Subaru's new model blitz in its history. Key attractions include the European debut for the completely new Impreza, a striking World Rally Car Concept, facelifted Tribeca luxury SUV, totally new Justy supermini and the world’s first horizontally-opposed ‘boxer’ turbo-diesel engine – due to be progressively installed in various models from spring 2008.

Subaru WRC driver, Petter Solberg, will speak at the Subaru press conference (Tuesday, September 11, Hall 8 at 2 pm) when the new Impreza-based WRC Concept will be unveiled. Described as an indication of future styling trends for a world rally car, the WRC Concept is sure to draw the crowds – and conjure up speculation among enthusiasts and the press alike.

Also presenting at the press conference is Mr Matsatsugu Nagato, Fuji Heavy Industries’ Executive Vice President in charge of European markets. He will unveil the completely new Impreza five-door hatchback in its 1.5 and 2.0 litre naturally-aspirated formats – aimed at appealing to a wider audience while still retaining Subaru’s distinctive ‘boxer’ engines and symmetrical all-wheel drive. Both technologies offer outstanding handling and roadholding with ‘real world’ active safety.

On-sale late September in the UK, the new Impreza boasts substantially increased passenger space thanks to a new platform with new multi-link, double-wishbone rear suspension which gives agile handling combined with an exceptionally absorbent ride.

Other exhibits include a facelifted Tribeca with new front and rear styling plus a larger – but more efficient – 3.6 litre ‘boxer’ engine mated to a more responsive five-speed automatic gearbox. Other improvements include easier access to the optional third row of seats in the seven-seat versions.

A surprise appearance at the show is a completely new Justy 1.0 litre five-door supermini offering superb fuel economy coupled with low exhaust emissions. The front-wheel drive Justy will be supplied to Subaru for sale in Europe by Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd.

Also guaranteed to generate intense interest is a display Subaru Boxer Turbo Diesel engine which will be fitted progressively to various models from spring 2008.

The world’s first horizontally-opposed diesel engine promises outstanding refinement, smoothness and low weight for excellent handling. In addition, fuel economy, performance and emissions will all be class-challenging.

Also underlying Subaru’s commitment to developing environmentally-friendly technologies is an example of its R1e electric city car – already in use in Japan.

 

Pics are repost but the info is new. I think it will do well. Hatches seem to dominate WRC, especially of late. only real sedan in the running lately was suby and they seem to want to move to hatches so we will see.

The Rally version looks good to me. The hatch in stock trim is hideous imho.

 

Personally, I like the look of the Subaru WRC car.
It definitely gets me curious as to what the new STI is gonna be like.
I read an article in this week's issue of autoweek indicating Petter is very unhappy about the performance and reliability of current WRC car.
Apparently, he was even more frustrated by the news Subaru wasn't planning on racing this new version until Finnish Rally next year.
The rumor is he was planning on signing with Citroen partnering current champ Sebatian Loeb.

 

wow. if petter left for Citroen and joined with Loeb. That would be a killer combo. I think Citroen would take the cake. Im kinda surprised that there is an "issue" with the current suby. He allways does well with it, it seems. although, I havnt watched WRC at all this year... seens how its not televised.