Subaru has decided to give the public a taste of its upcoming World Rally Championship edition of its Subaru Impreza in the form of a concept car to be premiered at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Subaru and WRC have a nearly epic history together, so it’s no surprise that the automaker will look to field another vehicle in the popular racing series.
Not only does the car give us a peak at the competition car, it also shows some styling elements likely to make it over into the upcoming STi version of the Impreza. We can’t confirm any details just yet, but we’d expect to see at least the STi grille make it over, as well as the bulging fender flares and large rear spoiler. The STi will likely get a less aggressive and more road-appropriate bodykit based on the WRC car’s.
Subaru hasn’t released any details other than these two photos.
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08/09, 9:29 AM
posted by:
55amg
its still fugging ugly
08/09, 9:42 AM
posted by:
christianboy10
I like that
08/09, 9:43 AM
posted by:
Deanster
THe grill and the taillights are the fatal errors. Otherwise the car is OK
08/09, 9:45 AM
posted by:
Me
Yeah, it’s ugly. I think only subaru could make a 5 door hatchback look this bad-ass. I hope the street version STI has similar flared fenders.
08/09, 9:53 AM
posted by:
snoboardguy21
Once upon a time the impreza was the best looking vehicle in the WRC. Times have changed… Hopefully for Subaru’s sake, it wins races, cause it sure won’t win the hearts of the fans. I can’t wait to see Mitsubihi’s WRC car.
08/09, 9:59 AM
posted by:
HoosierHero
Interesting it’s a hatchback as they are usually sedans. Reminds me of the Focus rally car.
08/09, 10:12 AM
posted by:
04focus
mmm tasty. bring the STi as is, minus the decals. oooh.
LLN: it’s “peek” in that context, not “peak”.
08/09, 10:24 AM
posted by:
Veda
Looks better than standard. But still ugly as hell.
08/09, 10:34 AM
posted by:
meanpants555
Looks like everything on it is stapled on. Lordy, I miss the good old Group B days, when cars would plow into the crowds…
08/09, 10:35 AM
posted by:
meanpants555
Sidebar: Does anyone know where to get WRC videos? Duke Video used to sell them, but now they are not in the US DVD format.
08/09, 10:59 AM
posted by:
Stuart
facelift the front and give it red rear lights. Otherwise not that bad looking
08/09, 11:09 AM
posted by:
jamaicandude
I’ve never really liked the look of any Impreza, but they’ve always been high on my list of fun, fast rides. Besides, WRC rules.
08/09, 1:27 PM
posted by:
Commodore
Ok, maybe its grown on me a little. But that might be because we can’t see the grille that all in all these pics.
08/09, 1:31 PM
posted by:
Blakkarr
Looks happily less chunky and funky. But niche fans of the car will hate it as shown in some of the above comments. I like it, even as a sport hatch. I’d buy one, though I’m not sure about the graphics.
08/09, 1:34 PM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
Cue the gran turismo music.
I like subarus, because they’re tough
08/09, 1:50 PM
posted by:
sharpie
Something about that spoiler I don’t like
08/09, 2:48 PM
posted by:
1487_GM_SALES
At least the Cobalt and G5 look good in this category. Subarus are ugly and some of the worst built POS cars out there. No amount of stickers and decals can hide that fact.
08/09, 4:59 PM
posted by:
Blakkarr
Sharpie,
It’s probably because the spoiler blocks more than half the rear window. While It looks cool, it is a hazard for the driver.
08/09, 6:16 PM
posted by:
jamaicandude
Guys, remember that this is a rally concept. As an avid WRC fan, I can tell you that Aero and body styling in the world of WRC has very little to do with aesthetics. It’s all purely functional, and a lot of it will never see the light of day on a street car. And they don’t need much rearward visibility either.
08/10, 10:03 AM
posted by:
BLISS
IMPRESSIVE PERFORMANCE ON THE THE WAY.
08/12, 4:24 AM
posted by:
79TA
fetal alcohol syndrome in car form
09/11, 8:36 PM
posted by:
A4
id like to see the roof scoop stay for the STi
09/12, 10:06 AM
posted by:
Aston Martin
Amazing once you hunker it down, give it a spoiler and a few air intakes along with a decent paint job.
05/20, 3:04 PM
posted by:
BlackX
no matter how they try its still unbelievably ugly.