The propeller-styled grille first appeared in 2003, on the B11S Concept (unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show), on the B9 Scrambler and on the R1e Concept (both of them unveiled at Tokyo).
It was then adopted on the B9 Tribeca and on the Impreza production models.
The grille was one among the styling cues that Subaru developed in its research of a new unified Brand image.
In 2003, the official documents reported: "the front-end styling features a wing motif that recalls the origin of the company as an aircraft manufacturer. The grille represents a cross section of the fuselage in the center and wings
on either side."
The same aeronautical-derived design language was used both for the side and rear exterior styling and for the interior, in order to achieve a distinctive character that would allow Subaru's models to be easily recognized in all the global markets.
Back in August, Subaru spokesman David Rowley had alreay pointed out that the propeller face
wouldn't have appeared on the next Impreza, scheduled for 2007.
"It's fair to say the design will not appear on future Subarus,” he said.
"We had always said the aerospace theme could be applied in a variety of ways, like the way it's been presented on the Impreza and Tribeca."
According to many rumors, the controversial front grille design was one of the reasons for the replacement of Subaru's fromer Design Director
Andreas Zapatinas, who had joined the Japanese carmaker in April 2002 and had resigned in July 2006, though many claimed he was fired.
Rowley stated that Zapatinas was not responsible for the propeller theme, which was already in advanced development stage when the Greek designer became Director of Subaru's Advanced Design Centre
According to his words, the first Zapatinas' design will be the next generation Impreza.
According to the revealed illustrations, the 2008 Subaru Impreza will have a broad and narrow grille with upswept headlights. It will be unveiled at the New York Auto Show and will go on sale in 2008.
