January 5th, 2010 — 2010 Subaru, Donuts, Fun, Other, Videos
Travis Pastrana, legend of both freestyle motocross and rally racing, jumps 269 feet in his rally car in Long Beach.
Then, of course, he back flipped into the harbor. We love you Travis. HAPPY NEW YEAR!
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Technorati Tags: Video, Subaru, Impreza, Subaru Impreza, AWD, Symmetrical AWD, Subaru AWD, Impreza WRX, Impreza STi, Subaru WRX, Subaru STi, Subaru Impreza WRX, Subaru Impreza WRX STi, Travis Pastrana, world record jump, Red Bull, redbull, espn, new year, no limits, nynl, robbie maddison, rhys millen
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January 5th, 2010 — 2010 Subaru, Crashes, Donuts, Fun, Videos
It’s real, and it’s spectacular. Travis has been practicing short distance jumps in preparation for his record setting rally jump… and not all of them have gone so well.
He’s fine. The car, not so much.
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Technorati Tags: Video, Subaru, Impreza, Subaru Impreza, AWD, Symmetrical AWD, Subaru AWD, Impreza WRX, Impreza STi, Subaru WRX, Subaru STi, Subaru Impreza WRX, Subaru Impreza WRX STi, Crash, Subaru Crash, Impreza Crash, Crashed Subaru Impreza, Travis Pastrana, world record jump, Red Bull, redbull, espn, new year, no limits, nynl, robbie maddison, rhys millen
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December 29th, 2009 — 2009 Subaru, News
Source: Autocar
Subaru has added its 2.0-litre Boxer diesel engine to its five-door Impreza range.The horizontally opposed common-rail engine has not featured in the Impreza range before due to the exchange rate between the pound and the Japanese yen.
All UK Subaru models are imported from Japan and it has never been economically viable to put the boxer engine in the Impreza until now.
The boxer diesel produces 148bhp and 258lb ft of torque. It helps power the Impreza from 0-62mph in 9.0secs and reach a top speed of 127mph. Combined fuel economy is 47.9mpg and it has a claimed range of 670 miles on a single tank of diesel. CO2 emissions are 155g/km.
Standard equipment includes 17-inch alloys, HID headlamps with pop-up washers, electrically-folding door mirrors and front projector foglamps.
Inside, it features a six CD player with MP3 capability, cruise control, windscreen wiper de-icer, climate control, front, side and curtain airbags and heated sports seats.
Source: Autocar
Technorati Tags: subaru, diesel, impreza, subaru diesel, boxer diesel, diesel impreza
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December 29th, 2009 — Crashes, Rally, Videos
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December 28th, 2009 — 2010 Subaru, Commercials, Videos
This ad is from Australia, and features a creepy-looking, limping drifter guy prowling the roads late at night. Then a guy in a Suburu pulls to the side of the road to give the guy a lift and then…well, see for yourself. I think the ad is well-done up to a certain point, but not sure if it will sell cars.
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Technorati Tags: Video, Commercial, Subaru, Legacy, Subaru Legacy, Subaru Legacy 2010, Subaru Liberty 2010, Liberty
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December 28th, 2009 — Articles, Reviews
THINKING MAN’S HIGH-PERFORMANCE CAR
Source: Motoring.Co.Za
By Denis Droppa
The new generation Subaru Impreza WRX hatchback launched here in 2007 reminded me of a star athlete showing the first signs of flabbiness.
The suspension was softer, the acceleration figures were good but not fantastic. It was still fast and handled well but felt like it had spent some time sitting on the couch munching high-cholesterol snacks.
And, although looks have never been Subaru’s strongest point, the rather unfortunate styling of the WRX hatchback really stretched brand loyalty.
Recently Subaru SA addressed this by replacing the WRX and 2.0R hatches with sedan models, leaving the high-performance STi as the only hatch in the range. The sedan is built on the same wheelbase as the hatch but is 165mm longer with a wing on the boot.
Along with its extended bum the WRX also got a testosterone boost. The turbocharged 2.5-litre DOHC boxer engine has a bigger turbo and an upgraded exhaust to hike outputs to 195kW and 343Nm (26kW and 23Nm stronger than the outgoing WRX hatchback), making it the most powerful WRX yet and edging closer to the STI’s 221kW and 407Nm.
There’s nothing changed in the Impreza’s all-wheel drive system, which still apportions a standard 50/50 front-to-rear power split, varied to a certain extent by a viscous coupling depending on driving conditions.
However, the suspension has been tweaked for better handling with slightly stiffer springs, beefed-up roll bars, and wider (225/45 R17) rubber.
I wondered whether this would bring the car back to its finely-honed athletic best.
A few minutes behind the wheel confirmed that the WRX sedan, like the hatch it replaces, is still a very driveable, everyday-user-friendly car. It wafts over rough roads without dislodging teeth or spinal discs but has some serious bite when prodded.
It accelerates quicker than ever and takes corners just as fast - on bumpy roads probably even faster than its firmly sprung predecessors - and, although this Scooby has a more civilised side, it still does the business when you’re driving in all-guns-blazing mode.
Subaru hasn’t forgotten what sprinkles Tabasco on an enthusiast driver’s oyster - that came through loud and clear during a few laps around Gerotek’s ride and handling circuit.
There’s a tad more body roll but less understeer than in WRX’s past, ensuring a super-crisp turn-in as the noise snuggles into the apex. The car dances through turns with the typically sharp, fleet-footed feel that has made the WRX badge revered in high-adrenalin lore.
The more compliant suspension allows the car to be driven quicker through bumpy mountain passes, rather than skittering about like a drop of water on a hot stove, while a new steering damper reduces kickback on bumpy roads.
EXTRA FIREPOWER
The engine also makes a suitably charismatic sound, a burble distinctive to its pugilistically-arranged cylinders, so it rates favourably on the aural scale.
The extra firepower was clearly evident in the car’s more spirited feel and subsequently confirmed by our testing equipment when we recorded 0-100 in 6.2sec and a 14.3sec quarter mile at altitude, compared to the 7.4 and 15.1 attained by the less muscular hatch.
The WRX is officially restricted to a top speed of 210km/h but your Subaru dealer can ungovern it to 233km/h. All you have to do is ask - and that apparently applies to most governed Subaru models.
Earlier, two-litre turbo WRXs were notorious for turbo lag, which made them go from meek to manic in a sudden rush. The 2.5’s power delivery is more linear and thus more civilised, although the kettle still only starts boiling at 4000rpm.
The main changes to the cabin include black trim mouldings, WRX-embossed sport seats, instrument lighting in red, aluminium pedals and metal trim around the centre console and door handles.
VERDICT
The hardcore street-racer brigade might lament a slight softening of the WRX’s character but it’s definitely not a case of there being a wheeze where once was a snarl.
I call this the thinking man’s high-performance car; it balances finesse and user-friendliness with great sporting ability. Yin and Yang in harmony.
The rough edges have been filed off and the WRX has become a more complete car without losing any of its dynamic ability.
Source: Motoring.Co.Za
By Denis Droppa
Technorati Tags: subaru, impreza, wrx, wrx 2009, subaru impreza wrx, subaru impreza wrx 2009
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December 27th, 2009 — 2009 Subaru, News
Source: StraightLine
By Mike Lysaght
Subaru has one-upped its standard STI with the Spec C, a performance-tuned edition only for the Japanese market.
The JDM-spec 2.0-liter turbo boxer four remains under the hood, but the automaker fitted redesigned ball-bearing-type turbocharger to reduce friction and remapped the ECU to improve throttle response. The top-mounted intercooler also gets a water sprayer to keep intake air temps constant even under high-load conditions. Output remains at 304 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, although this is still more torque than the 290 pound-feet provided by the 2.5-liter boxer in the U.S.-spec STI.
The Spec C treatment also adds an aluminum hood, smaller battery and revised laminar window glass to keep weight to a minimum. The STI’s doughnut spare is gone, too, replaced by an inflator kit.
Cornering is improved thanks to a reinforced front crossmember, stiffer springs and the switch from a Torsen-type limited-slip rear differential to a mechanical limited-slip diff. Lighter 18-inch aluminum wheels reduce unsprung weight, and they’re wrapped in 245/40R18 Bridgestone Potenza RE070 rubber. Subaru also says it has improved the steering feel by increasing oil flow volume in the power steering unit.
The Subaru WRX STI Spec C hit Japanese dealers yesterday, and only 900 units will be rolling off the line at Fuji Heavy Industries. Exclusive exterior colors for the Spec C are Sunrise Yellow and Pure White, but based on press photos, you can get it in WR Blue Pearl, too (as if that was ever in doubt).
If one pic’s not enough to satisfy your Spec C craving, make the jump for more. Videos, too, with ample driving footage, though the commentary’s in Japanese.
Source: StraightLine
By Mike Lysaght
PRESS RELEASE
FHI to introduce the Subaru Impreza WRX STI spec C
Tokyo, July 23, 2009 - Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the maker of Subaru automobiles, today launches the "Subaru Impreza WRX STI spec C", a new addition to the current WRX STI line-up. The model goes on sale today through Subaru dealerships in Japan.
Based on the Impreza WRX STI, the iconic sport model of Subaru, the WRX STI spec C model features enhanced engine and chassis performance as well as a lighter body on the premise of driving in motor sports. The model further strengthens its presence in the high performance car arena by offering sheer excitement and unique driving sensations as a distinctive road sport model, in line with the performance level originally delivered by the Impreza WRX STI.
The turbocharger newly adopted ball bearings for the turbine axle bearing, and the ECU (Engine Control Unit) program was also exclusively tuned. Thus the engine of the spec C model provides quicker response and improved accelerating performance. Thanks to its specially designed front & rear suspensions and improved body rigidity, the chassis offers stable and linear driving control even in marginal driving conditions. The adoption of an aluminum engine hood, laminar window glasses and a downsized battery resulted in a lighter body, which further polishes the model’s driving performance.
Subaru enhanced the WRX STI line-up by introducing this STI spec C model, in addition to the STI A-Line model, the AT version introduced in February this year.
Outline of Subaru Impreza WRX STI Spec C
Enhancement of Engine performance:
•• Ball bearings of the turbine axle were newly adopted to reduce friction in the turbocharger. With the optimized ECU programming, the engine offers smoother and quicker response to the accelerator pedal and excellent accelerating performance.
•• An inter-cooler water spray prevents rise in intake-air temperature at continued high-load driving, providing stable engine performance and improved efficiency.
•••• ••••:
Enhancement of Chassis performance:
•• Reinforcement of the cross member in front-suspensions offers a linear steering response.
•• Specification changes in damping force of suspensions, coil spring rate, rear stabilizer and rear sub-frame bushes optimize rigidity for body roll and retain excellent road-holding capability.
•• Rear LSD (Limited Slip Differential) system was changed to a mechanical type from a Torsen type to obtain the steady and powerful traction during cornering.
•• Bridgestone "POTENZA RE070" (245/40R18) were adopted to enhance cornering ability and higher grip performance, especially in dry conditions.
•• Nimble handling with a firm steering feel is assured by increasing oil flow volume in the power steering system.
Lightened body:
•• An aluminum engine hood and a downsized battery, which make the front section of the vehicle lighter, produce better maneuverability.
•• Laminar glasses were adopted in the front and side windows. They lightened the upper section of the body weight, resulting in improved stability during cornering.
•• Newly-designed lightweight 18-inches alloy wheels are standard to offer excellent road-hugging property by reducing unsprung weight. (17-inches alloy wheels are optional)
•• A flat tire repair kit is standard, which also helps weight reduction.
Others:
•• A structural change of fuel pomp provides stable fuel delivery even on high-load driving.
•• Gold colored "brembo" brake calipers are standard.
•• The front bucket seats (fabric with red stitch) are standard on models with 18-inches alloy wheels.
•• The "RECARO" seats (Alcantara and leather combination with red stitch) are optional on models with 18-inches alloy wheels.
•• Two exclusive exterior colors are available; Sunrise Yellow and Pure White.
•• The production is limited to 900 units.
Major specifications:
-Engine type: Horizontally-Opposed 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve turbocharged engine
-Displacement: 1,994 cc
-Maximum output: 227kW (308 PS)/6,400 rpm
-Maximum torque: 422 Nm (43.0 kgf·m)/4,400 rpm
-Turbo type: Ball-bearing type twin scroll turbocharger
About Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd.
Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the maker of Subaru automobiles, is a leading manufacturer in Japan with a long history of technological innovations that dates back to its origin as an aircraft company. While the automotive business is a main business pillar, FHI’s Aerospace, Industrial Products and Eco Technologies divisions offer a diverse range of products from general-purpose engines, power generators, and sanitation trucks to small airplanes, crucial components for passenger aircrafts, and wind-powered electricity generating systems. Recognized internationally for its AWD (all-wheel drive) technology and Horizontally-Opposed engines in Subaru, FHI is also spearheading the development of environmentally friendly products and is committed to contributing to global environmental preservation.
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December 26th, 2009 — News
Source: AutoBlog
The 2010 Legacy will be the most fuel efficient Subaru in the Japanese automaker’s US lineup, but only when it’s powered by the 2.5i boxer engine mated to a CVT transmission. According to the EPA, that powertrain returns 31 mpg on the highway, a full four mpg better than the six-speed manual. With fuel economy standards set to climb over the next decade, Subaru is going to need more mpg success stories, and more CVTs could be a big part of the equation.
Japan’s Nikkei Sangyo business daily reports that Subaru will flood its product lineup with CVTs over the next two years, starting with the popular Forester and Impreza models. The CVT, which is made at Subaru’s engine plant in Oizumi, will eventually be offered on all models.
While the CVT is new for larger Subarus, the company has been using the transmissions in JDM city cars since 1987. Last week, Subaru began using a CVT in its Japan market Exiga MPV, which will soon be extended to the Australian market.
Source: AutoBlog
Technorati Tags: subaru, legacy, subaru legacy, subaru cvt, legacy cvt, cvt, subaru legacy cvt, jdm, transmission, cvt transmission
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December 26th, 2009 — 2009 Subaru, Donuts, Drifting, Fun, Motorsports, News, Videos
We’ve seen Ken Block and his gang of misfits perform plenty of crazy cool stunts in their Crawford-built 2009 Subaru WRX STI. Block’s stupefyingly accurate power slides never seem to get old, no matter how many times we see his 566 horsepower (at the wheels!) STI come within millimeters of disaster. It is cool, however, to see Block and his friends add a little something extra this time around.
After the jump is video of Block and Travis Pastrana (on a motorcycle) having a good old time setting some land speed records at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. The STI is still present and accounted for in all its adhesion-defying glory, but the speed records are being sought on some garbage cans, a big wheel, and "a $3 Wal-Mart plastic sled." Looks safe to us.
For some reason, some members of Block’s team decided it would be a good idea to try to jump on the hood of the STI while it was doing donuts on the salt flats, and one of them ended up getting side-swiped and bounced off Block’s rear wheel like a rag doll. That’s gotta hurt.
Source: Autoblog
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Technorati Tags: Video, Drift, Fun, 2009 subaru impreza wrx sti, ken block, travis pastrana
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December 25th, 2009 — 2009 Subaru, Donuts, Drifting, Fun, Motorsports, News, Videos
Source: Autoblog
Driftmeister Extraordinaire Ken Block is at it again, only this time, with a bit more of a sense of humor on display. The tire-immolating Subaru WRX STI rally driver has teamed up with pro skateboarder Rob Dyrdek for a “Me and My Shadow” video extravaganza dubbed Gymkhana 2.1.
While we have to admit that the finished product isn’t filled with as many jaw-slackeningly awesome moments as the pair of videos that proceeded it, it’s an amusing coquet while we wait for Gymkhana 3.0, a film that will presumably involve a borrowed space shuttle, a runway full of banana peels, and at least one octogenarian goat herder. The 3:49 production is worth watching just for Dyrdek’s custom “Mini Me” go-kart, which we want parked in our lawnmower shed yesterday.
Make sure that you’ve watched first two parts of Gymkhana: Gymkhana 1 Drift Practice, Gymkhana 2 Subaru Drift Madness.
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Technorati Tags: Video, Drift, Ken Block, Subaru, Impreza, STI, Subaru Impreza STI, Impreza STI, Gymkhana, segway, donut, donuts, drifting, dc shoes
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