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Subaru has released the first-ever teaser picture of its eagerly anticipated rear-wheel drive sports car concept ahead of its debut at the 2011 Geneva motor show on March 1. Even though Subaru's original ghost sketch of the car shows only a darkened outline of the front end, we managed to significantly brighten up the photo through some photoshop trickery and reveal the coupe's shape in full detail. At least from this picture, the Subaru study appears to differ in styling from its Toyota FT-86 sibling sporting a more curvy and less angular design.
The Subaru variant will keep the same front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout as the FT-86, which will also be revealed in a more production ready form at the Geneva Salon. Power of course will be provided by Subaru's horizontally opposed boxer engine, but we'll have to wait until the Geneva Salon for more specific details.
On a side note, a couple of weeks ago the car was initially referred to as “Subaru Rear-Wheel Drive Sports Car Technology Concept”, but now, the Japanese automaker says it has changed the name to "BOXER Sports Car Architecture”.
The coupe concept will be joined in Geneva by the Impreza study that was first shown in LA last November and the Trezio, which is a re-badged version of the Toyota Verso-S mini MPV and will be offered in Europe with a 1.3-liter gasoline and 1.4-liter turbo diesel engine.
The list of positive attributes about Subaru’s compact Impreza is a long one. Tough build quality, permanent all-wheel-drive, plenty of interior space, the turbocharged WRX and STI models are a hoot, rock-solid stability in any weather, the ability to cover a patchy road at ridiculous speed with ease, etc. But there are two things the Impreza’s never been: efficient or attractive. Efficiency is an inherent problem with the design: permanent four wheel drive makes it heavier, and higher driveline losses mean more power is used to move the car. Ugly, though, is fixable. And you have to admit, even in blistered-fender WRX form, the current Impreza is dog-ugly.
Yuck. At least it’s beautiful on the inside. So when Subaru pulled the cover off the Impreza Concept at the LA Auto Show, there were gasps all around. It was a car that was clearly identifiable as an Impreza… but it didn’t sear your corneas when you look at it. Considering Subaru has sort of lost the styling plot in the last few years (compare the current Legacy to the old one!), it’s pretty surprising that they spit out such an attractive car.
The front end takes heavily from the new Legacy, but the proportions have been squashed downward a bit, and it doesn’t have that peaky-forehead pedestrian crash friendly look that the Legacy does. The huge air intakes seem superfluous considering it’s a naturally aspirated 2.0L boxer-4 under the hood, but presumably the turbo versions could need them. The lack of hood scoop might mean Subaru is doing away with the top-mount intercooler?
The rear end shows a lot more creative styling than the current Impreza. Check out that bevelled trunk lid! There’s actually a bit of Altima Coupe back here, if you ask me. I would doubt the integrated diffuser makes the production model, but the integrated exhaust outlets might. It seems like those tail lights probably make more sense when you view them in the flesh; here they look a little confusing.
The side profile has ties to the current Legacy and Impreza, with the solidly defined fender flares that blend into that deep recess on the lower portion of the doors, connecting the front and back fenders visually. The busy wheels will also likely not make it to production, but concept cars always have these. The greenhouse is refreshingly simple and sleek, pinching down to almost nothing at the D-pillar and making a straight cut line with the door. Very pretty from this angle, with some hints of Opel or Volvo from the side – uncharacteristically classy.
The interior is typical pie-in-the-sky show car fluff, with glass touch screen controls and LED lighting in places it doesn’t belong. I can see the basic dashboard shape transferring to the production version, if not all the pricey details. It’s clean and uncluttered – hopefully this transitions mostly intact to the real thing.
As far as mechanicals, the Impreza concept has the 2.0L version of Subaru’s next-generation flat 4 engine and a CVT gearbox. Subaru doesn’t quote any power or performance numbers, which probably don’t matter – this concept car is more about demonstrating the future styling of the Impreza than the mechanical bits. Expect the new car to be bigger in every dimension than the old one – what, they were going to make it smaller? – when it makes it’s production debut. It might be mostly more of the same underneath, but for those who drive and love Subarus, that’s a good thing – and if the real deal is this attractive when it hits the street, they will have fixed the Impreza’s biggest flaw.
I will admit some personal bias on this topic. The previous-generation Subaru Forester was, in my estimation, the embodiment of the “do anything” mentality when it came to automobiles. Especially in 2.5XT (Turbo) trim with a 5-speed, it hit pretty much all the bases. It was fast (Car & Driver clocked one at 5.3 seconds to sixty, which was considerably faster than a V8 Cayenne S), had huge aftermarket support, it was fun on the road, decent off road, great in bad weather, and combined SUV utility with car-like handling. It was a characterful, likeable vehicle. So when Subaru replaced the old-style Forester with a new, bigger, softer one in 2008, I couldn’t help but be disappointed.
It was taller, heavier, slower, more boring to look at, and most importantly the 5-speed manual was limited to the base-model non-turbo variants. No fun. The new 2.5XT is a great SUV – but it’s not the old quasi-WRX it used to be, more of a turbocharged CR-V. Bleh. So I look on with no small amount of jealousy at Subaru of Australia’s latest model, the Forester S.
Biggest changes for the S-edition are under the hood. The new model receives the WRX’s EJ25ET powerplant, which raises power output from 224 in the XT to 258, along with a small increase in torque. Bigger news: the 2.5XT’s ancient 4-speed automatic (people still make those?) is replaced with a new five-speed STI paddleshift automatic transmission. Subaru doesn’t claim any performance figures, but considering how much faster the WRX became after it received the new motor, it’s not hard to imagine with an extra (almost) 40bhp and another gear, the difference will be noteable in the Forester as well.
Other changes for the S-Edition are largely aesthetic. There’s a set of nice-looking white painted 17″ STI alloys, a black/chrome grille, silver roof rails, Alcantara/leather seating, and an assortment of special badges and stickers.
Equally important but not quite as exciting: the 2011 Forester is getting the new FB-series flat-four engine, which will be replacing the EJ that’s been around since (can you believe this?) 1989. It promises quieter NVH levels, better fuel economy, lower emissions, and increased torque – which is all good. The question is, when will be be seeing a WRX-engined Forester Turbo in the US? And with some manufacturers moving from “old-school” six-speed automatics on to 8-speed automatics (hell, ZF’s working on a 9-speed automatic), will Subaru be getting rid of the ancient Nissan-derived 4-EAT auto any time soon? I hope so. But maybe FHI can skip the WRX engine, and go ahead and give us a full-on Forester STI. Go ahead, Subaru. Just drop the whole drivetrain from the USDM STI in there. We’ll buy ‘em. Here’s hoping.
Toyota's efforts to capture the youth is led, as hoped. Toyota was driven memories and reliability problems, but there is a deeper problem. The company has apparently abandoned lovers together and to the youth. Toyota FT-86 concept was introduced in an attempt to combat it. Toyota wants to attract young enthusiasts production of affordable, rear-wheel drive coupe. This is certainly a good way to start doing.
Recent reports on the new model comes under the Scion brand in America. But what about the Subaru version .... The much discussed "Toyabaru?" It appeared that the performance of the auto show in Geneva. Subaru is one of the few brands that actually thrived during the economic crisis, Toyota has a 16.5% stake in parent company Fuji Heavy Industries. Rear wheel drive sports car in a joint development between the two companies since 2008. We saw Concept Toyota FT-86, but none of Subaru. We are doomed to our first photo of Subaru models in Geneva. Unfortunately the car will debut the production version, but instead simply called for vieled Subaru RWD Sports Car Concept Technology. Rear-wheel drive, which probably will not be at all four wheels like most Subaru. It was as expected for these two special cars, can not wait until the production version was finally announced.
If it happens, everyone is guessing. Until then it will have the Geneva us more about what's in store for the new version of Subaru sportsc
Subaru has made its place in the automotive world the past 35 years or so by being the Japanese SAAB. Quirky, yet loveable...attracting a small but devoted following.
Attempting to go mainstream is part of what very nearly killed SAAB, so there's precedent for concern every time Subaru gets a bit more normal.
Except that Subaru's managed it quite well...first with the Outback, then the Forester, and now with the Legacy.
The Legacy is stepping up in size and refinement, becoming for the first time a logical and direct alternative to Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.
And to show just how good the basic product is, Subaru sent us a no-frills Legacy 2.5i. Not a single option (but with 17-inch alloy wheels, 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, air conditioning, AM/FM/CD, an auxilary audio jack, XM/Sirius capability, a multifunction trip computer, an outside temperature gauge, cruise control, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, power windows, door locks and mirrors, a remote keyless entry system, and map and courtesy lights all standard, it's a complete package without any options).
Even though the Legacy is bigger now, it's lighter than the competition...handles better...and don't forget...it's a Subaru, so all-wheel drive is part of the deal.
And the power from the 2.5 liter engine (170 horsepower), teamed with a smooth 6-speed manual, is more than adequate.
That six-speed is a help for the fuel economy...the EPA says 19 city, 27 highway.
And the price?
Well, the price had me reminding myself to think Subaru for my next family sedan: $19,995.
Remember the deal about no options? That's right...apart from $695 delivery charge, $19,995 is the base and the bottom line. There's a Camry a few hundred bucks cheaper, but not as satisfying, and the least-expensive Accord is $21,055. That's compelling math for a car that no longer has to be explained. The Legacy has arrived.
Japanese TV viewers got this commerical, with Robert DeNiro at the wheel of the new Legacy:
UPDATE: I chose to repeat the above review because the base Subaru Legacy is just so darn good. But recently, I had a week in the top-of-the-line 2011 Subaru Legacy 3.6R Limited. And it, too was a revelation...just for different reasons.
Regular TireKicker readers know that I believe you can too easily goop up a good car with add-ons and lose the basic flavor. But Subaru swings for the bleachers with the 3.6R Limited and hits a home run.
First of all, the engine....the 170 horses of the base car jumps to 256 in all three flavors of the R (R, R Premium and R Limited)...which puts the performance of the Legacy into another league entirely. The six-speed manual gets swapped for a five-speed automatic, but the extra power, the lack of a clutch and one fewer gear end up extracting the smallest penalty...18 city, 25 highway (as opposed to 19/27 for the base model).
And then, the creature comforts: Dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a 440-watt Harmon Kardon 9-speaker audio system, leather-trimmed seats (including a 10-way power adjustable driver's seat and a 4-way power adjustable one for the front passenger)....all standard. In fact, the only option on our car was a power moonroof ($995)...running the base price of $28,295 to an as-tested (with $725 delivery charge) $30,015.
There are absolute bargains. The 2.5i is that. There's no other way to describe that much car for under $20,000.
And then there are bargains based on the comparison of content and price. And that's where, for a shade more than 8 grand more, the 3.6 R Limited earns its bargain status. Subaru has built a car that can run with a significantly pricier pack..and, as with the 2.5i, if it were my money...it would be an immediate contender.
The Subaru WRX STI, when equipped with proper tires, is capable of impressive all-weather performance. But when even snow tires are not enough, Subaru offers a solution - a 400-hp WRX STI equipped with a snow tracks system, as showcased at the 2009 Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center , Nov. 3-6.
Starting with a rally-prepared 2009 WRX STI, Subaru Rally Team USA's technical partner, Vermont SportsCar, built the one-off 400-hp TRAX STI envisioned by, and built for, DC Shoes co-founder and SRT USA driver Ken Block. The WRX STI TRAX is ready for the half-pipe, with a Yakima FatCat 4 Snowboard Rack up top, a Yakima Landing Pad rack base and DC Shoes XFB-C Snowboards. Naturally, there is a custom matching sleigh to go with it.
With the exception of the Mattracks rubber track system, the car is rally-prepared and similar in specification Block's #43 SRT USA competition STI. Starting with a stock 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Vermont SportsCar stripped the car's interior bare, lightened the shell and then fully seam-welded it for added strength, also installing a multipoint roll cage manufactured from T45 steel. Major differences from the stock STI include the addition of lightweight carbon/Kevlar RECARO SPA ProRacer competition seats with the Head and Neck Restraint System (HANS), carbon fiber door panels and an onboard fire suppression system.
Under the hood, the ultimate Subaru snow machine sports a 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder, turbocharged and intercooled STI engine tuned with a MOTEC M800 ECU. The engine, which kicks out approximately 400 hp and 400 lb.-ft. of torque, is teamed with a KAPS 5-speed close-ratio dog-engagement gearbox and the Subaru programmable DCCD (Driver Controlled Center Differential) all-wheel drive system. Employing custom machined hubs, the drivetrain - which has been dropped three inches - is mated to Mattracks 105M1-A1 rubber track conversion. The car also features Group N competition rally dampers made by EXE-TC.
And Now for Something Completely Different
The WRX STI TRAX can bring four more friends along for the fun with its one-of-a-kind custom sleigh. Constructed with hand-laid fiberglass using sandwich-core construction, the sleigh runs on custom built steel skis with torsion bar suspension. Yakima FatCat 4 snowboard racks carry Qty 2 DC XFB Snowboards.
Protected beneath the padded roll bars are four heated and embroidered leather RECARO Speed seats with Sabelt 4-point harnesses. For music on the slopes, a marine grade water resistant Alpine digital media receiver is coupled with marine grade Kicker speakers and a 10-inch subwoofer. The rear of the sleigh features a large cooler and a grab-bar for towing snowboarders. Cup holders and LED lighting finish off the interior.
The sleigh also features a carbon fiber dashboard, center tunnel cover and rear-cooler cover. Tucked into a glovebox within the carbon fiber covered dashboard are two Viosport POV.1 camera systems. One camera lens is flush-mounted within the dashboard to film passengers, and the other is mounted high on the roll bar to record action around the sleigh.
The Subaru WRX STI, when equipped with proper tires, is capable of impressive all-weather performance. But when even snow tires are not enough, Subaru offers a solution - a 400-hp WRX STI equipped with a snow tracks system, as showcased at the 2009 Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center , Nov. 3-6.
Starting with a rally-prepared 2009 WRX STI, Subaru Rally Team USA's technical partner, Vermont SportsCar, built the one-off 400-hp TRAX STI envisioned by, and built for, DC Shoes co-founder and SRT USA driver Ken Block. The WRX STI TRAX is ready for the half-pipe, with a Yakima FatCat 4 Snowboard Rack up top, a Yakima Landing Pad rack base and DC Shoes XFB-C Snowboards. Naturally, there is a custom matching sleigh to go with it.
With the exception of the Mattracks rubber track system, the car is rally-prepared and similar in specification Block's #43 SRT USA competition STI. Starting with a stock 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Vermont SportsCar stripped the car's interior bare, lightened the shell and then fully seam-welded it for added strength, also installing a multipoint roll cage manufactured from T45 steel. Major differences from the stock STI include the addition of lightweight carbon/Kevlar RECARO SPA ProRacer competition seats with the Head and Neck Restraint System (HANS), carbon fiber door panels and an onboard fire suppression system.
Under the hood, the ultimate Subaru snow machine sports a 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder, turbocharged and intercooled STI engine tuned with a MOTEC M800 ECU. The engine, which kicks out approximately 400 hp and 400 lb.-ft. of torque, is teamed with a KAPS 5-speed close-ratio dog-engagement gearbox and the Subaru programmable DCCD (Driver Controlled Center Differential) all-wheel drive system. Employing custom machined hubs, the drivetrain - which has been dropped three inches - is mated to Mattracks 105M1-A1 rubber track conversion. The car also features Group N competition rally dampers made by EXE-TC.
And Now for Something Completely Different
The WRX STI TRAX can bring four more friends along for the fun with its one-of-a-kind custom sleigh. Constructed with hand-laid fiberglass using sandwich-core construction, the sleigh runs on custom built steel skis with torsion bar suspension. Yakima FatCat 4 snowboard racks carry Qty 2 DC XFB Snowboards.
Protected beneath the padded roll bars are four heated and embroidered leather RECARO Speed seats with Sabelt 4-point harnesses. For music on the slopes, a marine grade water resistant Alpine digital media receiver is coupled with marine grade Kicker speakers and a 10-inch subwoofer. The rear of the sleigh features a large cooler and a grab-bar for towing snowboarders. Cup holders and LED lighting finish off the interior.
The sleigh also features a carbon fiber dashboard, center tunnel cover and rear-cooler cover. Tucked into a glovebox within the carbon fiber covered dashboard are two Viosport POV.1 camera systems. One camera lens is flush-mounted within the dashboard to film passengers, and the other is mounted high on the roll bar to record action around the sleigh.
The Subaru variant will keep the same front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout as the FT-86, which will also be revealed in a more production ready form at the Geneva Salon. Power of course will be provided by Subaru's horizontally opposed boxer engine, but we'll have to wait until the Geneva Salon for more specific details.
