2008 Subaru Impreza Ride-n-Drive

rhodesy · #1 07-26-2007, 11:34 AM

Just got back from the '08 Impreza Launch at Camden Yards. For what it's worth, the new Impreza's are a LOT better looking than I thought they were going to be. Set up a Flickr acct today and this is my first time linking to it, so here goes:

rhodesy · #2 07-26-2007, 11:38 AM

Well, dookie. I can't seem to link to the photos correctly. Any help/guidance would be appreciated.

RSVX · #3 07-26-2007, 12:30 PM

How about I just fix it for you...

if you click the edit button, you will see what I did.

rhodesy · #4 07-26-2007, 01:34 PM

Thanks! Here's a few more...

This is a WRX 4-Door in Satin White Pearl:

Note the Margarita Glass with the rubber chicken in it on the hood. We were timed on the course, but if the chicken fell out of the glass, you were disqualified from the competition. But, you could still drive. I made a point of disqualifying myself ASAP so I could just drive it as hard as I wanted. The guy in the top left was taking pictures for NASIOC.

This next pic is a rear 3/4 shot of the same car:

Note the dual exhaust tips and framed glass.

This is a 5-Door WRX in WR Blue Mica:

The LED taillights were way cool. The five door only has a single exhaust tip. Due to the difference in length (7.5 in), there was not enough space to do the dual tip setup.

Here is a front shot of the Outback Sport in Topaz Gold/Steel Silver:

REALLY NICE looking wheels on this one.

Finally, this is the front end of a 5-Door 2.5i:

This vehicle was decked out with Subaru factory accessories. Most notable is the different grille and front bumper underguard.

These were all pre-production models and we were advised to not beat on them too hard. But, they are a huge step forward as far as fit/finish and driveability. Very quiet, too. Much quieter than a Civic or Corolla (we sell those, too). And the entry level price for a 5 Speed 5-Door 2.5i is supposed to be $16,990.

If anyone has any questions about the new Impreza, let me know.

Landshark · #5 07-26-2007, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rhodesy

If anyone has any questions about the new Impreza, let me know.

why is it so damned ugly?

rhodesy · #6 07-26-2007, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Landshark

why is it so damned ugly?

Geez, I just walked right into that one, didn't I? All I can say is that it is a lot better looking than I thought it would be.

Guyver280z · #7 07-26-2007, 03:31 PM

Bad Ass

NOT Bad Ass

What happened???

I think the hatchback is interesting.... and the two color combination on the Outback is interesting..... but... the grille.... why does subaru changes theyr front so much??

99

2000

2003

NikFu S. · #8 07-26-2007, 04:52 PM

Subaru has never had a set look. It has been evolving constantly since the 70s. 1st gen Imprezas held their look the longest, though. Arguably the best-looking fascia.

I think the 08 Legacy looks great. Outback looks C R A P. WRX looks meh at best.

I'm glad they haven't debuted a new Alcyone yet. It would likely be crap.

--Wow I'm already getting them cornfused. I like the white car up there. WRX. The others I don't care for.

Oh, and Guyver you pretty much compared an RS to an STI. Apples != bananas.

Chiketkd · #9 07-26-2007, 06:41 PM

Rhodesy, do you work for SOA or for the Automotive Press...or was the Camden Yards launch open to the general public?

Romantt8 · #10 07-26-2007, 09:22 PM

Oh wow, the new Corolla caught a nasty STI...

rhodesy · #11 07-27-2007, 10:00 AM

I work for Brown Subaru in Charlottesville, VA. Whenever a manufacturer has a new vehicle coming out, they'll stage ride-n-drives across the country for sales associates and managers to get some hands-on time before the vehicles hit the showrooms. It is not open to the public.

The NASIOC guy just showed up with his telephoto lens. We've been getting blasted by them about the look of the new Impreza since day one, so they figured it couldn't hurt to let him get some pics of the near-production cars.

I've been to a bunch of these for GM and Chrysler, but this was my first one with Subaru. We didn't get to rip on the cars as much as I've done in the past (the Solstice r-n-d in DC comes to mind), but these were the only preproduction Imprezas in the States and they wanted to make sure that they lasted for the entire tour.

There was one engineer from Fuji Heavy Industries present to get our feedback on the cars as well as the '08 Tribeca. His name was Yoshi Something-or-Another. He had been with Subaru since '92 and when I talked to him he said that he had done some work on the SVX. His english wasn't the greatest so I just left it at that.

As an aside, I'm not trying to solicit sales from you guys, but I wouldn't turn an opportunity away, either. Basically, my knowledge base on new Subaru product is what I can bring to the table. If you all would like occasional updates, I am more than happy to provide them.

The STi and new Forester launch is this coming February in West Palm. That one should be sweet!

nonSTOP_service · #12 07-27-2007, 03:04 PM

While I like the way the sedan looks, I think it's not nearly as good looking as the older Implazas. My biggest issue is the fact that Subaru is trying to loose the "fun sports car image" and going for the "boring, blend in with all other cars" image. I guess in recent times the japanese have decided it's sin to make fun cars.

Well guise, It was fun while it lasted...

*cheers*

Japanese Sports Cars 1960 - 2007 R.I.P

Good night sweet prince.