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All new 2008 Subaru Impreza hits the streets

Subaru GT Sport demonstrator

June 2007 saw the launch of the all new Subaru Impreza hatchback in Japan. This much anticipated model represents a whole new direction for Subaru with the emphasis on quality and improved dynamic performance.

The new Impreza range reaches Europe officially in October in Normal Aspirated form and a limited number of new WRX models later in the year. The European WRX will be a similar specification to the US car that will go on sale in August.

We hope to have prices for the European specification Normal Aspirated and WRX models soon both of which will feature a 3 year Subaru warranty.

However the Japanese can purchase the exciting new S-GT Turbo model now (similar to new WRX in the US & Europe).

This new high performance Impreza will be available for personal importation for those customers wanting the Impreza's legendary Turbo charged thrills.

Subaru Impreza GT

The new GT variant replaces the outgoing WRX and perfectly represents Subaru's desire to move the Impreza range into a more refined market.

The MY08 JDM Impreza uses the latest version of the Twin Scroll turbo engine found in the current JDM Legacy Turbo and features a equal length manifold and semi-closed deck engine block which allows the engine to produce an amazing 245lbft of torque and 248bhp in standard form. More impressive is that 95% of the peak torque is available from as little as 2,400rpm. This creates a fantastically wide, smooth power band and makes brisk motoring effortless.

As with all of our JDM Subaru's the ECU is remapped and tuned for the UK's lower octane fuel and these new improvements mean we will be able to offer even greater performance on the new 2008 model. Because we have been working with this engine since late 2006 on the Legacy range we have a learnt a great deal about how it performs. As such all of the cars we supply will actually have 260bhp and 250lbft as standard along with improved fuel consumption.

The S-GT is also extremely good on fuel with its advanced ECO mode for the engine management. Subaru's own figures show consumption of 36.7Mpg and real world driving show motorway cruising at over 32mpg and average consumption around 27-30mpg. This efficient engine mode also means the S-GT is placed in Band F for road tax as it's CO2 emissions are just 219g/km. See our emissions page for more information.

The new Impreza's chassis has also had a radical redesign and it too is broadly based on the Legacy range. It features a more sophisticated rear suspension setup which is designed to significantly improve ride quality and comfort. Although the overall dimensions of the new car are slightly shorter (MY08 4415mm vs MY06 4465mm) the new model also has a much longer wheel base (MY08 2620mm vs MY06 2525mm). This new wheelbase and rear suspension allows for improved high-speed stability and handling.

One of the biggest areas of improvement in the MY08 Impreza is the new spacious interior. The MY08 Interior uses much higher grade materials, has reduced cabin noise and a higher quality appearance. The dashboard gains a plush, Tribeca style, centre console that houses the Climate control dials. The high mounted Double-Din area is ideal of the installation of Stereo or Satellite Navigation systems and is positioned for easy sight.

Despite improving the quality of the new Imprezas' interior and finish Subaru have also managed to keep the kerb weight the same as the outgoing model at just 1,360kg. Careful use of weight saving materials has insured that the dynamic new engine is not hinder by additional weight.

Key features of the new MY08 Impreza GT are:

Revised Engine internals
Equal Length exhaust Manifold
Twin Scroll Turbo
Revised ECU
HID Drivers headlights
Front Foglights
Sports ABS
Ultraviolet Radiation glass
17” Multi spoke Alloy wheels in Silver
205/50/R17 Bridgstone Tyres
Improved Steering speed and feel
Sport Bucket Seats
Improved interior space
Telescopic steering wheel
Thicker Leather steering wheel
Full Climate Control
Revised rear suspension
Rear windscreen wiper
Rear aero diffuser
Aerodynamic front bumper and side skirts
New large intercooler design

Litchfield GT Sport

Shortly after launch we will be offering a higher performance variant called the GT Sport.
This version will feature a number of dynamic, cosmetic and performance improvements.

The Sport will feature:

18” STI Lightweight Alloy Wheels in either Anthracite Grey or Sparkling Glass Silver
225/45/18ZR Michelin Pilot Sport 2 High performance tyres
Front body coloured Lipspoiler
Dark Mesh Grill
Litchfield Designed Milltek 3” Exhaust with high flow Sports catalytic converter
Performance Air filter
Sport Individual ECU remap
Improved Throttle Response and Turbo pickup
Sport Badge

The Sport models power and torque figures are over 300bhp/300lbft which represents a significant improvement over the standard car. Much of the engine testing work has already been carried out during the JDM Legacy development so we were able to move straight to the fine tuning of the S-GT's engine.

The Litchfield GT Sport is fitted with a newly designed Milltek 3” exhaust which features special Catalytic convertors and stylish tail pipe. Not only is this system environmentally friendly it also helps release extra performance from the 2.0 litre Twin Scroll engine whilst keeping a subtle but purposeful exhaust note. The new exhaust and detailed ECU remap will give a sharper throttle response, transforming performance and driveability. As with all our Milltek systems it is made with the highest quality aircraft-grade stainless steel and manufactured to tight ISO 9001 quality controlled standards. As a further bonus the new exhaust offers a substantial weight saving over original system.

All of our Japanese cars have UK type approval and go through the government's stringent ESVA test which makes sure each car meets EuroIV emissions and safety standards.

2008 Subaru Impreza GT Prices:

MY 08 Impreza GT - £19,995 OTR
MY 08 Impreza GT Sport - £22,995 OTR

All Japanese Specification GT Prices will include 3 Year Comprehensive Warranty, UK type approval, UK Fuel ECU Remap, 157mph Speed limit and CAT 1 Alarm.

Each quote is the On The Road (OTR) price that includes taxes, documentation, commission, registration, number plates. There are no hidden charges. All prices are subject to change.

We will have a new demonstrator model available to testdrive soon; Call us now for full details.

If you have any questions or require further information on the exciting new Impreza or any of our Subaru range please do not hesitate to contact us.