Subaru unveiled a concept car that may be the latest addition to its redesigned Impreza lineup at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Taller and bolder than the Impreza hatchback, the XV represents the likely replacement for the outgoing Impreza Outback Sport. In fact, our Outback Sport used to be called XV in other markets.

Like other models in the new Impreza lineup, a production XV would use a 148-hp, 2.0-liter version of Subaru’s “boxer” four-cylinder engine, mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission. (Other Impreza models also offer a five-speed manual.)

Unlike the current Impreza Outback Sport, the XV is jacked up to provide 8.6 inches of ground clearance—more than most SUVs. Otherwise, it’s mechanically identical to the new Impreza hatchback underneath the bright orange paint.

The XV concept is aimed primarily at the North American market. We hear that Subaru is so far waffling on whether to call the car the Outback Sport or to adopt a new name to differentiate the car from the larger Legacy-based Outback.

See the 2012 Subaru Impreza in our New Car Preview.

Also from Frankfurt:
Sporty-yet-thrifty 2013 Lexus GS hybrid
Land Rover Defender concepts blaze a 21st-century trail
2011 Frankfurt: High-tech Volvo You sedan concept