Debuting at the Frankfurt International Motor Show today is the Subaru World Rally Championship Concept car which in its 5-door form points to the future direction of the Subaru WRC competition car.

Boasting a striking all-new Subaru World Rally Team livery, muscular, widened fenders and twin exhausts, the World Rally Championship Concept car's body type is in line with the continuing growth in world demand for sporting 5-door models and has been designed to further improve the Subaru World Rally Team's performance in future rally series.

The WRC Concept car benefits from many potential advantages in its 5-door design. Subaru engineers have determined that this body style, with its reduced front and rear overhangs and rigid yet flexible chassis, provides the driver with increased body control while also reducing the moment of inertia during high speed cornering -- both essential aspects of rally racing.

Another feature of rally racing, the 'tail slide' is also positively affected by the 5-door design which allows the car to power through corners on a variety of surfaces in a more controlled way.

The widened front fenders with powerful flares conceal 18" tires and with the wheels on the 5-door model being pushed out to the corners, the driver's control and understanding of the vehicle's positioning is improved and the elimination of body overhangs further reduces the likelihood of impact during high speed maneuvers.

Other features of the WRC car include Subaru's legendary boxer engine which due to its geometry provides outstanding natural handling characteristics with the torque levels associated with this layout, Subaru's world leading Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, and a large rear spoiler that has been designed to improve airflow and increase down force.

Subaru has been involved in rally competition through Subaru Tecnica International Inc. which manages Subaru Motorsport activities for almost twenty years including competitions series such as the WRC, American Rally Series and others world-wide and has claimed victory in drivers and manufacturers championships in this time.