2012 Subaru Impreza

[quik1987]

Subaru separates performance models from Impreza

WRX, STI to get their own platforms for redesigns in 2013

The 2012 Impreza goes on sale in November.

Diana T. Kurylko
Automotive News -- October 24, 2011 - 12:01 am ET

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Subaru will begin marketing its Impreza WRX and STI performance models separately from the conventional Impreza when the car is redesigned next month.
The "Impreza" name will be dropped for the derivatives, and they will get their own platforms when they are redesigned in 2013.
The new strategy allows Subaru to focus on the redesigned Impreza's improved fuel economy and added interior space -- important considerations in the compact car segment, said Bill Cyphers, senior vice president of sales for Subaru of America.
The 2012 Impreza goes on sale in November as a four-door sedan or five-door hatchback. It is priced the same as the current model but with a new engine and a roomier, improved interior. The launch was delayed about two months because of the March earthquake and tsunami in Japan.
The WRX and STI variants will continue on the current Impreza platform until the 2013 redesign. The two sporty versions account for 10 to 15 percent of Impreza sales.
Cyphers said the change will allow Subaru to market the WRX and STI more easily as performance cars and to give them interiors and features more appropriate for models that start at about $8,000 more than the Impreza. Cyphers would not give engine or performance details for the 2013 models, but he said the STI will continue to have an engine with 300-plus horsepower.
Subaru says the redesigned 2012 Impreza will get 36 mpg on the highway and 30 mpg combined, compared with 27 mpg highway/24 mpg combined for the outgoing models.
Other improvements include a new 2.0-liter, four-cylinder boxer engine with 148 hp and a new continuously variable transmission. Rear legroom has increased by two inches, thanks to new packaging and a one-inch increase in the wheelbase.
Subaru has kept the same prices on the Impreza, which competes with the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda3 and Volkswagen Jetta. The base sedan starts at $18,245; and the five-door, at $18,745. The prices include shipping.
U.S. sales of the Impreza, including the WRX and STI derivatives, peaked at 49,098 units in 2008. Last year Subaru sold 44,395 Imprezas. Cyphers predicted that the redesigned version will surpass that level in 2012, even without the WRX and STI.
Subaru will add an Impreza-based crossover next fall that in other markets will be called the XV. Subaru is considering another name for the United States, Cyphers said. The crossover will be positioned below the Forester and Outback crossovers.

Read more: http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dl...#ixzz1blDSSkt6

[Ryuu0u]

So impreza is its own line now and WRX/STI are a completely different car? That impreza sport is looking quite good, i can only imagine how it compares with the wrx/sti in terms of value for performance.

[jcsites]

Originally Posted by quik1987

The Japanese domestic market version of the latest generation Subaru Impreza will be revealed online on November 30 before making its first public outing at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show. While Subaru has launched a teaser site in Japan, the automaker is not yet ready to release any detailed information and photos other than that the five-door hatchback will be named Sport and the four-door sedan, G4.
Both the sedan and hatchback body styles of the new Impreza received their world premiere at the 2011 New York Auto Show in April, with U.S. sales scheduled to begin next month.
At last month's Frankfurt motorshow, Subaru also unwrapped the Imreza-based XV crossover, which has not yet been confirmed for North America.
Story References: Integrityexports & Subaru

Cool pictures. They are so attractive. I haven't seen their last version of SUBARU and now they are releasing a new one. Great.....

[ichitaka05]

My local forum have posted the new Impreza pics... and I gotta say, I'm not sure I like it... yet

[RRnold]

^ack, it looks so bland!

No wonder why they shaded the lower half in the teaser pic!

[MannyO]

The hideousness of that car will haunt my dreams forever haha just kidding. it's just...meh

Originally Posted by RRnold

it looks so bland!

[Giccin]

Originally Posted by ichitaka05

My local forum have posted the new Impreza pics... and I gotta say, I'm not sure I like it... yet

It looks like a camry from the front. Kinda Lol

[WingsofWar]

wow i reaaaallly dont like the look of the new impreza, it looks a bit bloated & boxy at the same time. I dunno..i could grow on me...but ..just...wow. I do like the design of the headlights though, very sharp.

[quik1987]

Originally Posted by Ryuu0u

So impreza is its own line now and WRX/STI are a completely different car? That impreza sport is looking quite good, i can only imagine how it compares with the wrx/sti in terms of value for performance.

"Cyphers said the change will allow Subaru to market the WRX and STI more easily as performance cars and to give them interiors and features more appropriate for models that start at about $8,000 more than the Impreza. Cyphers would not give engine or performance details for the 2013 models, but he said the STI will continue to have an engine with 300-plus horsepower."

They are trying to do what Nissan did with the Skyline and GT-R models.

Originally Posted by Giccin

It looks like a FORD FOCUS from the front. Kinda Lol

fixed

[toper]

no appeal at all! looks like a dodge caliber or a 2005 model car. the current impreza looks better

[KaliKev]

How long are they going to keep the same engine for?

[MiguelAE86]

LOL! wow, so much for teasing and waiting huh?

If only that could happen with a production version FR-S/FT86 i've always hoped for at LEAST a brochure leak! no?

[quik1987]