2006 Subaru Wrx on 2040-cars

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Subaru Impreza Sedan Concept previews future four-door in LA

Subaru previewed the next-generation Impreza hatchback at last month's Tokyo Motor Show, and now the appropriately named Impreza Sedan Concept displays how that concept looks in four-door form. Like the five-door, Subie says the styling elements on display here point towards the company's future design direction, not to mention the next-generation Impreza sedan that'll arrive late next year. Other than some darkened trim and slight tweaks to the lower air dam, the sedan and hatch concepts are essentially identical forward of the B-pillar. They even feature the same scalloped character line down the sides. The rear shape echoes the front's angular styling and also shares the five-door's C-shaped taillights. The Impreza Sedan Concept shares a similar footprint as the 2015 Impreza four-door. The wheelbase grows by an inch, to 105.1. However, overall length drops by about the same amount to 179.3 inches. Spy shots already show the 2017 Impreza sedan testing in heavy camouflage, and rumors suggest that it rides on the company's upcoming modular platform. A direct-injected boxer engine is reportedly under the hood, as well. Scroll down for more details in Subie's press blast. Subaru "Impreza Sedan Concept" Makes World Debut at 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show Tokyo, November 19, 2015 – Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the manufacturer of Subaru automobiles, today unveiled the "Impreza Sedan Concept" at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show. The Impreza Sedan Concept is a design concept car previewing the next-generation Impreza which is to be the first one of Subaru's next-generation strategic vehicles envisioned in FHI's Mid-Term Management Vision "Prominence 2020" announced in May 2014. While positioned as an entry model in the Subaru lineup, its compact body features a blend of bold expressions of Subaru's Dynamic & Solid design elements and a quality feel beyond its class - hinting at the design direction not only of the new Impreza but of Subaru's future models as a whole. Main Features of Impreza Sedan Concept The front, sides, and rear are seamlessly joined in the Dynamic & Solid surface structure, creating a three-dimensional and solid body that is a feature of Subaru styling. The dynamism is enhanced by well-placed character lines on the compact sedan style. The design expression of "Enjoyment and Peace of Mind", the value that Subaru provides to its customers, is fully pursued within the limits of the C-segment body size.

Subaru recalls WRX and Forester 2.0XT for turbo intake problem

The Basics: Subaru will recall 18,200 examples of the 2015-2016 WRX and Forester 2.0XT. The WRX's have production dates between April 10, 2015, and October 21, 2015, and the Foresters come from April 10, 2015, to October 20, 2015. The Problem: The turbocharger intake duct can crack, which could cause the engine to run rough or stall. According to Subaru, this problem happens because a supplier used an incorrect material for a specific production lot of parts. Accidents/Injuries: None reported. The Fix: Dealers will inspect the turbocharger air intake duct. If the part is from the affected lot, then owners get a replacement. If you own one: Subaru hasn't yet told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration when this recall would begin. RECALL Subject : Turbocharger Intake Duct Crack may cause Stall Report Receipt Date: MAR 21, 2016 NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V162000 Component(s): ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Potential Number of Units Affected: 18,200 All Products Associated with this Recall Vehicle Make Model Model Year(s) SUBARU FORESTER 2015-2016 SUBARU WRX 2015-2016 Details Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc. SUMMARY: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 WRX vehicles manufactured April 10, 2015, to October 21, 2015, and Forester 2.0XT vehicles manufactured April 10, 2015, to October 20, 2015. The turbocharger air intake duct may crack and possibly result in an engine stall. CONSEQUENCE: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash. REMEDY: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the turbocharger air intake duct, and replace it as necessary, free of charge, depending on the lot number found on the duct. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTA-62. NOTES: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov. Related Video:

Should Subaru have a premium brand?

A lot of people love Subarus, and that audience is only getting bigger. Subaru sold 647,956 vehicles in the U.S. in 2017, up from 615,132 units in 2016; 513,693 in 2012; and 187,699 in 2008. You get the idea. It's a relatively small brand, but a growing one. It's also one of the top brands in terms of customer loyalty, and in terms of conquest sales. From Q2 2015 to Q2 2016, Subaru gained 3.5 customers from other brands for every customer it lost. Recently, Riley, a listener to the Autoblog Podcast, wrote in and asked why Subaru doesn't have a luxury brand. Reading the email, neurons began firing immediately, and a whole bunch of new thoughts rushed in at once, mingling with old data in my brain. Indeed, why doesn't Subaru have its own luxury brand? My initial conclusion was that it just didn't make sense for the brand. It's too small of a company to warrant another brand. The higher-end offerings — namely top-trim Ascents — are probably the ceiling at the moment. If those can sell consistently, then maybe it would be time to toy with luxury-leaning models the way Hyundai did before spinning off Genesis (and perhaps adopt a wait-and-see attitude with regard to that potential competitor.) A luxury brand might dilute the value of Subaru's mainstream offerings, giving it the look of a budget brand, but luxury models within the brand could do the opposite. ... Unless ... What if Subaru's luxury brand was all electrified? Subaru is a company that is genuinely concerned with sustainability and environmental issues. Famously, its factories are zero-landfill facilities, and the company takes part in a multitude of environmental initiatives both on its own and with various partners. This mirrors the values of a large part of Subaru's customer base, who have earned a reputation as outdoor adventurers who love nature — and dogs. It's no surprise to see Subaru overrepresented on the roads of Denver, Portland, Ore., and Burlington, Vt. Subaru doesn't offer any plug-in models yet, but they're in the works. As of now, we can expect them to be based on current nameplates. What if Subaru gave its upcoming Crosstrek PHEV the luxury treatment and a new brand name ("Pleiades" would be the easy grab). Sure, Subaru retains customers really well already, but what happens when people outgrow Subaru? At least they have the option of the Ascent, but I'm interested to see how many Subaru owners move on to luxury brands (I'm in the process of finding those answers).