Ekliptix
03-07-2003, 01:36 PM
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/picture_library/dir_17/car_portal_pic_8894.jpg http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/picture_library/dir_17/car_portal_pic_8895.jpg
O ut go the outrageous spoilers and scoops, in comes radical styling - this is the shape which is set to become the all-new Subaru Impreza.
The Japanese manufacturer has had enough of being criticised for its bland products. "We have proved that we have world-class technology," says company boss Masaru Katsurada. "It's about time we showed that we can build a world-class sports car, too."
And it looks as though the firm has succeeded. This radical 400bhp 4WD, four-door, four-seat concept was revealed at this week's Geneva Motor Show, and it represents a 'toe-in-the-water' exercise by the company to gauge potential buyers' reactions to its new styling direction. The car has already become one of the hottest talking points of the event, and looks certain to go down in history as one of the most adventurous cars that Subaru has ever produced. Officially, the vehicle is being called B11S, or Boxer 11 Sports.
This car is intended to be a hi-tech flagship for the firm, and our sources reveal it could head the new Impreza range, which is scheduled for launch in just over two years' time.
Behind the scenes, Subaru bosses concede that the Boxer 11 Sports is one of the most adventurous projects the company has ever worked on, and they are unsure of the reaction it will get. "We need plenty of feedback from this car," said a Subaru executive.
Officially described as a design prototype, the B11S is intended to showcase the firm's most advanced engine, suspension and transmission technology. The exterior design highlights a look that will not only grace a replacement Impreza, but all the other forthcoming models the company builds. It seems that the firm has dug deep into its styling department and finally discovered the word 'passion'.
You would expect nothing less, really, especially when you learn that Subaru president Kyoji Takenaka made a special point of joining design division supremo Kiyoshi Sugimoto - the man who was responsible for the original Legacy look - in the initial brainstorming sessions about the B11S's styling.
Despite the fact that he arrived at Subaru back in May 2002, new chief stylist Andreas Zapatinas is reported to have joined after the final lines were drawn on this prototype. But given the model's radical look, that's difficult to believe - although Zapatinas seems happy to play along with the story.
The car uses a twin-turbo version of the firm's 3.0-litre flat-six engine, producing 400bhp at 6,400rpm. Subaru's first five-speed electronically controlled adaptive automatic box transfers power to the road - it's the only unit the firm produces that can handle this level of performance. One engineer implied that a six-speed manual was in the pipeline, but there were teething problems with it. The B11S will also employ Subaru's acclaimed symmetrical 4WD system with Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) giving a 35-65 split in favour of the rear axle.
While the new Subaru is impressive, bosses still seem wary. Let's hope they don't tone down the concept car too much before it hits the showroom.
O ut go the outrageous spoilers and scoops, in comes radical styling - this is the shape which is set to become the all-new Subaru Impreza.
The Japanese manufacturer has had enough of being criticised for its bland products. "We have proved that we have world-class technology," says company boss Masaru Katsurada. "It's about time we showed that we can build a world-class sports car, too."
And it looks as though the firm has succeeded. This radical 400bhp 4WD, four-door, four-seat concept was revealed at this week's Geneva Motor Show, and it represents a 'toe-in-the-water' exercise by the company to gauge potential buyers' reactions to its new styling direction. The car has already become one of the hottest talking points of the event, and looks certain to go down in history as one of the most adventurous cars that Subaru has ever produced. Officially, the vehicle is being called B11S, or Boxer 11 Sports.
This car is intended to be a hi-tech flagship for the firm, and our sources reveal it could head the new Impreza range, which is scheduled for launch in just over two years' time.
Behind the scenes, Subaru bosses concede that the Boxer 11 Sports is one of the most adventurous projects the company has ever worked on, and they are unsure of the reaction it will get. "We need plenty of feedback from this car," said a Subaru executive.
Officially described as a design prototype, the B11S is intended to showcase the firm's most advanced engine, suspension and transmission technology. The exterior design highlights a look that will not only grace a replacement Impreza, but all the other forthcoming models the company builds. It seems that the firm has dug deep into its styling department and finally discovered the word 'passion'.
You would expect nothing less, really, especially when you learn that Subaru president Kyoji Takenaka made a special point of joining design division supremo Kiyoshi Sugimoto - the man who was responsible for the original Legacy look - in the initial brainstorming sessions about the B11S's styling.
Despite the fact that he arrived at Subaru back in May 2002, new chief stylist Andreas Zapatinas is reported to have joined after the final lines were drawn on this prototype. But given the model's radical look, that's difficult to believe - although Zapatinas seems happy to play along with the story.
The car uses a twin-turbo version of the firm's 3.0-litre flat-six engine, producing 400bhp at 6,400rpm. Subaru's first five-speed electronically controlled adaptive automatic box transfers power to the road - it's the only unit the firm produces that can handle this level of performance. One engineer implied that a six-speed manual was in the pipeline, but there were teething problems with it. The B11S will also employ Subaru's acclaimed symmetrical 4WD system with Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) giving a 35-65 split in favour of the rear axle.
While the new Subaru is impressive, bosses still seem wary. Let's hope they don't tone down the concept car too much before it hits the showroom.