In 2001, Subaru changed the image of its brand with the introduction of the original WRX, a car that could deliver turbocharged, rally-bred performance in any driving condition. The all-new 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX follows that lead with an all-new breed of AWD performance car.

The new WRX is powered by a 2.5-litre flat-four Boxer engine. The engine has been modified to produce more torque at lower rpm. With its broader and richer torque curve, the 2008 WRX delivers a smooth stream of power, improving drivability and fuel efficiency.

ADVANCED ENGINEERING

The new Impreza chassis has improved rigidity and ride comfort with the addition of high tension steel at key structural points. The new design results in a lower overall weight for the body while the longer wheelbase allows for improved ride dynamics as well as increasing interior room and lowering levels of Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH).

To further improve handling, the engine is now placed slightly lower in the chassis, lowering the Impreza's centre of gravity. In addition, the new chassis improves crash worthiness and provides crisper handling and a stiffer platform. While the new Impreza WRX remains a driver's car, the new WRX represents a better combination of capabilities, maximising performance and comfort.

In conjunction with the new chassis, the Subaru Impreza and WRX feature an all-new double-wishbone rear suspension. The suspension allows for less intrusion into the cargo area, providing a wider and deeper luggage compartment. The new suspension also delivers improved ride refinement, decreased road noise, and a quieter cabin.

MODERN EXTERIOR DESIGN

The all-new 2008 Impreza and Impreza WRX will come in two body styles, a 4-door and a 5-door. The new 5-door design features a sweeping single curve roofline that flows into an aerodynamic rear spoiler. An all-new front-end design features the new spread wing logo design at the top of the widened grille. The new grille endeavours to provide a connection to the Subaru aircraft heritage and places a focus on the Subaru star cluster logo.

Both exterior designs focus on detail touches such as the new clear rear lenses on the 5-door, distinctive curved fog lamps and an inward sweeping chrome embellishment that flows the grille design into the bumper. A lower spoiler adds to the sporting character of the design.

The 5-door features a character line that sweeps upward at the rear. The short rear overhang, new clear rear taillight lenses and a vertical chrome bar combine to integrate the side character line into the tail.

The design of the 4-door models provides an improved road presence, with a wider front design giving way to a crisp side body crease. The rear of the 4-door Impreza is set apart by red lamp lenses and a chrome strip below the boot line that visually widens the tail.

On WRX models, a newly available aero kit denotes the WRX rally car heritage. The 5-door WRX features a rear under body diffuser and single chrome exhaust pipe. The 4-door WRX features dual chrome exhaust tips and a rear boot lid spoiler.

INTERIOR DESIGN

The interior design of the 2008 Impreza places a new emphasis on comfort and space. The new cockpit embraces occupants and brushed aluminum look insets flow into the centre stack. The centre console shape adds to the airiness of the cockpit design, aided by the sculpted door panels and improved headroom. The door panels house molded recesses that can accommodate soft drink bottles, as well as loose items.

Despite retaining the same exterior width as the previous generation Impreza, the new 2008 Impreza features an interior with two inches more front shoulder room.

An available navigation and information centre is the focal point of the centre console. In addition to an input for MP3 players, the centre console also includes video jacks that can accommodate portable gaming devices that can be displayed on the navigation screen when the vehicle is parked. The navigation screen is placed at the top of the dashboard for improved visibility and functionality. The interior of the new Impreza was designed to provide a feeling of quality with special emphasis placed on double-stitched fabrics and high-grade interior plastics.

New for 2008 are framed windows that allow for improved body rigidity and provide for a quieter interior with better sealing for the windows. Larger door openings provide improved ingress and egress and the rear doors open 75 degrees to allow for better rear seat access. The rear seatback angles have been reclined for improved rear comfort. Rear seat legroom is also significantly increased.

ENGINES – IMPROVED TORQUE, BETTER ECONOMY

The 2.5-litre and 2.5-litre turbocharged flat fours have been modified to improve both emissions and fuel efficiency while maintaining the same performance standards delivered by the current Impreza and Impreza WRX. Modified torque curves on the both engines are tuned for improved low-rpm acceleration and improved drivability.

Low end torque and fuel efficiency for the 2.5-litre normally aspirated engine were improved by the addition of a new intake port. Improved emissions were realised by a new catalyst system that optimises catalyst efficiency.

The 2.5-litre turbocharged flat-four Boxer engine in the WRX delivers its maximum torque and horsepower earlier than the previous model. Low end torque and fuel efficiency was improved through the addition of a new intake manifold, intercooler and turbocharger.

SAFETY

The 2008 Impreza continues Subaru's legendary safety and crash worthiness record. New for 2008 are standard side-curtain airbags and available Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) . Also standard is the Subaru Advanced Frontal Airbag System (SRS), with front seat head/chest side impact air bags (SRS) and a driver's side front air bag that deploys according to the driver's proximity to the steering wheel, as measured by a sensor on the seat track. In the passenger side front seat, a sensor module detects weight on the passenger seat – first determining if it is occupied, and if so by a child or adult – to control air bag deployment. As part of the system, the dashboard features a new "Airbag" indicator light.

The new 2008 Impreza utilises the Subaru Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frame Body Structure with front and rear crumple zones. The new 2008 Subaru Impreza also incorporates 3-point seatbelts for all seats (height-adjustable for outboard positions); front seatbelts with electrically triggered pre-tensioners and force limiters, 4-channel/4-sensor Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) and active front seat head restraints (Not available on WRX Performance Seats) to help reduce whiplash injury in a rear collision.

Australian specifications and availability will be announced in due course.