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December 8, 2011

Next-Gen Subaru WRX to get Turbocharged 2.0L BRZ Engine with 270 HP

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Subaru has confirmed that the next-generation Subaru WRX will be powered by a 270 horsepower turbocharged version of the 2.0L engine that powers the 2013 Subaru BRZ.

Currently the WRX is powered by a 265 horsepower 2.5L engine. The new smaller engine will pack slightly more power and is expected to also be more fuel efficient that the current 2.5L The current WRX gets 19 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.

Subaru has already announced that the next-generation WRX and WRX STI will be further differentiated from the Impreza, but will likely still be based on the same platform. Subaru hasn't confirmed when the next WRX will debut, but it's expected to debut sometime next year as a 2013 model.

Continue reading "Next-Gen Subaru WRX to get Turbocharged 2.0L BRZ Engine with 270 HP" »

December 3, 2011

VIDEO: Subaru BRZ GT300 Hits the Track

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Subaru officially unveiled the rear-wheel-drive BRZ this week in Tokyo. When the 2013 BRZ was unveiled Subaru also announced plans for the BRZ to compete in next year's Super GT Series in Japan, as the BRZ GT300.

Subaru has released the first video of the BRZ GT300 hitting the track.

Check out the video after the jump...

Continue reading "VIDEO: Subaru BRZ GT300 Hits the Track" »

November 30, 2011

VIDEO: 2013 Subaru BRZ Hits the Road

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Following the official unveiling of the 2013 Subaru BRZ two days ago, Subaru has now released more photos and a video of the new rear-wheel-drive coupe.

The 2013 Subaru BRZ is Subaru's version of the rear-wheel-drive coupe that it developed with Toyota. Toyota's version of the coupe has been dubbed either the 86, GT 86 or Scion FR-S, which depends on where in the world you are. The Subaru BRZ is powered by the same direct-injected 2.0L boxer engine as the GT 86. The BRZ packs 200 horsepower and weighs 2,689 pounds. 2013_Subaru_BRZ_GT300_Race_Car.jpg

The only major differences between the BRZ and the GT 86 is that the BRZ has a unique grille and front bumper, unique fender vents and a slightly revised rear fascia.

The Subaru BRZ is also going to compete in the GT300 class of next year's Super GT series in Japan.

Continue reading "VIDEO: 2013 Subaru BRZ Hits the Road" »

November 28, 2011

Subaru Unveils the Production BRZ Coupe

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Two days ago, Toyota officially took the wraps off the 86 and GT 86 sports coupe and now Subaru has unveiled its version of the coupe that developed with Toyota. The Subaru BRZ is debuting this week at the Tokyo Motor Show.

The Subaru BRZ is pretty much identical to the Toyota version, which means it's powered by the same 2.0L horizontally-opposed boxer engine. Subaru states that the BRZ will put out 200 horsepower and 151 lb-ft. of torque, compared to 197 horsepower and 151 lb-ft. in the Toyota version. The boxer engine can be mated to either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission and sends its power only to the rear wheels. The Subaru BRZ weighs 2,689 lbs and rides on standard 17-inch wheels.

in terms of styling, the BRZ mainly differs from the Toyota with a different front fascia and a slightly modified rear. Which one do you like better?

Continue reading "Subaru Unveils the Production BRZ Coupe" »

Subaru Impreza WRX STI 206 Debuts

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Subaru has the Subaru Impreza WRX STI S206, which is now on sale in Japan.

The Subaru Impreza WRX STI S206 is based on the Impreza WRX STI, but gets exclusive Bilstein shock absorbers, STI coil springs, and a flexible tower bar and draw stiffener up front that help improve its performance on the track. It also rides on Michelin Pilot Super Sport tired with BBS 19-inch aluminum wheels. Subaru has also optimized the weight balance between pistons, connecting rods and crankshaft to enhance the rev feel. A ball bearing turbocharger, ECU with STI tuning, and a sports muffler with lowered back pressure exhaust give the Impreza WRX STI S206 a total 316 horsepower and 318 lb-ft. of torque.

The Impreza WRX STI S206 stands out thanks to the lower front spoiler and front fender outlet grille that are specific to this model, and the trunk spoiler.

Continue reading "Subaru Impreza WRX STI 206 Debuts" »

November 7, 2011

Subaru Teases the Production-Spec BRZ Ahead of Tokyo Debut

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Subaru is going to unveil the production ready version of the BRZ sports coupe at the Tokyo Motor Show later this month. To get us ready for the unveiling Subaru has released the teaser you see here.

Subaru gave us an official preview of the BRZ with the BRZ STI concept that is going to debut next week at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The teaser that Subaru has released for the production version of the BRZ reveals that the BRZ is going to get round fog lights instead of the rectangular versions that the concept uses. The grille is also slightly different than the concept.

The BRZ will be powered by a 2.0L boxer engine with direct injection technology. It has a square bore and stroke of 86 by 86 mm and could put out around 300 horsepower. The engine will be mated to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission

Continue reading "Subaru Teases the Production-Spec BRZ Ahead of Tokyo Debut" »

Subaru Advanced Tourer Concept to Debut in Tokyo

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Subaru has given us a preview of the Subaru Advanced Tourer Concept that is set to debut at this year's Tokyo Motor Show. The current Subaru Legacy/ Outback leaves much to be desired in terms of its styling, which Subaru is hopefully going to fix.

The Subaru Advanced Tourer Concept is described as a new-generation sports wagon that provides both superior driving performance and utility. It's aggressive exterior is a significant departure from Subaru's current designs. The concept is powered by a 1.6L boxer engine mated to an electric motor. The system is mated to Subaru's continuously variable transmission and Symmetrical AWD system.

The production version of the highly anticipated BRZ rear-wheel-drive sports car is also going to debut at the show.

Continue reading "Subaru Advanced Tourer Concept to Debut in Tokyo" »

November 1, 2011

Subaru BRZ STI Concept Revealed Ahead of LA Debut

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Subaru is set to debut the BRZ sports car at the Tokyo Motor Show later this year, but it's going to tease us one more time in two weeks at the Los Angeles Auto Show with the BRZ Concept - STI.

This BRZ Concept - STI is the first time that we're actually seeing a full concept version of Subaru's new rear-wheel-drive coupe, we've only seen concepts of the FT-86 and Scion FR-S. The overall design is very similar to Toyota's version, although it gets a different rear end with a large rear wing. The concept is painted in Subaru's "WR Blue Pearl II," which is a new generation of the iconic WR blue paint scheme that has been used on production STI's.

Although the concept basically shows off what an STI version of the BRZ could be like, it unfortunately doesn't have any more power under the hood than the standard engine that will power the BRZ. It's still got the naturally-aspirated 2.0L boxer engine. The BRZ Concept - STI features an STI-tuned suspension, Brembo brakes and unique 18-inch wheels and tires.

Come back in two weeks to see all the photos from the show.

Continue reading "Subaru BRZ STI Concept Revealed Ahead of LA Debut" »

October 26, 2011

Subaru BRZ to Pack More Power than the Toyota FT-86

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Next month we will finally see the Toyota FT-86/ Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ rear wheel drive coupes, but more details are starting to surface now. According to sources that spoke with Autocar, the Subaru BRZ will pack more power than the Toyota version.

How much more power? The Subaru BRZ is reportedly going to pack "less than 300 horsepower," while the FT-86 is only expected to have around 200 horsepower. Both coupes are going to be powered by a 2.0L boxer engine, but thanks to a different ECU, the Subaru coupe will be the powerful of the two coupes.

The Subaru BRZ will also differ from the FT-86 with a unique grille and bumpers. A roadster version is also a possibility in the future.

Come back for all the details from the Tokyo Motor Show next month.

Continue reading "Subaru BRZ to Pack More Power than the Toyota FT-86" »

October 24, 2011

Next-Gen Subaru WRX and WRX STI Models to Move Away from the Impreza

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Subaru is launching an all-new 2012 Subaru Impreza this fall, but we have yet to see what Subaru has in store for the high-performance WRX and WRX STI variants. Automotive News is reporting that Subaru is going to separate the WRX and WRX STI from the Impreza, by dropping the Impreza name on the two high-performance models. In 2013 The WRX and WRX STI will also move to a different platform.

The move allows the Impreza sedan and five-door models to focus more on fuel-economy and interior space, two things that are important in its segment. Once the new WRX and STI are released in 2013, they will move to a new platform that will place greater emphasis on performance. While the interiors and features of the next WRX and WRX STI will also be more aligned with the models' higher price premium over the Impreza.

Continue reading "Next-Gen Subaru WRX and WRX STI Models to Move Away from the Impreza" »

September 27, 2011

Subaru XV Coming to the U.S. by 2013

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Subaru unveiled the XV crossover in Frankfurt earlier this month, which is basically a version of the all-new Impreza that is more capable off-road. Subaru has confirmed that the higher riding Impreza XV will come to the U.S. in 2013, but likely with a different name.

In the past Subaru has offered a similar version known as the Outback sport, but that version mainly had two-tone paint and a raised suspension. The XV is more differentiated from the Impreza with its higher ride height, body cladding and unique alloy wheels. In the meantime, Subaru is offering the 2012 Impreza sport model that has an all-weather package and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Continue reading "Subaru XV Coming to the U.S. by 2013 " »

September 21, 2011

Subaru BRZ Concept to Debut in LA in November

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Subaru officially confirmed the name for its rear-wheel-drive coupe that its developed with Toyota, but we have yet to see an official concept version of the Subaru BRZ. It's being reported that Subaru will unveil a concept version of the BRZ at the LA Auto Show in November.

Although we will finally get to see a concept version of the BRZ, the production version will not share any body panels with the concept. The Toyota's FT-86 concepts also will not share any body panels with the Toyota's version of the coupe. We will not get to see the production versions of the Toyota/ Scion and Subaru coupes until the Tokyo Motor Show later this year.

Other details about Subaru's version of the coupe have also surfaced ahead of its debut. Although Subaru is known for its all-wheel-drive vehicles, the BRZ will remain rear-wheel-drive only. It's also expected that the coupes will be powered by a 2.0L Subaru boxer engine with around 200 horsepower. Subaru is going to produce all versions of the coupe (Toyota, Scion and Subaru) at its plant in Gunma, Japan, starting next spring. The biggest differences between the coupes will be the front fascias, while all the coupes will share the same sheet metal. The Scion and Toyota versions will be identical except for the badges.

Continue reading "Subaru BRZ Concept to Debut in LA in November" »

September 15, 2011

2012 Subaru XV Bows in Frankfurt

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Subaru has officially unveiled the 2012 Subaru XV crossover in Frankfurt. The Subaru XV is basically a more offroad ready version of the new 2012 Impreza.

To allow to tackle the unpaved roads, the XV has more ground clearance than the standard Impreza at 8.6 inches. The XV also gets extra body cladding, which makes it look tougher. In Europe the XV will be powered by 1.6L and 2.0L boxer engines in addition to a diesel.

The XV is expected to come to the U.S. next year.

Continue reading "2012 Subaru XV Bows in Frankfurt" »

August 31, 2011

Subaru Teases the XV Crossover a Second Time

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Subaru has released a second teaser photo of the 2012 Subaru XV crossover that is going to have its world debut in Frankfurt. The Subaru XV was originally previewed as a concept at the Shanghai Motor Show earlier this year.

The two teaser photos show that the XV will remain pretty close to the concept. Subaru expects production to kick off by the end of year. The XV is expected to be offered in the U.S. as the Impreza Outback.

Continue reading "Subaru Teases the XV Crossover a Second Time" »

August 22, 2011

Frankfurt 11' Preview: Subaru Names its New Sports Car the BRZ

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Subaru and Toyota have been jointly working on a new rear-wheel-drive coupe for a while now and although Toyota has been kind enough to give us several previews with its concepts, Subaru has been pretty quiet. Up until now Subaru's only preview of its version of the new coupe came in the form of a preview of the "architecture" of the new coupe, earlier this year.

Subaru has just announced a name for its new sports car, the Subaru BRZ. "BRZ" stands for "Boxer engine", "Rear-wheel drive" and "Zenith." Subaru claims that the name "embodies ultimate passion for the new sports car and confidence in its distinctive trademark and core technology: the "Horizontally-Opposed Subaru Boxer engine."

The Subaru BRZ is going to be officially unveiled next month at the Frankfurt Motor Show, with production kicking off in the spring of 2012.

Continue reading "Frankfurt 11' Preview: Subaru Names its New Sports Car the BRZ" »

August 19, 2011

All-New 2012 Subaru Impreza Starts at $17,495

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Subaru has announced the pricing for the all-new 2012 Subaru Impreza, which starts at $17,495 for the base 4-door Impreza 2.0i with a five-speed manual. The starting price of the 2012 Impreza starts at the same price as the outgoing 2011 model.

The base Impreza mated to a CVT starts at $18,495. The base 5-door Impreza 2.0i starts at $17,995 when equipped with a five-speed transmission and $18,995 for the CVT-equipped model. The 2012 Impreza is also offered in 2.0i Premium, Sport Premium and Limited models. The 4-door 2.0i Premium starts at $18,795, while the 5-door Premium starts at $19,295. For the 2.0i Limited, prices start at $21,595 for the 4-door and $22,095 for the 5-door version. The Impreza 2.0i Sport Premium starts at $20,295 and is only offered in the 5-door body style.

The 2012 Subaru Impreza is powered by an all-new 148 horsepower 2.0L four-cylinder boxer engine that gets 27 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.

Continue reading "All-New 2012 Subaru Impreza Starts at $17,495" »

August 9, 2011

Subaru XV Crossover Set to Debut in Frankfurt

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Subaru unveiled the XV Concept at the Shanghai Motor Show earlier this year and Subaru has just announced that the XV crossover is going to have its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month.

The Euro-spec Subaru XV will debut at the show and according to Subaru the XV "defines a new generation of Subaru crossover vehicles." The Subaru XV is expected to come to the U.S. as the next Impreza Outback.

For now Subaru has released a teaser of the new crossover.

Continue reading "Subaru XV Crossover Set to Debut in Frankfurt" »

July 15, 2011

Next-Gen Subaru WRX to Drop Impreza Name

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Subaru unveiled the next-generation 2012 Subaru Impreza at the New York Auto Show earlier this year, but did not unveil the WRX version of the new model. According to the latest sources, the reason we haven't seen the next WRX is because Subaru is planning on separating the WRX from the compact Impreza.

A source recently spoke to Motor Trend and said, "Apart from a few nuts and bolts, every part on the WRX will be unique. Even the engine and body. Obviously the WRX's platform will be inherited from the new Impreza, but it will be radically modified and significantly shortened." 2012_subaru_impreza_new_fr.jpg

The past generation Impreza and WRX models shared many common parts, which drove up the cost of the Impreza, Subaru's entry-level model. For the next WRX, Subaru is developing it from the ground up to win in motorsports events and will use an updated version of Subaru's all-wheel-drive system and a turbocharged boxer engine.

Motor Trend's source claims that the next WRX will be powered by a turbocharged 1.6L boxer engine with around 270 horsepower, while the STI version will put out around 300 horsepower from the same 1.6L engine. The WRX will use a heavily modified version of the Impreza's platform, but it will be significantly shortened.

Unfortunately the next WRX is not coming until around 2014.

Continue reading "Next-Gen Subaru WRX to Drop Impreza Name" »

July 7, 2011

Subaru Plans Four New Models by 2016

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Subaru has announced a new five year business plan that will run through fiscal year 2016. The plan known as "Motion-V" is includes a plan to introduce three new models, plus a hybrid.

Little is known about the new models, but the first new model will be Subaru's version of the rear-wheel-drive coupe that has been jointly developed with Toyota. The new hybrid is expected in 2013 that could be based off the Hybrid Tourer Concept from 2009.

The Motion-V plan is expected to help Subaru grow its sales to 900k units by 2016, which is up from the current projected 633,000 during the current fiscal year. Most of the growth is expected to come from the U.S. and China.

Continue reading "Subaru Plans Four New Models by 2016" »

June 5, 2011

What are the 10 Most Disappointing Cars of 2011?

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We've reached the halfway point of 2011. With that we have a view of what cars buyers are ignoring or simply hate this year. CNN Money has put together a list of 10 cars that it sees as the most disappointing cars this year.

The list includes some models that aren't surprising, like the disappointing Honda Insight, which has failed to steal away Prius buyers and the Smart ForTwo, which is just too small for American buyers.

Which models do you think are missing from the list?

Check out the full list after the jump.

Continue reading "What are the 10 Most Disappointing Cars of 2011?" »

June 1, 2011

Subaru's Rear-Wheel-Drive Coupe to Get STI Model, but No Turbo

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Subaru is set to officially unveil its version of the rear-wheel-drive coupe that it has developed with Toyota at the Tokyo Motor Show this December. The Subaru version will go on sale early next year and according to Toshio Masuda, a Subaru senior general manager of product planning, an STI version will eventually be available. But unlike the STI variant of the Impreza, the STI version of the new coupe will not be getting a turbocharger.

Subaru's STI package usually includes turbocharging, a sport-tuned suspension, lower profile tires and bigger brakes. A turbo version of the coupe is probably not in the cards since the original concept of the car involved keeping the engine naturally aspirated.

The coupe is expected to be powered by Subaru's new 2.0L four-cylinder boxer engine.

Continue reading "Subaru's Rear-Wheel-Drive Coupe to Get STI Model, but No Turbo" »

May 21, 2011

Spy Shots: Subaru's Version of the FT-86 Caught on the 405

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Last week we saw spy photos of Scion's version of the Toyota/ Subaru coupe, the Scion FR-S. Now here's your first look at the Subaru version driving down the 405 freeway in southern California. From the looks of this prototype, it looks like Subaru's coupe is going to be more conservative than what you will be able to get in Scion showrooms.

Both the Scion FR-S and Subaru coupe are expected to be unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show later this year.

Continue reading "Spy Shots: Subaru's Version of the FT-86 Caught on the 405" »

May 20, 2011

Toyota and Subaru Versions of the FT-86 to Debut in Tokyo

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We've been talking about the Toyota FT-86 since 2008, when Toyota and Subaru announced plans to jointly develop a new rear-wheel-drive coupe. Since then we've seen several concepts and discussed a lot of speculation about what we can expect from the new coupes.

Toyota and Subaru plan to officially unveil both versions of the sports coupe at the 2011 Tokyo Auto Show this December. Toyota released the latest preview of what we can expect in the form of the Scion FR-S concept. Toyota will officially sell its version of the coupe under then Scion brand when it is released some time next year. Production of the Subaru version is expected start in the spring of 2012.

The sports coupes will be powered by a 2.0L Subaru boxer-engine mated to a rear-wheel-drive system. Even though Subaru is widely known for its all-wheel-drive system, the coupe is being built on a unique rear-wheel-drive platform and there are no plans to release an AWD version. Unfortunately it looks like a turbocharged version is also not in the works. Thanks to the latest spy photos we do know that it will be available with a large rear wing, that brings back memories of the Toyota Supra.

Continue reading "Toyota and Subaru Versions of the FT-86 to Debut in Tokyo" »

VIDEO: Toyota FT-86/ Scion FR-S Shows off its Big Wing

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This week new spy photos of the upcoming Toyota FT-86/ Scion FR-S were all over the internet. These photos gave us an even closer look at the final production version, including the addition of a huge rear spoiler.

The guys over at ft86club have posted an almost 2 minute video of the FT86 in motion.

Check it out after the jump...

Continue reading "VIDEO: Toyota FT-86/ Scion FR-S Shows off its Big Wing" »

May 10, 2011

Subaru Tribeca and Mazda6 Could Soon be Dead

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Nikkan Kogyo is reporting that two U.S.-built Japanese vehicles may soon be cut from their respective lineups. The Subaru Tribeca and Mazda6 will soon be cut according to the Japanese newspaper.

According to Nikkan Kogyo, Subaru has decided to stop work on the next-generation Tribeca SUV and production will end after the current model's run is over. Subaru has only sold 910 units through April and the SUV is currently taking up production space at Subaru's plant in Indiana. Subaru will needs the extra production space for the more popular Outback and Legacy models. It's not known when the SUV will be dropped, but it has been on sale since 2005. 2011_Mazda6_01.jpg

The Mazda6 sedan has failed to meet expectations. Mazda planned on producing 100,000 units a year at its Flat Rock, Michigan plant when the redesigned sedan was introduced in 2008, but of course that was right when the industry went south. Last year Mazda only produced 45,168 units. Supposedly, the Mazda6 is the reason why Mazda hasn't been able to produce a regional operating profit in North America. Mazda's plans are not yet known, but it could include producing a different model at the Michigan plant or stopping production at the plant completely.

Continue reading "Subaru Tribeca and Mazda6 Could Soon be Dead" »

April 20, 2011

New York 11': 2012 Subaru Impreza Becomes Most Fuel-Efficient AWD in the US

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The fourth-generation 2012 Subaru Impreza has been unveiled in New York.

The all-new Impreza was previewed by the Impreza concept that was unveiled late last 2012_subaru_impreza_4.jpgyear. The new Impreza is powered by a smaller 148-hp 2.0L boxer engine that can be mated to either a five-speed manual or a CVT. According to Subaru, the 2012 Impreza is the most fuel-efficient all-wheel-drive car in America with an estimated 27 mpg city and 36 mpg on the highway.

The 2012 Impreza rides on a longer wheelbase , which is 104.1 inches compared to 103.2 for the outgoing Impreza. The length and width of the new Impreza remain the same, but thanks to redesigned door panels, the Impreza offers more interior room. Rear seat passengers will enjoy almost two extra inches of legroom and the cargo volume in the trunk and cargo room in the five-door have increased.

Subaru hasn't announced when the 2012 Impreza will hit dealerships.

Continue reading "New York 11': 2012 Subaru Impreza Becomes Most Fuel-Efficient AWD in the US" »

April 19, 2011

Shanghai 11': Subaru XV Concept is an Impreza Crossover

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The Subaru XV Concept has been officially unveiled in Shanghai. The XV Concept shares its platform with the new 2012 Impreza.

The compact crossover concept is a preview of the next-generation XV that is sold in some markets and its also a preview of what we can expect from the 2012 Impreza Hatchback. The XV Concept will likely be the successor to the Impreza Outback Sport.

The XV Concept is powered by a 2.0L four-cylinder boxer engine mated to Subaru's all-wheel-drive system.

Continue reading "Shanghai 11': Subaru XV Concept is an Impreza Crossover" »

April 11, 2011

Shanghai 11' Preview: Subaru XV Concept... A "Fashionable" Crossover

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Subaru has released a preview of the XV concept that it is going to unveil at the Shanghai Motor Show later this month. According to Subaru the XV Concept "is a design concept car that defines a new generation of crossover vehicle, blending exceptional SUV practicality with a fashionable form."

Subaru says that "Enjoyment and Peace of mind" are the core theme of the concept and that it is designed for people that are looking for a vehicle offering looks, benefits and a packaging that stretch beyond those from the populated crowd of existing crossover models.

Continue reading "Shanghai 11' Preview: Subaru XV Concept... A "Fashionable" Crossover" »

April 6, 2011

New York 11' Preview: Subaru to Debut 2012 Impreza...Single Shot Released

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Subaru has announced plans to official debut the all-new 2012 Subaru Impreza sedan and five-door models at the 2011 New York Auto Show. At the LA Auto Show last year, Subaru showed off the Impreza concept, which we hope was a preview of the production model.

Subaru has released one photo of the 2012 Impreza that you see here, unfortunately it's only a photo of the side profile. Subaru claims that the new Impreza will deliver up to 36 mpg on the highway, which will make it the most fuel efficient all-wheel-drive car in the U.S.

Stay tuned for the official unveiling later this month...

Continue reading "New York 11' Preview: Subaru to Debut 2012 Impreza...Single Shot Released" »

March 1, 2011

Geneva 11': Subaru RWD Sports Car to Get 2.0L Boxer Engine

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Subaru is using the Geneva Motor Show to share more of the details of its upcoming rear-wheel-drive coupe that it is developing with Toyota.

Although every model that is currently available in the US with a Subaru badge, has all-wheel-drive, the upcoming coupe will be rear-wheel-drive. Will Subaru fans scream in disgust? Subaru claims that its first mass-produced front-engine, rear-wheel-drive model will deliver a new level of driving excitement thanks to its lower center of gravity and compact and lightweight body. The 2.0L boxer engine sits even lower and further back in the coupe since there isn't a front differential or driveshafts to get in the way.

Production of the rear-wheel-drive sports car is expected to begin in spring 2012 at a Subaru production plant in Japan.

Toyota has also unveiled a new concept version of its coupe, the FT-86 II.

Continue reading "Geneva 11': Subaru RWD Sports Car to Get 2.0L Boxer Engine" »

February 22, 2011

Geneva 11' Preview: Subaru Boxer Sports Car Architecture Teased

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The Geneva Motor Show is almost here, just one more week to go. Until then we get to see several previews of what we will see at the show. Subaru has set up a website for its new RWD car (FT-86) that its developed with Toyota and that will be unveiled at the show.

The site features a teaser of the boxer engine that will power the new coupe.

Stay tuned...

Continue reading "Geneva 11' Preview: Subaru Boxer Sports Car Architecture Teased" »

February 12, 2011

Toyota FT-86 to be Called Scion FT-S?

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We all wish that Toyota would finally release the much talked about Toyota FT-86 and its Subaru brother. Until then the speculation about the two coupes continues...

The latest rumor is that the production version of the Toyota FT-86 will be officially dubbed the Scion FT-S. Yes that's right, the Toyota FT-86 will officially carry a Scion badge. It's official debut is slated for the New York Auto Show in April...finally! Although before that another concept version is confirmed for the Geneva show...hmmm.

Other reports are also suggesting that the rear-wheel-drive coupe will be powered by a 2.5L rather than the 2.0L that is under the hood of the concept version. The Subaru version will also be differentiated from the Scion version by being all-wheel-drive. The Subaru version is expected to debut in Geneva next month.

Toyota is said to be starting a major Scion marketing push with the FT-S being aimed at the drifting community.

Continue reading "Toyota FT-86 to be Called Scion FT-S?" »

February 8, 2011

2012 Subaru Impreza to Debut in New York?

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Subaru is set to launch a new Impreza sometime this year for the 2012 model year and our first look at the new Impreza may come as soon as the New York Auto Show. Subaru unveiled the Impreza Concept at the LA Auto Show last November, but at that time Subaru did not announce when we could expect a new Impreza.

Tom Doll, Subaru of America executive vice president, recently confirmed that the new Impreza will launch this August in the U.S. and Japan. It's expected that Subaru will use the upcoming New York Auto Show for the official unveiling.

Continue reading "2012 Subaru Impreza to Debut in New York?" »

January 14, 2011

Subaru to Debut its Version of the FT-86 in Geneva

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Subaru has announced plans to unveil a new rear-wheel-drive sports coupe at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

It's widely known that Subaru and Toyota have been working together on a new rear-wheel-drive coupe that is often referred to as the FT-86. Although we've heard a lot of news about Toyota's version, Subaru has remained pretty quiet about its version of the coupe. It's been a constant question if the Subaru version of the coupe would be all-wheel-drive, but the fact that the "Rear-Wheel Drive Sports Car Technology Concept" is RWD most likely means that Subaru's version of the coupe will also be RWD.

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January 5, 2011

Subaru Plans on Revamping its Entire Lineup With Cues from the Impreza Concept

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The Subaru Impreza Design concept was unveiled at the LA Auto Show last November and at the time Subaru said it provided a clue to what would could expect from future Subarus. Autocar is reporting that Subaru is planning on revamping its entire lineup over the next few years with styling cues from the Impreza concept.

The concept's prominent shoulder line, wheel arches and large front air intakes are likely to appear on may of the next-generation Subarus, which also includes Subaru's version of the Toyota FT-86. In addition to a new design theme, Subaru is also working on a new boxer engine that will first appear in the FT-86. The new engine, dubbed FB-type, is a 2.0L with a longer stroke than the old EJ-type engine. In the FT-86 the engine is expected to put out around 200-hp when the FT-86 is released in 2012.

In 2013 Subaru is also going to a hybrid version of the Legacy that will use Toyota's hybrid technology. Toyota's hybrid system will likely be applied to a 2.5L version of the new boxer engine.

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December 27, 2010

Toyota FT-86 Boxer-Engine Logo Surfaces

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We're still waiting, somewhat patiently for Toyota and Subaru to unveil the rear-wheel-drive FT-86 sports car. Car and Driver recently came across a logo for the Toyota version. It's been expected that the coupe will be powered by a Subaru 2.0L flat four-cyl engine and this logo provides more proof... toyota_ft_86_concept_fr_logo.jpg

The logo is a cross section of a boxer engine with a highly stylized number 86 in the center. The fact that 86 is being used in the logo provides more evidence that Toyota is planning on using "86" in the production name of the coupe. The "86" pays homage to the AE86 Corolla of the 1980's.

The car is expected to officially debut late next year and go on sale in 2012 with pricing starting in the low-$20k range.

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December 22, 2010

Subaru Releases the Impreza WRX STI spec C in Japan

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Subaru has introduced the Subaru Impreza WRX STI spec C in Japan. The spec C is based on the Impreza WRX STI and gets upgrades to the engine and chassis as well as a lighter body.

New friction reducing ball bearings for the twin-scroll turbocharger and a reprogrammed ECU increases maximum torque and improves accelerating performance. An aluminum hood, laminar window glass and a downsized battery result in a lower body weight.

Sadly the spec C is only for Japan.

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November 23, 2010

VIDEO: Subaru Impreza Design Concept in Motion

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Subaru unveiled the Impreza Design Concept at the LA Auto Show last week and now Subaru has released a video of what the concept looks like in motion.

The Impreza Design Concept is a hint at a future Subaru model. It's powered by a 2.0L naturally aspirated Boxer engine mated to a Lineratronic CVT.

Check out the video after the jump...

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November 17, 2010

LA 10': Subaru Impreza Design Concept Finally a Nice Looking Impreza...

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Subaru is known for its great engineering, but it has never really produced anything that would be labeled as "beautiful" or "good looking." But...it looks like Subaru is fixing that...

Subaru has unveiled the Impreza Design Concept that is debuting at the LA Auto Show this week. Although its being labeled as a "concept", Subaru claims it gives us a hint of a future Subaru (hopefully the next Impreza).The design of the concept shows off Subaru's new "Confidence in Motion" design and brand strategy. According to Subaru the Impreza Design Concept conveys a sporty and lively "four-door coupe" style.

A 2.0L naturally aspirated Boxer engine with a Lineartronicâ„¢ Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) powers the concept. If this is what we can expect for the next Impreza, lets hope it gets here soon!

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October 27, 2010

2011 Subaru Forester Gets a New 2.5L Engine

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Subaru has released the official details for the 2011 Forester. The 2011 Forester 2.5X models get an all-new 2.5L engine that is slightly larger than the old engine. It puts out the same 170-hp, but at a lower rpm. Torque is up to 174 lb-ft. from 170 and fuel economy numbers have improved slightly. The turbocharged 2.5XT models keep the same engine as the 2010 model.

Subaru has made some other changes like new packages and adding standard Bluetooth to all of the models except the base model.

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