RE: New Impreza goes on sale in Japan
Wednesday 6th June 2007
The new Impreza S-GTSubaru has officially unveiled the new Impreza in Japan and the model is now on general sale.
Turbo 2.0 litre boxer makes 250hpSurprisingly, it doesn’t feature the 2.5 litre turbo engine of the previous car, but instead uses a 2.0 litre turbocharged version of the boxer ‘four’ producing 250bhp at 6,000rpm and 242lb ft of torque at 2,400rpm. The engine features ‘Dual Active Valve Control’ and equal length / constant pulsation exhaust manifolds. Drive is fed through Subaru’s usual four wheel drive system.
No plans for a similiar spec UK modelNevertheless, each time we see the new car, we find ourselves warming to the concept that little bit more - certainly the turbo model. Now, can we get Subaru to rethink their decision on the WRX?
New Impreza goes on sale in Japan
WRX now known as S-GT
The new Impreza S-GT
The new hatchback has received a mixed reaction so far to say the least. It signifies a radical move by Subaru away from rally-bred sport saloons and into the mainstream market of five door family hatchbacks.
Subaru really seem to want to put the past (and arguably their hard-won heritage) behind them with the new model, and have even dropped the WRX moniker in Japan. This new JDM (Japanese domestic market) turbo model will be known as the ‘S-GT’ in its homeland. It is described by Subaru as a ‘Grand Touring’ model.
Turbo 2.0 litre boxer makes 250hp
As we’ve already reported on PH, Subaru UK will not be importing a ‘regular’ WRX turbo model into this country, but will concentrate on the 15S (1.5 litre 110bhp) and 20S (2.0 litre 140bhp) models to begin with - also launched in Japan yesterday - followed by a full house (in power and price terms) STi version at a later date. The UK market STi is expected to retain the 2.5 litre turbo motor and should produce at least 300bhp.
No plans for a similiar spec UK model
Previous new Impreza stories on PH:
Discussion
Why couldn't they just introduce this as an entirely new model to the range and leave the Impreza name for a "proper" replacement at a later date?
I think that one of the main issues is the use of the Impreza brand on this car, it bears no resemblance to previous models and as a result doesn't seem worthy of it.
I think that one of the main issues is the use of the Impreza brand on this car, it bears no resemblance to previous models and as a result doesn't seem worthy of it.
I just don't understand their thinking.
"I know, lets replace our slightly dodgy looking but very well respected, reliable, motorsport-successful, consumer-satisfied saloon and replace it with a dodgy previous generation Honda Civic rip-off that's about as purposeful as a Kia Cee'd"
It's just baffling. Subarus are either about rugged estates and saloons for hacking about the farmland or nutter rally-inspired saloons. Why turn the whole lot on it's head and replace the saloon with a hatch? Bizarre...
Bet Solberg will be tapping up another employer when he sees his car for next year. Come to think of it, maybe they've changed it to give them a chance of some success!
"I know, lets replace our slightly dodgy looking but very well respected, reliable, motorsport-successful, consumer-satisfied saloon and replace it with a dodgy previous generation Honda Civic rip-off that's about as purposeful as a Kia Cee'd"
It's just baffling. Subarus are either about rugged estates and saloons for hacking about the farmland or nutter rally-inspired saloons. Why turn the whole lot on it's head and replace the saloon with a hatch? Bizarre...
Bet Solberg will be tapping up another employer when he sees his car for next year. Come to think of it, maybe they've changed it to give them a chance of some success!
MattPatch said:
Imprezas were origionally just 4 door family saloons, not for mentalists . . .
Shame Tho!
Well, yes and no to that - the Impreza design did use specific lessons learnt from rallying the Legacy. They sent a design team out to visit prodrive for a while before making the Impreza chassis, to ensure it would be a good base for rallying. Nutter-version were definitely intended right from the start.Shame Tho!
Don't forget Subaru were making and rallying 4wd turbo Leones as far back as 1982, the same year the Audis hit the WRC properly. The Leones rallied mostly at national level though and never had the power to be that competitive. The Legacy RS was a big step up and started to get people like Colin McRae noticed...
Edited by GravelBen on Wednesday 6th June 11:27
Edited by GravelBen on Wednesday 6th June 11:29
Frank1e said:
Why couldn't they just introduce this as an entirely new model to the range and leave the Impreza name for a "proper" replacement at a later date?
Couldn't agree more! If they want to break into the mainstram market of the focus/civic etc, why not just create a new model and keep the Impreza name for the larger saloon/estate model. All they seem to have done is watered down the brand image, and possibly value.trickywoo said:
stevieb said:
I think the reason for the hatch was to have a shorter wheel base version for rallying.
Whats wrong with a top mount intercooler?
Airflow through the scoop above 80mph dropped off dramatically in the old one. They may have fixed it now I hope so.Whats wrong with a top mount intercooler?
Also I'm guessing the top mount is a better place to put it in the event of a front end bump - the car would have more chance of getting to the next service area if it's not leaking boost.
collateral said:
trickywoo said:
stevieb said:
I think the reason for the hatch was to have a shorter wheel base version for rallying.
Whats wrong with a top mount intercooler?
Airflow through the scoop above 80mph dropped off dramatically in the old one. They may have fixed it now I hope so.Whats wrong with a top mount intercooler?
Also I'm guessing the top mount is a better place to put it in the event of a front end bump - the car would have more chance of getting to the next service area if it's not leaking boost.
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