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Impreza and WRX split

Cracks are appearing in the Subaru range, as the Impreza and WRX become two separate models

Subaru WRX

Photos: Holiday Auto

19th July 2011

The new Impreza and high-performance WRX – two versions of the same car since 1992 – are splitting to create separate models, Auto Express has learned.

The WRX will be a completely different beast to the revamped Impreza – which was revealed at April’s New York Motor Show – with unique components. Our image shows a Japanese artist’s interpretation of the car, as a two-door with a shorter wheelbase and heavy-duty bodywork. Our source revealed: “Every part of the WRX will be unique – even the engine and body.”

From now, the standard Impreza will be Subaru’s fuel-efficient core model, while the WRX will employ the brand’s rally-proven 4WD and a new 200bhp 1.6-litre boxer turbo. “We have developed it from the ground up to win in motorsport,” added our source. “That is why we have focused on weight issues, not to mention a shorter wheelbase that permits faster, more precise turn-in. We think we have a winner.” So although the firm pulled out of the World Rally Championship in 2008, a return looks possible.

Above the WRX, Subaru will still offer a low-volume flagship STi, which will be more hardcore than ever. The maker was able to push the limits with this car because its forthcoming coupe – co-developed with the Toyota FT-86 – will fill the gap for a more forgiving performance model.

The new WRX is expected to be revealed within the next year.

For an alternative review of the latest Subaru Impreza visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

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8 Comments

All show and no go?

Only 200bhp in the WRX?

Lets hope the STI has a LOT more power... not just 260-300bhp.

By BenS1 on 20 July, 2011, 10:38am

Ghastly

Looks like on of those ghastly drawings you see for sale in shopping centres with oversized wheels cocked at a funny angle. Lets hope the designers can do better than auto express

By JakeBtn on 21 July, 2011, 6:24am

Comment Fail.

@JakeBtn this is not Auto Express' rendering. It was done by Holiday Auto, as stated under the pic, and was released days ago on the Autoblog website. So don't blame Auto Express for your ignorance.

By aplads on 21 July, 2011, 7:06am

SEAT ?

Is that the new Seat Leon FR ? I think I need another pair of glasses.....Subaru lost 2 generations ago the original aggresive superhero design and came up with the new FR.

By misu110382 on 21 July, 2011, 7:16am

bens1

it will have a 1.6 turbo changed engone with 20 bhp, not 200, not sure where they got that from but i read the origanal review in a jap mag a few days ago and it stated 260bhp will be given and there are talks of a 2.0 twin turbo model aswell!

misu110382, yh fr, fkin rubbish :)

By ellis69 on 21 July, 2011, 9:49am

Love Subaru's but I hope the next WRX doesnt look anything like that strange thing above....

By cousins11 on 21 July, 2011, 4:53pm

Great design sells

Many if not all auto manufacturers are smitten by their brand recognition details as followed by this artist. Unfortunate and ironic as it is in this case, a well designed shape is tainted, the family members at Subaru will love it . The grill and signiture hood scoop make Jimmy Durante's nose look perfect. If one pictures the front of this rendering with low slope front, little or no grill, no chrome, and the front air scoops as grill, Subaru couldn't make these quick enough to fill their orders. Subaru does not want to break their idologically clumsey image because
they would be fearfull to have a best seller. That means bigger factories and responsibilities.

By silverlion1 on 22 July, 2011, 4:58pm

No, no, no!!!!

Lets have a real Impreza for the masses. I like the car up to the front windscreen then it is just awful. Boy racer silly. Not the mature road racer it should be. The big wing is every reason Scooby owners will not buy the car. It is more like an escort with a Halfords add on spoiler. Go back to the roots . Great looking saloon and practical wagon both with plenty of room for mods with a 6 speed box. The original car was so right in every way. It needed the better box ect but it was a fantastic everyday point to point car that is still hard to beat. No, no, no,!!!!! Subaru. Go back to the original car and just improve that. Please do not not ruin a legend.
One Scooby owner.

By PeterJK on 23 July, 2011, 5:29pm

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