Tuesday 22nd July 2008

Motor Show: Subaru Impreza 380S concept

Three new Imprezas unveiled at the Motor Show

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WRX STI 380S concept

Subaru has announced not one but three new Impreza variants at the Motor Show. The most interesting is the 380bhp WRX STI 380S concept, but don't be fooled by the name.

A Subaru insider told PistonHeads today that the car will definately be going into production although it will be hand-built to order. Expect no more than a couple of hundred of the 380S which has a number of Prodrive engine upgrades and styling tweaks.

The 380S could go on sale within six months and has a complete engine rebuild by Prodrive with many uprated components.

There are also suspension tweaks and a different exhaust system. The car rides on 18x8.5 BBS alloys which are available in either silver or gold. Subaru has also launched a 330bhp STI that will sit above the standard car at £30,000.

It will still be limited to around a few hundred cars according to Subaru and benefits from a Prodrive Performance pack with modified ECU and exhaust system.

Subaru says that the twin 90mm stainless steel exhaust pipes will 'bring back the burble' loved by Impreza fans. Power increases from 300bhp at 6,00rpm to 330bhp at 5,400rpm and torque is increased from 300.2 lb ft at 4,000rpm to 346.6 lb ft at a lower 3,400rpm.

WRX-S

The 0-60mph time drops from 4.8 seconds to an incredible 4.4 seconds.

Finally there is the WRX-S - a faster version of the slimmer WRX Impreza. Power is up from 230bhp at 5,200rpm to 255bhp at 5,400rpm while torque increases from 236 lb ft at 2,800rpm to 287.6rpm at 3,000rpm. The increase of power is achieved through a tweaked ECU and a new exhaust system.

The 0-60mph time goes from 6.1 seconds to 5.5 seconds. The car has £4,500 worth of extras for £2,500, now costing £22,495.

[carmats]

They been taking styling tips of kia? D:

[Benny Saltstein]

There are echoes of the Sedona bonnet scoop. Having seen the white STI demonstrator in the flesh at Bulldog in Twyford the new Impreza is beginning to grow on me.

However, would be more interested in the rumoured WRX diesel.

Edited by Benny Saltstein on Tuesday 22 July 14:52

[Sonic Nonsense]

Hmmm, looks like a Hyundai i30 (from the front at least).

[DrGP]

I think these look OK - subaru's are not supposed to be pretty, I know mine isn't. I like the power on offer but am with Saltstein waiting to see what they do with the diesel

[Nikko 40691]

Why am I looking at all these shots of cars that I'm going to be seeing next weekend?

I'm only spoiling it for myself!

[andrewpaterson]

Nikko 40691 said:

Why am I looking at all these shots of cars that I'm going to be seeing next weekend?

I'm only spoiling it for myself!

I know, can't quite believe I am doing the same!

[Fotofrog]

Me three... !! arrrr!

[1275GT]

A diesel would then share two things with a lorry...

The engine and the wing mirrors!

[69elan+2]

I know I say it everytime BMW bring out a new range revision - but this car will never grow on me after how good it used to look

[Bizzle]

You can't polish a turd.
This is a horrible looking car and defecates on the good name that is Impreza WRX. I dislike the ways that invades my nightmares and I have to restrain myself from spitting on the red one parked just outside my window. It’s a squat, hot hatch abortion of an automobile and no amount of Pro Drive engine upgrades and Subaru stickers will change that.

On the whole, im not that fond of its looks.

[Frimley111R]

Fotofrog said:

Me three... !! arrrr!

ME FOUR!

[adz1811]

Bizzle said:

You can't polish a turd.
This is a horrible looking car and defecates on the good name that is Impreza WRX. I dislike the ways that invades my nightmares and I have to restrain myself from spitting on the red one parked just outside my window. It’s a squat, hot hatch abortion of an automobile and no amount of Pro Drive engine upgrades and Subaru stickers will change that.

On the whole, im not that fond of its looks.

I do have to agree with you to some extent, they looked alot better back in the mid to late 90's but they then ruined it for me with the bug eye creation!

[darth_pies]

Ok, but....

Why is it so UGLY?!?!?

I mean, is it because they can't afford a decent designer or do the company actually think its attractive? Is this considered a sexy car in the Far East?

Please Subaru, i am a petrolhead and would like to have the option of buying your cars......but not if i have to drive something that makes me ill when i look at it.

[Daniel1]

such a shame it is soooooo ugly. A three door might be ok

[ScoobieWRX]

The 380S sounds interesting, wonder if it will still use a 2.5 semi-closed deck with forged internals or closed deck with same forged internals. Place your bets on which turbo!! :lol:

Apparently they are bringing out a UK version Spec C in the very near. It will have been lightened by 40Kgs, have different blistered wings/arches, Bilsteins all round, bigger rotors with Brembo's, Recaro seats and 2.0L closed deck engine!! Might be an even more interesting prospect than the 380S

Hmmmm....

.....If only they brought out a 3dr version with a stroked 2.2, traction control by P2 and called it the 23b!!

How awesome would that be!!

Edited by ScoobieWRX on Tuesday 22 July 18:28

[Kieran XJR]

The spec looks good, it's a shame the car doesn't. I prefered the saloon to this blobby hatchback design. I'm not too keen on the clear rear lights and some of the other details.

[Jenny Tills]

Does the WRX-S replace the PPP upgrade? My old 56 plate WRX had 270ps with 310lb/ft after the prodrive performance pack, why de-tune it so much?

They must be pushing people into the STI's?

Edited by Jenny Tills on Tuesday 22 July 17:12

[john_r]

I love the way that Subaru and Mitsubishi release new models every 3-4 months... immediately accelerating the depreciation on any recently sold cars!

[focus man]

i would sooner the new rs!!!!...the scooby is sooooooooooo ugly..lol

[Mclovin]

The new style has grown on me, I think it looks nimble and purposeful in the flesh .