Subaru To Unveil 2008 Impreza WRC Concept In Frankfurt
As you can see for yourselves in the teaser press release that follows, Subaru will proceed in the European debut of the new Impreza along with the facelifted Tribeca and the Daihastu based, Justy city car in Frankfurt. However, what we’re really interested in is the WRC Concept, and not only cause we’re rally fans, but also because it gives us an idea of how the forthcoming Impreza WRX STi hatch could look like. –See one more image of the WRC Concept along with the press release after the jump
SUBARU’S NEW MODEL BLITZ FOR FRANKFURT
Subaru has chosen September’s 62nd Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA) for the biggest 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.
- Subaru Xv Concept Is A High-riding Impreza Crossover
We’re going to see both the four- and five-door versions of the all-new 2012 Impreza at the New York Auto Show this week, but at the Shanghai motor show, Subaru lifted the wraps off a concept version of the hatchback model in a crossover guise....
- Subaru To Race Impreza Wrx Sti At 24h Of Nurburgring
Fans of Subaru will be happy to know that the Japanese firm's STI motorsport division will take part at next month's 24-hours of the Nurburgring endurance race with a specially-prepped Impreza WRX STI hatch that will be campaigning in the SP3T...
- Update: European Subaru Impreza Wrx Sti Specs Released
Along with the release of the Japanese market Impreza WRX STi specs (click here), Subaru also revealed details of the European version which will be available across the continent during the first quarter of 2008. While the JDM STi is equipped with a...
- Australian 2008 Subaru Impreza Wrx Gets Revised Grille
Subaru released the first official image of its Australian spec 2008 Impreza WRX which features a different grille than the car we saw at the New York Show earlier this year. To say that the all-new Impreza has received mixed reactions is probably an...
- Subaru To Present The World's First Boxer Turbo Diesel Engine
See, this is one of the things I love about Subaru. Instead of choosing the easy way by borrowing a diesel engine from another manufacture or developing a "normal" diesel powered motor of it's own, Subaru went ahead and engineered the world's...