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2008 Subaru Impreza WRC2008 news, pictures, and information
Subaru has laid the finishing touches on their Subaru Impreza World Rally Car 2008 and the car will make its World Rally Championship (WRC) debut at the upcoming Acropolis Rally in Greece (starts May 29), round 7 on the WRC calender.
The Subaru Impreza WRC2008 is based on the hugely successful Subaru Impreza STI and will be piloted by Australian Chris Atkinson and Norwegian Petter Solberg. This is the first time that Subaru will use a hatchback model as their WRC representative and has been called ‘the most radically different Subaru World Rally Car in 15 years' by the team. Subaru has painted the WRC car in a bold new color scheme which is still blue.
The new WRC 2008 is powered by a 2.0 liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder boxer engine producing 224 kW or about 300 hp. The car also features a longer wheelbase and shorter front and rear overhangs than its predecessor.
Subaru World Rally Team (SWRT) hopes to relive its glory days from the mid nineties when they took three consecutive manufacturers titles (1995, 96 and 97).Source - Subaru
The Subaru Impreza WRC2008 is based on the hugely successful Subaru Impreza STI and will be piloted by Australian Chris Atkinson and Norwegian Petter Solberg. This is the first time that Subaru will use a hatchback model as their WRC representative and has been called ‘the most radically different Subaru World Rally Car in 15 years' by the team. Subaru has painted the WRC car in a bold new color scheme which is still blue.
The new WRC 2008 is powered by a 2.0 liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder boxer engine producing 224 kW or about 300 hp. The car also features a longer wheelbase and shorter front and rear overhangs than its predecessor.
Subaru World Rally Team (SWRT) hopes to relive its glory days from the mid nineties when they took three consecutive manufacturers titles (1995, 96 and 97).Source - Subaru
The most visually distinguishing element, and the first thing people will notice about the Impreza WRC2008, is the radically restyled bodyshell. No longer the iconic saloon of old, which captured the hearts of so many and sculpted a following of die-hard enthusiasts, the first five door Impreza World Rally Car mimics Subaru's latest road-going incarnation.
Launched to critical acclaim, it is also the first Impreza World Rally Car to not sport Subaru's trademark bonnet scoop. The car retains a front-mounted intercooler and the air intake takes the form of an internal scoop fed from a grill in the front bumper.
Continuing the trend of parallel development between the Impreza World Rally Cars and Subaru's road-going counterparts, Petter Solberg and SWRT engineers were jointly involved with the creation of the Impreza STI road car from its infancy. The car was designed from the outset with consideration as to its suitability as a future rallying contender.
The longer wheel base, shortened overhangs and improved aerodynamics visible in the new car were all incorporated by Subaru for the benefit of both the production and World Rally variants. SWRT then assessed the performance of every component and element of the car to optimise the centre of gravity and weight distribution, shedding any limitations or constraints carried across from the outgoing Impreza.
To coincide with the radical new shape, the WRC2008 sports an equally redesigned livery to bring the car more in line with Subaru's corporate identity. Importantly, the iconic blue has been retained to continue the rich history of the team's participation at the forefront of world rallying. As much a part of the Impreza's heritage as the body colour itself, the classic gold wheels have also been carried over.
The WRC2008 marks the first time that the team has run a dedicated test programme with a sole test driver. Whereas the team drivers have conducted testing in the past, in January 2008 Estonian Markko Martin, 2000 and 2001 Subaru World Rally Team works driver, signed as the team's official test driver and conducted all of the early testing work before handing over to Petter Solberg and Chris Atkinson at the end of April 2008.
Revised and refreshed, the WRC2008's powerplant is the only element not to have been radically reworked due to the World Rally Championship regulations. Nevertheless, the two litre flat-four's manifolds, the coolant and intercooler systems and ancillaries have been redesigned to nestle within the confines of the new engine bay.
Linked to Subaru's cornerstone boxer engine is an all new edition of the unique H-pattern gearbox. Built by Prodrive, the unit has been used in one form or other since the earliest days of the Impreza, and continues to be the only gearbox in the championship to utilise the H-pattern layout found in Subaru's road cars. Streamlined in terms of its ancillaries and semi-automatic electronic and hydraulic gearshift systems, the freshly revised gearbox has been refined to best fit the WRC2008's new shape.Source - Subaru
Launched to critical acclaim, it is also the first Impreza World Rally Car to not sport Subaru's trademark bonnet scoop. The car retains a front-mounted intercooler and the air intake takes the form of an internal scoop fed from a grill in the front bumper.
Continuing the trend of parallel development between the Impreza World Rally Cars and Subaru's road-going counterparts, Petter Solberg and SWRT engineers were jointly involved with the creation of the Impreza STI road car from its infancy. The car was designed from the outset with consideration as to its suitability as a future rallying contender.
The longer wheel base, shortened overhangs and improved aerodynamics visible in the new car were all incorporated by Subaru for the benefit of both the production and World Rally variants. SWRT then assessed the performance of every component and element of the car to optimise the centre of gravity and weight distribution, shedding any limitations or constraints carried across from the outgoing Impreza.
To coincide with the radical new shape, the WRC2008 sports an equally redesigned livery to bring the car more in line with Subaru's corporate identity. Importantly, the iconic blue has been retained to continue the rich history of the team's participation at the forefront of world rallying. As much a part of the Impreza's heritage as the body colour itself, the classic gold wheels have also been carried over.
The WRC2008 marks the first time that the team has run a dedicated test programme with a sole test driver. Whereas the team drivers have conducted testing in the past, in January 2008 Estonian Markko Martin, 2000 and 2001 Subaru World Rally Team works driver, signed as the team's official test driver and conducted all of the early testing work before handing over to Petter Solberg and Chris Atkinson at the end of April 2008.
Revised and refreshed, the WRC2008's powerplant is the only element not to have been radically reworked due to the World Rally Championship regulations. Nevertheless, the two litre flat-four's manifolds, the coolant and intercooler systems and ancillaries have been redesigned to nestle within the confines of the new engine bay.
Linked to Subaru's cornerstone boxer engine is an all new edition of the unique H-pattern gearbox. Built by Prodrive, the unit has been used in one form or other since the earliest days of the Impreza, and continues to be the only gearbox in the championship to utilise the H-pattern layout found in Subaru's road cars. Streamlined in terms of its ancillaries and semi-automatic electronic and hydraulic gearshift systems, the freshly revised gearbox has been refined to best fit the WRC2008's new shape.Source - Subaru
Subaru introduced its Impreza Compact Car in 1993 and has since become a pinnacle of performance. The name 'Impreza' was derived from an Italian word 'impresa', meaning a feat or achievement. In Polish, the name 'Impreza' means to 'party', an 'event' or 'show'. In either language, the name is suitable.
When the Impreza was first introduced in November of 1993, it was available in either front wheel drive or all wheel drive configuration. Two bodystyles were offered, a four-door sedan or five-door station wagon. The two-door coupe followed a few years later, in 1995. Trim levels included the LX, GL, and Sport. Adding to the vehicles versatility, the Impreza was offered with a variety of engines, including a 1.6, 1.8, and 2.0-liter engine. To boost performance further, a turbocharger and intercooler was available on the 2-liter engine. Horsepower for the forced-induction engine was an impressive 208. In the Japanese market, the output was even higher.
Subaru Tecnica International (STi) was formed in 1988; their purpose was to specialize in the preparation of vehicles for rallies. In 1994, they were given the opportunity to create a version of the Impreza to bear the 'STi' nameplate. When introduced, it was only available in the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) and European Domestic Market (EDM). These versions featured performance-tuned engines, transmission, and suspensions. Horsepower was raised above the normal WRX models, and could carry the vehicles from zero-to-sixty in just 4.9 seconds. Top speed was electronically limited at 122 mph. The European market had a slightly de-tuned version of the engine, though performance was still impressive. Additional steps were taken to prepare the vehicles for rally competition. The soundproofing material was reduced, the air conditioning removed, and void of many non-essential amenities. The overall weight of the vehicle was reduced significantly.
The Impreza received cosmetic changes in 1997 and the interior was redesigned in the following year. The design-inspiration for the interior was borrowed from the Forester.
Special edition Impreza's have been introduced throughout its production lifespan. These limited edition models are often tuned for greater performance or given unique cosmetic changes. The purpose is often to commemorate a racing success or to honor a racing legend. Editions include the Series McRae, 555, Catalunya, Terzo, RB5, P1, and 22B. A limited edition version of the Impreza Wagon was even offered for a short time, dubbed the CasaBlanca.
The European market received a performance upgraded version of the Impreza in 1999 which featured an improved turbocharger and 4-pot calibers with larger disc brakes. The suspension was improved and the seating became more racer-oriented with bucket seats similar to the STi version.
While the rest of the world was offered the turbocharger version of the Impreza, the North American market was left to sit on the side-lines. The turbocharger would not come across 'the pond' during the first generation of the Impreza. The Impreza was offered with the 1.8-liter engine with either front- or all-wheel drive. A 2.2-liter version of the engine became available in 1995. The FWD was later droped and all Subaru's became all-wheel drive as standard.
Subaru was unsure of the performance market in North America, and thus, offered only basic engines. In 1998, the year the 1.8-liter engine was no longer available, Subaru decided to explore the possibilities of performance in the US. They offered a performance model dubbed the Impreza 2.5RS. The 2.5-liter DOHC naturally-aspirated engine produced 165 horsepower and had performance upgrades throughout the vehicle, including larger brakes and 16-inch five-spoke gold-colored wheels. Hood vents, rear spoiler, and a hood scoop helped segregate the styling from this 'special' model and its non-tuned sibling.
In 2001, Subaru introduced a larger, more refined and improved, Impreza. For some, the changes were a step in the wrong direction, as the car grew in size and weight. It was tamer beast for the typical day-to-day driving conditions and the extra size meant it was more versatile. Also, the coupe model was no longer offered.
The WRX version, for the United States, with its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that cranked out nearly 230 horsepower became available the following year, in 2002. The US had to wait a long time to get the STi version, which did not enter into production for the States until 2004. To comply with safety and emission control laws in the United States, it was not the same thoroughbred racer as in other parts of the world. Still, it was a very impressive machine. In other markets, the STi was equipped with a twin-scroll turbocharger 2.0-liter engine. In the US, the STi was powered by a 2.5-liter EJ25 engine mated with a turbocharger.
In 2003, the Impreza was given a facelift, mainly due to the negative reaction by some media outlets. One of the more noticeable changes were to the headlamps, which became more square. Another redesign occurred in 2006 on all Impreza's, featuring changes to its headlights, taillights, and bumpers - among other changes.
The Third generation of the Impreza was introduced to the world at the 2007 New York Auto Show, ready for sale in 2008. It will be available as a four-door sedan and five-door hatchback.
When the Impreza was first introduced in November of 1993, it was available in either front wheel drive or all wheel drive configuration. Two bodystyles were offered, a four-door sedan or five-door station wagon. The two-door coupe followed a few years later, in 1995. Trim levels included the LX, GL, and Sport. Adding to the vehicles versatility, the Impreza was offered with a variety of engines, including a 1.6, 1.8, and 2.0-liter engine. To boost performance further, a turbocharger and intercooler was available on the 2-liter engine. Horsepower for the forced-induction engine was an impressive 208. In the Japanese market, the output was even higher.
Subaru Tecnica International (STi) was formed in 1988; their purpose was to specialize in the preparation of vehicles for rallies. In 1994, they were given the opportunity to create a version of the Impreza to bear the 'STi' nameplate. When introduced, it was only available in the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) and European Domestic Market (EDM). These versions featured performance-tuned engines, transmission, and suspensions. Horsepower was raised above the normal WRX models, and could carry the vehicles from zero-to-sixty in just 4.9 seconds. Top speed was electronically limited at 122 mph. The European market had a slightly de-tuned version of the engine, though performance was still impressive. Additional steps were taken to prepare the vehicles for rally competition. The soundproofing material was reduced, the air conditioning removed, and void of many non-essential amenities. The overall weight of the vehicle was reduced significantly.
The Impreza received cosmetic changes in 1997 and the interior was redesigned in the following year. The design-inspiration for the interior was borrowed from the Forester.
Special edition Impreza's have been introduced throughout its production lifespan. These limited edition models are often tuned for greater performance or given unique cosmetic changes. The purpose is often to commemorate a racing success or to honor a racing legend. Editions include the Series McRae, 555, Catalunya, Terzo, RB5, P1, and 22B. A limited edition version of the Impreza Wagon was even offered for a short time, dubbed the CasaBlanca.
The European market received a performance upgraded version of the Impreza in 1999 which featured an improved turbocharger and 4-pot calibers with larger disc brakes. The suspension was improved and the seating became more racer-oriented with bucket seats similar to the STi version.
While the rest of the world was offered the turbocharger version of the Impreza, the North American market was left to sit on the side-lines. The turbocharger would not come across 'the pond' during the first generation of the Impreza. The Impreza was offered with the 1.8-liter engine with either front- or all-wheel drive. A 2.2-liter version of the engine became available in 1995. The FWD was later droped and all Subaru's became all-wheel drive as standard.
Subaru was unsure of the performance market in North America, and thus, offered only basic engines. In 1998, the year the 1.8-liter engine was no longer available, Subaru decided to explore the possibilities of performance in the US. They offered a performance model dubbed the Impreza 2.5RS. The 2.5-liter DOHC naturally-aspirated engine produced 165 horsepower and had performance upgrades throughout the vehicle, including larger brakes and 16-inch five-spoke gold-colored wheels. Hood vents, rear spoiler, and a hood scoop helped segregate the styling from this 'special' model and its non-tuned sibling.
In 2001, Subaru introduced a larger, more refined and improved, Impreza. For some, the changes were a step in the wrong direction, as the car grew in size and weight. It was tamer beast for the typical day-to-day driving conditions and the extra size meant it was more versatile. Also, the coupe model was no longer offered.
The WRX version, for the United States, with its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that cranked out nearly 230 horsepower became available the following year, in 2002. The US had to wait a long time to get the STi version, which did not enter into production for the States until 2004. To comply with safety and emission control laws in the United States, it was not the same thoroughbred racer as in other parts of the world. Still, it was a very impressive machine. In other markets, the STi was equipped with a twin-scroll turbocharger 2.0-liter engine. In the US, the STi was powered by a 2.5-liter EJ25 engine mated with a turbocharger.
In 2003, the Impreza was given a facelift, mainly due to the negative reaction by some media outlets. One of the more noticeable changes were to the headlamps, which became more square. Another redesign occurred in 2006 on all Impreza's, featuring changes to its headlights, taillights, and bumpers - among other changes.
The Third generation of the Impreza was introduced to the world at the 2007 New York Auto Show, ready for sale in 2008. It will be available as a four-door sedan and five-door hatchback.
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