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I've read a rumour (of a rumour) about the front end of the STi having a re-designed front end in time for the 2003 release. Is there any validity to that, or will we still have a NeonFrankenCorolla?
Revised body?
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I thought prodrive was assigned to redesign the imprezza, but not too for certain of that. Got it off a forum. Someone clarify it for us.
Glen
Glen
New user here. Anyway, I've heard this too and I've got some info on this.
http://industryclick.com/microsites...id=5216&pageid=1120&magazineid=1004&siteid=26
Prodrive to Reskin Flagging Subaru Impreza
by Peter Robinson
WARWICK, U.K. – Prodrive, the British engineering company that also runs Subaru’s World Rally Championship team, has been given responsibility for a rushed major facelift of the current Impreza and WRX.
Stung by continual criticism of the new car’s styling and slowing sales in some markets, Tokyo sources claim Subaru-maker Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. has ordered the reskin to involve every exterior panel except the doors, rear fenders and greenhouse. Marked for extinction are the car’s ugly, oversized headlights. In their place the revised model gets smaller lights that insiders claim are much better integrated into the overall design.
The new model, not expected to go on sale until early 2003, represents a major coup for Prodrive, which has worked hard to develop a close relationship with the Japanese manufacturer.
Prodrive styled the WRX STi Impreza, the minor facelift for the new 265-hp version, bringing to the car revised headlights and a bigger intake for the hood. Fuji’s confidence in Prodrive’s fast expanding design capability, based in the U.K., led to the decision to hand over responsibility for the revised car. However, it’s believed Fuji’s in-house design team still is in charge of styling the next all-new Impreza, not due until at least 2006 and expected to be built on a new platform.
Meanwhile, sources confirm that an all-new Subaru Forester will make its debut at the Geneva show in March.
http://industryclick.com/microsites...id=5216&pageid=1120&magazineid=1004&siteid=26
Prodrive to Reskin Flagging Subaru Impreza
by Peter Robinson
WARWICK, U.K. – Prodrive, the British engineering company that also runs Subaru’s World Rally Championship team, has been given responsibility for a rushed major facelift of the current Impreza and WRX.
Stung by continual criticism of the new car’s styling and slowing sales in some markets, Tokyo sources claim Subaru-maker Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. has ordered the reskin to involve every exterior panel except the doors, rear fenders and greenhouse. Marked for extinction are the car’s ugly, oversized headlights. In their place the revised model gets smaller lights that insiders claim are much better integrated into the overall design.
The new model, not expected to go on sale until early 2003, represents a major coup for Prodrive, which has worked hard to develop a close relationship with the Japanese manufacturer.
Prodrive styled the WRX STi Impreza, the minor facelift for the new 265-hp version, bringing to the car revised headlights and a bigger intake for the hood. Fuji’s confidence in Prodrive’s fast expanding design capability, based in the U.K., led to the decision to hand over responsibility for the revised car. However, it’s believed Fuji’s in-house design team still is in charge of styling the next all-new Impreza, not due until at least 2006 and expected to be built on a new platform.
Meanwhile, sources confirm that an all-new Subaru Forester will make its debut at the Geneva show in March.
So, does this mean the U.S. STi (allegedly coming to the U.S. around the end of 2002 as a 2003 model) will have the new front facia?
More fuel for the fire.
Some would say the new Imprezas have a face only a mother could love. It's definitely had to grow on me. I couldn't say, "I'd hate to see it redesigned." at this point though.
Could this be why SOA hasn't announced anything offical, yet? Hmm... interesting.
Some would say the new Imprezas have a face only a mother could love. It's definitely had to grow on me. I couldn't say, "I'd hate to see it redesigned." at this point though.
Could this be why SOA hasn't announced anything offical, yet? Hmm... interesting.
Too bad. I kind of liked the "cute" look of the front lights. What bothers me is the "boring family sedan" rear sheet metal, which requires things like 9 inch spoilers to make it look like the monster performance car that it is. I think the rear should be redesigned more along the lines of the BMW M3. Just my 2 cents.
Maybe its just me but I like the look of my WRX. And I get compliments no matter where I go. Maybe the new model will look different, but only time will tell if its look will be better.
Glen
Glen
On the whole I like the WRX also. However, I think it always needs to have some sort of wing. My other biggest dislike of the car are the headlights. The size and shape are fine but all that open space inside just looks funny to me.
I agree. It would be nice if the US Subaru dealers offered the Prodrive wing. It's so cool. The standard spoiler is just too subdued.
But that's just the inner 'boy-racer' speaking.
But that's just the inner 'boy-racer' speaking.
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