It wouldn't be an auto show without embargos breaking everywhere you turn. This one comes courtesy of Motor Trend magazine's May issue, which features the new Subaru Impreza WRX on the cover. A member of the North American Subaru Impreza Owners Club received his copy more than a bit early in the mail, and felt he must do his civic duty and share the pics with us, so we link you to this forum post where scans of the new car are currently being hosted (though who knows for how long).

There has actually been much speculation about whether or not these pics are the real deal or elaborate photochops. The forum poster, who goes by the handle gravitywrx, only posted scans of the article inside the issue of Motor Trend, neglecting to include scans of the cover or the article's text. At the end of his post he writes, "If you want the specs, buy the May issue of Motor Trend," which supports the notion that this post is a plant by Motor Trend to drum up sales of its mag.

While we find that hypothesis hard to believe, we do wish gravitywrx had given us a little more. As far as we can tell, the engine and transmission choices for the new WRX will remain identical to the current model, and the five-door wagon has officially been replaced by this five-door hatch. From the pics, it's clear a navigation unit will be an option, as well.

So, uh, whaddya think?

[Source: NASIOC via Straightline Blog]