Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI) has recruited Andreas Zapatinas, who until December 2001 was the chief designer at Alfa Romeo, to lead the design effort at its car brand, Subaru.
Zapatinas starts work at Subaru with immediate effect. After a hand-over period of several months, Subaru product department planning manager, Kiyoshi Sugimoto – author of the first-generation Legacy – will move upstairs to become executive officer in charge of the design department.

Looks like the next Impreza will have the looks of an Alfa??

Ally that to the Subaru Engineering and you have a cracker!!

Cant wait!!

Pete

 

I can see the paint on those wings bubbling already.

 

He has brought his Design Flair with him NOT the Italian Steel!!!

Pete

 

Funnily enough I was looking at a 147 today and thinking what a bloody awful design it is, all design for design's sake and as for that stupid pointy centre grill...and the number plate hanging off the side...

Still I rather like my bugeye so what do I know

 

Simes - well, yes, if you think a new age Impreza is smart then I wouldn't really rely on your eye for design!!

Pete

 

Who DID like the bugeyes, the first few times they saw them, i think it IS a good design, and maybe this new guy is a bit radical, but i would say his "ugly" designs are quite destinctive, Pity the alloys he designs are Stinking

peter

 

Pete, I've got 18 inch gold alloys too, so am a complete style retard

Still think the 147 is pants, was very disappointed in it in the flesh.

I liked the 156, nearly got one in fact till I discovered they still aren't built too well. Still think the offset no plate is dodgy.

Simon

 

when i was in catalunya i was stunned at how great all the bug eyes (minus their bugeys actually) looked. I hated the thing when it arived but now i think it looks the dogs bollox, admitedly it has to have the croney, UK300 etc mods to work, but it really does seem to look modern and cool at the same time now.

 

Agreed John and add STI to a Fugly and you have one hell of a car. Just give it another year and I hate to say it but the classic shape Impreza is gonna look dated, its called progress.

 

classic shape is already looking rather old, pete- are you sure you always park nose in because of possible theft? you sure its not so ppl dont see what an old car your driving? you better get yourself another 20 yr old escort to make the scoob feel better about itself

Tiggs

 

How to drive down second hand values in one easy step.[img]images/smilies/mad.gif[/img]

Quote
-->> In his new role Zapatinas is expected to unveil the car although he will have had no part in its design – the facelift was signed off 18 months ago
Quote

Not going to look much like an Alfa then.

Strange how the Britsh motoring press are reporting that the guy is on board to design a new 2 door coupe based on the Impreza platform and not to redesign anything. The article on the net refers to the new front design being signed off 18 mths ago. Seeing as the MY01 is only 18 mths old, things don't quite add up.

 

We have an Alfa 156 s/wagon and an Impreza MY99 saloon. My wife objected strongly to the Scoob on design grounds, although she changed her tune after she drove it ! If Zapatinas does his job it won't be such a struggle next time...!

By the way, check out the Alfa Romeo exhibition at the Science Museum, still on 'til the end of the month: Alfa classics from all periods except the 70s and 80s - I think those all rusted away ! They could at least have had a picture of an Alfasud.

 

MattW,

Very good points, there seems to be a lot of rumours but no solid evidence. It's amazing how many times these rumours are posted and change very slightly every time. Roll on the next ones.

 

Ladies please...

It was an April fool joke and you've all fallen for it again!!!



Jza

 

If it's an April fools joke, I guess that revered publication auto express aren't in on it

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/front_i...p%3Fid%3D25843

Iain

 

Iain - This is what I was referring to. There is no mention of a redesigned WRX purely a brand new model, aimed at a different market segment.
The new designer has been reported widely in the motoring press, and I'm not sure whether this was part of the 'joke'.

 

It's also a press release on the Fuji Heavy Industries web site. Who's the April Fool now ?!

 

Phew, sold my bugeye Friday! New car has silver wheels, very odd.
Chuck
(22 still proudly sporting gold wheels, but thats the wifes car )

 

It's also a press release on the Fuji Heavy Industries web site. Who's the April Fool now ?!

Correct me if I'm wrong, but it does n't mention a redesign of the WRX.

 

Mattw,

You are correct there has never been any official posting from Fuji HI about a redesign of the WRX. This is still purley speculation unless any one from Fuji HI wants to tell us differently.

Si.

 

They stopped making Justys haven't they?

New model, two door, based on Impreza platform?

One model manufacturer, now I wonder................

 

is this not really bad news for the owners of old scoobs? who is going to want the car before the car before? (apart from waynes with novas who will be able to afford them!)

Tiggs

 

The bug-eye will become a classic....I'm holding onto my "soon to be appreciating" asset...mainly because its a 'kin good car, and I really enjoying owning / driving it.

Rich