2008 Subaru Impreza Wrx Sti on 2040-cars

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Subaru is bringing a trio of STI concepts to the Tokyo Auto Salon

The Tokyo Auto Salon is almost upon us (or our Japanese counterparts at any rate), and Subaru has no intention of sitting it out. To that end, its performance division Subaru Tecnica International is preparing a slate of new show cars for the tuner expo. Of the trio that STI has in store for the show, the only one it is showing us so far is the STI Performance Concept pictured above – and we've already seen that one. Based on the BRZ and festooned with all manner of performance upgrades (and an enticing matte blue wrap), it was presented at the New York Auto Show this past April. But there are two more that we have not seen yet. Most intriguing is the proposed XV Hybrid STI Concept, but ostensibly combines the rugged approach of the XV Crosstrek – in hybrid spec no less – with the performance upgrades we've come to expect from the WRX STI. Where STI show cars typically appear in blue, this one is slated to appear in white with orange accents and an interior in orange and beige. It still promises a slew of aero enhancements, along with an upgraded suspension. Alongside the BRZ and XV concepts will be a Levorg STI as well, based on the wagon that Subaru sells in Japan and Europe. This one'll appear in WR Blue Pearl with a sportier front end, 18-inch alloys, specific dampers, and a two-tone interior in burgundy and black. Joining the concepts at the Subaru stand will be a quartet of racing models – two based on the BRZ and two on the WRX STI. Related Video: Exhibition Outline of Tokyo Auto Salon 2016 Tokyo, December 24, 2015 – Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), together with Subaru Tecnica International Inc. (STI)*1, announced its exhibition at the upcoming Tokyo Auto Salon 2016 with NAPAC (Japan Car Parts and Aftermarket Promotion Association), which will be held January 15th to 17th, 2016 at the Makuhari Messe in Chiba prefecture. At the Subaru booth will be concept models such as the "STI Performance Concept" which signifies STI's core business areas, "Levorg STI Concept" and "Subaru XV Hybrid STI Concept". The "WRX STI NBR Challenge 2016", a racing car for 24 Hours Nurburgring endurance race in 2016 and the "Subaru BRZ GT300 2016" for Super GT race will also be exhibited. At the press conference on January 15th, 2016 Subaru Motorsport Activities will be announced. The special site for Subaru Auto salon (http://www.subaru.jp/tas2016/) will be opened.

Subaru WRX hatchback back off the table

It's fair to see we're rather fond of the new Subaru WRX. That's not to say we don't have a number of issues with the budget sports sedan, though. Foremost among those complaints is that it's short exactly one door. Yes, the sedan-only WRX is just fine, but we'd be lying if we said we weren't missing the long-roofed, five-door model of years past. More pressing than our sentimentality, though, is the business case for a WRX wagon - half of the 2013 WRX and STI models sold had five doors. As a general rule, ignoring half of your former customers isn't the best strategy for long-term success. There was some hope, as recently as a few weeks ago, though, that Subaru would right this wrong and offer a real, five-door WRX. An Australian reporter managed to corner project manager Masuo Takatsu, who said strong interest from the US meant that the Subaru mothership was considering a WRX with a hatch rather than a trunk. Sadly, that doesn't seem to be the case, as Subaru USA is dashing any and all hope of a second body style. According to Motor Trend, the company's US arm reached out to Japan and, despite the statements made by Takatsu, confirmed that there were no plans for a WRX wagon. Sigh...

2015 Subaru Outback offers more room and better econ behind that new face

While its new front fascia makes the biggest obvious impact, Subaru says changes to the entire 2015 Outback package make it roomier, more powerful, more efficient and quieter. The hexagonal grille gets it in line with the corporate template, to go along with a new shape to the lower grille and fog light cladding, a sharp crease for a shoulder line and a faster rake to the windshield. The rocker panel cladding and its 'toothed' molding remain, but it now also doubles as a step for when you want to place items on the roof rack.
Under the aluminum hood will either be a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder boxer engine with 175 horsepower and a carryover 174 pound-feet of torque, or a 3.6-liter inline-six-cylinder with 256 hp and 247 lb-ft exclusively in the 3.6R Limited model. Paired to the lower-friction Lineartronic CVT that is the only shifting choice, and aided by features like the active grille shutter system and electric power steering, Subaru estimates fuel economy for the four-cylinder at 25 miles per gallon city, 33 highway and 28 combined, an increase of 1/3/2 mpg over the outgoing car. The sixer is pegged at 19 city, 27 highway and 22 combined, an increase of 2 mpg across the board.
The Outback has grown in every dimension, but never by more than 0.7 of an inch. The passenger cabin grows by 2.7 cubic feet, though, so occupants have more shoulder, hip, elbow and legroom. The cargo hold is enlarged by 1.2 cu-ft with the rear seats up, by 2.0 cu-ft with them down and the load floor is flatter. Accessing it is made easier by the memory height function on the power tailgate and new release handles for the rear thrones. Cabin ambiance is improved by sound abatement measures like an acoustic windshield, thicker panels and more noise-insulating foam.