Subaru UK Presents 2011 WRX STI, Drops Impreza Name from Halo Model, Introduces Sedan Version

Subaru's UK arm has decided to make the WRX STI its own standalone model for 2011, dropping the "Impreza" reference from the road-going rally car's name. As in other markets, the UK's STI will again be available in sedan and five-door hatch variants and pack a turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine making 300 horsepower and 407 Nm / 300 lb ft of torque.

For 2011, the UK's STI will get Subaru's "spec. C" suspension setup featuring a lower ride and wider tires wrapped around lighter wheels. Other than that, the car hits 100 km/h [62 mph] from standstill in 5.2 seconds, has a top speed of 158 mph [254 km/h] in sedan form, and meets Euro 5 emissions standards.

In Britain, the 2011 WRX STI will begin adding options at £32,995 for either the 4- or 5-door version. We're not sure yet if the "Impreza" name will be dropped from Subaru's halo car in other markets, but it could be a possibility as Fuji Heavy Industries' all-wheel drive automaker tries to revise its lineup.

An STI as a pronounced representative of the Subaru brand would be a bold move for a brand that has gone from unique and interesting to boring and non-competitive [WRX / STI models aside, of course] over the past few years.

By Phil Alex

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

Subaru UK Presents 2011 WRX STI, Drops Impreza Name from Halo Model, Introduces Sedan Version

Subaru's UK arm has decided to make the WRX STI its own standalone model for 2011, dropping the "Impreza" reference from the road-going rally car's name. As in other markets, the UK's STI will again be available in sedan and five-door hatch variants and pack a turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine making 300 horsepower and 407 Nm / 300 lb ft of torque.

For 2011, the UK's STI will get Subaru's "spec. C" suspension setup featuring a lower ride and wider tires wrapped around lighter wheels. Other than that, the car hits 100 km/h [62 mph] from standstill in 5.2 seconds, has a top speed of 158 mph [254 km/h] in sedan form, and meets Euro 5 emissions standards.

In Britain, the 2011 WRX STI will begin adding options at £32,995 for either the 4- or 5-door version. We're not sure yet if the "Impreza" name will be dropped from Subaru's halo car in other markets, but it could be a possibility as Fuji Heavy Industries' all-wheel drive automaker tries to revise its lineup.

An STI as a pronounced representative of the Subaru brand would be a bold move for a brand that has gone from unique and interesting to boring and non-competitive [WRX / STI models aside, of course] over the past few years.

By Phil Alex

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

Subaru Announces First All-New Boxer Engines in 21 Years

Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), Subaru's parent company, has released details on its third-generation four-cylinder boxer engine that will be available in 2.0-liter and 2.5-liter displacements. This is the first overall renewal since the second generation was introduced in 1989. The horizontally opposed flat 4 has been a mainstay of Subaru's Impreza, Forrester and Legacy models for some time.

Subaru claims that fuel efficiency is up by 10%, thanks to a compacter combustion chamber and longer stroke, variable-valve timing (which Subaru calls Active Valve Control System) on both the intake and exhaust valves, lighter pistons and connection rods, a more efficient and compact oil pump and separate engine cooling circuitry for both the block and head.

Power for the 2.0 L engine remains the same at 109kw / 150HP, while torque is up 5 Nm to 196.

The new boxer engine has a slightly higher compression ratio of 10.5 (up from 10.2), a shorter bore (84 mm, down from 92) and longer stroke (90 mm, up from 75). Subaru has yet to release details about changes to the 2.5-liter unit.

The first Subaru to receive the third-generation boxer engine will be the Forester.

By Tristan Hankins

Subaru Announces First All-New Boxer Engines in 21 Years

Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), Subaru's parent company, has released details on its third-generation four-cylinder boxer engine that will be available in 2.0-liter and 2.5-liter displacements. This is the first overall renewal since the second generation was introduced in 1989. The horizontally opposed flat 4 has been a mainstay of Subaru's Impreza, Forrester and Legacy models for some time.

Subaru claims that fuel efficiency is up by 10%, thanks to a compacter combustion chamber and longer stroke, variable-valve timing (which Subaru calls Active Valve Control System) on both the intake and exhaust valves, lighter pistons and connection rods, a more efficient and compact oil pump and separate engine cooling circuitry for both the block and head.

Power for the 2.0 L engine remains the same at 109kw / 150HP, while torque is up 5 Nm to 196.

The new boxer engine has a slightly higher compression ratio of 10.5 (up from 10.2), a shorter bore (84 mm, down from 92) and longer stroke (90 mm, up from 75). Subaru has yet to release details about changes to the 2.5-liter unit.

The first Subaru to receive the third-generation boxer engine will be the Forester.

By Tristan Hankins

Subaru to Update its Lineup to help welcome the Toyobaru Coupe into the fold

Besides adding its upcoming unnamed coupe to the lineup, Subaru will be working to get a little pep back in its step by bringing out some new designs over the next few years. What can we expect from the all-wheel drive anti-SUV brand? Autoweek had an interesting article charting the upcoming changes in Subaru's lineup.

Starting with the chunky-monkey Legacy and Outback models that are relatively new, the only update to be expected is a mild refresh/facelift coming in the next three or four years.

Hopefully Subaru will decide on a corporate face that doesn't look like 'meh' and throw it on those two, because right now they're as beige as a Camry. I mean, if Volvo and Audi could make their crossover cars (the Cross Country and Allroad) look cool, why can't Subaru?

Next is the Forester; if all goes according to plan, this fall will see the 2011 Forester available with Subaru's more efficient next-gen 2.5-liter boxer engine. We can expect major styling updates in the next two or three years. Also, though possibly limited to Australia, there could be a hi-po 300+ horsepower Forester coming down the line that would utilize the STI's 2.5-liter mill. Speaking of Imprezas...

After the recent revival of the STI sedan for 2011, the Impreza model line is expected to get a full redesign for 2012. Consumers should also look for a possible hybrid using Toyota technology. In my opinion, the Impreza is another car that's screaming for a little more character. Like the Legacy/Outback, what we need here is a decent shnoz and some family traits, not just big wings and fat fenders on highline models to make up for middle-of-the-road styling.

Unsurprisingly, the Tribeca crossover has yet to get another generation confirmed. After its original debut as one of the ugliest things on the road, the crossover thankfully got enough of a Jennifer Aniston nose job to make it bearable to look at.

Now, however, sales don't seem to be justifying bringing it back for another round. For 2012 there should be some mild updates in the form of standard options and whatnot, but those waiting for a second-generation Tribeca shouldn't hold their breath. This is a case where Subaru should just fiddle with the Forester, offer 7-seats in it, and then get rid of this model pronto.

Lastly, the most anticipated Subaru in a generation: the so-called Toyobaru Coupe. The new 2-door, which has been co-developed alongside Toyota's rear-wheel drive FT-86 coupe, should be getting an engine lineup similar to the Impreza's.

Look for a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder and possibly a slightly de-tuned version of the STI's turbo-4. All-wheel drive is still unconfirmed, but one thing is for damn sure: as soon as all-wheel drive isn't offered on a rally-like-fighting baby Scooby like this, the dilution of the brand has gone from "possible" to "happening right now".

By Phil Alex

Source: Autoweek

Photo Gallery: Current Subaru Range

Subaru to Update its Lineup to help welcome the Toyobaru Coupe into the fold

Besides adding its upcoming unnamed coupe to the lineup, Subaru will be working to get a little pep back in its step by bringing out some new designs over the next few years. What can we expect from the all-wheel drive anti-SUV brand? Autoweek had an interesting article charting the upcoming changes in Subaru's lineup.

Starting with the chunky-monkey Legacy and Outback models that are relatively new, the only update to be expected is a mild refresh/facelift coming in the next three or four years.

Hopefully Subaru will decide on a corporate face that doesn't look like 'meh' and throw it on those two, because right now they're as beige as a Camry. I mean, if Volvo and Audi could make their crossover cars (the Cross Country and Allroad) look cool, why can't Subaru?

Next is the Forester; if all goes according to plan, this fall will see the 2011 Forester available with Subaru's more efficient next-gen 2.5-liter boxer engine. We can expect major styling updates in the next two or three years. Also, though possibly limited to Australia, there could be a hi-po 300+ horsepower Forester coming down the line that would utilize the STI's 2.5-liter mill. Speaking of Imprezas...

After the recent revival of the STI sedan for 2011, the Impreza model line is expected to get a full redesign for 2012. Consumers should also look for a possible hybrid using Toyota technology. In my opinion, the Impreza is another car that's screaming for a little more character. Like the Legacy/Outback, what we need here is a decent shnoz and some family traits, not just big wings and fat fenders on highline models to make up for middle-of-the-road styling.

Unsurprisingly, the Tribeca crossover has yet to get another generation confirmed. After its original debut as one of the ugliest things on the road, the crossover thankfully got enough of a Jennifer Aniston nose job to make it bearable to look at.

Now, however, sales don't seem to be justifying bringing it back for another round. For 2012 there should be some mild updates in the form of standard options and whatnot, but those waiting for a second-generation Tribeca shouldn't hold their breath. This is a case where Subaru should just fiddle with the Forester, offer 7-seats in it, and then get rid of this model pronto.

Lastly, the most anticipated Subaru in a generation: the so-called Toyobaru Coupe. The new 2-door, which has been co-developed alongside Toyota's rear-wheel drive FT-86 coupe, should be getting an engine lineup similar to the Impreza's.

Look for a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder and possibly a slightly de-tuned version of the STI's turbo-4. All-wheel drive is still unconfirmed, but one thing is for damn sure: as soon as all-wheel drive isn't offered on a rally-like-fighting baby Scooby like this, the dilution of the brand has gone from "possible" to "happening right now".

By Phil Alex

Source: Autoweek

Photo Gallery: Current Subaru Range