Ok, I know many forums and posts talk about the new Subaru Impreza. After going through most of them, I think I have a good idea of what's going on, and I thought I'd just share my info with everyone.

First of all, for those who don't know, let me explain the word "platform". A platform is the main skeletal structure of a car, which may include the engine, transmission, chassis, suspension, etc. Only a few car companies exist in the world, they own all other car companies. Similarly, only a few car platforms exist in the world, and all cars are based on these platforms. So most cars share platforms, but they may look different because they have different external body panels.

Now let's look at the Impreza.

Past (2002, 2003 model year)

In 2001, Subaru developed its GD platform. That summer, based on the GD platform, it released the 2002 Impreza and 2002 Forester.

http://www.subaru.pl/mmedia/impreza2002/002.jpg

Present (2004, 2005 model year)

After two years, Subaru kept the Impreza platform but gave the Impreza an exterior facelift. Now, this was a bit unusual because most car companies usually give their cars a facelift after 4 years. But a lot of ppl hated the 2002 Impreza's buy-eye headlights. So it went with more conservative headlights.

http://www.subaru.pl/mmedia/impreza2003/008.jpg

Future (2006, 2007, maybe 2008 model year)

This year, I went to the Canadian International Autoshow and spoke to one of Subaru Canada's managers. He told me that Subaru would keep the Impreza platform but give the Impreza a second exterior facelift. Now, this is a bit unusual because after one facelift, most car companies will completely scrap the car and develop a completely-new platform and completely-new design. But, keeping a platform for a bit longer saves money!

The Subaru manager told me that this summer, Subaru will release the 2006 facelifted Impreza in Japan in June and in North America in July. Several Japanese mags have confirmed this. Althougth there aren't any official pics, I noticed that several Japanese mags have consistently shown the following design. For 2006, expect Subaru's new dog-nose grille and Legacy-like headlights.

http://www.zeroyon.com/forums/uploads/post-119-1109197782.jpg

http://www.subarunews.net/2006_STi.jpg

Future future (2007, maybe 2008 model year)

In the 2006 summer, some Japanese mags anticipate that Subaru will release a new Impreza hatchback (based on the 2006 facelifted Impreza). This may been in response to new WRC regulations and Subaru's desire to have a lighter WRC race car.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v481/sabelt/2007_2_Door_STi.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v481/sabelt/2007_2_Door_STi_Article.jpg

Future future future (2008/2009 model year)

In the 2008 summer, Subaru is expected to rename the Impreza with a more upscale name and develop a completely-new platform and completely-new design. Although there aren't any official pics, I've attached some possible sketches.

http://subarunews.net/images/wrx2006.jpg

This pic was an early one and says 07. Just ignore that.

http://www.subarunews.net/scoopimpreza2.gif

Well, that's everything I know. Feel free to correct things, add things, and share your info.

We've seen some of these artists' renderings of the next Impreza and have to treat it as speculation, albeit based upon statements that Subaru has made to the automotive press regarding the new front grill. I figured that those pics couldn't be too far off the mark since they wanted a corporate identity using that grill as on the Tribeca. In the latest issue of the U.S. Subaru publication Drive magazine, there is a photo of the next generation Forester and it does not have this type of grill at all. After seeing that, we can't assume anything. ;)

SOA (Subaru of America) has a history of not releasing pre-advance publicity on new models, be it styling or powertrain (i.e. the MY04 Impreza STi) until they think it is the right time for an announcement. Notice the lack of fanfare associated with the dealer-only information about the 2.5 liter engine replacing the EJ20 in the next revamp of the USDM WRX. Notice also the absence of 'spy' photos in U.S. car enthusiast magazines for most Subaru models. SOA's Marketing department is very tight-lipped on the release of information and their people are trained to give very vague responses when questions come up about new models (unless it has already been announced to the press).

--
0==WW==0
"…axles of evil…" - george w. bush

the alfa nose is hideous. but it will be very interesting to see how they market the next wrx. upscale m3 fighter or stripped down value alternative?

bring back the coupe.