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Up till now, there has not been a test drive review of the 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX but recent unveiling provided the basic specs and new look of the sedan and hatchback model. At first glance, many have criticized the appearance of the highly acclaimed Impreza but secretly hope that the performance aspect of the car will prove less disappointing. Perhaps one could ‘guesstimate’ from the recently unveiled 2008 WRX sedan and hatchback, what the STi version would look and perform like.
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Appearance wise, Subaru is promptly moving away from the 3 part grille. The designers of Subaru have smoothened out the rough edges of the previous model for softer lines. For example, the muscular flared fenders and fierce bonnet scoop have been replaced with softer less angry shaped ones, just as the large lower air intake is also made more subtle. The windows are now framed for a tighter body and improved noise characteristics. A horizontal chrome bar connects the tail lamps, which have clear lenses on the five-door WRX hatchback, whereas the Imprezas and the WRX sedans get a red lens colour. The sedan also gets a discrete spoiler, while the hatch will wears an underbody diffuser.
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It has the same 2.5 litres capacity and a same 224 bhp figure from a slightly different turbo charged flat-four engine which peaks at 2800 rpm, as opposed to the old 3600 rpm; which should make improper gear changes more forgiving. The new powerplant also weighs 23 kg lighter and claims a 10% better fuel economy rating and lower emissions. The intake manifold, turbocharger, and top-mounted intercooler are new. The hatchback has a single exhaust tip, while the sedan has two. One could expect the 2008 WRX to achieve a 0-100 km/h time in the mid 5 second range.
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Subaru allege some sort of new production technique that balances the ride better thus improving the handling without having to make the chassis stiffer. Subaru also stresses that the new WRX isn’t softer but ‘the suspension is more compliant when it needs to be’.
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Both the standard Impreza 2.5i and the WRX are on a total new platform with a 94 mm longer wheelbase. Subaru was able to mount the engine 10 mm lower than in the old model by making do without the front subframe. An unequal-length control arm suspension replaces the previous multilink in the back, in part reducing the wheelwell intrusion and also increasing the trunk / hatch space and ride smoothness.
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The 2008 WRX adapts the STI's steering gear, providing a 15.0:1 steering ratio, quicker than the 16.5:1 ratio of the previous model. Transmission choices are a five-speed manual or a heavier four-speed automatic by a significant 30 kg. The interior is a lot roomier and improved quality materials are used. Subaru also boasts 6 safety airbags (including seat-resident thorax pyrotechnics and side-curtains), active head-restraints and a new Vehicle Dynamics Control system.
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Naturally though, nobody will be convinced until someone musters their Petter Solberg’s counter-steer imitation on a dusty stretch of road, but in the mean time lets keep our fingers crossed for the 2008 STi.
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</center>
Up till now, there has not been a test drive review of the 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX but recent unveiling provided the basic specs and new look of the sedan and hatchback model. At first glance, many have criticized the appearance of the highly acclaimed Impreza but secretly hope that the performance aspect of the car will prove less disappointing. Perhaps one could ‘guesstimate’ from the recently unveiled 2008 WRX sedan and hatchback, what the STi version would look and perform like.
<center>
</center>
Appearance wise, Subaru is promptly moving away from the 3 part grille. The designers of Subaru have smoothened out the rough edges of the previous model for softer lines. For example, the muscular flared fenders and fierce bonnet scoop have been replaced with softer less angry shaped ones, just as the large lower air intake is also made more subtle. The windows are now framed for a tighter body and improved noise characteristics. A horizontal chrome bar connects the tail lamps, which have clear lenses on the five-door WRX hatchback, whereas the Imprezas and the WRX sedans get a red lens colour. The sedan also gets a discrete spoiler, while the hatch will wears an underbody diffuser.
<center>
</center>
It has the same 2.5 litres capacity and a same 224 bhp figure from a slightly different turbo charged flat-four engine which peaks at 2800 rpm, as opposed to the old 3600 rpm; which should make improper gear changes more forgiving. The new powerplant also weighs 23 kg lighter and claims a 10% better fuel economy rating and lower emissions. The intake manifold, turbocharger, and top-mounted intercooler are new. The hatchback has a single exhaust tip, while the sedan has two. One could expect the 2008 WRX to achieve a 0-100 km/h time in the mid 5 second range.
<center>
</center>
Subaru allege some sort of new production technique that balances the ride better thus improving the handling without having to make the chassis stiffer. Subaru also stresses that the new WRX isn’t softer but ‘the suspension is more compliant when it needs to be’.
<center>
</center>
Both the standard Impreza 2.5i and the WRX are on a total new platform with a 94 mm longer wheelbase. Subaru was able to mount the engine 10 mm lower than in the old model by making do without the front subframe. An unequal-length control arm suspension replaces the previous multilink in the back, in part reducing the wheelwell intrusion and also increasing the trunk / hatch space and ride smoothness.
<center>
</center>
The 2008 WRX adapts the STI's steering gear, providing a 15.0:1 steering ratio, quicker than the 16.5:1 ratio of the previous model. Transmission choices are a five-speed manual or a heavier four-speed automatic by a significant 30 kg. The interior is a lot roomier and improved quality materials are used. Subaru also boasts 6 safety airbags (including seat-resident thorax pyrotechnics and side-curtains), active head-restraints and a new Vehicle Dynamics Control system.
<center>
</center>
Naturally though, nobody will be convinced until someone musters their Petter Solberg’s counter-steer imitation on a dusty stretch of road, but in the mean time lets keep our fingers crossed for the 2008 STi.
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</center>
