Subaru XV Goes Live In Frankfurt, Based On Impreza
We seem to have a new member in the small crossover segment as Subaru revealed today its Impreza-based XV model which will go head-to-head with Nissan’s cool Qashqai. The dimensions of the XV are: 4,450 mm in length, 1,780 mm in width and 1,570 mm in height. Set to go on sale at first in Europe, the car will be available with a choice of three boxer power units.
The first one is a 1.6-liter gasoline that fires 114 hp and has a peak torque of 110 lb.-ft, and will be offered as standard with a 5-speed manual gearbox or an optional Lineartronic CVT. Fitted with the manual, the XV can do the 0-62 mph sprint in 13.1 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 111 mph (179 km/h) while doing 36.2 mpg (6.5 liters / 100 km).
The beefier 2.0-liter gasoline churns 150 hp and 144 lb.-ft (196 Nm) and can be had with either a six-speed manual transmission or the optional Lineartronic CVT. 10.5 seconds are necessary to hit 62 mph from 0 while the maximum speed it can reach is 116 mph (187 km/h). Fuel consumption is rated at 36.2 mpg (6.9 liters / 100 km).
If you prefer devil’s fuel, you will be able to order the Subaru XV with a 2.0-liter engine that produces 147 hp and 258 lb.-ft (350 Nm) of torque. This one is offered exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission and allows the crossover to do the 0-62 mph sprint in 9.3 seconds and reach a maximum speed of 123 mph (198 km/h). With this engine, the car is able to return 42 mpg (5.6 liters / 100 km).
Needless to say, all of the variants of the XV will be fitted with the company’s famous all-wheel drive system and all of them will feature a stop/start feature.
No word yet about the price list for this model or if it will ever reach North America.
Source: Subaru via Carscoop
Post tags: Tags: crossover, frankfurt motor show, Subaru, subaru xv
The Japanese automaker Subaru announced today that the 2012 Impreza will reach the United States showrooms this November and the base price will cost $18,425 (including the $750 destination charge). This is for the 4-door 2.0i model that has a manual transmission, which means that the 2012MY model will have the exact same starting price as the outgoing model.
The standard engine is an all-new boxer 2.0-liter unit that produces 148 hp (which is 22 hp less than the current 2.5-liter unit of the 2011MY) and a peak torque of 145 lb.-ft (197 Nm). With this power unit, the car manages to return a projected EPA fuel economy of 27 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.
All of the variants of the 2012MY Impreza will come as standard with the company’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system while the aforementioned engine can be linked to either the standard 5-speed manual gearbox or the all-new Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission.
The starting price for the 4-door 2.0i Premium which has more goodies is $18,795, while the five-door Premium will set you back at least $19,295. Opting for the 2.0i Limited 4-door version costs $21,595 while its 4-door sibling is a little bit more expensive, with a starting price of $22,095. Lastly, the five-door-only 2012 Subaru Impreza 2.0i Sport Premium has a base price of $20,295.
Source: Subaru
Post tags: Tags: Subaru, subaru impreza
2010 Subaru (Impreza) WRX STI Concept
It seems that Subaru has made an important decision as the new WRX model, which will be out sometime in 2014, won’t be an Impreza at all as the automaker has decided to separate these two models. In others, the new WRX will be a sport coupe standing on its own feet, featuring a different design from the new generation of the Impreza. However, this doesn’t mean that the cars won’t share the same platform, but the new WRX is going to have a shorter wheelbase so that the handling will be better.
2010 Subaru (Impreza) WRX STI Concept
The new Subaru WRX is also going to get a hotter STI version and the company also plans to return in WRC. Most likely, the car will be powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter boxer engine that should produce somewhere around 266 hp (270 PS / 199 kW). However, this isn’t a certainty, taking into consideration that they’re working on a twin-turbo system which might make it into the production version.
The ultimate WRX STI variant is going to have the same engine, but the engineers will tweak it in order to output about 300 hp (304 PS / 224 kW).
Source: Motor Trend via WCF
Post tags: Tags: Subaru, subaru impreza, subaru wrx
Factory Five 818 (Design Proposal)
We live in the era of the Internet and now it seems that automakers are using the web to find inspiration for the design of their vehicles. Factory Five is one of these companies and they chose the work of Nouphone Bansas who created a gorgeous rendering of a modern convertible that has a four-tailpipe exhaust system and distinctive headlights. Besides the exposure he got from winning this competition, Bansas also received a check for $5,000.
Regarding the car, this 818 is going to be based on the Subaru Impreza WRX and it will feature a RWD configuration with a mid-mounted power unit and a curb weight of only 1,800 pounds (818 kg). If things go as planned, expect to see the 818 sometime in 2012 or 2013 when it will be available with a kit price of only $9,900.
Source: Factory Five via WCF
Post tags: Tags: factory five 818, subaru-impreza-wrx
Isle of Man TT Circuit Lap Record Set By Subaru Impreza WRX STI
The ex British rally champion Mark Higgins has managed to take down the lap record of the Isle of Man TT circuit by driving a production version of the Subaru WRX STI. He did it in 19 minutes and 56.7 seconds, managing to reach an average speed of 113 mph (182 km/h) and a maximum speed of 162 mph (261 km/h).
He completed the 37.8 miles circuit 2 minutes faster than the previous record holder, which was set by Tony Pond 21 years ago in a Rover 827 Vitesse.
The car he used had a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine that generates 296 hp (300 PS / 221 kW) and a peak torque of 258 lb.-ft (350 Nm). Although it was a production version, they still had to make some modifications to improve the car’s safety, like installing a TRS race harness, a MSA-spec T45 integrated roll cage and a Lifeline fire extinguisher.
Source: Subaru via WCF
Post tags: Tags: isle of man, subaru impreza wrx sti
With the launch of the new XV crossover, Subaru wants to become the top player in a segment where back in the days they dominated. The Japanese automaker is going to introduce this model, along with the highly-anticipated FT-86 Coupe in its attempt to double sales in the United Kingdom.
The crossover will have to face up some serious competition coming from the Nissan Qashqai and the Ford Kuga in this crossover/SUV segment, not only in the UK, but also in the rest of the world.
Subaru hopes that with the launch of the FT-86 Coupe (co-developed with Toyota), they will increase the brand’s appeal taking into consideration that it is going to be the first RWD model of the Japanese automaker.
As far as the XV is concerned, it will be available with a choice of 1.6- and 2-liter gasoline engines, along with a 2.0-liter diesel version. Subaru is going to sell it with only an AWD configuration and they hope to deliver 2,000 units annually in UK, while for the FT-86 Coupe, the company estimates 500 units per year.
Source: Car Magazine via WCF
Post tags: Tags: subaru ft-86, subaru xv
Subaru‘s Sweet Tomorrow Campaign ad was recently launched on the US market and is targeting asian-american young people. The Subaru model in this ad is the Legacy 2011, a choice for the soon-to-be parents which seek comfort and safety.
The advert shows a young chinese-american family preparing for the birth of their first child by decorating and picking hobbies. Sweet Tomorrow is just the first of many Subaru campaigns which will target small segments of the society. It is scheduled for the 4th semester of 2011.
Post tags: Tags: American, car ad, car advert, chinese, legacy 2011, Subaru, target
The success or failure of a car is greatly influenced by its name. Cars are not all about engines, gearboxes, gadgets, safety features and the rest of the lot. Marketing plays an important role in this industry and by naming a car LaPuta (“the whore” in Spanish) like Mazda did, no wonder that it was an epic failure for the Japanese automaker.
10. Subaru Brat
Manufactured between 1978 and 1987, the Subaru Brat is not only a car with an ugly name, but it also has one of the most awful designs we’ve seen from Subie. Brat stands for “bi-drive recreational all-terrain transporter.” Think of the car as a Japanese version of the El Camino. Despite its awful name, the car was pretty good thanks to its all-wheel drive capabilities. But let’s face it; wouldn’t you be embarrassed if someone asked you what car you drive?
09. Oldsmobile Intrigue
Oldsmobile launched the Intrigue in 1998 and discontinued it four years later. It was a front-wheel drive mid-size sedan, but there was nothing intriguing about it. It was developed for passionless and boring people, featuring a very dull design, making it perfect for a rental car and we all know that rental cars are anything but intriguing.
08. Dodge Swinger
The Dodge Swinger was launched in ’69 (obviously) so we have to understand the automaker for giving the car this name. Aside from its rather embarrassing name, the car was pretty awful. It was in fact a two-door version of the Dodge Dart, another automotive “masterpiece”.
07. Renault LeCar
The North American version of the Renault 5 was called “LeCar”. I don’t understand why the French automaker decided to change the car’s name when it took it stateside. Nothing is wrong with an alphanumeric car name and you’ll rarely see one in top 10s like this one. Even worse than that are the oversized “Le Car” decals on the doors.
06. Daihatsu Charade
It really was a charade with its cheap looks, uncompetitive price. No wonder they sold only a few units between 1988 and 1992, despite being under the guidance of Toyota.
05. Buick LaCrosse
If you didn’t know, “LaCrosse” is a unique French word that means “a teenage masturbator”. Maybe they meant to say “la crosse” rather than “lacrosse”. No wonder Buick sold only a couple of units in French-speaking Quebec. In addition, this also can be translated “to trick someone”, yet another unfortunate meaning.
04. Mitsubishi Pajero
“Pajero” is a Spanish slang for the word “wanker”. However, Mitsubishi was clever enough to give the car a different name when it brought it in Spain as they named it “Montero”. However, there are lots of Spanish-speaking drivers that own a wanker which is pretty funny if you think about it.
03. Nissan Moco
Nissan made a very good decision not to bring the car in Spain as it would have been an embarrassing thing to do, taking into consideration that “moco” there means snot or booger. Luckily, Nissan sold the car only in Japan.
02. Mazda LaPuta
We mentioned this one in the first paragraph so it “deserves” its own place in the top. It was a great little car, excellent for city driving. Mazda launched it in 1999 and manufactured it for seven years, the model being discontinued in 2006. The company chose this name after Jonathan Swift’s “Gulliver’s Travels”. However, “la puta” in Spanish means prostitute.
01. Ford Probe
Back in the 1980s, Ford was about to transform its iconic Mustang in a V8-free, FWD model, co-developed with Mazda. They changed their mind after fans of the pony car got angry at the prospect of a car totally different from what they were used to. However, Ford released a model that at first they wanted to be the new Mustang. It did not take very long after the car was launched to think of the word “probe” and its multitude of connotations, including the embarrassing one of course.
Post tags: Tags: top 10, top 10 worst car names
According to a newspaper report from the Japanese business daily Nikkan Kogyo, both the Mazda6 and the Subaru Tribeca will be discontinued due to slow sales that undermine the production efficiency of the factories in the United States where the cars are manufactured.
The newspaper mentions that Mazda will end making its Mazda6 model at the factory in Flat Rock, Michigan, which is operated in a joint venture with Ford. Back in 2008, when the latest generation model was introduced, the Japanese automaker said that they want to produce about 100,000 units per year, but in 2010, they’ve rolled out only 45,168 cars. Last month, the company posted a 7.8% increase, but sales reached only 2,734 units.
However, Mazda won’t say goodbye to the mid-size segment as it is very important for the company. The same report says that the company is seeking new opportunities of rolling out a brand new model or making a similar vehicle for less production costs in Mexico.
Regarding the Subaru Tribeca, it went into production in 2005 at the company’s plant in Indiana. Nikkan Kogyo says that Subaru has stopped developing a new generation of the SUV and plans to use the factory’s remaining capacity to build the better-selling Legacy and Outback models. Up until now, Subaru delivered only 910 units of its Tribeca sport utility vehicle.
Source: Nikkan Kogyo via AutoNews via Carscoop
Post tags: Tags: mazda6, rumors, subaru tribeca
At this month’s New York Auto Show, Subaru unveiled the 4th generation of its Impreza model, bringing the 4-door and 5-door variants. The new model has the same exterior dimensions as the outgoing model, but offers a more spacious cabin and better fuel economy. Subaru also said that the new Impreza is more fun to drive; we’ll have to wait and see about that.
The wheelbase of the 4th generation Impreza has grown by 25 mm, while the bottom end of the A-pillar has been extended 200 mm toward the front. In addition, the door structure has been modified and all of these changes have brought more elbow and shoulder space, along with more room for the passengers in the back and the driver now benefits from an improved field of vision. Cargo space has also gone up and Subaru says that in the sedan you can put in four golf bags, while in the hatchback version you can store three.
The U.S.-spec version comes with the company’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system and is powered by the third generation of Subaru’s 2.0-liter boxer engine, which will be linked to either a standard 5-speed manual gearbox or the new Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission.
This new engine produces 148 hp, which is 22 hp less than the previous one; and 145 lb.-ft (197 Nm) of torque. This smaller engine has managed to do 36 mpg in the preliminary in-house tests, which is a record for a U.S.-market all-wheel drive production model. To achieve this figure, the engineers over at Subaru had to implement a few weight saving techniques, managing to drop the Impreza’s curb weight to only 2,910 lbs (1,320 kg), and also they’ve optimized the car’s aerodynamics and fitted it with low-rolling resistance tires.
As far as the design is concerned, it looks pretty boring if you ask me, although Subaru said that they have used the “Smart & Classy” concept. Inside, we find a 3-spoke steering wheel, a round speedometer and rev counter, not that exciting at all.
No word about availability and price list yet.
Source: Subaru via Carscoop
Post tags: Tags: new-york-auto-show, subaru impreza
Later on this week at the New York Auto Show we shall see the 2012 version of the Impreza, both the 4- and 5-door models. Until then, we can feast our eyes on this XV Concept based on the hatchback model, but wearing a crossover mask. This concept can be considered as a preview of the future U.S.-spec Impreza Outback Sport as well as the Japan-only Impreza XV.
It features the company’s legendary AWD system, mixed with a jacked up suspension and plenty of design cues borrowed from SUVs. The car measures 4,450 mm in length, 1,800 mm in width and 1,620 mm in height, while the wheelbase measures 2,635 mm long. The XV Concept is powered by a 4-cylinder boxer 2.0-liter engine, mated to a CVT gearbox.
Design-wise, you can see those rather cheap-looking protective armor of plastic addons around the wheel arches, the lower part of the front and rear bumpers, and on the side sills. You’ll also notice those big roof rails and the 19-inch alloy rims wrapped around in 245/45 ZR19 rubbers.
Although it is a concept, the cabin is pretty much standard, featuring a two-color theme with some nice leather seats and run-of-the-mill plastics. They’ve fitted the XV Concept with a very cool touchscreen multi-information display in the center console, along with a panoramic glass roof that extends from the windscreen to the back.
Source: Subaru via Carscoop
Post tags: Tags: Concepts, shanghai auto show, subaru xv concept
Entry-Level Subaru Legacy Announced
The Subaru Legacy ES Nav is the entry-level model and it features the automaker’s 2.0-liter boxer gasoline engine that produces 148 hp and 145 lb.-ft of engine. The power is sent to all four wheels via the 6-speed manual transmission. As an optional feature, customers can also order the “Lineartronic” CVT transmission.
With the manual gearbox, the Legacy is able to do the 0-60 mph sprint in 9.8 seconds, before reaching a top speed of 120 mph. It can do 27.3 mpg (US) and emits 199 g/km CO2. With the optional CVT transmission, the 0-60 mph sprint time is 11.3 seconds, while fuel consumption is rated at 29 mpg and has CO2 emissions of 187 g/km.
As far as the cabin is concerned, the most affordable Legacy packs a full color satellite navigation system with touchscreen, dual zone climate control, automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, electric driver’s seat and alloy wheels.
The base price for the Subaru Legacy ES Nav starts from 21,995 pounds.
Source: Subaru via AutoCar
Post tags: Tags: subaru legacy es nav
2011MY Kia Sorento & Older Subaru Impreza Models, Under NHTSA Investigation
The NHTSA has initiated an investigation regarding the 2011MY Kia Sorento for possible driveshaft failure that results in a sudden loss of power. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration stated that there have been four complaints regarding the intermediate driveshaft and another five about power loss due to a transmission failure that might be related to a driveshaft problem. This investigation will look into about 50,000 units of the Korean CUV.
In addition, it seems that some of the 2002-2003 Subaru Impreza models have problems regarding corroded lower control arms. The Detroit News says that there have been seven complaints stating that the control arms on the Impreza can break at more than 50 mph, two of them saying that due to this issue, their cars went out of control. This investigation affects 84,000 Imprezas.
Source: The Detroit News via AutoBlog
Post tags: Tags: kia sorento, nhtsa, Recalls, subaru impreza
UK-Market Subaru Impreza WRX STI Gets Power Increase
Good news for those of you that live in the UK. It seems that Subaru is offering its Impreza WRX STI model with extra oomph under the hood and a satellite navigation system as standard, with no additional costs. This means that for a limited period of time you will pay the same price tag of 32,995 pounds but get more for your money.
(more…)
Post tags: Tags: special-edition, subaru impreza wrx sti
The collaboration between Toyota and Subaru has spawned another model, the Subaru Trezia which no more than a Toyota Vero-S with different badging. Measuring almost four meters, this small-ish MPV is Subaru’s newest model in the European minivan B-segment.
Nothing has really changed in comparison to the Toyota version of the car, except for the installation of Subaru’s signature grille, an updated bumper and a mild restyle of the headlights. Other than that, the cars are identical, both inside and out.
(more…)
Post tags: Tags: 2011 geneva motor show, subaru trezia
