AutoRoyalty » Subaru

New York report: Subaru Revises 2011 Impreza STI

Shteph — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 11:54:30 +0000

For the first ever, Subaru is offering its top-of-the-line Impreza WRX STI in two body styles with the return of the four-door saloon model that’s aimed directly at the Mitsubishi Lancer EVO X.

In addition to the new sedan model that’s distinguished by a large rear wing, the 2011 Impreza WRX STI features a series of improvements including revised suspension tuning, lighter 18-inch wheels and cosmetic tweaks.

Up front, the revised Impreza WRX STI hatchback gets sharpened bumper corners and wider, blacked-out fog lamp nacelles, a newly designed front grille with black base and blacked-out wing highlights.

The 4-door sedan model also benefits from newly designed wider rear fenders stretched out on the side beyond the tail lamps.

Inside, the 2011 MYs feature dark cast metallic trim panels and a new audio system with single-disc CD player, Bluetooth audio streaming and hands-free calling, iPod control capability, a USB port, 3.5mm aux. input jack and XM/SIRIUS satellite radio.

To further improve handling, Subaru reworked the Impreza WRX STI’s suspension. Aside from the lower ride height, the 2011 models also feature new pillow-ball bushings in front and stiffer bushings for the rear subframe.

Both the front and rear suspension systems now employ higher-rate springs and thicker front and rear stabilizer bars than the 2010 model (21 mm vs. 20 mm in front and 19 mm vs. 18 mm in rear), while spring rates have increased by 15.6 percent in front and 53 percent in the rear.

The 2011 Impreza WRX STI sedan and hatchback models are scheduled to go on sale in the U.S. later this summer.

Impreza to impress at Geneva

Shteph — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 12:47:15 +0000

Subaru couldn’t just stay aside and watch the other carmakers show off their perfect 2010 rides. It’s just not Subaru style. So it announced its presence at Geneva Motor Show with the impressive Impreza XV crossover. Impressive by looks and by that divine horizontally-opposed boxer engine. Still, they are very discreet about pictures, but from what I’ve read in the press release, it’s gonna be sorta European-only Outback Sport. A unique grille, wheel arches and roof rails visually set the VX apart from standard Imprezas. What makes it apart from many other cars, however, is that “delicious” boxer engine which will motivate this Impreza crossover, with a choice of 2.0-liter boxer-fours, fueled by either gasoline or diesel. The Impreza VX goes on sale in Europe this summer.

And what else couldn’t miss from a motor show but a hybrid? Subaru introduces Hybrid Tourer Concept that we first saw at Tokyo last fall, as well as the plug-in Stella…still, I can’t take my mind off of the boxer engine.

Press release after the jump.

PRESS RELEASE

Exhibition Outline of the 80th Geneva International Motor Show

Tokyo, February 5, 2010 – Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the maker of Subaru automobiles, today announced that it will exhibit the “SUBARU HYBRID TOURER CONCEPT” as an European premiere and unveil the “Subaru Impreza XV” as a world premiere, which will be marketed this summer in Europe, at the 80th Geneva International Motor Show slated for March in Geneva, Switzerland (Press day: March 2 and 3; Open to the public from March 4 through 14).

It will also showcase the “Subaru Plug-in STELLA”, a production electric vehicle launched in Japan last year, “BOXER DIESEL” models, and highlight Subaru’s unique Horizontally-Opposed Boxer Engine technologies. With these exhibits and throughout the booth design, FHI will showcase Subaru’s efforts to integrate enjoyable and reliable driving with environmentally friendly solutions. The press conference by President Ikuo Mori is scheduled at the Subaru booth on March 2, 2010 at 15.45h

Employing the Subaru’s core technology of “Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD)” and “Horizontally-Opposed Boxer Engine”, the “SUBARU HYBRID TOURER CONCEPT” reflects Subaru’s vision of the future grand touring car. Presented with an eye-catching sculpted exterior design, the concept offers an ideal combination of Subaru’s authentic driving performance, all-round safety features and environmental friendliness provided by its unique hybrid system.

The “Subaru Impreza XV”, developed on the basis of the iconic Impreza 5-door model, offers a new crossover styling. Exclusively designed front grille and wheel arch, and specially equipped roof rails and a roof spoiler accentuate the uniqueness of this special Impreza version. The available 2.0-litre Horizontally-opposed petrol engine and the turbo BOXER DIESEL engine comply with European EURO 5 regulations for enhanced environmental friendliness.

Limited Edition Forester X Columbia to be released in Australia

Shteph — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 10:41:51 +0000

Latest offspring of Subaru and outdoor gear and sportswear company Columbia, the limited edition Forester X Columbia will blow its bags out starting January 4. Australia’s best selling SUV gives a $500 voucher for you to spend in Columbia stores and match your wardrobe with Forester’s 16-inch alloy shoes, fog lights, roof cross bars, cargo tray and rear step panel. The 1050 available units are priced at only $33,990 for the manual and $35,990 for the automatic.

It still delights us with that horizontally opposed boxer engine, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and the five-star rating for occupant safety from the independent Australasian New Car Assessment Program but it misses the sunroof and heated seats on 2007 Forester X Columbia. However, if you come to think about it, who needs heated seats? Just jump in, buckle up and take this 170 hp 2.5L flat-four engine baby to a force demonstration and it’s gonna be YOU who heats the seats, not the other way around!