performance, and of course standard Subaru Symmetrical AWD.

Since its introduction to the U.S. in 2002, the WRX has been a popular choice with performance car enthusiasts and the next-generation WRX not only receives a more refined appearance, but also grows in size. The wheelbase of the WRX is now 3.7 inches longer than its predecessor. Overall length is 4.5 inches longer for the sedan and 6.5 inches longer for the new 5-door version.

The WRX will be powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder horizontally opposed boxer engine, delivering 224 horsepower and 226 lb-ft of torque and weighs 50 pounds less than the engine of the previous WRX. Maximum torque is delivered at only 2800 rpm, which is 800 rpm lower than the previous engine. The engine sits slightly lower in the chassis and has been modified to produce more torque at lower rpm. According to Subaru the new torque curve provides smoother power, improved drivability and better fuel efficiency. The WRX is offered with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic.

The Impreza 2.5i is powered by a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder horizontally opposed boxer engine that delivers maximum torque of 170 lb-ft at 4400 rpm. The engine delivers more low-end torque and better fuel efficiency through the use of new intake ports.

To improve rigidity and ride comfort, in addition to the longer wheelbase, the new WRX add high tension steel at key structural points and a new double-wishbone rear suspension that also improves cargo capacity.

New Looks

The all-new more refined design of the Impreza WRX and Impreza 2.5i continue to be offered in two distinct body styles with a new 5-door hatchback that replaces the previous wagon and a 4-door sedan that is exclusively for the U.S. market. The 5-door body style is a very popular choice in Europe and other markets in the world and 5-door hatchbacks seem to be gaining popularity in the U.S. market as well.

The new 5-door hatchback and 4-door sedan both share a broader grille that sweeps into the headlights and eliminates the separate center grille element of the previous generation. The wide sculpted headlights blend back into the front fenders that are accentuated by distinct lines that run back from the corners of the grille to the a-pillar. The new spread wing logo design is placed at the top of the grille.

The unique profile of the 5-door hatchback is characterized by a single sweeping roofline that flows into a rear spoiler at the top of the rear glass. Below the rear glass is a horizontal chrome bar that connects the clear-lense taillights of the 5-door version.

The 4-door sedan design is wider and sharper at the front, with a smoother more-refined overall look. The taillights of the sedan feature red lenses and there is a horizontal chrome strip above the license plate. On the WRX, the hood scoop sits lower and wider than before, adding to the wider look. The 5-door WRX will feature a rear underbody diffuser and a single chrome exhaust tip while the 4-door WRX will have dual chrome exhaust tips and a rear spoiler.

Interior Design

The new design also extends to the interior, where the highly regarded interior design of the Subaru Tribeca was obviously a strong influence. Similar to the Tribeca, the 2008 Impreza 2.5i and WRX feature a twin-cockpit design that is accentuated by inserts that look like brushed aluminum and flow across the dash into the center stack. The shape of the center stack creates more room by curving in at the bottom to allow a storage tray in front of the shifter.

The instrument cluster features three round gauges with red markings and the center stack provides a high position for good visibility of the optional navigation and information system screen

To improve the feeling of the quality of the interior, high-grade plastics and double-stitched fabrics are used, and the windows now have door frames for improved body rigidity and quieter interior. While the exterior width of the Impreza remains the same as the previous generation, interior offers two inches of additional shoulder room in the front seats. The door panels included molded storage areas that can accommodate up to 24-ounce drink bottles.

The 2008 Impreza 2.5i and Impreza WRX will go on sale in the U.S. in late summer of 2007.