Subaru Hybrid For 2014 To Echo Honda, GM Mild-Hybrid Approach

Beyond the obvious Toyota, if any other make were to build hybrid cars, you might expect it to be Subaru.

The small Japanese company's cars are revered for durability and standard all-wheel drive, and their drivers are often assumed to be on the liberal side of center.

Subaru owners tend to cluster in mountainous enclaves of progressive politics, and data show their owners skew more Democratic than almost any other brand.

Now, at last, Subaru's hybrid plans are coming clear.

First hybrid in 2013
The company will launch its first hybrid vehicle in Japan within two years. That car will be a model of the Subaru Legacy mid-size sedan, most likely for the 2014 model year.

But according to a Subaru of America executive who briefed GreenCarReports on condition of anonymity, while development of the hybrid-electric drive technology is largely done, the company is still debating which vehicle will debut the hybrid system for the U.S. market.

Candidates include the popular Forester compact crossover utility vehicle, the equally popular Outback mid-size crossover, and perhaps the Legacy sedan as well.

Subaru could choose to put the system in its lowest-mileage vehicles (the larger Legacy and Outback), or increase the mileage of a more fuel efficient vehicle (the Impreza sedan or hatchback) to give the company a gas-mileage champion halo car.

Already the new 2012 Subaru Impreza will get 36 mpg on the highway, a substantial improvement over the 2011 model that gives it the highest gas mileage of any all-wheel drive car.

Mild hybrid a la Honda
The Subaru hybrid system, previewed in the Subaru B5 TPH Concept of 2005 and, at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, in the Subaru Hybrid Tourer concept, is a mild hybrid system very similar to Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) setup.

The General Motors eAssist system is conceptually similar, although the electric motor replaces the alternator rather than sitting between engine and transmission.

In the latest Subaru concept, a 10-kilowatt (13-horsepower) electric motor is sandwiched between a turbocharged 2.0-liter flat-four engine and the company's Lineartronic continuously variable transmission (CVT).

A lithium-ion battery pack, derived from the one used in the now-discontinued Japanese-market Stella EV electric minicar, provides power to the motor, which also recharges the battery during regenerative braking.

But unlike full hybrid systems like those used by Toyota, Ford, Hyundai, and others, the hybrid system is not powerful enough to propel the car on electricity alone.

Instead, it restarts the engine when the car begins to move away from a stop, and it contributes torque to supplement engine power, reducing the load on the engine and hence the fuel it consumes.

Toyota tech? Not so much
Since 2005, when Toyota purchased the share of Fuji Heavy Industries (Subaru's parent company) previously owned by General Motors, industry analysts had assumed that the small company would adopt Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive system--as Nissan did for its 2008-2011 Altima Hybrid, and Mazda plans to do.

But Subaru is a stubbornly independent company with a strong engineering culture. Aside from Porsche, it's the sole company offering horizontally opposed engines, which are smaller and give vehicles a lower center of gravity than inline engines.

Fitting Toyota's hybrid to a pancake engine might have posed its own challenges, but Subaru's engineers developed their hybrid system internally, along with the lithium-ion battery pack. And so the Subaru hybrid that will launch as a 2014 model will be a mild hybrid--a technology that Toyota doesn't offer.

The two companies are presently cooperating on a two-door sports coupe known as the FT-86. It will be sold as a Scion in the U.S., and the Subaru version--the brand's first rear-wheel drive car for the U.S. in almost 20 years--will be called the BRZ.

Source;
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1066695_subaru-hybrid-for-2014-to-echo-honda-gm-mild-hybrid-approach

Subaru BRZ Revealed as Name of Subie’s Toyota FT-86

Subaru has announced its name for the joint sports car project developed with Toyota, dubbing the rear-drive coupe the BRZ.



The news comes in a release by the Japanese automaker, announcing it will show a second rendition of the Boxer Sports Car Architecture, cumbersomely named “Subaru BRZ Prologue – Boxer Sports Car Architecture II” at the Frankfurt Auto Show.



The BRZ name stands for “Boxer engine”, “Rear-wheel drive” and “Zenith”. Subaru has also created a teaser webpage for the car which can be viewed here.



Source;

http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2011/08/subaru-brz-revealed-as-name-of-subies-toyota-ft-86.html

MotorTrend: Subaru Impreza Going it's Own Way

July 14, 2011 / By Peter Lyon
Illustrator: Holiday Auto Magazine

Remember the drama around removing the "Skyline" prefix from the GT-R when the all-new supercar debuted in late 2007? Well, it looks like nomenclature surgery is about to happen again, only this time Subaru is doing the separating. That's right, the Impreza and famed WRX -- joined at the hip since 1992 -- are going their separate ways.

While the new production Impreza debuted at this year’s New York Auto Show, the next WRX will take a completely different path of development and will not surface until 2014. We know this because Subaru president Ikuo Mori said at a recent shareholder’s meeting: “We will launch a new sporty car in 2014.” The WRX is that car.

In the past week, we have learned from a source just how different the new WRX will be to the Impreza, employing totally different components.

This image, revealing how one artist sees the new WRX, depicts a new coupe model with a shorter wheelbase and heavy-duty bodywork It's important to note that this is just one vision of the new car, it may turn out to look much different. Our source also tells us Subaru bosses haven't decided if the WRX name will survive. For the time being, we'll refer to it as WRX.

“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,” says our source.

From now on, the Impreza will be the company's core model, boasting a fuel-efficient, naturally aspirated 2.0-liter boxer engine. The car's wheelbase has been slightly lengthened, while the A-pillar has been brought forward to maximize interior space and comfort levels. At this point, it is unclear if Subaru will attempt an Impreza-based performance model to bridge the gap until the new WRX arrives, but it appears unlikely.

"Up until now, the Impreza and WRX used many common parts, which translated into entry-level Imprezas that were over-engineered," the source continued. The basic chassis and suspension had to employ certain parts needed for the WRX. That drove costs up, and many entry-level customers did not want or understand the significance of such high-tech parts, stresses our insider.

The WRX, on the other hand, will employ the very best from Subaru's parts bin, starting with an updated version of the company's rally-proven AWD system and a turbocharged boxer engine.
"The first thing you must understand about our all-new WRX is that we have developed it from the ground up to win in motorsports events. That's why we have focused so heavily on weight issues, not to mention a shorter wheelbase that permits faster, more precise turn-in. Marry that to our proven AWD system, and we think we have a winner," explains our source.

If you look at the Sebastien Loeb's multiple-championship-winning Citroen C4 in the World Rally Championship, you can see where Subaru is coming from -- or going to. They want to build a WRX that can beat the Citroen while still offering driving enthusiasts something special for their garages. The company has pulled out of WRC, but with the new WRX, a return looks possible. Above the WRX, Subaru will still offer a low-production flagship STI, a model our source calls a "race car for the road."

"Obviously the rally model will be based on the top-of-the-line STI car, but unlike previous Impreza WRXs, this new WRX will be more hard-core and less forgiving on bumpy road surfaces," adds our source. Collaboration with Toyota on the FT-86 project also seems to have something to do with the direction of the new WRX and STI. "If the truth be known, we were able to focus so deeply on the motorsports element with the new WRX because we developed a sister car with the Toyota FT-86. Bosses gave us permission to go all out because that car exists," says our insider.

Our source also revealed what is going on in the bowels of Subaru's R&D. On the short list for the WRX’s powerplant is a turbocharged 1.6-liter boxer pumping as much as 270 hp, and a twin-charger system involving a supercharger is being tested as well. The car’s body is rumored to be a little bigger than a Toyota Yaris, while its tread width is said to expand significantly. As for the STI, we are told that the flagship will also employ the WRX’s 1.6-liter boxer turbo, but that the engine will be reworked to generate upwards of 300 hp for motorsport competitiveness.

Subaru bosses see the new WRX initially competing in domestic rallies and gymkhanas, but they are also targeting Europe's World Touring Car Championships as well as the long-awaited return to the WRC.

Bottom line? Get used to saying Subaru WRX (most of us enthusiasts do, anyway). Expect unprecedented levels of AWD handling and performance at a bargain price -- the vehicle should land in showrooms in roughly two years in the $26,000-$29,000 range.
Source;
http://www.motortrend.com/future/future_vehicles/1107_subaru_wrx_to_go_its_own_way/index.html#ixzz1STGTg5Jq

Subaru impreza wrx sti

                                               Subaru impreza wrx sti

 2012 Subaru Impreza WRX STi is fast, offers razor-sharp managing, powerful brakes and is a total pleasure to drive. No matter if you are wanting for motor specifications, standard attributes or security features, the world wide web page may also help you. For 2012, the WRX STi provides an motor immobilizer, a power-steering cooler along with a latest underbody protection. The recently set up dash board, middle system, panel plus an variety of other capabilities supply an desirable look towards the 2012 Subaru Impreza WRX STi. In inclusion into a protection program with motor immobilizer and substantial-friction seats, the tough 2012 Subaru Impreza WRX STi receives identical improvements since the regular WRX. A whole new steering rack a fresh helical-type restricted slide differential, and larger 17×8-” BBS alloy wheels come helpful in helping the STi present an improved effectiveness. Whether it really is the larger back trail, enhanced brake pedal feel, a brand new underbody shield incorporating stability at higher speeds or even the aluminum back suspension elements, the 2012 Subaru Impreza WRX STi is outfitted along with the capabilities and specifications which attract it’s shoppers.
The 2012 STi gets the popularity of becoming on the list of finest automobiles offered inside Usa offering value for income. The remodeled front and back styling greatly enhance the search of your Impreza WRX STi.

 Subaru Impreza
Exterior, the leading ligament options 4 high-intensity release (HID) headlamps with smoke colored contact lenses and distinct STi fog light insert covers. Inside, the enflamed hood scoop in the aluminum cover feeds outside air on the intercooler. If the qualifying criterion when deciding upon a auto is amazing functionality, safety or comfort and ease, the 2012 Subaru Impreza WRX STi fits the balance.

Subaru confirms coupe launch

Subaru’s version of the Toyota FT-86 concept will make its public debut at the Geneva motor show, the firm has announced.

The ‘Toyobaru’ was previewed as the FT-86 as long ago as 2009, but has been delayed by at least a year. In particular, engineers and designers are said to have been struggling to implement the car’s particularly low bonnet line in production form, due to pedestrian impact regulations.

In a press release, Subaru said that its Geneva show stand is to include the Impreza Concept (unveiled at the LA show last year), the Trezia small MPV and a “Rear-wheel-drive Sports Car Technology Concept”. The firm also confirmed that the sports car would use a horizontally opposed ‘boxer’ engine.

It’s thought that both cars will use the same basic powerplant, a 2.5-litre unit, but that the Subaru version will feature turbocharging to increase its output to around 260bhp.

Source;
http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/AllCars/254892/

LIMITED EDITION NEW 2010 SUBARU LEGACY 3.6R

LIMITED EDITION NEW 2010 SUBARU LEGACY 3.6R 

In the last 23 000 km and the changes we have the impression from our 2010 Subaru Legacy SS were quiet competence. That's not all peace, praises his journal full of meandering interior space for five adults very comfortable and quiet. Those who try to inspire a jog Subaru leave satisfied, but not addictive. fast, talkative steering and suspension systems to promote sustainable bit funny, but loose braces and mushy brake pedal prevent anyone from confusing this with a true sport sedan.

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2011 Subaru WRX STI Sedan Review with Wallpapers

Subaru has unveiled a new four-door sedan version of the 2011 Subaru WRX STI at the New York auto show. For the first time the WRX STI will be available in both a 5-door hatch and 4-door sedan configuration. The 4-door variant features a "wide and low"-themed body styling.

The new WRX STI gets a new design which includes sharper bumper corners, new fog lamps and a new and larger front grill with bumper air intakes. The 4-door sedan variant also gets wider rear fenders for a more distinguishing look.

The drivetrain remains the same. The 2011 STI routes 305 horsepower from the same 2.5-liter flat-4 through a 6-speed manual transmission to all four wheels, meaning a blast to 60 mph will take 4.8 seconds, and the quarter mile in 13.5 seconds at 100.6 mph, as it did in our departed long-term STI. The robust Brembo braking system, which is good for a 109-foot 60-to-0 mph stopping distance, is unchanged

New standard 18-inch aluminum wheels feature high-luster paint and weigh 17.6 lbs less than the previous standard wheels. The optional 18 x 8.5 in. BBS® forged aluminum-alloy wheels are highlighted by silver high-luster paint for 2011. These wheels further reduce unsprung vehicle weight. Dunlop SP600 245/40R18 summer performance tires are used with the standard and optional wheels.
Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) provides precise control of braking pressure between the front and rear wheels based on the vehicle load to improve stability and stopping distances. Brake Assist analyzes the force and stroke on the brake pedal and increases hydraulic boost to provide enhanced emergency braking, also activating the ABS system early if needed.
2011 Subaru WRX STI Sedan Side view
2011 Subaru WRX STI Sedan on Show
2011 Subaru WRX STI Sedan Back
2011 Subaru WRX STI Sedan Wheel
2011 Subaru WRX STI Sedan Parts
2011 Subaru WRX STI Sedan Interior

Subaru Celeno Sports Sedan Concept

New Subaru Celeno Sports Sedan Concept, Subaru's relatively boring lineup (barring the STI, and to a lesser extent, the WRX), it's refreshing to find people interested in bringing some new ideas to the brand. In the case of the Celeno, that person is budding car designer Xuacu Pérez Quesada.

for more Mr. Quesada interned for Italdesign and received an M.A. in Transportation Design from the Universidad Politécnica de Valencia; he is obviously not a person playing around on the computer with a bong and some photoshop skills (to those people out there: feel free to keep sending stuff in, we don't mind).

The Subaru Celeno is Quesada's interpretation of a small Subaru with some BMW Visions EfficientDynamics thrown in. It's a sleek four-door coupe seen down the hypothetical line created by Subaru's own Hybrid Tourer.

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2010 Subaru Outback Complete Review with Pictures

Subaru of America, Inc. revealed the all-new 2010 Subaru Outback at its media conference at the 2009 New York International Auto Show. The fourth-generation of the World's First Sport Utility Wagon® is a roomier and more capable interpretation of the vehicle that launched the crossover trend 15 years ago. Distinguished by bolder and crisper styling, the all-new 2010 Subaru Outback delivers enhanced performance, comfort and economy with the introduction of an all-new chassis and the new Subaru Lineartronic™ CVT (continuously variable transmission). Capability is enhanced with a segment-first swing-out roof rail and crossbar design and an improved 8.7 inches of ground clearance.
The all-new 2010 Subaru Outback is smart-sized compared to other crossover vehicles, featuring mid-size interior volume in an easy-to-maneuver and off-road capable wagon body. Interior volume has been increased by almost 8 percent in a package that is actually shorter than the outgoing model. The wheelbase has been increased by 2.8 inches and improves rear seat legroom by almost 4 inches. A new rear double wishbone suspension improves chassis dynamics and rear cargo space. The 2010 Outback is 2 inches wider to improve passenger comfort, has more headroom and is more fuel efficient than the outgoing model.

Remarkably, the roomier 2010 Outback is almost one inch shorter than the previous model, due to reduced front and rear overhang dimensions. The new Subaru Outback is also four inches taller than the previous model, increasing headroom and cargo area height. The new packaging preserves the maneuverability, agility and parking ease that Subaru Outback customers value.
Building on the tremendous success of previous Subaru Outback models, the 2010 Outback caters to a wide variety of customer tastes and needs. The Subaru Outback line for 2010 will include three 2.5i models powered by a revised 170-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder Boxer engine. The efficient Subaru Outback 2.5i models offer a new standard 6-speed manual transmission, or the available Lineartronic™ CVT. Both transmissions help to improve acceleration, response and fuel economy. Three new range-topping Subaru Outback 3.6R models are powered by a new 256-hp 3.6-liter 6-cylinder Boxer engine teamed with a 5-speed electronic automatic transmission.
All Subaru Outback models for 2010 are equipped as standard with Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), which combines stability and traction control capability. The all-new electronic Hill Holder System, also standard on all models, holds the vehicle in place until the driver applies the throttle to pull away from a stop. Previous systems held the car in place for only a few seconds. Subaru is the only company that features Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as standard equipment on every vehicle in its product line
2010 Subaru Outback Inside View
2010 Subaru Outback Interior

Subaru Legacy B4 2.5GT 2010

Subaru's in-house tuning arm STI Japanese market Legacy B4 sedan and its Touring Wagon brethren. limited edition Legacy 2.5GT tS (Subaru talk for Tuned by STI) models with various cosmetic and performance enhancements, but unfortunately, no upgrades to the 2.5-liter flat-four turbo engine.

perofrm with new Bilstein suspension, strut tow bars, sport exhaust system, and 18-inch multispoke alloy wheels shod in 225/45 R18 rubber. .

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Subaru Liberty Review & Road

Subaru Liberty Review is known as Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, throughout the whole range of features. While the suspension setup of Liberty serves more toward comfort than handling, all-wheel-drive system eliminates the uncertainty has its rivals with a front-wheel-drive setup.

You will rarely see an opportunity where you have been disabled at Subaru and the grip is compromised, even in the wet - where something like the Camry can sometimes begin to feel depressed when gas touches added to the tight corner. The Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system works seamlessly with the driver's commands and is at the bottom of the throttle angle.

■ Engine: 2457cc four-cylinder
■ Power: 123kW @ 5600rpm
■ Torque: 229Nm @ 4000rpm
■ Induction: Multi-point injection
■ Transmission: Continually Variable Transmission
■ Driven Wheels: All wheel drive
■ Brakes: Four-wheel disc
■ Top Speed: N / A
■ 0-100km / h: N / A
■ CO2 emissions: 209g/km
■ Fuel Consumption: 8.9L/100km (ADR)
■ Fuel Consumption: 7.5L/100km (As Tested)
■ Fuel Tank Capacity: 65 liters
■ Fuel Type: Regular Unleaded
■ ANCAP Rating: 5 stars
■ Airbags: Seven
■ Safety: ABS brakes with EBD, BA. ESP.
■ Spare Wheel: Space saver
■ Cargo Capacity: 476 liters
■ Tow Capacity: 1500kg (braked)
■ Warranty: 3-years/unlimited km
■ Weight: 1398kg
■ Wheels: 215/50R17

A 476-liter cargo capacity and towing capacity of 1500kg braked Subaru Liberty make a realistic choice for family buyers. After spending more than 1200km behind the wheel, both alone and with the burden of passenger cars, Liberty remained confident even during maneuvers such as the following, and cornering.

ADR combined fuel consumption figure is 8.9L/100km. In the tests, I managed to get the figure to the highway 7.5L/100km with a leaning towards driving. It's great to see the fuel efficiency does not come at the cost of power or comfort

2010 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Special Edition

(Click Image to Enlarge)

The special edition will be without certain features, namely the HID headlights, premium audio, climate control and automatic. This is not just a bunch of content, although as the car comes with the model Spec C suspension in Japan, which includes a rear stabilizer bar thicker, stiffer springs and rigid rings. Initially, each car will be painted white with Aspen charcoal colored 14-spoke wheels also copied from the spec C. Only 125 copies will be built in the first quarter of 2010, while Subaru said others will be available later in the years to other colors. High-res gallery below, press release available after the jump in prices.

(Click Image to Enlarge)

Available in spring, only 125 units of the 2010 WRX STI Special Edition paintings will be available exclusively from Aspen White. The WRX STI Special Edition will also be available in Obsidian Black Pearl WR Blue Mica Dark Gray and metallic colors. All models will be offset by the color Carbon 18 x 8.5 inch rims 14 spokes one species C. JDM WRX STI League

(Click Image to Enlarge)

All other aspects of the special edition WRX STI remains the standard model, including the HP 305 / 290 Nm 2.5 liter turbocharged Subaru Boxer engine 6-speed manual transmission and a high level of driver-selectable powertrain and handling dynamic control systems. Swollen wings of the car and rear side panels, rear door-mounted spoiler and aerodynamic ground effects give the WRX STI a direct link with racing cars Subaru. The hood scoop, brake cooling air intakes and engine heat outlets are all functional.

(Click Image to Enlarge)

The driver controlled center differential (DCCD) version of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, which remains exclusive to the Impreza WRX STI offers three modes selectable automatic performance in addition to the center differential lock six manual settings. The WRX STI is equipped with limited slip front and rear. The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) stability system and traction control has three positions selectable drivers. On all models, WRX STI, the 18-in. wheels are equipped with Dunlop SP600 245/40R18 performance summer tires.

(Click Image to Enlarge)

The brake system uses ventilated Brembo Performance 4-wheel Super Sport anti-lock (ABS), brake disc Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD). Side-curtain airbags and front airbags are standard side seat. Incline Start Assist feature can momentarily prevent the vehicle from rolling backward after being ejected from a stop on an incline.

Subaru Sports Coupe New sketch Design

Subaru Sports Coupe: last night I was talking about the Toyota FT-86 which could be the heir of the Toyota Celica and that will be produced in partnership with Subaru.

Today the network has left some sketches for a new Subaru Sports Coupe which could be the "Version" Subaru Toyota project ..

Nopn is unclear whether the effect will be produced is the version that Toyota Subaru, it is certain that the two are similar on paper a lot.

All too soon however to be certain
Several sketches have leaked out featuring the Subaru-branded version of a coupe co-developed with Toyota. Although supposedly not yet green-lit by Subaru, the car is continuing to push forward as a Toyota.

Toyota will debut their FT-86 concept at the Tokyo Motor Show later this month. Details of the concept were sent out in a release earlier this week, with Toyota confirming the vehicle's use of the Subaru 2.0-liter Boxer engine. The engine could be tuned as high as 200 hp, a 25% increase over its normal output.