The new evolution of Subaru’s World Rally Championship competing Impreza has been officially unveiled after months of delays.

Having originally been earmarked for a competition debut at the start of the 2008 season, a rigorous development cycle has seen the car’s maiden appearance put back to the seventh round of the championship in Greece.

A radical departure for the Prodrive-run team, the hatchback model will replace the long serving saloon that first made its debut back in 1994 and scored three titles with Colin McRae (1995), Richard Burns (2001) and Petter Solberg (2003)

Nonetheless, despite the radically different dimensions, the team are confident that drivers Solberg and Chris Atkinson can end the team’s two season victory drought quickly: "We are very excited to be able to launch the all-new Impreza WRC2008 ahead of schedule" said SWT principal David Richards.

"It is testament to the dedication and commitment of the team behind the scenes in the UK and at STi in Japan. Just as the latest Impreza road car represents a new era for Subaru so the WRC2008 represents a new era for all of us at the Subaru World Rally Team and I am confident that we will arrive in Greece able to fight competitively."