New Impreza World Rally Car is Hatched

Subaru has unveiled its stunning new generation All-Wheel Drive Impreza World Rally Car 2008, in time for its competitive debut at this month’s Acropolis Rally in Greece. For the first time, Subaru World Rally Team (SWRT) will use a hatchback design, incorporating a bold new colour scheme prominently featuring the famous Subaru constellation logo. Following a successful research, development and testing phase, the Impreza WRC 2008 will be driven by Australia’s Chris Atkinson and Norwegian Petter Solberg in the Acropolis Rally starting 29 May.

The car features a longer wheelbase, with shorter front and rear overhangs than the previous model. The rear wing is fitted to the tailgate of the new car, for optimum aerodynamic performance. It is powered by a turbocharged 2.0 litre horizontally opposed four-cylinder boxer engine producing around 224 Kilowatts of power. The car is an in-house design by Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI), the maker of Subaru vehicles.

All SWRT materials, including driver and support crew suits, are being revised to reflect the new team identity in time for the Acropolis Rally. The new Impreza WRC is based on the iconic road-going Impreza WRX STI, which has been a hit for Subaru since its February launch. Full technical specifications of the new rally car will be announced in Greece next week.

Previous versions of the Impreza WRC have enjoyed considerable World Rally success. SWRT won the World Rally Manufacturers’ Championship in 1995, 1996 and 1997, and the Driver’s Championship in 1995, 2001 and 2003.

Credits: Jarvis