New-look WRX heading our way

The new design distinguishes the turbocharged Impreza from normally aspirated models.

Wide-bodied versions of the turbocharged Impreza WRX on show in New York tomorrow will be available in New Zealand later this year.

The 2011 sedan and hatchback get flared wheel arches, new front and rear bumpers and grille. The front and rear suspension track is increased too.

The prices and specifications of both models in New Zealand will be known closer to launch. Normally aspirated Impreza models will retain the current sedan and hatch body design.

The MY11 Impreza WRX will be officially unveiled tomorrow at the New York motor show.

"This new look gives the iconic Impreza WRX even greater presence and performance," said Graeme Woodlands, the managing director of Subaru of New Zealand.

"This design further distinguishes our turbocharged Impreza variants, including the Impreza WRX STI, from the normally aspirated models, which we're sure will please the many loyal WRX fans out there."

The appearance of the wide-bodied WRX models in the US has been timed to pretty much coincide with another special WRX model - an STi tuned by renowned British engine specialist Cosworth.

In a special one-off collaboration, Subaru's British arm teamed up with Cosworth to produce the ultimate Impreza STi.

And it's not just performance and power that has been improved, say reports. Handling and styling have also been worked on, resulting in a car that Subaru claims will set a new standard for all-wheel-drive hot hatches.

There was talk in Britain last week that Cosworth has reworked the four-cylinder STi engine to produce around 310kW and a zero to 100km/h sprint time of under four seconds.

Exact details of the Impreza STi Cosworth's performance figures are expected to be known within the next few days, or once the car goes on sale in Britain.