New images of the upcoming Subaru STi have surfaced online, revealing the car’s new styling ahead of its debut at the New York Auto Show in April. Key changes for the new model are the introduction of the hatch body-style, and the new front-end styling that forgoes the unpopular airplane inspired grille treatment. All Impreza models, including the STi, will be roughly 130mm shorter than the current sedan, but will be 50mm wider overall.

The new STi will carry over the familiar 2.0L turbocharged boxer engine in most markets, however, the US will likely get a 2.5L version. An all-new 2.5L engine is currently being developed, which will deliver substantially more juice than the 300hp that’s expected from the 2.0L mill. Instead of increasing the top-end power, engineers have focused on improving the power delivery characteristics of the new range. Expect a much flatter torque curve and more oomph lower in the rev range.

Other mechanical changes include some major revisions so the symmetrical AWD system, including a modified Driver's Control Centre Differential. The new Impreza is also expected to receive a new rear multi-link suspension set-up that should improve both the car’s handling and stability.