Next Subaru Impreza WRX STi tS to get carbon fibre roof

FHI is working with Toray (東レ) for developing a roof made out of Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP), which will be used in the Subaru Impreza WRX STi tS. The CFRP roof will be 20% lighter than the steel one, and it will also improve the structural performance of the car. A lighter roof will enable also lowering the centre of gravity. The cost of using CFRP is high, but a special moulding method by Toray will enable to reduce the investment cost.

[Source: Tech-On!]

Rendering of next-gen Subaru Impreza

Subaru has presented an Impreza concept car at LA, previewing what we should expect (earlier post) and it seems that at last they came up with a proper design language. The latest Mag-X issue has a rendering of how they believe the production car will look like.

Subaru Impreza Concept video

Subaru's next-gen Impreza concept

We've seen the rendering (earlier post) and now it's time for the real thing... please Subaru, don't screw it up, put in production!

Subaru previews next-gen Impreza at LA!!!

Subaru has teased us about a concept due to be presented at LA Auto Show... would this be a concept related to the upcoming FT-86, or perhaps the new Impereza (earlier post)...? OK, now we know. It's about the Impreza!

Subaru says the concept is an expression of its new global theme, "Confidence in Motion." Subaru claims that this design language is sporty, with more interior space and excellent aerodynamic stability, bla bla bla... The point is that this concept previews the automaker's future design language and brand strategy. My personal opinion is that it was about time, as the Impreza has suffered a lot from unsuccessful design practices.

Under the hood is Subaru's 2.0-liter boxer engine, mated to its Lineartronic continuously variable transmission. The company says this represents its next generation of powertrains.

Rendering shows Subaru FT-86 and new Impreza STI

The rendering above, which has been published by a Japanese magazine, shows the upcoming Subaru FT-86 on the left and the new Impreza STI on the right. Although this is just a rendering and the design of both cars appears to be a little dramatic, it provides an indication of the possible future design language of Subaru could look like. I think Subaru has to do a lot of work in terms of design, in order its cars to have a clear identity.