For the first time in two decades, Subaru is expected to debut an all-new 4-cylinder boxer engine later this year, which will be used in most models in its lineup to help improve fuel economy.
According to a report by Japan's Nikkei business daily, the new engine will be between 2.0- and 2.5-liters with improved fuel economy by roughly 10 percent and will be used in everything from the Legacy to the Impreza. First, however, it will launch in the Forester. The new engine is also slated to get a CVT transmission – a notable improvement over the 4-speed auto-box in the forester and Impreza.
Subaru has confirmed that a new engine is being prepped to debut but no details have been provided.
It's possible that the new engine could use both direct-injection and a start-stop system, two technologies that were... [Read More]
We all have that one commercial that makes us tear up. We may not admit it, but every time it comes on, we stop what we're doing and reach for a tissue. A new Subaru commercial falls into this category, and if you're a parent, it will tug on your heartstrings more than just a little bit.
The TV ad, called "Baby Driver," features a father handing over the car keys to his daughter as she sets off to drive alone for the first time. If you've ever watched your son or daughter pull out of the driveway for their first solo ride, we bet this ad will make you choke up. (Interesting side note: the two girls who star in the ad are real-life sisters and the "dad" is the real-life father to both girls.)
The ad starts with a six-year-old girl behind the wheel of a Subaru Legacy, while her father gives her the... [Read More]
Osamu Namba, Subaru's new design chief wants to help move the company from a cult brand adored by outdoorsy types, Snowbelt buyers and performance enthusiasts into a mainstream brand capable of competing with offerings from major automakers.
"We want to broaden the appeal to make it accessible to more than a small, loyal crowd," Namba said in an interview with Automotive News. According to Namba, form has traditionally followed function at Subaru, as their design was dictated by the low-mounted boxer engines, tall roofs (designed to help haul large items like bikes and other lifestyle gear) and sometimes outlandish wings and air scoops, necessitated by the rally-inspired performance items like big brakes and turbochargers.
Namba, who previously ran an independent design studio, was hired by Subaru after previous attempts at... [Read More]
Subaru has just announced updates for the 2011 Forester, including a new base engine that adds more usable power and improved fuel economy. The new 2.5-liter boxer engine in the 2.5X model retains the same 170-hp, but gains 4 ft-lbs of torque for a total of 174 ft-lbs. We agree that the increase is a small one, but drivability is up thanks to power that comes on slightly sooner, and torque that arrives at 4100 rpm vs. 4400 rpm on the previous engine.
The increase is the result of an all new powerplant with a new bore and stroke, along with a slightly larger engine size. While it's still 2.5-liters, there are a few extra ccs, up to 2,498 compared to 2,457 for the old motor. Also of note is the switch from SOHC to DOHC.
The new engine helps improve fuel economy to 21/27-mpg (city/highway) for both manual and automatic... [Read More]
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