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New Subaru Legacy may be getting smaller six-cylinder and sport models

Subaru gave the next-generation, 2015 Legacy a brand new, more sophisticated platform and improved interior at the Chicago Auto Show, but the engines were carried over barely changed from the previous gen. However, if a rumor from Car and Driver turns out to be true, then the power trains may be getting upgraded as well.
A source within Subaru indicates that the aging 3.6-liter flat-six might finally be getting a replacement in favor of a smaller, more powerful six-cylinder engine, and the four-cylinder may get direct injection. Both of them would be ready for the new Legacy's mid-cycle refresh in about three years, and they would likely be shared by new Outback too.
The turbocharged, GT trim has been absent from the US-market Legacy for the last few model years, but the insider hinted that it might make a return in the coming years. The new version would use the 2.0-liter turbocharged flat-four found in the Forester and the WRX. Though like the Forester, a turbocharged Legacy would likely only be available with the CVT.

Subaru Global Platform shows us the bones of future models

Subaru will follow a current industry trend by introducing a modular chassis later this year, and the so-called Subaru Global Platform will underpin all of the Japanese automaker's future models. We'll see it first on the new Impreza, which will go on sale in the second half of 2016. Subaru claims its new platform offers 70-100 percent greater rigidity compared to the company's current models, and the stiffer chassis means less vibration travels through the vehicle to the steering wheel and seats, which results in an easier time for the driver. A 40-percent increase in impact energy absorption should also mean improved safety. Customers might experience a more exciting drive from the future Subarus, too. The company claims the new platform lowers the center gravity by 0.2 inches, which should sharpen handling. The engineers now mount the rear stabilizer directly to the body, which is said to reduce body roll by 50 percent over current models. It also supports hybrid, plug-in, and EV drivetrains to adapt to the future. After the Impreza lets us experience the Subaru Global Platform later this year, the company already has other models with it under development. For example, the XV Concept from Geneva hints at a sharper look for the next-gen compact crossover. The new WRX reportedly joins the range in 2017 and possibly gets an extra boost from hybrid power. A seven-passenger CUV also joins the US lineup in 2018. So much new product on the way could let Subaru keep up its brisk sales pace for years to come. Related Video: FHI Unveils the "Subaru Global Platform" - Subaru's next-generation platform to achieve significant enhancement in overall vehicle performance - Automobiles Data March 7, 2016 Tokyo, March 7, 2016 - Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the manufacturer of Subaru automobiles, has unveiled an overview of the Subaru Global Platform, which is currently under development as the architecture to be used for all the Company's next-generation vehicles. The Subaru Global Platform is part of the six initiatives to enhance the Subaru brand described in the Company's mid-term management vision, "Prominence 2020," announced in 2014. Together with the horizontally-opposed engines, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD), and EyeSight that represent Subaru's core technologies, the new platform will constitute the basic foundation of the next generation of Subaru vehicles.

Subaru Forester STI e-Boxer concept arriving at Tokyo Auto Salon

Subaru is bringing a Forester STI e-Boxer and Impreza STI concepts to the 2019 Tokyo Auto Salon. Earlier this year, Subaru revealed its 2019 Forester e-Boxer exclusively for the Japanese market. It has a 2.0-liter flat-four, that works in tandem with an electric motor. The total system output is a rather meager 156 horsepower and 187 pound-feet of torque. Subaru says this concept has further refined e-Boxer running gear, which probably means smoother operation, not more power. In fact, this Forester STI looks more like a "tuned by STI" vehicle than a full-on STI. These Japanese tS vehicles (slightly different than U.S. tS vehicles) can be characterized as "STI-lite," which is what this Forester comes off as. As for the rest of the changes, the Forester STI Concept looks pretty rad. The front fascia continues much further down to the ground than before with a blocky look, broken up by the yellow accent as you move even lower. An STI badge sits proudly on the totally blacked-out grille, similar to the Forester Sport but with a different mesh design. Lower and design-heavy side skirts amp the look up a bit more along the sides, while the rear continues the sporty theme with more yellow accents. An exclusive "Fighter Gray" paint color is used on this STI as well. Surprisingly, the exhaust looks exactly the same as a normal Forester. The only actual performance upgrade Subaru is telling us about now comes in the form of big Brembo brakes. Six-piston calipers are covered by 19-inch performance aluminum wheels. We're offered little to no description of the Impreza STI before the show. Just from appearances, it looks like Subaru designed a body kit for a normal Impreza, then changed up the front and rear a bit. The dual-center exhaust is a nice performance touch. Pictures of the interior aren't available now either, but Subaru says it's "Bordeaux" with "high texture." The looks are there, but without any performance information, this doesn't appear to be the STI hatchback we've been wanting for in the U.S. There will also be a Subaru Levorg (Impreza/WRX wagon) and a WRX STI made with custom STI parts. All the Subaru cars will go on the stand at the Tokyo Auto Salon on January 11 next year, so the wait won't be too long to learn more about these vehicles. Related video: