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Subaru BRZ gets updates, limited-edition Series.Blue model for 2015

The popular complaint about the Subaru BRZ is that its 200-horsepower, 2.0-liter-boxer engine is underpowered compared to other, modern sports coupes. Subaru isn't doing anything to address that for the 2015 model year BRZ, but the company does have some aesthetic upgrades ready for its rear-wheel-drive two-door and a limited-edition version with a more aggressive body.
The big news for the 2015 BRZ is the Series.Blue Special Edition (pictured above) that is limited to 1,000 units for the US with 500 of them in the brand's famous WR Blue Pearl and the other 500 in Crystal White Pearl. Mechanically, the special models are unchanged with the 2.0-liter boxer engine and a six-speed manual, but they wear an exclusive, black, STI-branded body kit that includes a new lower-lip front spoiler, rear spoiler, side sills and underbody panels. Subaru claims the whole setup increases front downforce and decreases the car's coefficient of drag from 0.28 to 0.27. To match the new kit, the limited-edition cars feature black, 17-inch wheels from STI with contrasting red brake calipers hiding behind them. The interior sees nearly as many changes as the outside with black and blue leather sport seats with blue stitching, and a similar motif for the steering wheel, shift boot, parking brake and kneepads. The illuminated engine start button gets an STI logo, as well. The Series.Blue arrives at dealers in July for $30,285, after the $795 destination charge.
The rest of the BRZ lineup isn't left out and has some minor upgrades of its own, with revised damper settings, stainless steel exhaust tips, a body-color shark fin antenna and a simulated carbon fiber dashboard panel - similar to the upgrades found on the 2015 Scion FR-S. Two new colors are available - Ice Silver Metallic and Crystal White Pearl. Prices are up $100 across the board for 2015. After destination, the Premium trim is $26,490; the Limited is $28,490; the Limited with an automatic transmission is $29,590. The 2015 models hit dealers this summer. Scroll down to read the full announcement.

Subaru's new, more powerful Crosstrek is nearly as efficient as the existing model

Subaru quietly confirmed the Crosstrek will receive a bigger, more powerful 2.5-liter flat-four engine for the 2021 model year. It hasn't released technical details yet, and it kept its silence when Autoblog reached out for more information, but fuel economy figures reveal buyers who order the new four won't spend more time at the pump. Searching for the 2021 Crosstrek on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website shows two engine choices: a 2.0-liter, which has been available since the model went on sale, and a 2.5-liter, which is new for 2021. The latter's fuel economy checks in at 27 mpg in the city, 34 mpg on the highway, and 29 mpg on a combined cycle. For context, the 2.0 posts 28, 33, and 30, respectively. These are tiny differences that most motorists won't notice in real-world conditions, because fuel economy also depends on a variety of factors (like driving style). Subaru's time-tested all-wheel drive system comes standard regardless of displacement, and the EPA data (which our eagle-eyed colleagues at Motor Trend first spotted) suggest the 2.5-liter will exclusively be offered with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The smaller flat-four's fuel economy figures drop to 22, 29, and 25, respectively, when it's bolted to the six-speed manual gearbox Subaru offers as standard. As we reported earlier, the 2.5-liter will power a Crosstrek trim level named Sport that will join the range for the 2021 model year. The existing Limited model will receive the bigger engine, too, while the rest of the range will carry on with the 2.0-liter. The extra horsepower will carry a price premium, but pricing hasn't been announced. Its horsepower and torque figures remain under wraps, too, but we're betting the Crosstrek will receive the naturally-aspirated 2.5-liter already available in the Forester, the Outback, and the Legacy. It makes 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque in all three applications, numbers that will very likely carry over to the Crosstrek's specifications sheet. The 2.0-liter is rated at 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. Subaru will introduce the 2021 Crosstrek in the coming weeks. And, although the Impreza is very closely related to the Crosstrek, there's no indication it will also receive the 2.5-liter, though Subaru could surprise us. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.    

Subaru puts Japanese production on pause in the wake of deadly typhoon

Subaru idled its main factory in Gunma, Japan, in the wake of the deadly typhoon that wreaked havoc on the eastern part of the country. The shutdown is tentatively scheduled to last about a week. Located roughly two hours northwest of Tokyo, the Gunma factory fell silent at the end of the morning shift on October 16, according to Automotive News. The facility wasn't directly affected by the typhoon, but some of its suppliers suffered flood damage. "These suppliers are currently working to normalize their operations with our human and material support as well, but we expect some impairment of their supply of automotive components and parts to Subaru," the firm said in a statement. It didn't name the suppliers, and it didn't identify the parts they make, but it added production should resume on October 25. About 2,500 cars leave the Gunma factory daily, Automotive News learned, so approximately 11,250 vehicles will be delayed by the shutdown.The BRZ, Forester, Crosstrek, and the WRX all come from the facility. It also makes the Impreza, though American-spec models are built in Indiana, and the Levorg, which isn't sold in the United States. Subaru confirmed to Autoblog its plant in Lafayette isn't affected by the storm, which suggests it sources parts from other suppliers. Subaru is the first car manufacturer to idle a factory in the wake of typhoon Hagibis, which killed 77 people when it touched down on October 12, but it might not be last. Suppliers normally work with several carmakers, and Toyota and Mitsubishi are reportedly keeping a very close eye on their parts inventory. Auto News Plants/Manufacturing Subaru