2013 Subaru Legacy on 2040-cars

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Plans for 7-seat Subaru Tribeca replacement becoming clearer

Subaru is going to have its hands full at the Tokyo Motor Show next week, but while the Cross Sport Design Concept is expected to preview a Tribeca-replacing crossover, this new model could still be at least two years from production. It has already been confirmed that production of the Tribeca will end early next year, but in speaking with Yasuyuki Yoshinaga, the president of Subaru's parent Fuji Heavy Industries, Automotive News is reporting that there will be a lengthy gap between the Tribeca and its eventual replacement.
The next-gen three-row crossover wasn't included in an annual production capacity goal of 500,000 units expected in the US by the end of 2016, so it's likely that we won't see this much-needed CUV until 2017. While the details of this new model aren't known, Yoshinaga told AN that it will be "completely different" from the Tribeca. As we heard back in February, we do expect this seven-passenger crossover to grow in size in order to offer a larger cabin with more third-row space.
Automotive News even mentions that the Tribeca replacement could be based on the existing Subaru Exiga from the Japanese market. That three-row vehicle splits the difference between a minivan and wagon, with swinging doors instead of sliders, and a tall greenhouse.

Subaru mulling three-row utility, upscale versions of existing models

Subaru was one of few automakers whose sales actually picked up during the recent recession. But now that auto sales are back on track (and expected to hit pre-recession numbers this year), Subaru is trying to come up with new products to fill voids in its current lineup. Wards Auto had a chance to talk to Subaru's director-product manager Ken Lin, who indicated that the automaker is planning to introduce new models this year that will help it attract new buyers without alienating current ones.
The biggest void, of course, is a competitive three-row crossover, a role the Tribeca does not fill in one a very popular segment. Lin said that while there's no current plan to kill off the Tribeca, Subaru is looking at creating a larger three-row CUV with more interior space. In addition to to something big, Subaru is getting ready to bring its customers more luxury with new touring models, but does not anticipate going toe-to-toe with Mercedes-Benz or BMW.
By the end of this year, Subaru will be introducing a new hybrid model, although we don't yet know on which model it will be based. What we do seem to know is that the car will get its power from a nickel metal hydride battery rather than a more modern lithium-ion pack for the sake of simplicity. Finally, Lin mentioned a new product being brought into the sports car segment, but while the article takes this as a hint toward a possible BRZ Turbo, it could also be a reference to the next generation of the WRX and WRX STI.

Subaru issues recall over cars that may start themselves

Subaru has issued one of the strangest recalls we've come across in some time. As it turns out, certain Subaru models may randomly start their own engines. The issue is confined to select models equipped with an automatic or CVT and the company's optional Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory. If the RES key fob is dropped, it could "randomly transmit an engine start request without pressing the button."
Vehicles affected include the 2010-2012 Legacy and Outback with an automatic or CVT, 2012-2013 Impreza with the CVT, and 2013 XV Crosstrek with CVT (shown), all equipped with the Audiovox RES accessory. Likewise, certain 2013 Legacy and Outbacks may have received replacement RES fobs that could be affected. All told, 47,419 vehicles are included in the recall.
Should one of these cars start on their own, Subaru says they will run up to 15 minutes, but the vehicle may also continue to start and stop until either the battery in the fob dies or the car runs out of fuel. Of course, if one of these cars is parked in an enclosed area, that means harmful gasses could build up, which could be dangerous if inhaled.