2008 Subaru WRX Review

Specifications

Among car enthusiasts, the announcement of an all-new Subaru Impreza WRX is a major event. No wonder then that the official unveiling of the 2008 WRX at the 2007 New York Auto Show was preceded by a frenzy of leaked images. The initial response before anyone saw the actual car in the flesh was mixed.

True, the all-new WRX looks quite different from the previous generation, as it is four inches longer and two inches wider. However, it is sleeker and more refined looking than before and from some quarters it has a vaguely Saab look to it with a crease line that slopes up along the sides from the front flared fender.

The new WRX is available as a four-door (which will only be sold in North America) or a five-door hatchback.

Gone is the much-derided goofy looking grille. In its place is a wide and shallow grille that Subaru says creates a connection to Subaru's aircraft heritage.

The big hood scoop is one iconic feature retained in the new WRX. And, that scoop is very functional as it feeds air into the turbocharged 2.5-liter flat-four Boxer engine.

Although the horsepower (224 hp) and torque (226 pound-feet) ratings are the same as before, the engine is 50 pounds lighter and it has been tuned to produce more torque at lower rpm.

Subaru says its engineers spent most of their time improving the interior rather than increasing the horsepower or changing much about the already superlative AWD drivetrain.

However, they redesigned the chassis so the engine sits slightly lower, lowering the center of gravity. The chassis is also stiffer than before. A rigid chassis forms the foundation for good handling. The new WRX also features an all-new double wishbone rear suspension that intrudes less into the trunk.

A benefit of the longer wheelbase and a slightly taller roofline is a worthwhile increase in interior space. The four-door sedan is 4.5 inches longer than the previous model and is fully 6.5 inches longer than the five-door hatchback. The sedan has a much bigger trunk than before.

Many of the details that are important to an enthusiast, such as the WRX's steering and brakes, have not yet been revealed. We do not expect many changes.

Also new is the standard Subaru Impreza. It features the same two body styles as the WRX but without the scoop and spoilers. The new Impreza is powered by the same 170-hp 2.5-liter non-turbocharged engine as the previous Impreza. As always all models come with all-wheel drive. A navigation system will be available, for the first time.

With the improved interior and larger trunk, the new Subaru Impreza 2.5i should appeal to buyers who want all-weather capabilities and handling prowess.