Few car redesigns have the ability to cause an uproar amongst enthusiasts more than the Subaru WRX. First there was the “bug-eye” headlights in 2002. Subaru responded immediately to the negative reaction (and are rumored to have returned to the drawing board yet again), morphing the less polarizing but no more loved “fix” in the form of the Tribecaesque new face. Ever since this rally inspired rocket was released to the masses, any major changes have caused forum servers to overload with posts claiming the car was ruined and that the writer was in possession of the last version of the REAL WRX. Only one problem…Each updated car eventually outsold the previous edition.

One thing is clear - Subaru has had a hard time making debuts go over well with diehard fans. Part of this could be due to the photos of the standard Impreza being released first. The WRX, and to a greater degree the STi, always look better. The ’08 is certainly no exception. Initial impressions notwithstanding, each version has improved upon the dynamic brilliance of its forbearer, and WRX fans always came around. Not surprising then that each new iteration, despite negative first reactions by the press and public, has continued to enjoy a cult-like following.

The images here are from the North American introduction at the LA Auto Show and include some shots of the full battle armour version Petter Solberg and Chris Atkinson will tackle next year’s WRC season with. To be honest, I don’t see what all the fuss is about. Admittedly, I am a big fan of hatchbacks, but I think the car looks great. Regardless, sleek good-looks isn't what Subaru is all about, and judging a WRX on styling alone has never been a good idea - it is the performance of these rally bred creations that matters. Although the base model would fit right in at any suburban mall parking lot, the sporting version (especially in bulging STi form) looks appropriately wedgey and substantial from nearly every angle and has a more purposeful stance than the outgoing sedan. Once the ReXaholics have a look at the new car in person, especially the quality interior and solid build, trepidation should begin to fade, and a quick glance down the spec sheet will eliminate any remaining doubt.

The first thing performance nutters will notice is the weight, or, more correctly, lack of it. In a welcome reversal of what seems to be standard practice these days (and even more remarkable considering the more solid build and improved interior), the new edition of a car tips the scales at less than its predecessor. At the time of this writing no official weight has been released, but expect the new model to drop roughly 50 lbs.
Carrying over is a slightly revised version of the 2.5L turbo engine (the Japanese market will still get the 2.0L for WRC homologation fulfillment). Fed by a scoop that drops into the bonnet almost as much as it rises from it, the familiar boxer plant is now mounted deeper in the chassis for a lower CG. Expect around 300 each of hp and torque, the majority of the latter will be available over a lower and broader rev range. A 6-speed manual is the only transmission offered and will feed the driver controlled center diff.

SI-Drive (Subaru Intelligent Drive) engine control, first seen on the Legacy, is expected to make an appearance. This system allows the driver to choose between Intelligent (reduced throttle response and power for better efficiency), Sport (full power and quicker throttle response) and Sport Sharp (maximum responsiveness) settings as appropriate for conditions and desires.

As always, STis can be distinguished by a unique and aggressive front fascia, swoopy wheel blisters, and slightly toned down but still in your face rear spoiler. In addition to adding visual appeal, these aids should work in conjunction with under-body aero manipulation feeding directly into a rear diffuser designed to keep the car planted at speed and help you get the most of the revamped rear suspension.

The wheelbase and track width have been increased from the outgoing STi, while overall length has shrunk by a couple of inches. Notice the new 18 in. alloys wrapped in 245/40 performance Bridgestones? They are available, of course, in gold and hide ubiquitous Brembo brakes which now sport STi logos.
It all adds up to a worthy successor to the legend. Straight line acceleration should improve slightly (expect 0-60 in just under 5 seconds) and every other measurable performance aspect ought to be a step above the outgoing model.

Enough about the styling then, the new Impreza is a 5-door hatch meant to allow the standard version greater appeal to the masses. Deal with it. My guess is that the first time Suby fans see the new car - caked with mud, spewing rocks and debris from all four wheels, boxer four at full, throbby howl - explode from a Welsh forest with Solberg doing his delicate dance on the edge of speed, control, and disaster, all thoughts of this being a “suburban mom shuttle” will be long forgotten.