12 Sep 07
The WRC concept at Frankfurt previews Subaru's next rally contender - and also hints at the roadgoing WRX STi Turbo coming next year. It's said to be pretty close to the production car, and visually more aggressive as well as more powerful than the WRX which goes on sale in the UK in November.
Prices have now been confirmed for the 227bhp WRX: it will be priced from just £19,995. More than £1,100 cheaper than the outgoing model, this 2.5-litre model does 0-60mph in 5.4 seconds and comes with 17" alloy wheels, a serious bodykit, a limited-slip rear differential, 10-speaker audio system and xenon headlamps.
The new WRX has its 2.5-litre flat-four engine turbocharged for the same output as the outgoing model, but Subaru promises 'meaningful revisions to improve efficiency' and 'much gutsier throttle response in real-world driving conditions'. Its power peaks at 5,200rpm, lower down the rev range than its predecessor's 5,600rpm, and the 236lb-ft torque peak is at 2,800rpm (down from 3,600rpm) with over 200lb-ft of torque available at 2000rpm.
Subaru Impreza WRC
Revisions include a new turbocharger and intercooler, new spark plugs and modified gear ratios. Though the 0-60mph time stays the same, fuel economy is now improved to 27.2mpg and carbon dioxide emissions are trimmed to a still high 246g/km.
Subaru has one more turbocharged Impreza to come, too: its first diesel. The tiny company has developed its own in-house diesel engine, following the same flat-four cylinder layout as the petrol engines, and mainstream versions of this 2.0-litre unit developing about 150bhp will go on sale late 2008. This engine will also feature in the Legacy, Outback and Forester ranges - and a high-performance version is under consideration for a diesel Impreza WRX.
A spokesman for Subaru UK told 4Car that there were plans for an Impreza in the vein of the hotter diesel Golfs and Seat Leon Cupras: a car with all the sports trimmings of the petrol equivalents, and a torquey yet economical diesel engine. Besides widening the choice for buyers, such a model would also serve to promote Subaru's entry into the diesel market as it aims to increase its modest annual sales, which amounted to 7,300 cars in the UK last year.
Check out the rest of our Frankfurt Motor Show coverage
