Currently reading: Subaru concept 'shows Impreza'
Swoopy LA show concept is expected to preview the look of Subaru's next-gen Impreza

Subaru’s surprise Los Angeles motor show concept is understood to give a glimpse of the next-generation Impreza, Autocar has learned.

Dubbed the CIM — short for ‘Confidence in Motion’ — the concept is billed as a showcase for a new design language and to introduce new green technology, most likely a hybrid powertrain. Although Subaru has a new coupé — a joint project with Toyota — on the way, the CIM is understood to be a different car.

See the teaser pic of the new Subaru Impreza concept

That’s partly borne out by Subaru’s teaser picture, which shows a compact design with an arcing roofline and high-set ‘bustle’ boot. Unlike a coupé, the roofline doesn’t rake sharply from the centre line to the boot lid, suggesting it is more likely to be a four-door.

The teaser shot also highlights hallmark extended arches, which appear to add muscle to the design and take their cue from WRX and STi versions of previous-generation Impreza models.

Read more on Subaru's new LA motor show concept

A new Impreza is rumoured for production late next year, which would give today’s Impreza a relatively short lifespan of four years. The current model was unveiled at the New York show in April 2007.

Today’s Impreza was conceived as a five-door European hatch in a bid to attract mainstream sales. But the car has flopped, not helped by the lack of a diesel engine at launch and the fuel-sapping handicap of all-wheel drive.

Read more on Subaru's new co-developed coupe

Sparked into action by lacklustre sales in the UK, Subaru has recently launched a four-door notchback Impreza, originally a US-only body style.

Subaru showed a hybrid powertrain at the 2009 Tokyo motor show with the Hybrid Tourer concept, although it’s possible the new Impreza will use a development of Toyota’s HSD (Hybrid Synergy Drive).

The 2009 study featured a pair of electric motors, one in the front axle and a second in the rear axle, in line with Subaru’s tradition of all-wheel drive.

Julian Rendell

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blowerbentley 16 November 2010

Re: Subaru concept 'shows Impreza'

A pic of a Suabaru in the dark. That's the best way to see them. In the dark. Very dark.

catnip 16 November 2010

Re: Subaru concept 'shows Impreza'

I hate the term "design language".....

Citytiger 16 November 2010

Re: Subaru concept 'shows Impreza'

irf30 wrote:

The outline of this car looks exactly like the Subaru based that Pro Drive produced as a one off and was tested on Top Gear (it made Clarkson sick!!)


I was just about to say the same thing the Prodrive P2


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