After a long wait the Subaru World Rally Team (SWRT) finally unleash their new weapon for the 2008 season at the Acropolis rally.

The WRC2008 is based on the road version of the current Impreza STi and it’s the first time the SWRT have ditched using a sedan and instead gone for the hatchback design. In pure WRC style the car gets a much more aggressive look with bigger guards and a massive rear wing. The WRC2008 also loses its famous bonnet scoop, they’ve gone for a front mounted intercooler this time to help with the center of gravity for the car.

It’s a radical change for the team, and one that comes with great expectation as fans across the globe have been awaiting a Subaru revival for quite some time.

The car didn’t disappoint on its debut, Peter Solberg finished in an incredible 2nd place in one of the years roughest rally. A result which earnt the team the Abu Dhabi the spirit of the rally award. It’s a very promising start for Subaru and we look forward to having them back in the pointy end for this championship.

Whilst the Suzuki SX4 represents a hot hatch based more on balance and fun rather than having a stonking powertrain it has won a place in the hearts and mind of many. Leveraging the natural attraction to the World Rally Championship, Suzuki are releasing a limited edition run of 500 replica SX4 tarted up in the full WRC affair.

The SX4 WRC comes with the full WRC look, exterior highlights include a new body kit, faux carbon fibre highlights, white 16″ (205/60 R 16) rims and the applicable WRC patchwork of decals. The interior has received minor caron fibre accents and a leather gear knob.

Sporting a sticker price of €19,500 in Germany, we’d expect the SX4 WRC to sell although I can’t help feel that Suzuki’s marketing team had more of a say than the engineering department. A little more muscle under the hood would have really made the SX4 WRC a more exciting proposition overall.

Full images available on the click through.

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