"The illustration above, purloined by our man in Japan, is an insider's estimation of what the next Impreza WRX STi will look like. Although many of the characteristic features of the current car are carried over—hood scoop, aggressive fender flares, enormous wing—the rest of the car shares some styling elements with Subaru's new corporate face, exemplified by the B9 Scrambler concept car designed by Andreas Zapatinas and displayed on a pedestal at the 2003 Tokyo show. The front-end styling of the concept is shown here and is reportedly the face of future Subarus. A new Impreza WRX STi should hit Japanese roads in 2007 and ours soon after."

Read the full article here: http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=29&article_id=8707&page_number=1.

© CarAndDriver.com

i'm having a tough time with that front end...
but then again, i was one of those guys that hated the 04 nose too... i was a die hard bug eye man- now i drive and love the 04...
2007/08 sound about right for us.





aloha from the summit of *-^-Mauna Kea-^-*

Does that remind anybody else of the EVO? :-X

I really like it! Hopefully that is what comes because it looks great IMO.

2007 Saab!

I am partial to it, to bad the wife will never let me trade the 04 STI in after the 02 WRX to 04 STI trade, she was not happy about that one

The bottom portion of the STi bumper looks like a G35 front end..

Looks european....I hope the final production doesn't look like that.

Not liking those head lights

It may grow on me, but my first impression FUGLY!

I like the overall look of the design except for the front grille. I was bored so I did a couple of quick chops. :D

Look like a focus and a mitsu....change the headlights! so GAY

Yea, take out the smaller lower headlight and bring the bigger one down... that might look better :)

I really like the design. I can't wait for it to come out. So much better then the current design (hell, even bugeyes were better then the current design).

cant decide if I like it or hate it

looks like a pontiac

subaru has gone from quirky to ugly

jason

i love it!! it looks soooooooo hoootttttttttt!!!!!!!!!!!

is there more pics! i want a better close up on it. i think they made the rear wheels more wider in the pic that is there so far. damn this makes drool!

i just though that i would put up a better pictures since the article is coming out in japanese magazine.


http://www.rs25.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=21240

That thing is sweet. I can't wait. :D

It looks great! I can't wait to trade in.

I hate it. It looks like a cross between a Evo and a Saab and i love both but those rights made a very very wrong.

Wrx Zero, nice job with the adjustments, change the headlights and it will look pimp.

If they come out with this car they will kill wrx's for me the same way mitsubishi killed the eclipse with there new prototype design.

This car is the first of the new style for Subaru in America. This style has been out already in Japan in the micro car. We've all seen those pictures.

We must realize that the WRX is a world car. We never had the 90's WRX, but most of the rest of the world did. When the bugeye came out, we loved it---for the performance. The look was considered odd, or different, or was overlooked due to the speed. The rest of the world did not like the car though. Even with the '04 redesign, they never warmed up to it.

This is an early prototype drawing of the car. Remember all the pics we saw of the WRX during 2001? This look will be massaged over the next year or two (i.e. adjustments to the lights, wing, lower front bumper section.). What I do see as important is, still a wide-body look for the sedan (will the wagon still be slab-sided?) the same dimensions seem to be there.

The big question is, will the front bumper be butchered for the US crash standards (don't forget we are still knee deep in "our legacy front bumper is too big" whining). Also, the bulge on the hood that starts at the triangle grille and sweeps to the side mirrors, will that be more pronounced to meet Euro pedestrian crash standards.

More important than all this is, what will the price be? How high up the premium ladder does Subaru want to climb? Will the 2.0 be eliminated for the WRX? (the FXT embarrases the small sporty car). Will there be a special 2.0 for rally homoglation? Will it get a more useful back seat?

That's all I have right now.

I think I wanna barf! That's disgusting IMHO. It looks too spider-like with the multiple eyes. BLEH

OK, I've been doing some thinking... I like the wheels, but that's it! :D

that would be sweet.............................AS A WAGON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!PHOTOSHOP PLEASE

I like the shape of the car, but the details need to be worked out. I'm not a fan of the new grill. Those lights need to go and why the hell is there a vent right in front of the scoop? That's got to go too.

why the hell is there a vent right in front of the scoop? That's got to go too.

Because that's what the rally car looks like. Remember it's a weird semi-horizantal front mount intercooler on the WRC car.

http://www.swrt.com/cpimages/640871.jpg

http://www.swrt.com/cpimages/488512.jpg
(big: http://www.swrt.com/cpimages/488511.jpg )

More quick chops with new headlight placement. I didn't have time to rework headlight shape. but you guys get the idea. :)

It's lot's better, but now it kinda reminds me of a Prelude. How about they retro it and make it look more like the first gen Impreza. :D Hey if it could work for the Mustang... ;)

Looks like the Scion TC. w/ the photochop. I like the WRC version.

I must say...I do like that new front end...I want one now.

Frist the gda.... then the gdb... now this? They are making ever impreza more and more ugly each generation. I think im going to go pout :-(

Does that remind anybody else of the EVO? :-X

Way too much like one. And the EVO design is quite ugly compared to the RS or STi.

Also the design seems to be taking on a European look I think.

Hey WRX-zero send your designs to Subaru. Two good things could happen. One they like the design and change the new look alittle and two they hire you for design refinement. Oh but dont forget who suggested it. When you work for Subaru I expect a rally version of the STI sent to my house since youre going to make so much money. Well I dont know why people are crying, I kinda like the new look. Every "NEW" car design is kinda hard to like when you have warmed up to the current version.

i dont know how accurate this car and driver article is...

Its a car that subaru designed for the playstation game WRC3 , not neccesory Impreza.
It could be similar but its probably different.
The reason i think its different is... Subaru is good at hiding pre-production car.
How many people have guessed that GD is gonna be bug eye before the release?
I doubt they will leak out pre-production design by themselves.
Its just for fun and to excite people I think.

there is an article about this car in the Subaru official website ...in Japanese
http://www.subaru-msm.com/feature/issues/3.html

officially from subaru, the name of this car in the game is SUBARU EXTREME

How fast?

i just love WRX-zero's first desing its amazing!

we are never happy, either when it is original (bug eyed) or folowing trends.

I long for the Sti, but by the time I can afford one, I won't want it. The only thing uglier in my mind is the Aztec. I hope people at Subaru are reading this....cuz if this thing come out, I can guarantee a facelift after one year, two the most. (just like bug-eyes to current model)

I suppose I can always get a Legacy turbo......

iono about that new front end .... looks a lot more like a saab .. did you all know that GM is the partial owner of subaru of america and saab? ... that's why the internals of the saab 9-2x wagon is exactly the same as our rex ... yea working at a subaru and saab dealership gets you some knowledge :)

Wtly. ;)

dose anyone have a pic of the rear end?

Frist the gda.... then the gdb... now this? They are making ever impreza more and more ugly each generation. I think im going to go pout :-(

...The GDA is a WRX, the GDB is the STi, USDM MY02-present (GCs are 1st gen Imprezas).

As far as the supposed next gen Impreza - I am not impressed by their new designer. He may do to Subaru what Bangle did to BMW by trying to find new styling direction at the cost of regular customers who may not want to drive a super flamboyant extroverted car.

At least there are the styling gods of Calma, C-West, Gialla, etc...

No! 2007 Saabaru!

The most important question is what will this car be. FIA have proposed standardized running gear for WRC cars beginning in 2005 or 2006. That standardized gear includes a standard gearbox that only fits a transversly mounted engine, NOT a longitudinally mounted boxer a la Subaru. So what will this car be? A body -only replica of a WRC car or will it be more similar to the real race vehicle?

I'm buying one!

More quick chops with new headlight placement. I didn't have time to rework headlight shape. but you guys get the idea. :)


man the photochop you did is sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeetttttt!!!!!!!!!!!!
I want one like that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

nice , I love it : )

I was looking for a thread talking about this car. I have gone from a 350Z to an Evo...which is going from a model to the ugly bucktoothed girl next door. All I have to say is that Subaru looks awesome, I would gladly get rid of the Evo for the 2007 STI. I like the new styling. Why shouldn't japanese rally cars be a little sleeker and sexier.

All depends if triangulated nose drool is your idea of sleeker and sexier I suppose.

that's why the internals of the saab 9-2x wagon is exactly the same as our rex ...
I was under the impression it was the same motor, not just the internals...:dunno:

More quick chops with new headlight placement. I didn't have time to rework headlight shape. but you guys get the idea. :)

if the lights were changed to a retro version of a GC it would look great

Is the just me or does the car look lopsided in all the concept drawings, both in C&D and on Subaru's site. At first I thought it was just a funky perspective but when I followed that link (posted above) to Subaru's site, the car looks like it droops to the left side. It's almost like the car is sad with how frigging ugly it is.

I am so glad that I purchased a 2005 STi. This design is possibly the ugliest car I've ever seen. The current Impreza look is "interesting" and "muscular" and while it might not appeal to everyone, it does have a certain aesthetic appeal. This concept on the other hand looks confused. It wants to be a Pontiac Sunfire, an Alfa Romero, a Celica, and an Evo. The only things I like on the concept are the wheels and the hood-scoop (more WRC-ish.) The grill lines need to be straightened out and flattened and the lose the hood bump.

The concept is ugly as f*ck and, as much as I love my STi and it's quirky looks, I would never buy a 2007/8 STi if it looks like the concept. I looked past the STi's looks for its performance, but the concept is so f-ugly, I don't think I could look past it. Even I have limits with what I will put up with for performance.

WRX-zero is altering the concept in the right direction. Good job! The last iteration though needs bigger lights. :)

I like the shape of the car, i know it looks EVO ish but i wouldnt mind driving it. I guess we all have different perspectives. The headlights should be continuous, and there shouldnt be any (the bug eyes) just a simple straight single headlamp, no breaks.

thanks old_duwel for the bigger picture. I actually like it now more than a couple months ago when i saw a low resolution picture.

I think it looks really good, I think I will wait to buy a sti untill then
\

No magazine got the look of the 2002 Impreza right, and I pray that this isn't the 2007....

BTW: I'm glad that people are actually having a civil discussion on Subaru design here, unlike on Nazisuck. :D

WRX-zero is altering the concept in the right direction. Good job! The last iteration though needs bigger lights. :)

I agree, subaru supplied design is heinous POS. This design is alfa romeo/sabb/evo bastardization. The STI is a good looking car already, replace the ricer wing with the wrx and lower it and people ask me all the time what the car is and that they like the aggressive way it looks. IMHO, asthetically the trunk is too small for the tall chunky wing. For me make it even wider/more aggressive with bigger flares, kind of like the cusco car on the banner of www.i-club.com. I think there should be more distinction aesthetically from the STI and the WRX, besides some gay pink badging, there's a lot less on the 05 for sure.

Looks like a Celica mated with a Subie R2... (Subie's current K-car)

The perspective seems off on the front spoiler in that larger picture. Probably a Photoshop job unless there was a car show I missed here recently??? As far as I know, the next big show isn't until January and it's more of a tuner's show.

Haven't seen anything resembling that driving around either, but maybe too early. I spoted the headlight redesign in my neighborhood weeks before it was in the press. Love living in Japan. Subie test drives in my neighborhood. :lol:

the front end design is UGLY ... but i'm not surprised ... subaru had some sport coupe prototype that featured the same design ... i think the problem is that it's just too much ... too many holes and too many lights ... overall, the car body looks bigger ... and seems to take some European styling cues from the new Legacy ... which isn't a surprise either ... since all car companies seem to be goin for a Euro look now ... just look at Toyota and Honda ... well ... all i hafta say is ... i'm glad i drive the new Legacy ... and not that thing x_x

I like it all except for the back...looks like a sunfire towards the back

that looks pretty sweet, except for the spoiler. the new front end for Subaru is growing on me. i like how the airplane wings incorporate the headlights

I bought my subaru because it was ugly...Now I have to buy this new thing when it comes out so I'll have the ugliest villian on the street. The vector was ugly too...performance made it beautiful. Ugly cars are noticed too...

looks like a mr2 in the back without the wing and looks like a sr-t in the front... but has the subaru look incorporated... is it still 300hp or...?

what are all the designers thinking these days? hasn't chris bangle ruined enough cars around us? sti isn't a graceful and sexy car, because it's not meant to be. sti was born a punk, why make her taking the ballet class?! i think the front end will look much better on a 2 door sports car, something close to rx8. some how the two piece headlight looks really cheap to me. and they have to rework the scoop, it looks just odd on that hood.
after staring at it for a couple hours, it's still very odd. did they got a really good deal on alfa romeo bumpers?
hopefully it's only one of the prototypes, cuz if not, they're so screwed.

i think if u like sharp, sporty cars, u'll like the new impreza.
if u prefer conservative cars, then u mite not like it.
it all depends on ur style.

i drive the new Legacy. it looks okay and drives well, but i'm gettin bored. i need somethin crazy to wake me up. personally i LUV the new impreza, i think it's crazy japan mixed with a hint of Euro flare.

Japanese cars are known for their looks, not their ability to copy others. I definatly think that subaru is going way off track with that one. It looks like a Puegot-Pontiac-Focus illigitimate love child. I am not happy :( AND WILL SOMEONE FOR THE LOVE OF GOD MAKE THEM COME OUT WITH A 2 DOOR ? WHAT IS THEIR BEEF WITH THE COUPE ?

Rush

Japanese cars are known for their looks, not their ability to copy others. I definatly think that subaru is going way off track with that one. It looks like a Puegot-Pontiac-Focus illigitimate love child. I am not happy :( AND WILL SOMEONE FOR THE LOVE OF GOD MAKE THEM COME OUT WITH A 2 DOOR ? WHAT IS THEIR BEEF WITH THE COUPE ?

Rush

beef with coupes???whats with you and starting beef with me....well they kinda pulled there head out of there ass and got ride of the bug eyes

kinda like g35 headlights

eww thats one ugly sti i am happy that i got the 05

This is why I'll be swapping my 01 and driving it for as long as possible.

F**king awesome design WRX-ZERO, u should send that to Subaru and the two door version u made is sweeet too. I've heard that the sides and back r supposed to stay the same. I've also heard that Subaru may not be participating in rally because of some rule about the engines thats supposed to be made. Keep designing WRX-ZERO and i hope SUBARU stays in rally

i don't really like the front bumper and the grille ... looks like G35, if they could improve that ... it will look much better ... however ... the hood design looks great ... hope it is functional ... i was wondering how much power it can pump out from this new gen STI ...

what the hell??? its almost as ugly as the new audi front styling. have you seen the new S4 look---just speaking of it makes me run to the toilet! please calm down that front end.
cookie monster.

Subie is going the way of the dodo if they release that piece of ish. Front end sux; even the evo looks better, and that's saying a hell of a lot from a die hard subie fan

It's not much, but a few tweeks just to get rid of those headlights.

It's not much, but a few tweeks just to get rid of those headlights.

that looks more like a saab or saturn

It's not much, but a few tweeks just to get rid of those headlights.
ACK, what did you do with the spoiler? Get rid of the front grill insert more than anything.

It looks like a fancy Saturn now. o.0

Looks like the Scion TC. w/ the photochop. I like the WRC version.
omg that picture of the WRC version actually looks like a face with eyes nose mouth LOL... I wouldn't buy that new style front end just because it reminds me of rx-8/infinity/saturn and too many other cars trying to get the same appearence from the front. If my friends had it, it would still definitely take some getting used to.

I like the bug eyes but I really love my 05. If that is what the car looks like, it might keep me from getting that STI that I want in a few years.

It's not much, but a few tweeks just to get rid of those headlights.

looks like a damn saturn ion. f**king ugly duckling. if it comes out looking like that i dont think ANYONE's gonna buy it lol. id go for an Evo from that point on.

I like the overall look of the design except for the front grille. I was bored so I did a couple of quick chops. :D



Head lights look like the acura rsx.... dont like that front end....

i like it..

looked ****ty in oct of 04...still does IMO

THEY DID IT! THEY MADE THE STI EVEN UGLIER! My only hope is this whole aiplane inspired front end design will we a passing fad. It's really a shame I really liked the earlier impreza body styles. Simple, clean, and functional. Now instead of a race car, the STI looks like it should be on display in Tomorrowland. I was actually on the fence with the '06 styling now with the '07 I just fell off in disbelief. What the heck are they thinking!

looks good to me its getting better and better looking IMHO

IMO....I like the S204 look. Refer to front page.

It needs some work still with the pontiac look in the gril still, but i don't want it to just be black... when i have more then 10 minutes ill play around some more. I personally like the fog lights though :D

I'll give you an "A" for effort , nice try !

WTF did they do to the headlights!!?? so so so ugly, and not even like 06 ugly...just butt ugly

Hey I know this is 6 days old and it might be a repost....but here's the unveiling of the 2007 sti limited edition to 800 numbered units. No big wing, moonroof, heated leather seats, black brembo....etc. check it out..... http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/04/13/2007-impreza-wrx-sti-limited-less-show-same-go/

i personally love the prototype...its sick

you know it wont look close to that design. it never does

well has anyone seen this??????
(Hope this doesnt mean I am HiJacking this thread either)

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/66912/subaru_hatches_a_golf_gti_chaser.html

looks really euro, kinda like a citroen or an alfa

oh and it still looks better than the new skyline

they need to bring back the coupes. i will forever <3 GC8's.

man, tough crowd here at i-club! lol.

it's like you guys want that Suby quirkiness embodied in the bugeye or the traditional styling of the GC8. well, we haven't had anything like that since MY02! it's been a mixed reaction since then.

I like the new features! Gotta love a sun roof, really missing it in the current STi!

Does anyone know if there are better photos of the back end! Not sure I like the new "fin"....
Also, a photo of the "plaque" would be cool!!

My NH dealer said New England is getting about 200 cars in Aug. and would know more in June...

from Subaru of Japan website. I don't know if anyone here in U.S. has seen them before, but I thought I'd share w/ you guys...

that looks like a concept for the WRC Car...

looks kinda like the 06 concept drawings

looks kinda like the 06 concept drawings


I hate all designs later the 22b.
I have 2002 sti bugeye and in the beginning i didnt like it so much but now it is the preetiest from all models.
I dont know why they dont do some facelifting on that old shape 22b car.
I am sure that many people would like that.
Now when i look 06 car and evo9, I would like more to have evo the sub.
I yust hoppe that people from Subaru are reading Subaru forums!!!!!!!!!

Bye all