Subaru – Page 13 – Automobiles Review

2013 Subaru BRZ goes to Japan

Subaru has just announced today that they are going to release the new 2013 Subaru BRZ in the dealerships across Japan. The start date is 28^th of March.

Subaru BRZ is a sports car that undeniably provides driving pleasure. Its front-engine and rear-wheel drive layout are powered by the Horizontally-Opposed Boxer engine. The aim here stands under the slogan “Pure Handling Delight – the driving experience taken to a new level”. The ultra-low center of gravity packaging is delivered by mounting the Boxer engine as low as possible. By mounting the Subaru Boxer engine as low as possible within the chassis and closer to its center, the boxer’s inherent benefits of low center of gravity, light weight, and compact size are optimized. This also ensures good traction of four wheels, excellent maneuverability, stability, ride quality and balance. Furthermore the engine is newly developed and generates 100 ps per liter with exhilarating revving nature. It has also improved environmental friendliness and more fuel efficiency. BRZs stability control is featured too on all models.

Interesting fact is that BRZ here stands for “Boxer engine”, “Rear-wheel drive” and “Zenith” and it emphasizes ultimately brands passion for high speed cars. Moreover Subaru is committed to always providing excellence in the creation of their products, of course – all in alliance with customer’s preferences. Indeed, Subaru BRZ is embodying Subaru’s brand direction. In particular, Subaru BRZ was developed as a joint-project between Subaru and Toyota Motor Corporation.

Source: Subaru

February 3, 2012

Subaru XV Price – from £21,295

The Subaru XV is getting even more close to assuming the position of one of the most value-for-money crossovers in the world. The office in the UK has released a list of specifications, trimmings and prices with the lowest one starting at £21,295 for the 1.6i S model (the base one).

The XV boasts a considerable amount of occupant safety (especially for children) while remaining stylish and practical without an effort. Two very important highlights give it away that it is a Subaru: A Boxer engine and a Symmetrical AWD. In other words we have a great centre of gravity and a brain that ensures the best possible grip under a variety of conditions.

Power comes from three Euro 5 power plants – 1.6 and 2.0-litre petrol, and 2.0-litre diesel. The 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre petrol engines develop 114ps and 150ps respectively, while the 2.0-litre diesel produces 147ps and 350Nm. All those figures can go after that trough a six-speed manual or a CVT automatic gearbox, depending on customer choice

Null to sixty is done in 9.3 seconds with the 2.0 diesel. It gets even more impressive when we know that it offers a class-leading fuel economy of 50.4mpg on the combined cycle and emits 146g/km of CO2. The petrol units also go easy on the precious liquid as they benefit from Subaru’s Auto Start Stop System for non-diesels. Seamless cut out/kick off guaranteed.

The features which are included in the entry model, the S, are just mind boggling – ABS, traction control, Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control (SVDC), front, side, curtain and knee airbags, 17-inch alloy wheels, daytime LED running lights and automatic air conditioning as standard. To step it up a notch, the SE adds cruise control, rear-view camera, Bluetooth functionality and USB/iPod connectivity to all the standard equipment while the SE Lux leather seats and satellite navigation, a start button, sunroof and keyless entry.

Source: Subaru

January 31, 2012

Subaru BRZ 2013 To Handle Like No Other?

Brace yourselves as Subaru is about to unveil the latest 2013 rear-wheel drive BRZ sports car. Day and place – as soon as the NAIAS in Detroit kicks off. Baring the typical Subaru pedigree, the BRZ spirit will be all about handling. Sales are expected to start late at Spring.

So why not AWD like most Subarus out there? Well, to achieve exceptional handling, Subaru engineers have figured that they need the lowest center of gravity achievable. Therefore an AWD system was deemed too complex and restrictive while with a RWD system the engine can be mounted pretty low. The whole car weights no more than 2,700 lbs and it will be powered by a 2.0 liter, 200 horsepower, 7400 rpm doomsday device. And because it is a compact flat (boxer) engine, technicians have the freedom to put it where they want it to in order to achieve perfect weight distribution and center of gravity.

The slippery looks scream of racing genes all around – 50.6 inches of height, a sloping roof line, miss maxi type fenders and short overhangs. Don’t despair though, because Subaru promise everyday practicality to go along with the lunacy – seating for four, handy boot space and generic passenger safeness.

It’s an ambitious project this but we are definitely ready to fall in love. For we play the waiting game.

Source: Subaru

January 6, 2012

Subaru on Tokyo Auto Salon 2012

Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI) along with Subaru Tecnica International Inc. (STI) will be taking part in the Tokyo Auto Salon 2012 with NAPAC (Japan Car Parts and Aftermarket Promotion Association) in mid January. Their main idea is to promote the refinement and convenience which comes from the peculiar BOXER type of engine (“Proud of BOXER” will be their motto). And now they have revealed their showroom line up which will feature two new concepts.

SUBARU BRZ STI CONCEPT (display model) – It will be basically an STI tuned Subaru BRZ, a flat engined (BOXER engine) car which has already made a name for itself in terms of handling and performance. The parts provided by STI include a carbon fiber hood and a carbon fiber rooftop which help weight reduction and improve handling. Other performance tweaks are courtesy to:

STI Front Under Spoiler
STI Rear Trunk Spoiler
STI Sport Muffler
Brembo Brake & Rotor
Bilstein Damper
STI 18-inch Aluminum Wheel
STI Low Down Spring
STI Flexible Tower Bar

SUBARU IMPREZA G4 STI CONCEPT – again it will be the already introduced New Impreza G4 2.0i-S (Japanese specification model) modified with some of STI’s finest resources in order to achieve optimum driving experience in terms of maneuverability and control. Enhancments include:

STI Front Under Spoiler
STI Side Under Spoiler
TI Rear Trunk Spoiler
STI Skirt Lip
STI Shift Knob – CVT
STI Sport Muffler
STI Flexible Tower Bar
STI Low Down Spring
STI 18-inch Aluminum Wheel
STI Stainless Steel Mesh Brake Hose

Other racing specimens of the Subaru brand will also be showcased there – Legacy B4 GT300 (participated in the 2011 Super GT race), BRZ GT300 (scheduled participation in the 2012 Super GT race), Impreza WRX STI (scheduled participation in the 2012 24 Hours Nürburgring endurance race), and Impreza WRX STI Group R4 specification model.

Source: Subaru

December 27, 2011

2011 Subaru Forester 2.0D XS NavPlus Price – £29 070

The latest version of Subaru Forester has been named “Junior Crossover of the Year“ by the famous -roading magazine – Total 4×4. In other words, this is the perfect vehicle for going to a picnic with your family. It offers a good combination of quality, practical usability, value and driving fun.

2011 Forester competes against Toyota Urban Cruiser, Suzuki SX4 and Skoda Octavia Scout. The Forester has a Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive configuration and good fuel efficient petrol and diesel power units.

The engine range includes a 2.0-litre Boxer diesel and a 2.0 liter Boxer petrol. The diesel has 150PS (110 kW) and 350Nm (258 lb-ft). It returns up to 47.9 mpg on combined cycle and the performance is not very bad – 0 to 100 km/h in 10.4 seconds and a top speed of 186 km/h (116 mph). The petrol variant also has 150PS (110 kW), but only 196Nm (145 lb-ft). It returns 30 mpg on combined cycle. From 0 to 100 km/h in 11.9 seconds and a top speed of 190 km/h (119 mph).

There are three trim levels – X, XC and XS. 2011 Forester 2.0X is priced at just £21 370 and the price goes all the way up to £29 070 for the range-topping 2.0D XS NavPlus.

Source: Subaru

December 21, 2011

Scion FR-S

Scion has announced the 2013 FR-S, which looks a lot like Toyota GT86 and Subaru BRZ. Moreover, the new model will be powered by the same 2.0 liter Subaru Boxer engine with 200PS (147 kW) and 205Nm (151 lb-ft) of torque.

2013 Scion FR-S can be opted with either 6-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed automatic transmission. The car is designed entirely to bring supreme driving pleasure and this is for sure, especially with a 53 to 47 front-to-rear weight ratio.

Still, the FR-S is not exactly the same as the GT 86. The headlights don’t have integrated LEDs, fog lights in the front bumper and the color of the indicators is different. Lastly, the FR-S comes with different alloy wheels.

The interior of 2013 FR-S has features different air conditioning dials on the center console and a CD, instead of SAT NAV system. The steering wheel is different, too.

Practically, this is the same car, but with different badges and lower price.

Source: Scion

December 9, 2011

Subaru BRZ

The new Subaru BRZ is developed as a joint-project between Subaru and Toyota Motor Corporation. Their goal was to bring to the world a sports car with superior steering response and driving pleasure that everyone can experience. Subaru BRZ is a rear-wheel drive sports car featuring the Horizontally-Opposed Boxer engine. This engine was positioned even lower than other Subaru models. The reason for this is that the low center of gravity produces astonishing handling character and combined with a light-weight chassis.

“Pure Handling Delight” is what the new Subaru BRZ is all about. As mentioned already the Horizontally-Opposed Boxer engine has special qualities, because of its low center of gravity, lightweight, and compactness. The Subaru BRZ is a fascinating sports car that we assure you you’ll enjoy to drive!

The specific position of the engine is mounted on a specially designed sub-frame that forms an “ultra-low center of gravity package”. The benefits of this are that the BRZ now achieves a low driving position typical for sports car. Furthermore the overall height of Subaru BRZ is 1,300 mm and it has a wide and low body of a stylish coupe at 1775mm. However, it still allows for 2+2 seating and a trunk with sufficient space. Therefore you can use this stunning BRZ as a sport car, as well as a safe companion for long tours.

The new Subaru’s Exterior aims for a sports car, but of course the design was detailed to be instantly recognizable as a Subaru. For example the front fascia has a low hood design. On the other hand the Subaru’s identity is represented by the Subaru six-star ornament, headlights and hexagon lower grille which are common elements across other new models. The aesthetic beauty of the car is combined with functional one. What I mean is that improvements are made in the aerodynamics through C-pillar shape, rear glass inclination, trunk lid layout. Moreover the front and rear overhangs are shortened to express the Subaru BRZ’s liveliness. In addition the design of the rear fascia is so perfectly that puts more on the beauty of the BRZ’s rear view.

What about the interior? The aim here is under the motto “driver and vehicle as one”. This is made possible through the carefully designed details of the new Subaru BRZ. For instance, the steering wheel is made smaller to achieve sports car maneuverability. Next, a tachometer with digitally displayed speedometer is placed in the center of the gauges. In this way the driver can instantly see information without diverting attention from the road.

What is more important and more interesting here are the innovations made in the newly developed engine. It is not only highly efficient with superior output, but also environmentally friendly. It realizes an exhilarating high revving nature of a naturally aspirated sports engine. The engine of new generation has a square bore and stroke of 86 x 86 mm. Toyota’s direct injection and port injection technology “D-4S” was incorporated in the Subaru BRZ’s power unit (don’t forget that it is a joint-project). The highlight here is put on the achievement of an “ultra-low center of gravity package”. This is made possible because of the compactness of the engine.

The joy of sports car driving is achieved through a transmission that focuses on shift feel and response. The 6-speed MT employs a short stroke shift lever, which is optimized in rigidity, shift quality and weight application in its pursuit of a superb shift feel. And to be more precise the he 6-speed AT has “S mode” for better shifting response and “M mode” for optional shifting. Moreover, with the paddle shift and downshifting blipping control, this model can respond faithfully to the driver’s inputs.

The lightweight yet highly-rigid body is of course developed to maximize the advantages of the “ultra-low center of gravity package”. This has been achieved through a durable frame structure which also works in balance with the vehicle’s light-weight. And for the collision safety the new Subaru BRZ is optimized for high drivability and appropriate durability. The light weight of the body is achieved thank to the tensile steel. This material is also used in the upper structure of the Subaru BRZ, and again this contributes to its low center of gravity.

At last, but not least is to be highlighted the chassis of the car. Excellent maneuverability and stability is what is of importance here. This offers a direct and sharp response to the steering and enhances driver’s connection to the car. At one hand the front suspension employs struts for light-weight and high rigidity. On the other hand the double wishbone layout is adopted at the rear for better shock absorption.

The tires used in the brand new Subaru BRZ are 215/45R17. They are combined with lightweight and highly rigid aluminum wheels.

All models of Subaru BRZ are equipped with electronic stability control in order to provide both driving pleasure and safety.

Source: Subaru

November 29, 2011

Subaru Impreza WRX STI S206

Subaru has announced the new special edition Impreza WRX STI S206, which hits the Japan market. It is based on the 4-door SUBARU IMPREZA WRX STI and features exclusively-made items in both interior and exterior designs. As with former STI models such as S204 and R205, S206 is founded on the IMPREZA WRX STI line.
The exterior modifications includes a new front spoiler, a revised grille, ventilated fenders and 19” BBS wheels with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires. You can also opt for the NBR challenge package, which adds a carbon fiber roof, a carbon fiber rear spoiler and black BBS wheels.

The interior boasts a genuine leather-wrapped steering wheel, “RECARO” racing bucket seats, and seatbelts.

The WRX STI S206 also comes with a front tower brace, Brembo brakes and specially tuned Bilstein shocks. The chassis is stiffened and the VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control) system is also revised.

Furthermore, you’ll get more power because of the ECU re-map, upgraded pistons and a high-performance crankshaft. The turbocharged boxer engine delivers 320PS (235 kW) and 431Nm (318 lb-ft)

Only 300 units will be produced.

Check out the full specs, below!

Subaru Impreza WRX STI S206:

-Mechanism-

•   STI tuned Bilstein upside down strut and STI coil springs for front suspension
•   STI tuned Bilstein damper and STI coil springs for rear suspension
•   S206 BBS designed 19-inch x 8 1/2J forged aluminum wheels (silver)
•   Michelin Pilot Super Sports 245/35ZR19(93Y) tires
•   Brembo 6-pot silver colored brake caliper with STI logo and 18-inch 2piece type drilled disk rotors for front brake
•   Brembo 4-pot silver colored brake caliper with STI logo and 18-inch drilled disk rotors for rear brake
•   STI designed flexible front strut tower brace
•   STI designed flexible draw stiffener, front
•   STI designed flexible support, rear
•   STI designed support, front kit
•   STI designed lateral rink with pillow ball bush (front inside, rear inside)
•   S206 engine balanced with STI
•   STI designed S206 ECU (Engine Control Unit)
•   S206 twin scroll ball bearing turbocharger
•   STI designed S206 sport muffler with lowered back pressure exhaust
•   Large intercooler with S206 logo
•   STI designed strengthened silicon intake duct
•   STI designed air cleaner element
•   S206 multi mode VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control)

-Interior-

•   S206 RECARO designed front bucket seat
•   S206 seat fabric, ALCANTARA® with black punching / red base, leather seat support (dark gray) with silver stitch
•   S206 door trim & centered arm rest (black ALCANTARA® with silver stitch)
•   S206 dark red colored seat belt
•   S206 silver side sill plate with S206 logo (front)
•   S206 leather lapped steering wheel with STI logo and silver stitch
•   STI designed leather shift knob with STI logo and leather shift boot
•   S206 leather side brake boot
•   STI designed push engine start switch (red with STI logo)
•   S206 serial number plate (console, engine compartment)

-Exterior-

•   S206 large front under spoiler
•   S206 front fender outlet grille
•   Aluminum front hood
•   STI designed trunk lip spoiler
•   S206 badges on front grille and rear gate
•   STI designed side garnish with STI logo (black metallic)

-Exclusive for NBR CHALLENGE PACKAGE-

•   Carbon roof
•   S206 dry carbon rear spoiler (2 angle adjustable with S206 logo)
•   BBS designed 19-inch x 8 1/2J cast aluminum wheels (black)
•   S206 Nürburgring Challenge sticker (rear)
•   S206 red side sill plate with S206 logo (front)

< Marketing >

•   Maximum 300 units (must be pre-ordered by May 7, 2012)
•   [Including maximum 100 units of NBR CHALLENGE PACKAGE that must be pre-ordered by March 19, 2012]
•   Pre-orders for the “NBR CHALLENGE PACKAGE” have reached the limit for units available.
•   [Exterior color “Lightning Red” must be ordered by February 6, 2012]

Source: Subaru

November 25, 2011

Subaru BRZ STi Concept

Subaru has unveiled the BRZ STI Concept at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show. The sports vehicle come with RWD and it is co-developed with Toyota Motor Corporation.

The car is designed for “Pure Handling Delight” and features horizontally-opposed Boxer engine. The exterior boasts aggressive headlights, a carbon fiber roof and an enormous rear wing. The package also includes a front spoiler, a rear diffuser and a 4-tailpipe exhaust system.

The performance is further boosted by a special sport-tuned suspension and Brembo brake system. BRZ STI sits on 18” alloy wheels fitted with performance tires.

Subaru BRZ STI Concept is powered by a naturally-aspirated 2.0-liter Boxer engine with direct injection technology. It is designed with a square bore and stroke of 86 X 86 mm for high output and high environmental standards, which were both attained.

Styling

• By installing the Boxer engine as low as possible, the low hood and sleek roofline together compose a sophisticated form. This is also blended with STI performance touches for a Subaru sporting profile.
• A hexagonal lower front grille, hawk eye headlights and fin-shaped fog lamps make the front face instantly recognizable as Subaru.
• STI-made lower front spoiler and rear wing magnify down-force and aerodynamics performance. They allow stable straight driving and excellent handling at high speeds.
• The rear design with bold rear fender flares, large rear-diffuser, and twin dual tailpipes intensifies the STI performance feel.
• A carbon-fiber roof, already installed in a WRX STI model and highly acclaimed, has been employed by the concept car. With it, extra weight reduction and an even lower center of gravity were achieved, contributing considerably to the ultimate handling performance this concept model aims to offer.

Engine

• The Boxer engine has inherent qualities of light weight, compactness, low center of gravity, and high rigidity – all pointing toward its great potential as a sports car engine. Taking full advantage of these features, a 2.0-liter horizontally-opposed four-cylinder direct fuel-injection gasoline engine has been developed exclusively for BRZ.
• The engine has been designed with a square bore and stroke of 86 X 86 mm. Combined with Toyota’s D-4S direct injection technology (fuel injection system), high output and high environmental standards were both attained, both expected of a new generation sports car.

Chassis and Body

• Compared with other Subaru models, the engine in SUBARU BRZ CONCEPT – STI – sits an impressive 120 mm lower and is positioned 240 mm closer to the center of the chassis. As a result, this car has achieved one of the lowest possible center of gravity in cars on the market today.
• By incorporating lightweight parts such as a carbon-fiber roof, the overall weight has been reduced. Subaru has also succeeded in attaining a body structure that is both lightweight and highly rigid in a striking balance. The concept car is the embodiment of pure driving enjoyment only obtainable with a “Boxer sports car”.
• Its unique handling performance has been remarkably refined by adopting STI’s lightweight 18-inch alloy wheels with performance tires and STI tuned suspension with excellent lateral stiffness.
• Brembo brakes enhance braking performance.

Major Specifications

Overall Length × Width × Height (mm): 4,230 × 1,800 × 1,280
Wheelbase (mm): 2,570
Engine Type: 2.0-liter direct fuel injection naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder
Horizontally-Opposed Boxer engine
Tires: 215/45R18 (Front), 225/45R18 (Rear)

Source: Subaru

November 17, 2011

Subaru BRZ Concept

Subaru will exhibit BRZ STI concept at the Los Angeles Auto Show. It will be held between November 18th and 27^th, this year.

Built around Subaru’s core technologies, the BRZ will use a new 2.0 litre Subaru Boxer engine developed specifically for the model and with the latest direct injection technology to improve combustion and efficiency. It will deliver around 200PS (147 kW) and 205Nm (151 lb-ft) of torque.

The new compact coupe has been developed as part of an on-going joint project with Toyota Motor Corporation. All cars will be built at Subaru’s Gunma plant in Japan when production starts in spring 2012.

The car is practically the same as the production model. It features a sports front bumper with nice grille and LED daytime running lights. There is also a huge rear wing and a sports four-tailpipe exhaust system.

Source: Subaru

November 1, 2011

2012 Subaru XV

Subaru has announced its XV model at the 64^th Frankfurt Motor Show. The vehicle will hit the market in just 2 months with pre selling, and first deliveries mid January 2012. The price list is not announced, yet.

The fundamental product concept that Subaru adopted for the XV is “Urban Adventure.” In specific terms, a vehicle that would be perfectly suited to exciting, lively, yet stress-free use in the city. Thus, Subaru balanced optimal performance factors such as fuel efficiency and enjoyable driving (Fun to Drive) with a stylish, highly distinctive exterior design.

The exterior boasts a stylish, flowing form with a high body and side cladding that enhances the sense of functionality of SUV. There are a hexagon grille and hawk eye headlights at the front.

The corners of the front and rear bumpers were designed with special edges that enhance the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle and also contribute to better fuel efficiency

Inside, you will find horizontally styled instrument panel, luxury materials – leather, metal, and cloth. There is a large 4.3” full-colour LCD equipped with advanced infotainment such as eco-driving display and vehicle information display which supports the driver in a great many ways.

The engine range includes 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre petrol models. Together with the adoption of the new Lineartronic (CVT), a newly developed “Auto Start Stop System”, the fuel efficiency was further improved. Also the Subaru Boxer Diesel, which was specially developed for the European market and received very favourable reviews, is featured in the XV line-up and is the most likely model to arrive in Ireland.

Safety:

By integrating the partition windows into the front doors and putting the door mirrors on the door panels, top-level forward visibility in this class was achieved, and blind angles were reduced. A stylish profile with a more streamlined rear roof edge was designed without impairing the rear field of view.
In addition to SRS driver’s/passenger’s airbags, SRS side airbags and SRS curtain airbags, SRS driver’s knee airbag are installed as standard in all models.
VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control) is installed in all models as standard. Its intervention timing was optimised and incorporates control logic that demonstrates effectiveness in danger avoidance situations. A brake assist function is also incorporated into the VDC system. This provides the XV with world leading danger avoidance performance and increases driving confidence.

Major Specifications:

Overall Length x Width x Height (mm): 4,450 x 1,780 x 1,570

Wheelbase (mm): 2,635

Track Front/Rear (mm): 1,525 /1,525

Minimum road clearance (at kerb weight)(mm): 220

Seating Capacity: 5

Source: Subaru

September 13, 2011

Subaru XV [Teaser]

The Subaru XV was developed under the concept of “Urban Adventure” as a new type of crossover vehicle featuring a sporty and casual design. The XV projects the unique value Subaru aims to bring to the C-segment crossover market. With overall proportions conveying a sense of stylishness and lightness, the XV design also displays the confident presence of a crossover vehicle. Its superior drive performance and fuel efficiency are warranted by the Subaru’s next generation power unit and Subaru core technologies – the symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive and advanced Subaru Dynamic Chassis Control Concept – making the XV incredibly safe and secure to drive. Subaru has made it possible to truly provide “Enjoyment and Peace of Mind” as defined in its new brand statement, “Confidence in Motion,” in this new Subaru XV.

Specifications
Body size (Overall: Length x Width x Height): 4,450 x 1,780 x 1,570mm,
Wheelbase: 2,635 mm
Power Unit: New generation Subaru Boxer engine (2.0-litre 4-cylinder Horizontally-Opposed engine) plus Lineartronic (CVT)

Source: Subaru

September 5, 2011

Tag: Subaru