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Subaru launches STI-tuned Forester tS in Japan

Subaru Tecnica International, better known by its initials, STI, has finally unveiled its work at tuning the Forester into a higher performance machine. Unfortunately while tweaks to the suspension and styling are plentiful, it's not clear how much acceleration is going to improve from just a few minor upgrades to the powertrain. All of the tS models come with a turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder and continuously variable transmission. STI fits new software to control the engine and gearbox, plus a cooler for the CVT, but Subaru doesn't say what effect this has on overall performance. The Sport Sharp driving mode has also been also retuned in the SI-Drive system. However, the Forester tS should definitely be a better handler with a 0.6-inch (15-mm) drop for the suspension and STI parts for the strut tower brace and rear subframe support. The upgrade to forged 19-inch wheels from BBS and commensurately larger tires should help the CUV stick to the road better, too, and Brembo ventilated brake discs front and rear can bring things to a halt. On the outside, the Forester tS wears some subtle updates with a cherry-red pinstripe running around the front grille and rear bumper. STI also fits a new front and rear spoiler, plus black mirrors provide a little contrast on each side. Inside, there are some new seats up front with a mix of black leather and Ultrasuede with red stitching and matching door panels. We were hoping Subaru might let STI go wild on the Forester to create a higher-riding take on the WRX STI, but that didn't happen. The tS goes on sale in Japan on November 25 and is limited to just 300 units. Prices ring up at 4,027,778 yen before the country's consumption tax ($34,170). Scroll down for all the details about this hotted-up crossover. STI Releases Subaru "Forester tS" in Japan Nov 25,2014 Tokyo, November 25, 2014 - Subaru Tecnica International Inc. (STI)*1 today announced the release of the Subaru "Forester tS", which goes on sale on November 25 through Subaru dealerships in Japan. With a development concept focused on creating an on-road vehicle which has a rugged styling, responsive handling performance and quality feel, the Forester tS offers an enhanced version of the driving performance the Forester provides as an SUV, delivering the ultimate in driving enjoyment and pleasure of ownership. The Forester tS benefits from its own exclusive tuning the "S# (Sport Sharp) mode" for "SI-DRIVE".

Impreza 5-door concept headlines Subaru's Tokyo lineup

Subaru is planning a whole raft of new debuts for the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show. One of them we've already seen in the updated Forester crossover. But that's just the tip of the proverbial iceberg when it comes to Fuji Heavy Industries' plans for the Japanese expo. Leading the lineup will be two brand-new concepts. Subaru will be showcasing a conceptual preview of the next-generation Impreza. The five-door hatchback is so far only being shown in sleek and shapely design renderings, so we'll have to wait as the show approaches to see more. But from what little we can see so far, the hatchback looks promising. Along with the Impreza is the hybrid Viziv Future concept, which builds on previous Viziv design studies in a crossover form that just might preview the upcoming replacement for the Tribeca. The sporty crossover concept is rendered in a muscular-looking take on typical Subaru style, in white with metallic and orange accents inside and out. A full glass sunroof lets the light into the thoroughly modern cockpit, with a large dashboard monitor and four individual bucket seats accessed by conventional front doors and what look like van-like, pillar-less sliding rear door like you might see on a Ford B-Max. The concept is fitted with a bike rack, automated driving is provided by the next-generation EyeSight system, and motivation comes from a turbocharged hybrid setup. This being a Subaru, it naturally features all-wheel traction, but it's provided through the road thanks to the electric motor on the rear axle. Other features of the Subaru pavilion in Tokyo include a luxed-up version of the WRX S4 dubbed SporVita, with an Italian leather interior. Other interior trim, 18-inch wheels, and a raft of otherwise optional equipment comes part of the package which will also bee seen on the Legacy. There'll be a few more new debuts – including new versions of the XV, Levorg, and WRX STI S207 – to be revealed later this month, along with the BRZ GT300 that Subaru fields in the Super GT series. Related Video: Subaru Exhibition Outline of the 44th Tokyo Motor Show 2015 October 7, 2015 Tokyo, October 7, 2015 – Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the manufacturer of Subaru automobiles, will unveil two new concept cars at the 44th Tokyo Motor Show 2015 (Press Days: October 28 and 29; General Public: October 30 to November 8).

Subaru funds Center For Pet Safety crash testing for dogs [w/video]

Crash-testing new vehicles to evaluate their ability to keep humans safe in accidents is nothing new, but thus far there has been little in the way of crash testing for dogs. Subaru, a company that portrays itself as pet friendly, hopes to raise awareness on the issue of pet safety by funding initial crash testing by the nonprofit Center for Pet Safety, Automotive News reports.
Real dogs were not used in the crash tests; three dummy dogs representing a 25-pound terrier, a 45-pound border collie and a 75-pound golden retriever were used. There are a variety of devices for sale that are supposed to restrain dogs from entering the front-seat area and distracting the driver - tethers, cages, nets and crates - but their effectiveness in a crash is unknown.
In Subaru's crash test, performed at a Virginia laboratory that tests child seats on a device that speeds down a track and stops abruptly, the results show that devices such as dog tethers are prone to break in a crash, sending the dog rocketing into whatever is in front of it. Rather alarmingly, the organization reports a 100-percent failure rate. In other words, "None of the harnesses were deemed safe enough to protect both the dog and the humans in the event of an accident." Yikes.