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Some 2019 Subaru Outbacks and Legacys recalled, owners could get new cars

Update: Subaru provided us with some updated details pertaining to this recall. Here's what the company had to say: "The cars in question can be and will be repaired; they will not be junked or scrapped. We are offering a replacement vehicle as to not inconvenience the owners. We expect the number of affected cars actually in owners hands to be between 12-20. We are checking the entire population, but the defect rate is low and we estimate just 200 cars are affected." Subaru is recalling a total of 2,107 brand-new vehicles due to faulty welds located on the duct below the cowl panel that could compromise the vehicle’s body strength, increasing the risk of injury in a crash. The 2019 Outback and 2019 Legacy are the two models involved with the recall. However, there are only 142 Legacys impacted, whereas 1,965 Outbacks are being called back. Subaru says customers will have a few options if they have one of the affected vehicles. YouÂ’ll be able to exchange the vehicle, let Subaru buy it back, or return the car for some intensive repairs. Perhaps this recall reminds you of the situation the Ascent was in last year. The large Subaru SUV was recalled due to it missing a series of spot welds on the B-pillar, weakening the structure. Subaru said it planned to destroy all 293 Ascents that were thought to be affected at the time. These new faulty welds are described differently than the ones we saw previously. HereÂ’s SubaruÂ’s explanation for what went wrong: “During the manufacturing process at the supplierÂ’s factory, the spot-welder tip is cleaned and re-shaped by a dresser (grinding machine). During production of potentially affected parts, the grinding machine may have been blocked by excess metal chips/powder, thus reducing the effectiveness of the welder.” Subaru reportedly told Consumer Reports that most of the vehicles being recalled havenÂ’t even reached the dealerships yet, with fewer than 20 of the vehicles in customer hands. That makes sense, as Subaru says the affected vehicles were built between May 31 and June 6, 2019. Subaru said a bodyshop employee initially noticed the defect on June 6, which prompted an internal investigation, leading to the recall. We asked Subaru if it could provide any more detail about the recall beyond what the official documents show — the latest information can be found at the top of the post. If you have a 2019 Outback or Legacy affected by this issue, expect to receive a letter in the mail soon.

Upcoming Subaru WRX STI rumored to get hybrid drivetrain

Subaru might electrify the next-gen WRX STI. According to a rumor from Motoring in Australia citing an unnamed Subie insider, the brand's engineers reportedly have two hybrid systems under development for the future model. The move would allow the STI to boost power output and improve fuel economy and lower emissions to keep up with US regulations. According to Motoring's speculation, the next STI might use an electric motor at the back to power the rear axle and an upgraded version of the FA20 turbocharged 2.0-liter at the front. A new dual-clutch six-speed gearbox would help the power get to the road, and the total system could allegedly offer around 322 horsepower versus 305 hp from the current US model. This rumor also claims the next-gen STI would continue as a sedan when it arrives in 2017. Like previous iterations, the four-door will share underpinnings with the Impreza, which will mean a move to Subaru's new modular platform. The standard hybrid might only be the beginning of electrification for the future STI. Motoring's source also claims the company has a plug-in hybrid variant under development, but it might not debut until the 2018 Tokyo Motor Show. A hybrid STI could be exciting, but until there are solid facts, this rumor joins a long history of powertrain speculation about the high-performance Subaru. In 2008 and 2010, reports emerged about a diesel version, but it never appeared. We once even heard that the current-gen WRX might boast an electric turbo.

You can almost make out the shape of the new Subaru Crosstrek

Subaru released a shadowy teaser of the redesigned XV hatchback which will debut in March at the Geneva Motor Show. The car will be called the Crosstrek in the United States. We can't see much from this dark image, but it looks like the sides have more creases and definition than the current model, which has been on sale since 2013 with only minor changes. Subaru showed the XV concept at Geneva last year with wild wheels, sharp headlights, severe side cuts, and prominent off-road-style body cladding. Naturally, we expect a more toned-down version in production trim. Subaru confirmed the new vehicle will offer its Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive system (we'd be stunned if it didn't). The Crosstrek will also employ Subaru's new Global Platform, which is more rigid and has a lower center of gravity. These modular underpinnings will be used on all of its next-generation models and debuted on the Impreza. The Crosstreck was called the Crosstrek XV in the US market for several years and also offered a hybrid version, which was dropped. Crosstrek sales in the US increased 7.6 percent last year to 95,677 units, placing it third behind the Outback and Forester in Subaru's portfolio. Related Video: