All-new Subaru rally car hatches out

The wraps have finally come off the all-new Subaru Impreza WRC2008. Bosses opted to unveil the car ahead of schedule, and bring its competition debut forward to Greece’s Acro­polis rally at the end of May, in a surprise move to get the team’s disastrous season back on track.

As you can see, the five-door bodyshell of the latest showroom model has been adopted. But the car also benefits from a new colour scheme. While the distinctive metallic blue paintjob remains, it’s now joined by an eye-catching silver and white graphic at the rear.

It’s the technical changes which factory drivers Petter Solberg and Chris Atkinson hope will have the biggest impact, though. Better aero­dynamics and mechanical packaging should make the WRC 2008 more nimble on the stages.

Under the bonnet, the proven turbo boxer engine and symmetrical four-wheel-drive transmission are carried over from the previous generation, and should ensure the car is reliable as well as fast.

Team chief David Richards is pos­itive about the Impreza’s chances. He said: “We are very excited to be able to launch the new car ahead of schedule. And I’m confident we will be competitive in Greece.”