2011 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited on 2040-cars

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Subaru allegedly developing mid-engine hybrid sports coupe

A mid-engine, hybrid sports coupe could give Subaru a high-performance halo model in the coming years. According to Car and Driver, "a source close to Subaru" let slip the company has been testing the prototype powertrain underneath a BRZ at its proving grounds in Japan. "Whether the end result will be a two-door sports coupe or some kind of sports crossover/CUV is still in the evaluation stage," the anonymous source told Car and Driver. "A coupe seems more likely, though." The vehicle's layout allegedly uses a mid-mounted 1.6-liter turbocharged boxer engine with hybrid assist to spin the rear wheels, and two electric motors at the front would power that end. The resulting all-wheel drive powertrain would have about 330 horsepower or more, Car and Driver claims. If a production version happens, it would use the upcoming Subaru Global Platform. Rumors about Subaru's increased development of hybrids offer some support for this alleged sports coupe. The company reportedly might use electrification to boost the next-gen STI. In 2014, a story also suggested the automaker could revive the SVX as a performance-oriented hybrid shooting brake. More recently, even its Viziv GT Vision Gran Turismo concept combined a turbocharged boxer with three electric motors. While a Subaru sports coupe piques our interest, we are taking the prospect with a grain of salt for now. The Japanese brand has a tendency of teasing performance models but not actually delivering on them – like the STI Performance Concept (above) or the aggressive styling of the last WRX Concept. There could also be a long wait before we see what the company is developing. According to Car and Driver, a concept is at least two years away. Then it would take even more time for execs to okay production. Related Video:

2021 Subaru Impreza gets new driving modes for a mild price increase

Subaru has announced pricing information for the 2021 Impreza. It costs a little bit more than the outgoing 2020 model, but some trim levels gain a new feature named SI-Drive that adds two driving modes. Pricing for the 2021 Impreza sedan, the company's entry-level model, starts at $19,720 including a mandatory $925 destination charge. For context, the 2020 model cost $19,595. Putting a 2021 in your driveway will cost $100 more, but Subaru increased its destination charge by $25, so the next model year will bring a $125 increase. That figure corresponds to a base variant equipped with a five-speed manual transmission. Motorists who want two pedals need to plan on spending $1,120 more for a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The lineup still includes four trim levels called base, Premium, Sport, and Limited, respectively. The CVT-only range-topping model costs $26,820 including destination, a $125 drop compared to 2020. On the hatchback side of the portfolio, the base model costs $20,220 and the more upscale Limited carries a price of $27,320. Subaru gave the Impreza a mid-cycle update for 2020, so the 2021 model is essentially unchanged with the exception of an SI-Drive performance management system. Only offered on cars equipped with the CVT, it adds two driving modes that "allow the driver to maximize engine performance, control, and efficiency," according to the brand. This technology is already found in several global Subaru models, including the WRX. Although the Crosstrek entered the 2021 model year with a bigger engine, the Impreza it's based on remains exclusively available with a 2.0-liter flat-four engine rated at 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive system comes standard regardless of trim level or body style. Subaru will begin sending the 2021 Impreza to its American dealers in October 2020. It will join the rest of the lineup with one exception: the BRZ. Production of the enthusiast-approved coupe is ending, and the company has stopped taking new orders for the model in Japan. It's again working with partner Toyota to bring a second-generation model to the market, and we hear it might make its debut in time for the 2022 model year. Related Video:    

There's a 2017 Subaru Impreza hatchback, too

The heart of the new Impreza is the new Subaru Global Platform. It's a unique item, partially because it sees Subaru using terms we don't always associate with affordable C-segment hatchbacks and sedans. Agility – a phrase more often reserved for performance vehicles – is a big part of the new platform. The basic suspension layout hasn't changed dramatically, with struts in front and a double-wishbone setup in back, but Subaru is claiming a 50-percent reduction in body roll. The new platform, meanwhile, promises a 70-percent increase in body rigidity compared to the current car. In short, this should be a much more tossable Impreza. And a turn, a more tossable WRX. We likey. It will also be a more powerful car, too, although only just. The new 2.0-liter flat-four engine has been blessed with direct injection, boosting power up from 148 to 152 ponies. Like we said, only just. Subaru was cagey on transmissions, simply saying that "highline trims" would get a Lineartronic CVT with a seven-speed manual mode. View 11 Photos Like the current Impreza, the updated model will be offered in base, Premium, Sport, and Limited trims. We're taking particular note of the Sport, which gets 18-inch wheels, a unique suspension tune, and active torque vectoring. It should make for an entertaining package, although customers aching for something more comfortable should look to the nicely equipped Limited. The top-end trim adds a power driver's seat, eight-inch touchscreen, push-button start, a Harmon/Kardon stereo, leather upholstery, and 17-inch wheels. Subaru's awesome EyeSight safety system will also be offered, too. The 2017 Impreza goes on sale later this year, following this week's New York Auto Show debut. 2017 Subaru Impreza reveal. autoblog.com/new-york-auto-show Posted by Autoblog on Tuesday, March 22, 2016 Show full PR text SUBARU INTRODUCES ALL-NEW, U.S.-BUILT 2017 IMPREZA®; NEW GLOBAL PLATFORM DELIVERS MAJOR GAINS IN HANDLING PERFORMANCE, CRASH SAFETY AND RIDE COMFORT Sedan and 5-Door Styles New Subaru Global Platform Significantly Enhances Safety, Ride Comfort and Agility Award-Winning EyeSight®, Plus New Driver Assist Technologies SUBARU STARLINK® Safety and Security Features and Apps New Subaru Design Language Debuts 2.0-liter Boxer Engine with Direct Injection and Higher Performance First Impreza to be Built in U.S.