New Subaru due to be launched

The new Impreza P2000, which is 85 per cent revised from last year's challenger, will be unveiled to the public for the first time on Wednesday.

Although the engine, bodyshell and gearbox are much the same, the car has been redesigned from stem to stern, with an emphasis on improving weight distribution and roadholding.

Subaru has followed Ford, Peugeot and Hyundai by siting the fuel tank under the floor rather than in the boot.

There are believed to be further revisions to the engine.

Other new parts include the cooling system, rear wing, roll cage, rear differential, turbo and chassis computer.

Mild re-styling has been carried out by Peter Stevens, who has played a part in all four Subaru WR Cars.

Test driver Robbie Head guardedly said that the new machine has better grip and balance.

Richard Burns and Juha Kankkunen will drive the car competitively for the first time at the Portuguese Rally, which runs from March 16 to 19.