Autoblog

SEMA Preview: Subaru bringing tuned STI, Legacy and 1969 360 van

Jonny Lieberman — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Budget, Minivan/Van, Sedan, Performance, Japan, Subaru, Luxury

1969 Subaru 360 SPT Delivery Van -- Click above image for high-res gallery

SEMA is just around the corner and aside from the inevitable Camaro riot that will be taking place in the convention center's parking lot, many auto folks are showing up with tuned rides. Like, for instance, Subaru. SPT is Subaru's in house tuning division and they're cooking up three nifty cars to put on display, each one better than the next.

First up is the WRX STI by SPT designed to demonstrate, "what a WRX STI owner can build at home using just the SPT catalog as a source for bolt-on parts." It's got ten more ponies (315, up from the stock STI's 305 hp), big old gold wheels, and special springs, sway bars and a lower chassis brace. Surely nice, but nothing new.

In Tokyo, it's all about "bippu," which is JDM for VIP. As such, Subaru has gone ahead and built a Legacy 2.5GT VIP for big ballers everywhere. What sets it apart? Well, for one thing, bippu means going low. To facilitate this, the top mounted Subaru intercooler is removed and replaced with a Mishimoto front-mounted intercooler to make room for the custom engine bay cover. But you got to go lower than that -- so the Legacy VIP gets air suspension to really kiss the ground. There's a whole bunch more, too, including Shinjuku Black Plum paint and the pleated leather interior.

But, the car we're really excited about is the van. Yeah man, a 1969 Subaru 360 delivery van to be precise. An honest to goodness microcar! Ten feet long. Four feet wide. Two-cylinder, two-stroke 25-hp engine. Suicide front doors -- and it's being fully restored as an SPT parts delivery van. But here's the cool part for those of you not making it out to SEMA -- the SPT parts van will tour the country going from dealership to dealership. Have you ever seen anything so close to perfection in your life? Didn't think so. Big old press release, after the jump.

Gallery: SEMA 2009: Subaru Preview

[Source: Subaru]

Continue reading SEMA Preview: Subaru bringing tuned STI, Legacy and 1969 360 van

SEMA Preview: Subaru bringing tuned STI, Legacy and 1969 360 van originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo 2009: Subaru Legacy B4 GT300 is pure JDM awesomeness

Drew Phillips — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:40:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Subaru

Subaru Legacy B4 GT300 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Our jaws literally dropped when we spotted this car in the Subaru booth here at the Tokyo Motor Show. The concoction of carbon fiber spoilers, wings and widened fenders seen here is the Legacy B4 GT300 racecar that is set to compete in Japan's Super GT series next year. The car actually made its racing debut at Fuji Speedway last month, and even though previous driveline problems prevented this racer from making an even earlier debut, the B4 GT300 managed 300 trouble-free kilometers to finish a respectable 18th place.

As for specs, the Legacy B4 GT300 features a 2.0-liter turbocharged boxer-four that pumps out more than 300 horsepower. With all-wheel drive, a six-speed sequential transmission, and a curb weight of just over 2800 pounds, we imagine it's an absolute blast to pilot around the track. You can see the car in detail in our high-res gallery below.

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Subaru Legacy B4 GT300

Tokyo 2009: Subaru Legacy B4 GT300 is pure JDM awesomeness originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru a historic two-timer as Outback wins Motor Trend SUV of the Year award

Chris Paukert — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Crossover, Subaru

2010 Subaru Outback - Click above for high-res image gallery

Subaru is a historic two-timer. For the second year in a row, the Japanese company has claimed Motor Trend magazine's coveted Golden Calipers for its SUV of the Year award - the first time any automaker has managed to do so. The company's new-for-2010 Outback has evidently picked up where last year's Forester left off, and we understand why - it's a dynamite all-around package.

The lifted Legacy did face some stiff competition, including vehicles we've enjoyed driving recently - players like the Audi Q5, Volvo XC60, Lincoln MKT, and Mercedes-Benz GLK. But from where we sit, the Subie's most formidable opposition for the award were all premium priced offerings, and the Outback is a more affordable jack-of-all-trades with few compromises - especially now that Subaru's engineers have seen fit to let out the back seat a bit. In any case, you can check out the official press release after the jump or read our review of the Outback by clicking here.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Subaru Outback

[Source: Motor Trend]

Continue reading Subaru a historic two-timer as Outback wins Motor Trend SUV of the Year award

Subaru a historic two-timer as Outback wins Motor Trend SUV of the Year award originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru Legacy and Outback, Dodge Avenger and Chrysler Sebring new IIHS Top Safety Picks

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 18:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Wagon, Safety, Crossover, Chrysler, Dodge, Subaru

Four 2010 model year vehicles have just been awarded Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety: Subaru's Outback and Legacy, the Dodge Avenger and Chrysler's Sebring. Top Safety Picks are given to those vehicles that come equipped with electronic stability control and receive front, side, and rear crash test ratings of 'Good' in IIHS testing.

The Legacy has boasted a 'Good' rating for a few years now, while the all-new Outback takes the cake on its first try. The Sebring and Avenger continue their runs of 'Good' form in their current generations.

[Source: IIHS]

Subaru Legacy and Outback, Dodge Avenger and Chrysler Sebring new IIHS Top Safety Picks originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2010 Subaru Legacy improves commercial appeal, retains character

Chris Paukert — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:55:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Subaru, First Drive

2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT - Click above for high-res image gallery

For one reason or another, we've always thought that if you delved deep enough into the history of Subaru, you'd discover the Japanese automaker is, in fact, Swedish. One can imagine rifling through the company's dusty archives, only to discover that at some point in time, through some quirk of fate - or perhaps a common love of fish - Subaru was born in Scandinavia, yet it ended up turning Japanese (I really think so). Just look at the evidence: Quirky styling? Check. Steadfast adherence to left-field drivetrains? Check. Time-honored emphasis on honest utility? Check. Willfully different clientele base? Check. Good in winter? Uh-huh. Sound like any Swedish automakers we know?

There's one key difference between the Nipponese automaker and its kindred spirits over at Saab and Volvo, and it's a biggie: Subaru is making money, and they're picking up share. Year-to-date, Subie has lost just 1.8% of its sales year-over-year in America's wretched, turd-down-the-toilet economy. In this "flat is the new up" market, that's a stellar performance - far better than any other mainline automaker, including current industry darlings Hyundai/Kia. And after a day's drive in the firm's new-for-2010 Legacy, we think they're poised for even greater success. Follow the jump to find out why.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Subaru Legacy improves commercial appeal, retains character

First Drive: 2010 Subaru Legacy improves commercial appeal, retains character originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Subaru Legacy gets its EPA numbers, hits 31 mpg highway

Chris Shunk — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Subaru

2010 Subaru Legacy - Click above for a high-res image gallery

The 2010 Subaru Legacy is bigger, wider, and more powerful than ever, yet the engineers made a point to increase fuel economy as well. The new Legacy will hit 31 mpg on the highway and 23 around town, but you'll have to opt for the 2.5i model with the CVT transmission.

With the more enjoyable 6MT transmission, fuel economy isn't such a great story. The row-your-own 2.5i model will only get you 19/27. Step up to the Legacy manual trans 2.5 GT or the 3.6R with the five-speed auto and you'll have to settle for 18/25, which is actually decent considering the fact that you're getting plenty of power and AWD.

Beyond the more competitive powertrains and improved fuel economy, the new Legacy also starts at a competitive $19,995. We can't think of another vehicle that has room for five, AWD and a price tag under $20,000, making the Legacy a very competitive option in the mid-size market. Press release below the fold.

Gallery: 2010 Subaru Legacy

Continue reading 2010 Subaru Legacy gets its EPA numbers, hits 31 mpg highway

2010 Subaru Legacy gets its EPA numbers, hits 31 mpg highway originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Racing Legacy: Subaru STI preparing Super GT300-spec B4?

Noah Joseph — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Sedan, Japan, Subaru

2010 JDM Subaru Legacy B4 Wagon - Click above for high-res image gallery

The boys over at Subaru Tecnica International must have some extra time on their hands lately. Sure, they opened a museum recently, and may have even lent a hand with Ken Block's new Gymkhana ride. But after canceling their iconic World Rally Championship program, we can mentally picture the tumbleweed rolling through their garage. Thankfully, if the latest rumors from Nihon Car are any indication, the STI crew may have a new project on their hands: a racing version of the new Legacy for the Japanese local Super GT series.

Although details are few and far between at this point, the Legacy STI would reportedly compete in the series' second-tier GT300 class, not in the top-level GT500. The GT300 category closely mirrors production car specs, so don't expect any wild conversions, but STI would surely push the envelope here, especially considering that their super-sedan would have to dice it with the likes of Porsche GT3s and race-prepped Ferraris and Lamborghinis.

Privateer team Cusco won a race last year at Sepang with a GT300-spec Impreza, where the all-wheel-drive proved an advantage, but there's no telling what could happen if Subaru throws the weight of its factory support behind a works racing effort.

[Source: Nihon Car]

Racing Legacy: Subaru STI preparing Super GT300-spec B4? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Jun 2009 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Subaru Legacy to start from $20,690*

Chris Paukert — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Subaru

2010 Subaru Legacy - Click above for high-res image gallery

Subaru has just stuck a Monroney on its 2010 Legacy, and the new all-wheel drive sedan will start at $20,690 (*$19,995 + $695 destination). According to the Japanese automaker, that's a handy $800 less than last year's model. For that hard-earned dosh, you will receive a 2.5i model with its standard six-speed manual - the company's "Lineartronic" CVT model starts at a grand more. The base Legacy looks to be quite well equipped, but for those with the wherewithal, a 2.5i Premium model adds a bunch of content (including 16-inch alloys, leather-wrapped wheel, 10-way power driver's seat, etc.) for another $1,000 on top of the standard 2.5i model.

Gearheads will likely be most interested in the 2.5GT model, which includes a turbocharged 265-horsepower mill backed by a six-speed manual. For your $28,690 (including dest.), you'll get 18-inch alloys, a hood scoop, and all the features of the 2.5i Premium model. There's a Limited model, too, which adds a leather interior, power passenger seat, and a Harman/Kardon audio system, but selecting that model will relieve you of a tidy $30,690 at your local dealer.

Alternatively, if you prefer more relaxed six-cylinder motoring, there's the normally aspirated 256-horsepower 3.6R model, but you'll have to settle for a five-speed automatic with paddle-shift control. That model starts at $25,690 (which Subie notes is $1,600 less than the 3.0R exit vehicle), and this time out, it only requires 87 octane at the pump.

Key options include a $995 moonroof and a navigation package with Bluetooth, an upgraded 440-watt stereo w/USB port and a backup camera for $2,000.

Load luggers take note: There appear to be no wagons bound for the U.S. market (as in recent years), so you'll have to wait for word on 2010 Outback pricing if your life or your preferences dictate a two-box setup. For the moment, however, click through to the jump for the complete press release with more information, or check out our coverage of the Legacy's New York Auto Show debut by clicking here.

Gallery: New York: 2010 Subaru Legacy

Gallery: 2010 Subaru Legacy

Live Photos Copyright (C)2009 Alex Nunez / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Subaru]

Continue reading 2010 Subaru Legacy to start from $20,690*

2010 Subaru Legacy to start from $20,690* originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York: What Subaru left Outback

John Neff — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 15:12:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Wagon, Subaru

What Subaru left out back - Click to enlarge

While shooting the new 2010 Legacy at Subaru's display stand, we peeked behind a curtain to see if the Japanese automaker was hiding anything else out back. Usually we're confronted by a mess of wires and boxes when snooping around where we're not allowed, but this time we actually found a car! Subaru still has a press conference tomorrow and the new Legacy models are already out on the floor, so we knew the brand must have something else up its sleeve. The covered car is obviously a wagon with a high hood and fenders that appear to flare out farther away from the body than on the normal Legacy. Hmmm... What could it be? If you couldn't tell, we're guessing it's the Outback version of the new Legacy. We'll find out tomorrow morning if we're right, so stay tuned.

New York: What Subaru left Outback originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Apr 2009 15:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York Preview: 2010 Subaru Legacy revealed ahead of Big Apple debut

Noah Joseph — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Sedan, Subaru

2010 Subaru Legacy - Click above for a high-res gallery

With the days winding down until the opening of the 2009 New York Auto Show, Subaru has released the full details along with photographs of its highly anticipated new Legacy, which replaces the outgoing model for the 2010 model year. The new Legacy has big shoes to fill, as the outgoing model offered a compelling package with a sleek design and capable chassis.

The exterior design of the new model bridges the gap between Subie's aging flagship model and the concept car the Japanese automaker revealed in Detroit. The new Legacy also grows an inch longer, and about three inches in each the wheelbase, width and height, in order to offer a more commodious cabin.

Three engines will be available: A naturally-aspirated four, a revised turbocharged flat-four and the flat-six. The 2.5-liter normally aspirated engine produces 170 horsepower and equal torques, and the fla-six swells from 3.0- to 3.6 liters, now producing 256 hp and 258 pound-feet of torque. But the big news is the revised turbo boxer in between, producing 22 more horses than the outgoing model (now 265 hp) and 17 lb-ft more torque (for a total of 258) from lower revs. Of course, all the engines will offer all-wheel drive (otherwise it'd hardly be a Subaru), but the six-speed manual (fresh to the North American market) and five-speed automatic are joined by a new CVT to keep any of the engines in their sweet spot.

The interior has likewise been thoroughly revised, incorporating a new voice-command sat-nav and slick ambient lighting. All of this amounts to a modest 50 pound increase in weight, which seems like a small penalty to pay for all the added features.

We'll be sure to check it out and report back live from the Javitz Center show floor next week. In the meantime, load up on info with the press release after the jump and the high-resolution image gallery below.

Gallery: 2010 Subaru Legacy

[Source: Subaru]

Continue reading New York Preview: 2010 Subaru Legacy revealed ahead of Big Apple debut

New York Preview: 2010 Subaru Legacy revealed ahead of Big Apple debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru issues "stop sale" on all models equipped with turbo'd 2.5-liter

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 14:21:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Subaru

JL sent us over an email from Subaru of America that's instructed dealers to immediate cease sales of all Subaru models equipped with the turbocharged, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The directive effects some 2008 and 2009 models built in January and February, including the Forester, Legacy 2.5GT, LTD, 2.5GTB and Impreza sedan and wagon.

The issue involves reports of an "engine knocking noise" that's been affecting vehicles outside the U.S. market, and an initial investigation has found that there is some kind of internal wear that may be causing the noise.

Currently, no U.S. vehicles have been affected, and a Subaru spokesperson told us that the stop sale has been issued as a temporary measure to nip it in the proverbial bud and that once the issue is addressed sales will begin again. You can read the full directive and see the exact production dates of the affected models after the jump.

Continue reading Subaru issues "stop sale" on all models equipped with turbo'd 2.5-liter

Subaru issues "stop sale" on all models equipped with turbo'd 2.5-liter originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Apr 2008 14:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru's Legacy and Outback score high on NHTSA tests

Chris Tutor — Sun, 18 Feb 2007 10:31:00 EST

Filed under: Safety, Subaru

Like any proud parent, Subaru is pretty proud of its offspring's safety records. And with the NHTSA awarding five star crash ratings across the board to both Legacy and Outback, they've got plenty of reasons to be proud. Both models also received four out of five stars for rollover safety.

This is thefirst time the Legacy's gotten five stars across the board (in 2005, it got five for front passenger and driver, but was not rated for side crashes), but the Outback has consistently scored tops since at least 2002.

That now makes two safety agencies smiling upon the Legacy, with the IIHS naming it a Top Safety Pick for 2007.

[Source: Safercar.gov]

Subaru's Legacy and Outback score high on NHTSA tests originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 18 Feb 2007 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Esquire magazine picks its '10 Most Awesome Autos'

Chris Paukert — Sun, 30 Apr 2006 16:59:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Ford, Infiniti, Lotus, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Subaru

As Esquire magazine appears to have forgotten to post its "10 Most Awesome Autos" feature from its May issue online, Terry Box at the Dallas Morning News has been kind enough to accommodate list fanatics. The men's magazine actually made a pretty good show of picking its 10 favorite cars under $50,000. No defining criteria other than price and editorial opinion appears to have been employed, so take these for whatever they're worth. In no particular order and without further delay, the envelope, please ...

Lotus Elise ($42,990):
Chevrolet Corvette ($44,490)
Mazda 6 ($19,670)
Infiniti G35 coupe ($33,200)
Ford F-150 ($19,640 to $37,005)
Audi A3 3.2 DSG ($34,700)
Subaru Legacy GT ($28,795)
BMW 3-Series ($30,900 to $44,900)
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution ($29,149)
Chrysler 300C SRT8 ($42,695)

So, did Esquire get it right, or is it missing something?

[Sources: Dallas Morning News; Esquire; Lotus]

Esquire magazine picks its '10 Most Awesome Autos' originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 30 Apr 2006 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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