2012 Subaru Forester Xt Touring Wagon 4-door 2.5l on 2040-cars

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Subaru Impreza Sport Hybrid launches in Japan

Subaru is adding the Impreza Sport Hybrid to its lineup, but it's exclusive to the Japanese market for the moment. The latest Impreza variant is rated at 48 miles per gallon on the Japanese testing cycle, and it joins the XV Crosstrek as the only hybrids in Subaru's lineup. The brand doesn't currently list overall horsepower or torque specs for the new model. However, given that they share a 2.0-liter boxer four-cylinder engine, CVT, all-wheel drive, and battery packs mounted under the rear cargo floor, figures similar to the Crosstrek hybrid's 160 hp and 163 lb-ft of torque seem likely. Subaru's EyeSight system is standard on all models of the hybrid Impreza, and the tech is programmed to work with the adaptive cruise control to eke out the best fuel economy possible while driving. There are also some styling tweaks, including updates to the lower air dam, revised side sills, a roof spoiler, and LED taillights. Don't get too excited about parking an Impreza Sport Hybrid in your garage any time soon, though. Subaru of America's Jessica Tullman told Autoblog, "At this point, there are no plans to bring it here." The model goes on sale in Japan on July 10 with a starting price of the equivalent of about $18,900, before the country's consumption tax. A higher trim S model with an upgraded interior goes for around $19,900. Subaru Launches "Impreza Sport Hybrid" in Japan Tokyo, June 19, 2015 – Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the manufacturer of Subaru automobiles, will launch an "Impreza Sport Hybrid" on July 10, 2015, through Subaru dealerships in Japan. The new Impreza Sport Hybrid is the second fun-to-drive hybrid from Subaru, following on from the Subaru XV Hybrid launched in 2013. The motor assist function offers smooth, linear acceleration, which is teamed with sharp, sporty handling to bring out the distinctive enjoyment of driving a hybrid model while achieving fuel economy of just 20.4 km/liter (JC08 mode).*1 Designed to make optimum use of the low center of gravity and superior weight balance that characterize Subaru's unique Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) layout, the electric motor and high-voltage batteries of the hybrid version are positioned for superb driveability. The hybrid model further enhances the appeal of the Impreza Sport lineup by embracing Subaru design values to achieve its own sporty, top-quality exterior look and a refined, up-to-the-minute interior style.

Subaru, like Nissan, admits improper checks on Japan cars, expects recalls

TOKYO — Subaru on Friday said it had failed to follow proper inspection procedures for vehicles for the domestic market, an issue likely to result in a product recall and adding to a list of compliance problems at Japanese companies. The automaker said for more than 30 years, final inspections of new vehicles at its main Gunma complex north of Tokyo were sometimes conducted by inspectors who were not listed as certified technicians, violating transport ministry requirements. The automaker said it was therefore considering recalling about 255,000 vehicles including its Legacy, Forester and Impreza models produced at the complex and sold at home, at a cost of around 5 billion yen ($43.86 million). Chief Executive Officer Yasuyuki Yoshinaga at a news conference said inspectors in training for certification to sign off final checks had been approving the checks under the names of their trainers, a process the automaker followed for over 30 years without realizing it did not meet ministry requirements. "The final inspection process is very important and we acknowledge that we did not meet requirements," Yoshinaga said. "It's always been my goal to make this company good. This issue shows that we're not there yet." Subaru said it would report details of an internal investigation to the ministry on Monday, and that it needed to better communicate requirements to workers. "It's always been my goal to make this company good. This issue shows that we're not there yet." The revelation followed a similar oversight at Nissan, while Kobe Steel has been grappling with a data fabrication scandal, tarnishing Japan's reputation for quality control. Yoshinaga said the issue was discovered during an internal inspection ordered by the ministry after Nissan late last month revealed similar violations on inspections governing vehicles sold in Japan at its domestic factories. The ministry requires certified technicians to sign off on paperwork for final inspections for vehicles produced in Japan for the domestic market. The extra step does not affect product quality and is not needed for vehicles exported overseas. Toyota, Honda and other Japanese automakers on Friday said they have reported to the ministry that they found no issues with their respective inspections. Subaru shares closed down 2.6 percent on Friday after falling more than 3 percent following media reports of the improper inspections. The broader market rose 1.2 percent.

2018 Subaru Outback to show fresh new face in New York

The refreshed and facelifted 2018 Subaru Outback was revealed today, just ahead of its debut next week at the 2017 New York Auto Show. While not all new, the Outback gets a more aggressive appearance, improved ride and handling, and some new standard and optional equipment. Pricing hasn't been announced, but the 2018 Outback will go on sale sometime later this year. While there haven't been many changes to the overall body, the Outback's front and rear fascias have been updated to fall in line with the rest of Subaru's lineup. The C-shaped headlights and wide grille recall the new 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. According to Subaru, the shape is supposed to remind you of the boxer engine design, with the lights moving outward from the grille. The LED headlights are available with a feature that points them in the direction of the steering wheel. Limited and Touring models come with automatic high beams courtesy of Subaru's EyeSight safety suite. New cladding on the front is intended to better protect the body from dirt and rocks when soft-roading. There will be new wheel designs across the entire Outback range. 2.5i base and Premium models come with 17-inch wheels, while Limited and Touring models come with 18-inch wheels. All models except the range-topping Touring come with roof rails with retractable crossbars. The Touring comes with low-profile rails and detachable crossbars. Subaru claims improvements to the Outback's chassis and suspension provide a smoother, quieter ride than the current model. The brakes and the electronic power steering have also been retuned for a more linear response. Improvements to the CVT, the door mirrors, side glass, and wheel wells should help quell some road noise. There have been upgrades to the interior, including a redesigned center console. Backseat passengers now have access to two USB ports. New materials and colors will be available for both the seating surfaces and trim pieces. Subaru also says an improved air conditioning system will cool the cabin more quickly than before. The 2018 Outback gets the latest version of Subaru's Starlink infotainment system. That means Bluetooth phone and audio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a TomTom navigation system with three years of map updates in the top level models. The standard touchscreen is 6.5 inches, while an 8-inch system is an available option. Premium, Limited, and Touring models get over-the-air WiFi updates.