Rally fans who were troubled by the rumors yesterday that Subaru was preparing to do the unthinkable and scrap its WRC team will be disappointed to learn that the speculation has proven to be true, as parent company Fuji Heavy Industries has announced it is pulling its participation effective immediately.

Not unlike its fellow Japanese automaker Honda, which has canceled its Formula One program, Fuji Heavy points to cost-cutting measures amidst the current global economic crisis as its reason for canceling its motorsport program. Still, it's a shocking move for the automaker that earned its reputation on the rally circuit, even if they haven't won a single stage since 2005. The move also means that Prodrive, the racing consultancy firm that has operated the Subaru WRC team for over 20 years, will need to find a new partner for next season and beyond as the WRC moves ahead with new regulations. But Prodrive may find the rally circuit a lonely place after Suzuki also canceled its participation, leaving Ford and Citroen as the only manufacturers fielding factory teams in the top level of rallying.

Source: AutoBlog

We still think Subaru took a turn for the worse with the new Impreza, but nonetheless, some people out there like this new version.. right? At the Frankfort show, the new body style matched up with the World Rally Championship design is on display for onlookers to decide once and for all if they like the latest Subaru design.

Giving the car its tougher appearance are the widened fenders, twin exhausts and aggressive front bumper. The car’s five-door body was chosen as it’s said to positively affect the vehicle’s ability to spin its tail during cornering.

Other features of the WRC car include the yellow painted 18in wheels, short overhangs and the endearing four-cylinder boxer engine. The new car is expected to make its debut in next year’s WRC season as well as the American Rally Series.

Instead of specs, Subaru released these two teaser images of its upcoming WRC Concept which will be on display next month at Frankfurt. Noticables include the STI grille, big wing and wider stance show off the more agressive look Subaru is trying to give to the Impreza.

If you ask me, these things are getting to be pretty big eyesores.