Subaru BRZ RA Racing announced in Japan

Subaru has unveil the BRZ RA Racing for the Japanese market. The BRZ RA Racing is caged, has a race harness for the driver, and features dedicated brake ducts, an oil cooler, tow hooks, and simple 16-inch steelies.

Power is provided by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine which likely produces 200 HP (147 kW) and 205 Nm (151 lb-ft) of torque. It is connected exclusively to a six-speed manual transmission.

Inside the car is a newly added six-point roll cage with custom floor mats and a FIA-spec four-point racing harness. Air conditioning is standard but the radio has been removed to cut some weight.

Pricing has been announced at 2,868,000 yen in Japan, which translates to about $31,500. There is no word yet on whether a tuned up version of the BRZ will make it to North America.




Press Release

Can compete in ~ "GAZOO Racing 86/BRZ Race" announced the SUBARU BRZ "RA Racing" vehicles compete one-make race

Participation as a vehicle for one-make race 86/SUBARU BRZ TOYOTA, FHI, today announced the "RA Racing" was a charity race bodywork for SUBARU BRZ.

Based on the "RA" is the best grade to improve brake performance in the customization, Torsen LSD "RA Racing" is * 1 , equipped and air-cooled engine oil cooler. In addition, also decorated with safety equipment, such as 6-point roll cage and 4 point seat belt, was Mel specifications and enjoy with confidence the traveling circuit that assumes the race.

This vehicle, one make race "GAZOO Racing 86/BRZ Race" that is scheduled to take place from the summer of 2013: Toyota Techno Craft (supervision Toyota Cars Race association) * 2 will be released from the "86 Racing It is possible with the war. "

Under the brand statement "Confidence in Motion" Subaru, while through the "car making sure" to deliver "enjoyment and peace of mind", FHI, we aim to expand the Subaru fan. It is part of that commitment to one make race "GAZOO Racing 86/BRZ Race" at this time.

Major equipment - SUBARU BRZ "RA Racing"]
Front / rear ventilated disc brakes
brake ducts, dedicated & dedicated brake back plate (with vehicles left and right front)
, Torsen LSD [limited-slip differential]
engine oil cooler, air-cooled
4-point seat belt certified (FIA ,) Exclusively designed for competition vehicles equipped * 3 & ??Anchor bolt mounting
point roll cage, 6) (with sidebar
Manual air conditioning) with (clean filter
, dedicated floor mat) vehicles equipped with seat driver / passenger (
front transport Hook & rear transport hook (with vehicle-Exclusively designed for competition)

For vehicle bodywork, this vehicle will be allowed registration.
Is different from the general vehicle vehicle warranty. At the time of participation, such as motor sports racing, both car and parts-based bodywork
warranty becomes invalid.
Note) *: the price increases by 31,500 yen including tax ()

Scoop: All-New 2014 Subaru Forester Busted Out in the Open!

While Subaru put up a shadowy teaser of the next iteration of the Forester on its Japanese website, and not too long after we shared scans from the car's Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) brochure, the first real-life images of the compact crossover hit the net.

It’s not hard to see that Subaru didn't want to alienate buyers of one of its most popular global models when it came to design, as the new Forester looks like a more modern, or evolutionary, if you prefer, interpretation of the current model.

Besides the more forceful face incorporating Subaru's latest grille design, the high-riding, station wagon gains some new styling cues, the most notable of which concern the more prominent wheel arches and heavily sculpted door sills, the addition of a small quarter window up front and new door mounted mirrors.

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Pagani Zonda and Subaru BRZ to Star in "Fast and Furious 6", New Videos from Film Sets

Not that we weren't expecting at least one of the sports coupe models that came out of the relationship between the Toyota group and Subaru to feature in the sixth chapter of the Fast and Furious franchise, but U.S. magazine Motor Trend says it has learned that the car will be the Subaru BRZ.

In particular, the publication says Subaru has reportedly supplied as many as five BRZ's for the "Fast and the Furious 6" film that is scheduled for release on May 24, 2013.

In related news, we looked around and found a handful of videos from the London filming set as well as a scene of a bridge being blown up while the "Fast 6" crew was shooting in Tenerife, the largest and most populous of the seven Canary Islands.

There's also a picture of a full carbon fiber-bodied Pagani Zonda that was released by the Fast and Furious crew.

Read more »

Japanese Automakers May Slash China Production in Half as Sales Plunge Amid Islands Row

Tumbling sales can be attributed to many factors. Japanese carmakers, though, just can’t seem to get a break as since last year, they have seen their production hurt by an earthquake and a tsunami, a nuclear reactor malfunction and now, a political crisis.

As we have already reported, the dispute between the two countries over the ownership of a group of East China Sea islands has resulted in escalating protests, boycotts and even violence against anything Japanese, from restaurants to automobiles in China.

Following these events, Toyota and Nissan announced that last month they recorded their biggest sales drop in China since 2008. In September, Toyota, Nissan and Honda sales fell by 49, 35 and 41 percent respectively, to 44,100, 76,066 and 33,931 units.

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Watch a 2013 Subaru BRZ Driver Hit 151mph - 243km/h

The same owner of the stick shift 2013 Subaru BRZ Limited who was able to take the Japanese firm's boxer-powered sports coupe up to a top speed of 147mph or 237km/h (on the speedometer) after completing the 1,000 mile (1,600 km) break-in period back in July is back with another video.

The man who runs the 'Jason Thorgalsen Photography' (JTP) channel on YouTube took the BRZ for another test run and managed to improve his max speed by 4mph or 6km/h to 151mph or 243km/h, again on the speedometer, though he does mention in the video that he "GPS Verified" the speed at 152mph or 244.6 km/h.

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BRZ and FR-S Owners Complain About Rough Idle and Stalling Engines, Some Don't Like Remedy

The sports coupe jointly developed by Toyota and Subaru that entered production as the Subaru BRZ, Scion FR-S and Toyota GT86 was one of the most awaited cars of the year, since it rekindled the fun to drive and relatively modestly priced niche.

Despite being a long time in the making, being teased by a series of concepts, the final product received positive reviews. The three models are nearly identical, featuring a 2.0-liter flat-four engine with both direct and indirect injection driving the rear-wheels via a six-speed manual or auto gearbox and a Torsen limited-slip differential.

The problem is that Subaru and Scion customers who rushed in to buy the first batch of cars are now complaining about rough idle and stalling issues.

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This is the New 2014 Subaru Forester Compact SUV!

It may have escaped from our scoop photographers' radar, but we finally caught up with the next iteration of Subaru's Forester compact SUV, which in its three previous generations, has built a name for itself as a robust and no-nonsense model that rides well both on and off the road.

These pictures are sourced from the new Forester's Japanese market brochure, but most of what you see here sans the engine range can be applied to the global model.

The new Forester, which will go on sale in Japan in mid-November before it reaches both North American (as a 2014 model) and European shores as a 2013 model) next year, is likely based on a revised version of the latest Impreza's platform.

Compared to the current Forester, Subaru's best-seller has grown all around and now measures 4,595mm or 180.9 inches long (+35mm), 1,795mm or 70.7 inches tall (+15mm) and 1,695mm or 66.7 inches wide (+20mm). The wheelbase is also longer at 2,640mm or 103.9 inches (+25mm) to improve space for passengers.

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Subaru Wagon Sandwiched Between San Francisco MUNI Bus and Trolley Car

Video footage sourced from a security camera located on a building that recently surfaced online has shed some light to an accident that took place in downtown San Francisco on August 3, 2012.

The recording shows a white crossover identified as a "Subaru Wagon" (likely a Forester) entering the inner lane of the road and slowing down behind a trolley car that had stopped for a red light when a MUNI bus came crashing from behind literally sandwiching the Japanese model.

Read more »

Subaru Advanced Tourer Concept

Subaru Advanced Tourer Concept will debut at next month’s Tokyo Motor Show.

Power comes from a 1.6 liter turbo Horizontally-Opposed Subaru Boxer engine mated to the company’s original hybrid system and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) technology.

Energy will be stored using a high-tech lithium ion battery and the car will also feature regenerative braking. Subaru is targeting a 50 percent improvement in fuel economy over its current models.

A single motor system is used for its simple structure and light weight. The system has an Electric Vehicle (EV) mode, which allows all-wheel drive motion using only the motor at start-up and on low-speed drives. When decelerating, the regenerating mechanism uses the motor as a power generator.

Inside, the concept gets wood and polished aluminum surfaces with leather trim and a full glass sunroof. Of particular interest is the large screen fitted into the steering wheel that displays GPS sat-nav directions and has direct access to the Internet.




Press Release


Exhibition Outline of the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show 2011

Tokyo, November 7, 2011 - Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the maker of Subaru automobiles, announced its presentation at the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show 2011. It will focus on "Enjoyment and Peace of Mind" which is the core value provided to the customers through the Subaru automobile experience, the foundation being Subaru's global brand statement "Confidence in Motion".

"Confidence in Motion" is materialized in the concept car "SUBARU ADVANCED TOURER CONCEPT" which
achieved its main goal to become a "Revolutionary Sports Tourer". Also showcased will be the "All-New SUBARU IMPREZA" and the "SUBARU BRZ" - the latter a rear-wheel drive sports car currently under joint development with Toyota Motor Corporation carrying the Horizontally-Opposed Boxer engine. The exhibition will also feature Subaru's original and latest technologies.

A press briefing by President Yasuyuki Yoshinaga is scheduled for 9:15 a.m. on November 30, 2011 at the Subaru booth.

?SUBARU ADVANCED TOURER CONCEPT (Concept car)
1. Concept
Exquisitely balancing the enjoyment of driving with environmental friendliness, the car, under its product concept of "Revolutionary Sports Tourer", embodies Subaru's theme of "Confidence in Motion".

This C-segment class car was developed as a new-generation sports wagon providing both superior driving performance and utility. It features an innovative exterior design not found in conventional wagon models and expert wagon utility Subaru has cultivated over the years.

The well established sports power unit, the Horizontally-Opposed Subaru Boxer engine, is now with direct fuel injection. This highlight mixed with Subaru's downsizing concept and original Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) expertise has enabled Subaru to make considerate progress on its unique Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) technology. An even sportier drivability and advanced environmental friendliness are both attainable in this new concept car.

2. Design and Packaging
< Exterior Design >
• Subaru's brand statement "Confidence in Motion" is portrayed in the outward design as well. The dynamic yet sleek look promises an enthusiastic drive, while the cabin offers all the usability of a C-segment wagon.

• A flowing line on the side surfaces augments the stylish design calling to mind a coupe style car.
< Interior Design >
• In pursuit of Subaru's human-centered philosophy, all passengers are assured a safe and pleasant ride in a comfortable and quality interior.
• An entire roof made of glass adds to the spacious feel. Various textures such as wood and metal are incorporated into the inside layout to produce ample ambiance.
• A large monitor is built into the steering wheel allowing access to maps, television and internet services.

Information will be available at hand to support contemporary lifestyles even in the car.

3. Mechanisms
(1) Next-Generation Power Unit System
- Downsized direct fuel injection turbo engine -
• The downsized direct fuel injection turbo engine is one of the principal technologies that will guide
Subaru's engine strategy in the future. Not only is acceleration quick and smooth with the new-generation Horizontally-Opposed engine, it is environmentally friendly. The direct fuel injection system which injects necessary amounts of fuel into the cylinders at appropriate moments, and a turbo system which efficiently supplies large amounts of air into the cylinders, along with the downsizing of current turbo engine displacements (2,500cc and 2,000cc) to 1,600cc drastically improve combustion efficiency at practical driving-speed range compared to the existing turbo engine.
- High torque compatible Lineartronic (CVT) -
• Lineartronic is Subaru's continuously variable transmission device designed for the new era. It is the world's first longitudinally-mounted chain drive CVT to be utilized in mass-produced AWD passenger cars. For the concept car, the Lineartronic was refined to satisfy the high-power output turbo engine.
- Hybrid system -
• Subaru's original hybrid system has been developed to harmonize with the Symmetrical AWD technology, another one of its specialties, and to further enhance its appeal. A single motor system was employed for its simple structure and light weight.
• This system has an Electric Vehicle (EV) mode which allows AWD motion using only the motor at start-ups and low-speed drives. When decelerating, the regenerating mechanism uses the motor as a power generator.
(2) EyeSight
Subaru's advanced driving assist system EyeSight (Version 2), well received since its release in May 2010, has made further progress. The recognition range of the stereo camera has expanded considerably, both in width and depth.

Length x Width x Height: 4,580 x 1,840 x 1,430mm
Engine type: 1.6 liter Horizontally-Opposed direct fuel injection turbo engine
Transmission type: High torque compatible Lineartronic
Drive train: Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with hybrid system
Battery type: Lithium-ion battery

?SUBARU IMPREZA SPORT (5-door) / IMPREZA G4 (4-door)
(information release date: November 30)
Concept
The product concept is "Redefining Value, Redefining Class". In addition to incorporating the latest model Horizontally-Opposed Boxer engine and the newly developed Lineartronic (CVT), every aspect of the basic structure was reviewed and modified. The modifications include the reduction of overall weight, advances in aerodynamics and rolling resistance, etc. Significant progress was made in its environmental friendliness, most of all fuel efficiency.

Furthermore, special attention was paid to the further refinement of fun-to-drive characteristics which is an essential role of the vehicle. Plus, the new IMPREZA offers a spacious and comfortable cabin with high-quality feel, without increasing its body size.

Body types: 5-door/4-door
Length x Width x Height (5-door): 4,415 x 1,740 x 1,465mm
Engine types: 1.6/2.0 liter third generation Horizontally-Opposed engine
Transmission type: Lineartronic (CVT)

?SUBARU BRZ
1. Concept
Based on its product concept of "Pure Handling Delight", at its core is the Horizontally-Opposed engine known for its light weight, compactness, and low center of gravity. That combined with Subaru's rear-wheel drive platform, the SUBARU BRZ seeks a new level of lowness in center of gravity, one of the lowest in the world, and offers excellent handling performance. It is a sports car that can provide a pure handling delight experience to anyone behind the wheel.
2. Mechanisms
Founded on the third generation Horizontally-Opposed engine, the SUBARU BRZ carries a new 2.0 liter Horizontally-Opposed 4-cylinder engine which was specially designed to fulfill the desired factors of a sports car.
Specifically, the bore and stroke are set in a square formation of 86 x 86mm and combined with Toyota's direct fuel injection technology (D-4S), thus allowing higher output and more environmental friendliness - the ideal for a new age sports car.

Length x Width x Height: 4,240 x 1,775 x 1,300mm
Wheelbase: 2,570mm
Engine type: 2.0 liter Horizontally-Opposed direct fuel injection engine
Transmission type: 6MT/E-6AT
Drive train: Rear-wheel drive
Suspension: front - strut
rear - double wishbone
? S206 (information release date: November 24)
Subaru Tecnica International Inc.*, which manages all of Subaru's motorsport activities, put in their years of engineering expertise into the original tune-up of 4-door SUBARU IMPREZA WRX STI. S206 is a STI complete model that has been refined to ultimate maneuverability, stability and handling performance.

List of Exhibits
- SUBARU ADVANCED TOURER CONCEPT (world premiere; concept car)
- SUBARU IMPREZA SPORT / IMPREZA G4 (Japan premiere; information release date - November 30;
display model)
- SUBARU BRZ (world premiere; display model)
- S206 (information release date - November 24; display model)
- SUBARU LEGACY B4 2.5GT EyeSight S Package - Premium Leather Selection (display model)
- SUBARU EXIGA 2.5i spec. B EyeSight (display model)
- SUBARU FORESTER 2.0XS typeS (display model)
- SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK 2.5i EyeSight EX Edition (production model)
- New generation Boxer engine lineup (technology exhibit)

XPLORE ADVENTURE SERIES VEHICLES SUPPORT OUR NATIONAL PARKS

The first XPLORE Toyota FJ Cruiser will be auctioned with the proceeds donated to the National Parks Foundation.
XPLORE Special Edition packages will be available through participating new car dealerships nationwide in January 2011.



Press Release

Adrian, MI (December 20, 2010) – The National Parks are one of America's greatest treasures and a new line of adventure vehicles now gives you and your family another reason to support and enjoy a vacation this year to your favorite National Parks.

XPLORE Adventure Series vehicles will be available at your local new car dealers beginning in January 2011 and each one sold delivers a donation to the National Park Foundation for our National Parks. The first XLPLORE Toyota FJ Cruiser will be auctioned in the Spring of 2011 with the proceeds donated to the National Park Foundation.

"Venchurs is pleased to introduce the XPLORE Adventure Series line of specialty vehicles for all major brands of vehicles", states Jeff Wyatt, CEO of Venchurs. "It is a privilege to be able to support our National Parks and the automotive new car and Aftermarket communities, with a program that serves America's need for exciting vehicles."

XPLORE Adventure Series vehicles are available in four packages featuring increasing levels of equipment and capability. XPLORE Stage 1 Vehicle Packages featuring Katzkin leather interiors are available for Toyota, Jeep, Ford, Ram, Chevrolet, GMC, Nissan, Honda, Subaru, Hyundai and Kia vehicles.

XPLORE Stage 2 Vehicle Packages for select SUVs and trucks include, BFG off-road tires, Method aluminum wheels, Bilstein 5100 Series shocks, Magnaflow stainless steel cat-back exhaust and optional XPLORE/Katzkin leather and suede seats.

XPLORE Stage 3 gets serious; ARB winches, racks, rock-rails, suspension, roof-top tents, Warn winches and IPF lighting are all available as mix-and-match accessories.

XPLORE has partnered with TLC to offer Build-To-Order Stage 4 Toyotas and Jeeps with a multitude of custom personalized options including special paint, electronics and expedition-grade upfits.

Each XPLORE vehicle comes with a free, one-year Annual Pass to over 52 National Parks and other Federal lands. New owners receive a one-year membership in XPLORE CLUB and a subscription to XPLORE Lifestyle Journal; a high-quality quarterly featuring amazing places to go, fun things to do and interesting people.

"XPLORE vehicles are designed to deliver adventure for enthusiasts and families" quotes Ron Flint, XPLORE Program Director. "You can't have one of these in your driveway and not be inspired to get out into the Great American Outdoors!"

For more information, please visit www.xplorevehicles.com

LA 2010: Subaru Impreza Concept【Video】

Subaru has unveiled its new Impreza Design Concept at this week's LA Auto Show, which previews the carmaker's new "Confidence in Motion" design and brand strategy. The Impreza has been Subaru's global compact car since 1992.

A four-door coupe, the Impreza Concept features a wing motif, part of what Subaru is calling a "fresh expression" of identity for the brand. All-wheel drive is tucked under the broad fenders, and the engine is a 2.0-liter naturally-aspirated Boxer engine paired with a CVT.

The exterior features a hexagonal grille with spread wings in the center and hawk eye-style headlights. The hood, grille, and headlights were designed to project three-dimensional character. The rear gets a garnish that radiates outward from the center, sharp-edged rear lights, and new taillamp.

Inside, designers integrated the instrument panel with the door trim. Dark-blue piping and double stitching accent the four leather seats. A screen in the center dash combines navigation, vehicle information and audio. The steering wheel gets redundant controls.




Press Release

SUBARU DEBUTS IMPREZA DESIGN CONCEPT AT LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW

• Design concept hints at future model.

• Interior integrates latest in infotainment and safety technology.

• New-generation Subaru Boxer engine and CVT.

LOS ANGELES, November xx, 2010 - Subaru of America, Inc. today unveiled the Impreza Design Concept, which previews the carmaker's new "Confidence in Motion" design and brand strategy. The Impreza Design Concept will remain on display throughout the show, which runs November 19-28 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The Impreza has been Subaru's global compact car since 1992.

Built to express possible future Subaru design elements, the Impreza Design Concept conveys a sporty and lively "four-door coupe" style. The Impreza Concept combines environmental compatibility and comfortable ride of the Impreza with the trusted performance that Subaru's Symmetrical All Wheel Drive provides. The designers blended two ideas - "dynamic flow and confident stance" - to showcase Subaru's engineering core values of dynamic performance, safety, driving enjoyment and quality. The Impreza Design Concept features a roomy four-passenger interior.

From the front, the Impreza Design Concept is clearly recognizable as a Subaru, with a hexagonal grille with spread wings in the center and hawk eye-style headlights. At the same time, the front view previews a new direction for the brand's design, with the hood, grille and headlights designed to project three-dimensional character.

Fin-shaped fog lamps, which follow the wing motif, emphasize a fresh expression of Subaru identity. The car's low-and-wide stance is meant to convey reliability, security, and safety. The design of the prominent wheel arches echo that message while also emphasizing the vehicle's All-Wheel Drive technology. The new-generation Legacy debuted this design feature.

In profile, the Impreza Design Concept shows a sleek, continuous line from the A-pillar, along the roof and through the C-pillar. The design yields both a roomy cabin and excellent aerodynamic performance. Subaru designers applied simple and clean lines and surfaces rather than complicated forms. This produces a contrast with the powerful fender design and results in a lean side view, accented by satin silver window frames. The wedge-shaped side rear-view cameras sit along the sharp line of the A-pillar.

At the rear, the hexagonal theme repeats with a garnish that radiates outward from the center. The rear lights also follow a sharp-edged theme, and are stretched into the body sides to join the character line along the car's flanks. The taillamp design features a unique layering and gradation to create the impression of depth.

The front and rear bumper corners, shaped in the wind tunnel, contribute to the car's overall aerodynamic efficiency. Diffusers on the underside of the rear bumper and the rear deck emphasize sportiness and also do their part for aerodynamics, contributing to vehicle fuel efficiency. The Sky Silver exterior color underscores the Impreza Design Concept's stylish and dynamic silhouette, and suggests a silver tone to be used on the next generation of Subaru vehicles. The high-luster silver aluminum wheels, with their five-twin-spoke design, convey vehicle lightness and agility. Carbon fins garnish the spokes, aiding brake cooling.

"Dynamic, Enticing, Secure" Interior
For the Impreza Design Concept's interior, the designers followed a theme of "Dynamic, Enticing, Secure." The smooth integration of the instrument panel with the door trim and armrests suggests sporty yet comfortable driving. The roomy platinum-leather four-seat layout envelops occupants. Dark blue piping and double stitching accent the leather. A "layered" approach to color, with the upper part light platinum and the lower part a shade darker, gives the interior a feeling of spaciousness and sophistication.

A large display in the center dash combines functions for navigation, vehicle information and audio. The touch panel technology provides ease of use, seamlessly melding information and entertainment features.
The platinum leather-wrapped steering wheel features D-shaped spokes set off by piano-black center sections. The wheel innovatively incorporates its own touch panels, giving the driver easy access to various vehicle functions.

New Safety and Performance
Subaru's own advanced driving-assist EyeSight system is installed along the front edge of the roof. The images the camera takes can be viewed on a monitor in the center of the gauge cluster, positioned for easy visibility. EyeSight is also networked with the latest in collision-prevention technology, underscoring the safety that customers expect from Subaru.

The combination of the 2.0-liter naturally aspirated Boxer engine with a LineartronicTM Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) represents Subaru's next-generation powertrain. A 2.5-liter version of this engine powers the 2011 Forester.