Subaru's cult car, the WRX is being beefed up ... literally. The new WRX will be unveiled at next month's New York International Motor Show and will show a wider body in both the sedan and hatch. The 2011 model year Subaru Impreza features wider, flared wheel arches, new front and rear bumpers and grille. In addition the front and rear track are also increased.

Both variants are due for release in Australia towards the end of 2010. At this stage specifications and pricing have not been released. The new shape for WRX will set the car apart from the normally aspirated Impreza range which will retain the current shape in sedan and hatch.

The new Impreza will be revealed on Thursday – April 1 – at the NY show. Subaru Australia's managing director, Nick Senior, said the iconic boy racer will now have an even greater road presence. “This new look gives the Impreza WRX even greater presence in a package which has already won accolades fr it's turbocharged symmetrical all wheel drive ability,” said Mr Senior.

“This design further distinguishes our turbo Impreza variants, including the Impreza WRX STi, from the normally aspirated versions, which we're sure will please the many loyal WRX fans out there,” he said.