Subaru's recently launched Impreza WRX STI is the beast within the mighty new WRC2008 model that has just been unveiled by Subaru. The all-new WRC contender is expected to make its first competitive appearance at the Acropolis Rally, which blasts off in Greece on May 29.
The change to the new generation Impreza as a donor car has gifted the WRC car with a longer wheelbase and shorter front and rear overhangs than the previous WRC model. Subaru is placing store in the fact the new car should be better optimised aerodynamically.
The WRC2008 has been developed in-house by Fuji Heavy Industries and features a bold new colour scheme featuring the Subaru constellation logo.
Keen observers will note the car has lost the WRX and WRX-STI road versions' bonnet scoop. Nonetheless, the 2.0-litre boxer turbo engine, according to Subaru, produces "around 224kW". Full specifications will not be revealed until next week.
"We are very excited to be able to launch the all-new Impreza WRC2008 ahead of schedule," said Subaru World Rally Team (SWRT) principal, David Richards.
"It is testament to the dedication and commitment of the team behind the scenes in the UK and at STI in Japan. Just as the latest Impreza road car represents a new era for Subaru so the WRC2008 represents a new era for all of us at the Subaru World Rally Team and I am confident that we will arrive in Greece able to fight competitively."
SWRT won the World Rally Manufacturers' Championship in 1995, 1996 and 1997, and the Driver's Championship in 1995, 2001 and 2003, using previous versions of the Impreza WRC.
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