All-new "SUBARU Impreza WRC 2008" unveiled in Greece

Subaru Tecnica International (STI - President: Ichiro Kudoh, Tokyo, Mitaka city), in charge of all motorsport activities in SUBARU, announced to the public the competition debut of their new World Rally Car, the "SUBARU Impreza WRC2008", by their official team, the SUBARU World Rally Team (SWRT - Representative: David Richards, Britain), from Round 7 of the world championship, the Acropolis Rally.

STI and SWRT presented the car to reporters in the Service Park of the Acropolis Rally on Wednesday, May 28th. Two examples of the "Impreza WRC2008" are scheduled to compete in Acropolis Rally from May 29th to June 1st.

The long-wheelbase, short-overhang Impreza WRC2008 has shown improvements in stability and control, with the greatest theme surrounding the car being the huge advances made in the development of the new car's chassis. Additionally, the entire body is lighter, with improved weight distribution.

SUBARU's trademark symmetrical AWD system and horizontally opposed boxer turbo engine combination, coupled with the low centre of gravity chassis have been much more thoroughly investigated for this model. In terms of engine, the same power plant used to contest events since Monte Carlo, the opening round of this season, will continue in the new car. Cooling systems such as the radiator and intercoolers have been completely redesigned to accommodate the new body. The drive system, including the new lightweight gearbox, has already demonstrated reliability and rally-level performance.

The design department of Fuji Heavy Industries and SWRT jointly designed the new car. The planning of the body shell was the result of an accumulation of know-how and involvement from every department right up to the present. This also brought about improvements in aerodynamic characteristics and cooling efficiency.

SUBARU Impreza WRC2008 Vehicle outline:

Engine	:	Horizontally-opposed 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve Turbocharger
		Displacement : 1994cc / Bore: 92mm x Stroke: 75.0mm
		Maximum output : 300 bhp / 5,500 rpm Maximum torque: 650 Nm @ 3,000 rpm
Engine Management	:	SUBARU Programmable Electronically-controlled engine Management System
Turbo charger	:	IHI-made (WRC compliant 34 mm air restrictor-equipped)
Spark plugs	:	DENSO
Exhaust system	:	SUBARU Anti-lag System + Catalytic Converter
Drive system	:	Four-wheel drive (SUBARU Symmetrical AWD)
Transmission	:	6-speed electro-hydraulic. Electro-hydraulically controlled centre differential. Mechanical front and rear differentials.
Suspension	:	MacPherson strut, front and rear
Shock absorbers	:	BOS fully adjustable
Brakes	:	AP Racing ventilated discs and six-pot calipers front and rear (Gravel: 310mm, Tarmac: 378mm)
Steering	:	Power-assisted rack & pinion
Dimensions	:	Overall length: 4415mm / Width: 1800mm / Height: 1475mm / Wheelbase: 2635mm
Vehicle weight	:	1,230kgs (WRC regulation minimum)
Data System	:	Single integrated electronic system controlling engine, transmission and data logging
In-car display	:	LCD colour monitor with 8 selectable data screens
Tyres	:	Pirelli (WRC control tyre)
Radio equipment	:	Kenwood
Wheels	:	BBS Forged aluminium (Gravel: 15-inch, Tarmac: 18-inch)
Fuel tank capacity	:	80 litres

[Source : Subaru Motorsport Magazine]
[Images courtesy of Subaru World Rally TEAM (SWRT)]

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