Rides : Watch Subaru's awesome projection-mapped 2014 Forester intro

Automakers are always trying to find creative ways to introduce new products to the media, and Subaru definitely came up with an interesting idea to unveil the new 2014 Forester earlier this week. With a large screen and two covered Foresters, Subaru used projection mapping to make for one eye-catching presentation.

 

Using a computer to project images onto an object, Subaru was able to "build" its new Forester on stage using robots, lasers and fans. The whole process is fun to watch, but the coolest part of the video is watching a set digital robotic arms build the Forester's drivetrain and then throw it underneath the awaiting crossover. We've seen projection mapping before on a Lamborghini Reventon and Toyota Yaris for promotional purposes, but this is the first time we've seen such an innovative use of the technology for a product launch.

Scroll down to watch the entertaining video of the Forester's launch, and be sure to check out our First Drive of the new crossover. 

Credit : Autoblog

Rides : Next-gen Subaru WRX targeting downsized 2.0-liter four that's upsized to 270 hp

WRX. Those three letters tell automotive enthusiasts the world over that they are not dealing with an ordinary Impreza, and it all began in rally racing with a 2.0-liter turbocharged flat-four engine. Though some models – including the current WRX and STI in the United States – had engines displacing as much as 2.5 liters, the WRX earned its reputation with 2.0 liters, and that's the displacement specified for competition use.

According to Motor Trend, the 2013 WRX, which will likely debut sometime in 2012, will go back to its original engine size. The new powerplant will reportedly be based on the engine found in the 2013 Subaru BRZ, a clean-sheet design for Subaru, with the addition of the expected turbocharger. That ought to bring power up from 200 horsepower to about 270.

Now we come to the question of what platform in which the engine will reside. While common sense would dictate that the latest version of the Impreza, which was recently released as a 2012 model, would get the WRX treatment, we've heard rumblings that Subaru would keep its current WRX shell around for a few more years while it continues development of the next chassis. Only time will tell.

Rides : 2013 Subaru BRZ starts at $24.000

The Japanese based automaker Subaru is planning to offer its newest sports car, the 2013 BRZ, for a starting price of 24.000 USD.

According to motortrend.com, the 2013 Subaru BRZ will start at 24.000 USD for the entry-level version, which will be named Premium, while the BRZ Limited will cost 27.000 USD. The journalists at motortrend.com apparently know what future owners of the Subaru BRZ Premium will get for $24.000, standard navigation, eight-speaker sound system, aluminum pedal pads, six-speed manual transmission, leather shift knob and handbrake, tilt-telescope leather wrapped steering wheel, 17 inch alloy wheels and a Torsen limited-slip differential, while for an extra 3.000 USD, customers will get Alcantara upholstery, foglights and a rear lip spoiler, among other things.
As a reminder, the 2013 Subaru BRZ has been officially presented at the 42nd edition of the Tokyo Motor Show, being designed as a joint project between Subaru and Toyota Motor Corporation. The 2013 Subaru BRZ is powered by a 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine which is identically tuned as the one found on the Toyota GT 86, developing a total output of 197 horsepower at 7.000 rpm and a peak torque of 151 lb-ft available at 6.600 rpm. Power is being sent through the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission with a short stroke shift level. An optional six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifts is also available.

Rides : 2012 Subaru Impreza, Legacy and Outback models recalled over excessive brake pedal travel

The 2012 Subaru Impreza is just now going on sale, but it's already facing its first major recall. According to a statement from Subaru of America, all 2012 Impreza models built through November 15 are being recalled to replace the brake master cylinder after a number of customers reportedly noted that their cars have "greater than normal" brake pedal travel. The automaker issued a formal statement saying:

While the brakes in the affected population remain operational, repairs involve replacement of the brake master cylinder to correct a potential brake pedal travel condition that is greater than usual.

Subaru's statement also cites that 2012 model year Legacy and Outback models built between October 17 and November 23 are also being recalled for the same problem. The exact number of affected cars has not been released at this time.

What's more, according to CarBuzz.com, Subaru issued a memo to its dealers on November 25 mandating a Stop Sale "effective immediately for 2012 Imprezas as well as certain 2012 Legacy and Outback units." In its official statement – available after the jump – Subaru does not officially confirm that these models are being grounded at its dealerships. 

 

Press Release

Subaru of America, Inc. has initiated a voluntary safety recall to replace the brake master cylinder on MY2012 Legacy and Outback models produced between Oct 17, 2011 through Nov. 23, 2011 and 2012 Impreza models produced through November 15, 2011.

While the brakes in the affected population remain operational, repairs involve replacement of the brake master cylinder to correct a potential brake pedal travel condition that is greater than usual.

Owners with questions or concerns should contact their local dealer or Subaru Customer/Dealer Service (CDS) at 800-SUBARU-3 (800-782-2783).

Rides : Check Out The 2012 Subaru BRZ

It's finally arrived: Subaru's version of the long-in-gestation Toyobaru has just said hello to the world at the Tokyo Motor Show. In case you've been in Witness Protection for the past two weeks, we'll recap the major specs: 2,689 pounds, 200 horsepower and 151 pound-feet from the direct-injected 2.0-liter boxer engine, six-speed manual and automatic transmissions on offer and a lower center of gravity than a Ferrari 458 Italia.

There's still no word on pricing yet, but this is the rear-drive sports car that will be working to redefine little, fast, flickable handling. One more thing about the Subie version: it's the only one you can get in this shade of blue. You can refresh yourself on the details in the press release after the jump, and say hello to our newest little friend in the gallery of high-res images.

 

Press Release

 

Subaru Unveils "SUBARU BRZ"

Tokyo, November 30, 2011 - Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the maker of Subaru automobiles, announced its world premiere of "SUBARU BRZ (display model)" at the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show 2011. (Open to public from December 3 to 11 at Tokyo Big Sight)

SUBARU BRZ is a rear-wheel drive sports car featuring the Horizontally-Opposed Boxer engine. It was developed as a joint-project between Subaru and Toyota Motor Corporation, to bring to the world a sports car with superior steering response and driving pleasure that everyone can experience. The Subaru Boxer engine in the BRZ was positioned even lower than other Subaru models so that the BRZ has one of the lowest possible centers of gravity s on the market today. This low center of gravity produces astonishing handling character and combined with a light-weight chassis BRZ realizes Subaru's aim for "Pure Handling Delight" -- the driving experience taken to a new level.

Major Features

Concept
The product concept of BRZ is "Pure Handling Delight." The Horizontally-Opposed Boxer engine has inherent qualities of low center of gravity, lightweight, and compactness. These attributes are maximized by placing this engine even lower and closer to the center of the chassis. These factors contributed to BRZ's low center of gravity -one of the lowest possible. The BRZ is a fun sports car that any driver can enjoy driving with peace of mind.

Design
"Ultra-low Center of Gravity Package"
The BRZ has a low-mounted Boxer engine on a specially designed sub-frame that forms an "ultra-low center of gravity package". With this arrangement, BRZ achieved a low driving position typical of a sports car. Overall height of BRZ is 1,300 mm and it has a wide and low body of a stylish coupe at 1775mm. Yet, it allows for 2+2 seating and a trunk with ample space. Not only is the BRZ a sports car, but it can also be a suitable partner for long tours with its unexpected utility.

- Exterior
Subaru aimed for a sports car design that instinctively conveys the car's fun-to-drive character. In addition, it was detailed to be instantly recognizable as a Subaru.

- Front fascia
The "ultra-low center of gravity package" also allowed a low hood design. This low hood and bulging front fenders raise expectations for the BRZ's drivability. Also, to communicate the Subaru identity the Subaru six-star ornament, headlights and hexagon lower grille follow the Subaru design motif common across new Subaru models.

- Side
The low center of gravity enhances BRZ's sensuous beauty with its shapely fender flares. The aesthetic beauty is combined with functional beauty that advances aerodynamics through such areas as the C-pillar shape, rear glass inclination, trunk lid layout. As would be expected from a sports car, the front and rear overhangs were shortened to express the BRZ's liveliness. The front fender is accentuated with a distinctive garnish.

- Rear fascia
The projecting rear wheel arches sit by way of contrast to the compact cabin and emphasizes the beauty of the BRZ's rear view.

- Interior
Details were carefully designed to allow a new level of fun-to-drive experience in which the driver and vehicle become one.
- The steering wheel was made smaller to achieve sports car maneuverability.
- A tachometer with digitally displayed speedometer is placed in the center of the gauges so that the driver can instantly see information without diverting attention from the road.
- Bespoke sports car seats were designed to hold the driver and passenger and feature lowered sitting positions to match the "ultra-low center of gravity package".


Mechanisms
Engine
Making full use of the design concept of the new-generation Boxer engine, the newly developed engine made exclusively for the BRZ is highly efficient with superior output and environmental friendliness. It realizes an exhilarating high revving nature of a naturally aspirated sports engine.
- It has square bore and stroke of 86 X 86 mm.
- Due to the joint development with Toyota Motor Corporation, Toyota's direct injection and port injection technology "D-4S" was incorporated in the BRZ's power unit.
- To achieve the "ultra-low center of gravity package", the engine as a whole has been made more compact by such means as adopting the shorter intake manifold and the shallower oil pan.

Transmission
The joy of sports car driving was realized through a transmission that focuses on shift feel and response.
- The 6-speed MT employs a short stroke shift lever. The lever was optimized in rigidity, shift quality and weight application in its pursuit of a superb shift feel.
- The 6-speed AT has "S mode" for better shifting response and "M mode" for optional shifting. Also, with the paddle shift and downshifting blipping control, this model can respond faithfully to the driver's inputs.

Body
The lightweight yet highly-rigid body was developed exclusively to maximize the advantages of the "ultra-low center of gravity package".
- Low center of gravity and low driving position were achieved by the perimeter type body frame layout.
- The body has a rigid and durable frame structure that also works in balance with the vehicle's light-weight. The rigidity is optimized for high drivability and appropriate durability is maintained for collision safety.
- High tensile steel was used in the body to contribute to weight reduction. Effective use of this material in the upper structure of the BRZ contributed to its low center of gravity.
- The front hood employs aluminum for lightness. The structure was fine-tuned for a low styling that also improves pedestrian protection performance.

Chassis
Excellent maneuverability and stability of the "ultra-low center of gravity package" offers direct and sharp response to steering and enhances driver's connection to the car
- The front suspension employs struts for light-weight and high rigidity, while a double wishbone layout is adopted at the rear for better shock absorption.
- To gain a low front hood from the "ultra-low center of gravity package", the front strut mount was lowered while maintaining the stroke.
- The tires are 215/45R17 combined with lightweight and highly rigid aluminum wheels.
- All models are equipped with electronic stability control to provide both driving pleasure and safety.

Rides : 2011 Subaru Legacy, Outback models recalled over fly-away moonroofs

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has just announced a safety recall affecting 69,590 model year 2011 Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles. The recall concerns adhesive, or a possible lack thereof, used to affix moonroof glass to its retainer. This action covers 2011 Legacy and Outback models manufactured from August 3, 2010, through July 1, 2011.

NHTSA says an inadequate amount of adhesive on the moonroofs of affected models could allow the glass to loosen or even detach while the vehicle is in motion. This flying glass, says the agency, could become a road hazard and possibly even lead to a crash.

Subaru will contact owners of affected Legacy and Outback models in October and says its dealers will inspect the adhesive and, if necessary, apply more of the sticky substance to ensure the glass doesn't detach. As is always the case with a federal recall, dealers will inspect and repair components free of charge, and owners are urged to contact Subaru for more info. Click past the jump to read the official recall notice.

 

Press Release

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
SUBARU / LEGACY 2011
SUBARU / OUTBACK 2011

Manufacturer: SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. Mfr's Report Date: SEP 06, 2011

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V467000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: VISIBILITY:SUN ROOF ASSEMBLY

Potential Number of Units Affected: 69,590

Summary:
SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 OUTBACK AND LEGACY VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 3, 2010, THROUGH JULY 1, 2011. THE MOONROOF GLASS MAY COME LOOSE OR DETACH. THE AMOUNT AND POSITION OF THE ADHESIVE BETWEEN THE GLASS AND RETAINER WAS INADEQUATELY APPLIED.

Consequence:
THE MOONROOF GLASS CAN LOOSEN AND DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE DURING DRIVING, RESULTING IN A POTENTIAL ROAD HAZARD FOR OTHER VEHICLES, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy:
SUBARU WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE GLASS ADHESION CONDITION AND EITHER APPLY ADDITIONAL ADHESIVE OR REPLACE THE MOONROOF GLASS, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING OCTOBER 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.

Notes:
SUBARU'S SAFETY RECALL NUMBER IS WVW-33. OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .