Oh Hi: 2012 Subaru Impreza

After seeing spy shots of the front end of the next generation Impreza, there are no surprises on that front, but there sure are with the rest of the car.

The rest of the design elements can only be described as bold. In typical Subaru fashion, I’m willing to bet this new design will be just as polarizing as Imprezas before it. What should be pleasing to everyone, however, are the Legacy-esque headlights. Every headlight design of the Impreza since the ”bug-eyed” look from 2002 has generated sharp criticism. But with sharp creases and bulges everywhere, it’s clear that Subaru wants this Impreza to stand out. In fact, there seems to be lots of bulging a la WRX and STi going on here, which begs the question, just how radical are those designs going to be?

This new Impreza is 110 pounds lighter than its predecessor. This helps translate into better fuel efficiency, also helped out by the new, more efficient 4-cylinder boxer engine mated to a 5-speed manual or a CVT. If you want a six speed, you’ll have to go for the STi. It’s the only Impreza to ever get a 6-speed. The 2.0 litre engine produces 148 horsepower and 145 pound feet of torque. Believe it or not, that’s actually less powerful than the engine in the current generation. 22 horses and 25 pound feet of torque less to be precise. But there is no penalty in acceleration as this new Impreza gets from 0-100 in 9.8 seconds which is actually 0.3 seconds faster than the current Impreza. The obvious gain in doing this is for fuel efficiency. The new Impreza gets 8.7 l/100 kms and 6.5 highway.

Of course, all-wheel drive is standard.

Hit the jump to see more pics and pics of the sedan.

What do you think of the new Impreza? Is it a love it or hate it design?

[Subaru]

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Next Generation Subaru Impreza Caught!

The next generation Subaru Impreza was caught with virtually no camouflage this past week.

Baring a similarity to its big brother, the Legacy, Subaru is clearly trying to keep a design theme throughout the lineup. They hope to make Subaru a more recognizable brand. That’s all fine and good, but I’ve got to say, the production version of the Impreza is a huge disappointment from the Impreza concept car they showed off last November. That concept was hot!

The model pictured above is likely the base model which will get a revised 4 cylinder boxer engine. The new engine is supposed to help the Impreza gain some extra fuel mileage all while boosting power. Both the sedan and the hatchback will carry over along with all-wheel drive standard, of course.

Luckily, since this is the base version, the WRX and STI will likely have more aggressive styling elements added on to give it a bit more character. Oh, and obviously there will be a much more desirable engine under the hood. No word yet on WRX or STI numbers, but stay tooned for that.

For more pics of the Impreza click here.

[Autoblog]

Subaru WIN! Sti Pulls Truck From Snow

Whoa! Check out this video of a Subaru Impreza WRX STI pulling out a massive truck that somehow got stuck in Holland.

Makes quite the argument for AWD and huge amounts of power for winter. Oh and proper winter tires or course.

[Youtube]

Oh Hi: Subaru Impreza Concept

Whoa, much better!

The Subaru Impreza has always been a very capable vehicle, especially in WRX and STi guises, but it was always lacking in the styling department. No matter which generation, the Impreza’s styling has always evoked controversy. The current model is no exception.

Well it appears as though the styling direction for the Impreza is about to very much change for the better. Subaru debuted this Impreza concept at the L.A Auto Show today and while it is still a concept, it definitely showcases Subaru’s intent to be finished with the questionable styling of the Impreza.

More in line with its big brother, the Legacy, the Impreza concept has similar large wheel arches, a trapezoidal grille and large front intakes. See those slits in the intakes? They’re not just styling strips, they’re actually functional fog lights. Pretty cool! Although I doubt they would make it to the production model.

Under the hood is a 2.0 litre 4 cylinder with CVT and that’s all Subaru is saying about it right now. Ditch that CVT, add a couple of turbos and you’ll be all set, Subaru! Build this NOW.

[Subaru]

Are You Just Happy to See Me? 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX Starts to Buldge

The 2011 Subie WRX will get a sizeable shot of testosterone for the sedan.

The sedan version of the WRX will get much larger fenders, a newly restyled front lip, as well as larger blacked out grille and air intakes, helping to give it a much more agressive, robust look -something the WRX, and the Impreza in general, have been criticised for before.

The changes aren’t just cosmetic however, as new WRX will get a wider track (1.5 inches wider to be exact) along with firmer rear subfram bushings and wider 17 inch wheels. This should help the WRX stay more planted, along with that standard AWD.

The refreshed WRX will make its public debut at this year’s New York Auto Show.