Thanks to our office in Japan, we get hold of the latest parts and news from that end of the Pacific as soon as it comes out. One interesting find was the new bodykit from Liberal for the 08 WRX Hatch. We fitted one to our Japanese hatch, and were so impressed with fit and finish that we decided to send it over to America and test fitment here. We've found in the past that Subaru just has to change something, even something minor, when they bring it to American shores. So Ross in Japan sent one set over in the latest sea freight shipment, and then I took it down to Rallitek in Portland, Oregon, to test it on their shop car.
Interestingly enough, it did fit quite well - to a degree. At the front there is a minor difference on where the underengine cover bolts up in the front, and the fender liners as well at the front of the fender. However, one thing it doesn't fit over is the standard bumper beam. So off that went, and then it went on like a charm. We checked with Japan if there was a different bumper beam over there, and found out it's exactly the same - they had to remove their front bumper beam as well. Then it was on to the rear! The rear also snapped into place easily with quite a nice fit. And we also had to remove the rear bumper beam! Again, it wasn't because there is a different bumper beam in Japan, it's simply the way Liberal designed it.
That look, however, is quite nice. It shortens the rear overhang quite a bit, giving it a much nicer appearance. The rear design is possibly the most interesting part of the kit, as it incorporates the twin-exhaust look of the WRX STI. In fact, for the best fitment, Liberal recommends fitting a WRX STI twin exhaust system, as that is what they designed it around!
As you can see from the photos, it is quite a striking look, and we shall be importing them in the future!
