THE ALL-NEW SUBARU WRX CONCEPT DEBUTS AT THE 2013 NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

Subaru of America, Inc. unveiled the SUBARU WRX CONCEPT at the 2013 New York International Auto Show at the Jacob K. Javits Center. The design concept hints at the design language of the next generation WRX.

The bold and muscular design emphasizes turbocharged power and AWD grip in a more agile and athletic form. The SUBARU WRX CONCEPT blends the WRX’s famous power and road-holding prowess with an even greater focus on sharp handling, steering and communicative chassis. To further improve handling dynamics, the SUBARU WRX CONCEPT features a carbon-fiber roof to enhance the already low center of gravity and reduce weight.

Considerably lower, sleeker and wider, the SUBARU WRX CONCEPT delivers even more street presence than previous generations of WRX. The new grille design is larger and bolder and sets off the classic WRX hood scoop. A pronounced powerbulge provides clearance for the new turbocharged engine and intercooler. A prominent hexagonal grille form and deep lower valences with air intakes are designed to enhance aerodynamics, add downforce and aid engine cooling.

The three dimensional mesh pattern of the grille denotes the sporting nature of the SUBARU WRX CONCEPT and sets the Subaru star cluster apart, while the new hawk-eye headlights integrate the Subaru family design heritage.

A sharp character line runs from the front corner through to the taillights, intersected by the boldly flared wheel arches emphasizing the Subaru’s AWD system. The compact cabin greenhouse draws attention to the power and solidity of the body and focuses attention to wide stance that provides a visual link between body and chassis.

The rear design echoes the hexagonal design motif from the front grille and features a dramatically curved trunk lid that also acts as a rear spoiler. The distinctive wide rear bumper of the SUBARU WRX CONCEPT adds to the powerful street presence of the car and is off-set by large quad tailpipes denoting the powerful turbocharged engine. The aggressive rear diffuser improves vehicles aerodynamics.

The all-new SUBARU WRX CONCEPT features a new paint color, “WR Blue Pearl III”, which modernizes the iconic WRX look. Fluorescent Yellow is used as an accent on the WRX badge on the front grille, the brake calipers and the exhaust tip finishers, adding character notes to the design.

Filling out the broad fenders are BBS “RI-D” One Piece Forged Duralumin wheels and featuring 245/40ZR20 Dunlop tires with an exclusive tread pattern.

Courtesy of Subaru 

Thank you for this awesome review, Kimberly! Read the rest of her review on Google +Local.

"I could not have asked for a better experience. This is the first time I have been relaxed at a dealership. I didnt feel pressured or hassled over price or just wanting to look at vehicles." -- Kimberly I.

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Subaru Viziv Concept - 2013 Geneva Motor Show

Check out this 5-star review by another happy customer. Congratulations Maria!

"Not only did they match our competitor's price, but they went above and beyond ensuring that we were happy and comfortable throughout the entire process." -- Maria P.

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XV Crosstrek "Save Some" Extended Cut

Subaru XV Crosstrek hybrid to debut at New York auto show

Subaru will unveil a hybrid version of its XV Crosstrek small crossover at the New York auto show next week.

The car will be Subaru's first gasoline-electric vehicle and employ technology based on Toyota Motor Corp.'s hybrid system.

Subaru did not say when the car hits showrooms but the company has promised first deliveries sometime this year.

Also making a world debut in New York will be a concept version of a new performance model, Subaru says.

Fuji Heavy Industries, Ltd., the parent company of the Subaru brand, declined to provide other details. But it released a photo of the hybrid XV Crosstrek in bright lime green.

Facing tougher emissions regulations, Subaru is rolling out hybrid technology to lift fuel economy in a fleet traditionally heavy on SUVs, crossovers and all-wheel-drive vehicles.

Subaru hasn't disclosed details of its hybrid system. But its hybrid concept cars over the years have sported an all-wheel-drive layout mated to the electrified drivetrain.

Courtesy of Auto Week

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[SUBARU] Making Movie: SUBARU OUTBACK The trip to "Wonder Trip"

2013 Subaru BRZ long-term coupe review

 

The Subaru BRZ and its Scion FR-S cousin have caused quite the stir in the car world with their simple, lightweight, rear-wheel-drive coupe makeup. The formula seemed to produce the ideal package for enthusiasts on a budget, those who spend weekends on-track and late nights bombing around back roads.

Naturally, we wanted to get our hands on a BRZ for our long-term fleet and were lucky enough to recieve a nearly new example three months ago. We say “nearly new” because ours already had 2,192 miles on the odometer when it arrived.

It didn't take very long for our logbook to start filling up with positive comments about the BRZ from giddy staffers. “Steering is spot-on and direct, the shifter leaves no doubt about where you are in the six-gear spectrum and the driving position is nigh-on perfect,” wrote one editor.

But before we could get our BRZ out on-track and really stretch its legs, winter hit Michigan, forcing us to purchase and install winter tires. The set of Michelin Primacy Alpin PA3s resulted in a $778.62 hit to the Autoweek piggy bank.

As we waited out winter, we racked up 6,106 miles and averaged 28.7 mpg in the first quarter, which isn't bad considering the lead feet around the office. During those miles, many staffers wished for more power from the 2.0-liter boxer four, but the BRZ's engaging drive character and driver-focused simplicity kept them coming back for more. But we wouldn't be against Subaru bolting on a turbo in the future.

On the maintenance front, we made two trips to the dealership following the severe service schedule of every 3,750 miles. We did encounter problems with the windows not completely closing on three separate occasions. A quick Internet search led us to discover it's a common problem in the cold, requiring a reset of the wind-ows via the driver's window switches. We did it ourselves, twice, and the dealer did it another time under warranty, but it was still an annoyance.

Overall, the BRZ has been a blast to drive even through winter, but we're even more excited for spring to hit so we can throw on the summer tires and release the BRZ back into its natural habit: the racetrack.

 

Courtesy of Auto Week

Subaru Safety - Stories of Survival

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New Subaru has improved dynamics and cabin

This pioneering SUV now offers local customers heightened levels of refinement and drivability.

What is it?
With more shoulder, elbow and legroom than ever before, Forester version 4.0 is the most spacious SUV in its class. You will also notice a hike in cabin build quality.
How does it look?
Not particularly exciting if I'm being honest. Still, this sensible approach gives you a fairly good-looking machine that steals a few styling cues from the current Subaru XV.
What's it like to drive?
Subaru has spent a lot of time honing this car's dynamics and it shows. Due to a lower centre of gravity and a far more rigid body structure, the new Forester generally feels a lot crisper from a handling point of view.
In terms of powerplants, three engines are offered. Go the normally aspirated route and you can pick either a 2.0 or 2.5-litre boxer four. The former comes paired to a six-gear manual box, while the latter is available only with Subaru's Lineartronic CVT.
Fortunately it works rather well, being relatively quiet and allowing you to rev all the way up to the redline should you wish. This transmission also makes a solo appearance in the 177kW 2.0-litre Turbo.
Any special features?
A standout feature of the new Forester is something called X-Mode: a special electronic driver aid that changes the characteristics of the throttle, traction and hill-descent control to better suit off-road driving conditions.
Used in conjunction with the fulltime symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, I was impressed at how much more bite it gave the car across slippery surfaces.
Should you buy one?
I can't think of a reason why you wouldn't.
The Forester has always been a safe choice and this fourth-generation model is certainly no different.
In fact the only thing that seems to count against this new Subaru is the lack of a diesel engine derivative. Well at the moment anyway.
Good to drive, well specced and capable across a myriad of different terrains, you'll struggle to find a more sorted SUV.

Courtesy of Times Live

Subaru and the Center for Pet Safety to Test Pet Car Safety Restraints

Subaru of America, Inc. announced a partnership with the Center for Pet Safety, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit research and advocacy organization dedicated to companion animal and consumer safety, to fund testing of pet car safety restraints.

Currently, there are no performance standards or test protocols in the U.S. for pet travel products. Although many manufacturers claim to test their products, without test standards, these claims cannot be substantiated. Together, Subaru and the Center for Pet Safety will create standards for testing restraints, while announcing those that perform best.

“The Center for Pet Safety conducted a pilot study which showed that the majority of pet safety restraints currently on the market do not provide acceptable protection in a crash situation,” said Michael McHale, Subaru's director of corporate communications. “As many of our owners have dogs, we feel it’s our responsibility to help them keep their pets as safe as possible when they journey with us.”

The Center for Pet Safety conducted rigorous crash testing on commonly available pet safety restraints using realistic, specially designed, crash test dogs, not live animals. A 55-pound crash dummy dog was used to see how the seat belts would hold up in a collision at 30 miles per hour, patterning the same motor vehicle safety standards used to test child seats. Of the four popular dog car harness brands, none held up in the tests. All of them demonstrated that they either could lead to plausibly serious or fatal injuries for not only the canine but driver, too.

“We are thrilled to have the support of Subaru as its love for pets is as deep as ours,” said Lindsey Wolko, Center for Pet safety’s founder and CEO. “We have received requests from all over the world from manufacturers who want guidance on developing a safer harness and, through this partnership, we can finally conduct additional testing to help develop a suitable standard, provide the needed knowledge-base to manufacturers, as well as determine the top performers.”

The Center for Pet Safety is not affiliated with the pet product industry. The organization uses scientific testing and references Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards to study pet products and establish criteria and test protocols to measure whether pet safety products provide the protection claimed by advocates and intended by the manufacturer.


Courtesy of Subaru

Subaru Viziv is a diesel hybrid crossover we could learn to love

Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the manufacturer of Subaru automobiles, unveiled the "SUBARU VIZIV CONCEPT" today at the 83rd Geneva International Motor Show.
 
"SUBARU VIZIV CONCEPT" is a future-generation crossover concept that represents the new design direction and technologies that will take the Subaru brand into the future. "VIZIV" is a coined word inspired by the phrase "Vision for Innovation" to express Subaru's future vision of innovation and the future direction of the brand.
The special site on the Subaru Global Site (http://www.subaru-global.com/ms2013/geneva/) will be updated with information relating to the Geneva International Motor Show. This will include images of the "SUBARU VIZIV CONCEPT" as well as a movie of Subaru's press conference.

■ Exterior Design
• A future-generation crossover concept providing high efficiency and performance on all road surface conditions and driving environments has been created with a new Subaru design philosophy.
• The basic design features simple and clean surfaces and lines. The aim was to create the ideal balance between a solid-looking body and a condensed cabin.
• The front-end design boldly emphasizes the motifs common to Subaru products. The larger and outwardly projecting grille provides the keynote of the front-end design, and is the point from which the entire front end connects into a solid, dynamic design.
• The simple and powerful motifs of the sides create a new Subaru design element. The grand outward sweep of the integrated fenders and the solid door panel forms create a dynamic side view design.
• The upper cabin highlights the window graphics evocative of the shooting-brake body style. It contrasts with a solid body panel design, creating a sporty, lean silhouette.
• The rear design also features the same Subaru motifs used in the front. The rear combination lamp features an iconic Subaru motif, and the hexagonal panel surrounded by lamps projects outward in the center.
• The "Mistral Silver Metallic" exterior color highlights the dynamic, stylish exterior design of the "SUBARU VIZIV CONCEPT".

■ Interior Design
• Like the exterior, the interior invokes the promise of dynamic road performance. While great care was taken to design a highly refined environment, interior space was also designed to embody Subaru's renowned functionality, peace of mind and fun for all occupants.
• The cockpit features an instrument panel layout designed primarily for ease of driver operation and vehicle control. The instrument panel displays the operation status of Subaru's own driving assist "EyeSight" system. The tachometer and speedometer in the center combine functionality and sportiness, featuring a unique cylindrical design and outstanding visibility.
• Custom information displays in front of the front passenger seat and in the rear seating area let passengers share the thrill of being in the driver's seat.

■ Packaging
• To implement Subaru's development concept of human-centered engineering, the two-door, four-seat stylish and sporty body was given a packaging design enabling four adults to ride comfortably even on long road trips.
• The 100% motor-driven rear wheels eliminate the need for a propeller shaft, creating a lower floor that offers ample legroom for rear seat occupants despite its compact size.

■ Power Units
• "Subaru Boxer Diesel Hybrid", as a proposal to the future of Subaru power units, was mounted in the "SUBARU VIZIV CONCEPT". The powertrain is a plug-in hybrid system that combines a 2.0-litre Subaru Boxer diesel engine and high-torque-compatible Lineartronic (CVT) with a front motor that provides both vehicle drive and power generation, and two independent rear motors for vehicle drive only. By achieving solid environmental and road performance with this powertrain, Subaru's "Enjoyment and Peace of Mind" driving experience will be further advanced.
• The powertrain selects the best time to use each power unit according to its strengths and the driving application, achieving high fuel economy. The motors start and drive the vehicle during low-speed or city driving, while the diesel engine and high-efficiency Lineartronic take over on the highway.
• "Hybrid SI-DRIVE" system has an "Eco-Cruise" mode that provides coordinated control in conjunction with the "EyeSight" driving assistance system in addition to "Intelligent" and "Sports" modes. Engine and motor power are subjected to fine-tuned control according to the travel conditions captured and detected by the EyeSight's stereo camera, creating an intelligent driving feature designed for safety and environmental friendliness.

■ AWD (All-Wheel drive) System
• "Independent-rear-motor-driven symmetrical AWD" system which is leading the way to a future generation of Subaru AWD technology has been adopted for the SUBARU VIZIV CONCEPT. Subaru is constantly refining its unique AWD systems according to the development philosophy "Four-wheel management". "Independent-rear-motor-driven symmetrical AWD" system provides fine-tuned control of the four wheels to match the travel environment and road surface conditions.
• Two motors exclusively developed for rear wheels' drive control the rear right and left drive power freely. Coordinated management system of the front and rear motor controls the division of drive power between the front and rear wheels. It increases Subaru's trademark active safety performance. Turning the steering wheel increases the drive power applied to the rear, creating a handling characteristic that responds nimbly to driver operations. Turning the steering wheel back increases the drive power applied to the front, creating a handling characteristic that emphasizes stability.
• In stop-and-go city traffic, all wheels are driven by the motors when starting from rest, providing high starting torque and powerful acceleration, but low fuel consumption with quiet ride.
• By independently controlling the drive power applied to the left and right rear wheels, the rear drive system provides more torque to the outside rear wheel and less to the inside rear wheel when cornering to generate inner-directed yaw momentum on the vehicle and achieve extremely quick and smooth "on-the-rail cornering". Besides helping acceleration and all-terrain performance, this groundbreaking AWD system also uses drive power to help turn the vehicle. Along with its thrilling handling and cornering that responds faithfully to driver operations, it also offers outstanding handling stability that ensures a high level of secure feeling and confident drive.
• Minimum turning radius can be compact due to "Independent-rear-motor-driven symmetrical AWD" system, thus superior maneuverability has been achieved.

Courtesy of AutoBlog

SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. REPORTS RECORD BREAKING FEBRUARY SALES

Subaru of America, Inc. reported 28,163 vehicle sales for February 2013, which represents an 11 percent increase over February 2012 and the best ever February in company history. Year-to-date sales for Subaru total 55,826 – a 16 percent increase over the same period in 2012.

These results build on strong sales from 2012 where Subaru achieved four consecutive years of sales increases and exceeded 300,000 annual sales in 2012 – a first in company history.

“Subaru vehicles continue to win awards and recognition from the industry press and our customers are purchasing our products in record numbers,” said Thomas J. Doll, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Subaru of America, Inc. “With the addition of the all-new 2014 Forester being introduced this month, we are confident that we will establish another all-time monthly sales record again in March.” 

Courtesy of  Subaru