First look: New Impreza gets WRCrazy

SUBARU has revealed images of its all-new world rally car concept, to be unveilled at the Frankfurt motor show on September 11 by Subaru World Rally Team driver Petter Solberg.

The WRCar concept is based on the third-generation ZR1-series Impreza hatch, which goes on sale in Australia in five-door-only September and features three naturally-aspirated variants plus the turbocharged WRX.

According to Subaru parent company Fuji Heavy Industries, it "...conjures up images of future styling trends for a world rally car."

Subaru Australia has also confirmed a replacement for its top-shelf turbocharged Impreza WRX STi will be launched here around February 2008 - not late this year as had originally been expected.

A replacement for the current four-door Impreza sedan is not expected to surface until late 2008.

The next-generation Impreza made its global public debut at the New York International Auto Show in April and, other than its drivetrains, is all-new.

Expect a naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre boxer engine of about 120kW in power, plus a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder boxer delivering around 165kW in the WRX.