Autoblog

Here's your inevitable Subaru BRZ convertible rendering [w/poll]

Zach Bowman — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 19:30:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Subaru, Design/Style

Word has it that the chassis engineers assigned to the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GT 86 make sure that the twins' underpinnings were built to be stiff enough to handle having their tops carved off. We can't imagine strapping a few extra hundred pounds of reinforcements and a top mechanism components would do much for the vehicle's acceleration or handling, but droptops offer their own benefits. Besides, ditching the roof would be an easy way to keep the vehicle relevant as the nameplate ages and would give the Mazda MX-5 Miata some much-needed competition. Autoblog friend Theophilus Chin has taken the time to render up a cabriolet version of the Subaru BRZ for our enjoyment.

How does it look? The renderings themselves are well executed, but we're still partial to the hardtop's lines. Ditching the couple's roofline gives the BRZ Convertible a blocky appearance from the rear, particularly in the decklid area. Head over to Chin's site to take a look at other angles and then be sure to weigh in with your vote in our poll and/or a thought in Comments.

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Here's your inevitable Subaru BRZ convertible rendering [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Dec 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Scion FR-S marks Toyota's return to performance in U.S.

John Neff — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 23:48:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Scion, Toyota

With the introduction tonight of the 2013 Scion FR-S, the triumvirate of oh-so-similar sport coupes born of the joint venture between Toyota and Subaru is complete. The FR-S is what we Americans will get from the Scion brand, as opposed to the Toyota GT 86 that Europeans get and the Subaru-branded BRZ.

Believe it or not, but the FR-S will make Scion a five-car brand when it joins the xD, xB, tC and iQ next year. It is by far the most performance-oriented, thanks to its rear-wheel-drive architecture, relatively light weight and low center of gravity, the latter thanks to its Subaru-derived four-cylinder 2.0-liter boxer engine with Toyota's D4-S direct injection system. As with the GT 86 and BRZ, the FR-S will also produce 200 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 151 lb-ft at 6,600 rpm. Transmission choices are also the same with a six-speed manual or automatic with paddle shifters.

With its introduction, the FR-S also marks the return of some excitement to Toyota's lineup of products in the U.S., even if it is branded as a Scion. The Japanese automaker hasn't offered a true performance machine in the U.S. since the MR2 Spyder ended production in 2007. The more hardcore Supra disappeared from American soil almost a decade earlier in 1998. (UPDATE: The Lexus LFA also deserves mention, though its exclusivity and price put it out of reach for most mere mortals.)

We're busy grabbing the first live shots of the FR-S at its unveiling in LA, so go ahead and hop past the jump to read the official word from Toyota, which is the same as it was for the GT 86 and BRZ, while we keep shooting.

Continue reading 2013 Scion FR-S marks Toyota's return to performance in U.S.

2013 Scion FR-S marks Toyota's return to performance in U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 23:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota GT 86 makes a compelling case for itself

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 01:46:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Tokyo Motor Show, Toyota

Certainly for the moment, this is the biggest competition the Subaru BRZ has: its twin, the Toyota GT 86. The volcanic orange coupe was unveiled in another corner of the Tokyo Motor Show, and frankly, it's got a lot to recommend it. The frontal treatment is slightly different than on the BRZ, but the only digression out back is the lack of a spoiler, and the GT 86 looks pretty good without it.

Inside, it's a tale of two cabins. Clearly Toyota has brought a higher-spec cockpit to the party, and although you might not dig the red two-tone scheme, the iPhone cradle, toggle switches and white gauges are nifty. Of course, that niftyness will cost you a navigation screen, but these are exactly the kinds of choices the GT 86 vs BRZ crowd will need to make. Brush up on the specs in the release after the jump and take a walk around it in our high-res image gallery.

Continue reading Toyota GT 86 makes a compelling case for itself

Toyota GT 86 makes a compelling case for itself originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 01:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Subaru BRZ finally bows

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 22:31:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Tokyo Motor Show, Subaru

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.

Continue reading 2012 Subaru BRZ finally bows

2012 Subaru BRZ finally bows originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Nov 2011 22:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota GT 86 sports car revealed [w/video]

Alex Nunez — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 22:25:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Europe, Tokyo Motor Show, Toyota

It's no secret that the Toyota FT-86 will finally make its production-spec debut next week at the Tokyo Motor Show, and ahead of that, the automaker's UK office has released the first official photos and some initial specs. In Europe, the car will officially be called the Toyota GT 86. In Japan, however, the car will simply be called 86.

Cutting right to the chase, here are the specs that are now official, from the Toyota UK announcement. Obviously, there's more to come:

2.0-liter boxer with D4-S injection (direct and port injected)
197 hp @ 7,000 rpm and 151 lb-ft (205 Nm) @6,600 rpm
6-speed manual or automatic transmissions
17-inch wheel/tire package standard
4,240mm (167 in.) long, 1285mm (50.6 in.) high, 2,570mm (101 in.) wide
53:47 front-to-rear weight distribution
475mm (18.7 in.) center of gravity

As demonstrated in the photos, everything is basically in line with what we've seen so far in the various leaked materials. So, start getting excited. In addition to the sharp styling outside, the interior looks the business, and the "86" fender logo is just plain cool. The GT 86 goes on sale in the UK next June.

We'll be on hand in Tokyo for the official reveal at the end of the coming week, with plenty more then. In the meantime, peruse the photo gallery, then hit the jump for a video and the full press release.

Continue reading Toyota GT 86 sports car revealed [w/video]

Toyota GT 86 sports car revealed [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 26 Nov 2011 22:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota FT-86 leaked again in TRD catalog

Noah Joseph — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 09:59:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Toyota

Maybe there was a time when a car was unveiled and that was that. But we can't quite recall such a time. Especially not when dealing with a vehicle as hotly anticipated as the sportscar developed jointly by Toyota and Subaru. The car alternately known as the FT-86, the Scion FR-S and the Subaru BRZ has been the source of a seemingly endless run-up that's included concept cars, spy shots and more leaks than a colander. And now we have one more.

Subaru just gave us its first official glimpse of what to expect with the BRZ STI Concept that's headed for the Los Angeles Auto Show later this month, but before that, we brought you a couple of leaks from the Toyota side of things: one showing the stock version, and another dolled up with bolt-ons from the Modellista accessories catalog. Now we can add one more as images have surfaced on FT86Club.com of the FT-86 accessorized with parts from Toyota Racing Development (TRD).

We have to say we're more enthused by the standard model without the extra baubles, but this latest leak serves to further demonstrate the endless possibilities in store for customizing what is bound to become a popular model among enthusiasts.

Toyota FT-86 leaked again in TRD catalog originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Nov 2011 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru BRZ STI Concept coming to LA Auto Show

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 10:26:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, LA Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Subaru

We're expecting to finally see the production version of the Subaru BRZ sports car at the Tokyo Motor Show in early December, but not before the automaker teases us with one more concept. At this year's Los Angeles Auto Show, Subaru will unveil this, the BRZ Concept - STI (yes, that's its official name), showing what the automaker's in-house tuner can do with the all-new, lightweight, rear-wheel drive sports car.

Curiously, the STI team has chosen to leave the BRZ's 2.0-liter naturally aspirated Boxer four untouched. A shame, since a turbocharged version of the all-new powerplant would certainly make sense for an STI-badged version of the car. Subaru has, however, fitted upgraded suspension bits, new Brembo brakes and larger 18-inch wheels.

The neat thing about the STI Concept is that this is actually the first time we've seen the Subaru's exterior design - we've only seen full models of the Toyota/Scion version of this car. We like what we see so far, though we're not exactly blown away. Then again, we probably shouldn't expect much from an automaker that hasn't exactly been known for aesthetics over the years. Of course, this being the STI version, a large wing has been fitted to the rear deck, and the car is painted in a new evolution of Subaru's classic blue, called WR Blue Pearl II.

We'll see the car in person in just two weeks, but for now, hit the jump for Subaru's press release and see some official renderings of the BRZ STI in our attached high-res image gallery.

Continue reading Subaru BRZ STI Concept coming to LA Auto Show

Subaru BRZ STI Concept coming to LA Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Nov 2011 10:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota FT-86 / Scion FR-S specs leaked via training manual

Zach Bowman — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Japan, Scion, Toyota

We may have a clearer picture of what the Toyota FT-86 / Scion FR-S will bring to the table when the production version finally arrives. A few scans of a purported Toyota training manual on the vehicle have made their way into the hands of the internet via the FT86Club.com forum.

If the site's translations are accurate, the vehicle will boast a 2.0-liter flat-four producing 197 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 150 pound-feet of torque at 6,600 rpm. While not overwhelming numbers, if the handling is as good as we've been hearing, the powertrain should be enough to hustle the 2,667-pound coupe around your favorite twisty road at a respectable pace.

The sheet also reveals that the FR-S will come in two trims, at least in Japan. A higher-spec variant will come with a limited-slip rear differential in both manual and automatic-equipped vehicles, while the lower-spec model will only have the LSD when equipped with a third pedal (which is just fine by us).

Topped-out JDM versions will also have a leather-wrapped steering wheel, LED accent lighting, a six-speaker audio system, sport pedals and white-faced gauges. Models will also be differentiated by wheel size, with higher-trims wearing modest 17-inch rollers and lower models rolling on 16-inch stock.

Toyota FT-86 / Scion FR-S specs leaked via training manual originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Oct 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Standard Toyota FT-86 / Scion FR-S revealed?

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 09:47:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Toyota

Is this the standard production version of the Toyota FT-86 / Scion FR-S? Sure looks like it. Another set of brochure shots acquired by the FT-86 forum shows a plainer version of the new rear-drive sports car in red, in contrast to the white Modellista brochure shots from a few days ago. The interior images are the same as before, but the exteriors diverge in a few areas: the production version doesn't appear to have LED accents by the headlights, the skirting is softer around the car, a conventional whip antenna replaces the shark fin on the roof, and there's optional vent ornamentation for the front fenders.

Opinion seems to be divided on whether Toyota has gone too far with certain elements of the car or, after years of gestation, if didn't go far enough. We don't have much longer to wait until the real thing takes a deep bow at the Tokyo Motor Show, but is this what you've been waiting for?

Standard Toyota FT-86 / Scion FR-S revealed? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 30 Oct 2011 09:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota FT-86 leaked in Modellista parts catalog?

Noah Joseph — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Spy Photos

Is this the final production version of the Toyota FT-86? Well, very likely, yes and no. What you're looking at is a scan from a catalog ostensibly leaked from Toyota's Modellista parts division that's making its rounds of the intertubes this fine morning.

Of course, we haven't get anyone at Toyota to verify the leak yet (we're working on it), so it could turn out to be a ruse. But assuming it's real, it almost raises more questions than it answers.

For one thing, earlier reports suggested that the production model (to be sold here as the Scion FR-S) would look significantly different from the concept cars that have appeared to date. And this one looks pretty spot-on.

For our part, we appreciated the show car's cleaner lines without all the pseudo-aftermarket bolt-ons pictured here, so we'll have to wait another few weeks to see the factory model at the Tokyo Motor Show before we cast final judgement.

Toyota FT-86 leaked in Modellista parts catalog? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Oct 2011 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru BRZ to pack more power than Toyota version, spawn convertible?

Noah Joseph — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Scion, Subaru, Toyota

It's only a month away, ladies and gents. We're talking about the Tokyo Motor Show that's set to open at the end of November. And when it does, we've been promised that we'll finally see the production version of the coupe being co-developed by Toyota and Subaru.

The so-called "Toyobaru" will be sold under at least three different marques when it hits the market, as a Subaru, a Toyota and a Scion - the latter exclusive to the United States. But new word on the street is that the Subaru will receive the most powerful version. While Toyota has said its version will pack about 200 horsepower, Subaru indicates the BRZ (as it's been officially named) will pack "less than 300 horsepower," very likely putting it in the high-200 zone.

There are also rumors afloat of a potential convertible version. Reports indicate that the chassis was engineered from the get-go to lose its roof and accommodate a droptop, but while Toyota has refused to comment on the prospect, Subaru is reportedly considering it closely.

Subaru BRZ to pack more power than Toyota version, spawn convertible? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Oct 2011 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru BRZ continues to tease

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Spy Photos, Coupe, Tokyo Motor Show, Subaru

Between Subaru and Toyota, the pair of BRZ/FT-86 rear-wheel-drive coupes are high in the running for the honorary Chevrolet Volt Award For Painfully Slow New Car Rollouts. We won't take you through the entire lifespan of this pair of Japanese sports cars, but we'll say this: we're sick of waiting in Pavlovian anticipation for their Tokyo Motor Show unveiling already.

Still, at least this latest set of spy photos gives us a better glimpse at some of the Subie's finer details, including the full shape of the taillamps and what appear to be LED running lights just above the fog lights. We could probably do without that rear spoiler, though we'll wait until all of the swirly paper has been removed before making any final design assessments.

Subaru will be bringing a concept version of the BRZ to the Los Angeles Auto Show before the final production car debuts in Japan. All we can say is, it's about time.

Subaru BRZ continues to tease originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Oct 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Why Subaru went with rear-wheel drive for its BRZ coupe

Jeff Glucker — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Subaru

Some of the Subaru faithful are up in arms over the automaker's decision to go with a rear-wheel-drive setup for the upcoming BRZ. Why did the engineers opt to send power out back when they could have utilized the company's signature symmetrical all-wheel-drive system? You would expect the answer to lie firmly on the backs of Toyota, which is the other half of this joint venture. MotorAuthority looked into it, and according to them, that's not exactly the case.

Toyota has been adamant that a rear-wheel drive sports car was to be the ultimate product of this sports coupe joint-venture. More surprisingly, Subaru officials say they were interested in creating just such a vehicle from the very beginning. To hear them tell it, they aren't just all-wheel drive experts. Subaru produces front-wheel drive vehicles for markets outside of the States, and rear-wheel drive allows them to show off just how far Subaru engineers can push handling and traction levels regardless of which wheels drive the car.

Be it the front wheels, rear wheels or all four wheels, Subaru engineers are clearly eager to prove that they're accomplished at making grippy cars. So... do you buy the explanation, or do you think it's just spin? More importantly, do you think a RWD Subaru is a good idea? Have your say in Comments.

Why Subaru went with rear-wheel drive for its BRZ coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Sep 2011 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota shows off FT-86 II concept... again

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Coupe, Toyota, Design/Style

Believe it or not, we've now seen the Toyota FT-86 in some form or another on five different occasions now - and it's still a concept. The original car was unveiled at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, we saw the FT-86 II this year at the Geneva Motor Show, along with the chassis and powertrain of its Subaru counterpart, we then saw the Scion interpretation at the New York Auto Show, and finally, a slightly revised version of the car is on display here in Frankfurt.

Can we please just drive the thing already? By the time it gets to market, it's going to arrive with a mid-cycle refresh!

Toyota says that the car on display here at the Frankfurt Messe is "lighter, faster and sportier" than the concept cars that came before it, but aside from the new orange paint job, the only noticeable difference we can see are a pair of red Brembo brake calipers behind those alloy wheels. Nifty.

Still, we never turn down a chance to eyeball the FT-86, and we encourage you to do the same in our attached high-res image gallery.

Toyota shows off FT-86 II concept... again originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Sep 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Latest Subaru BRZ prototype comes into view

Zach Bowman — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Japan, Subaru

Our elite squad of highly-trained spy photographers has nabbed a handful of new photos of the soon-to-be-unveiled Subaru BRZ. The front engine, rear-wheel drive sports coupe was spotted out and about on public streets wrapped in suitable camouflage ahead of its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next week. Subaru says that the BRZ moniker for Boxer engine, Rear-wheel drive Zenith, but it sounds more like a phonetic interpretation of a weedeater to us. Nomenclature aside, we're told to expect good things from the coupe. Word on the web is that Subaru may use the vehicle to unveil a new 2.0-liter direct-injection four-cylinder engine.

Even more interesting is rumors that the coupe will use a similarly new six-speed manual or automatic transmission. Either way, we'll know more when the Japanese automaker pulls back the sheets in Germany next week. Stay tuned.

Latest Subaru BRZ prototype comes into view originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Sep 2011 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru names its coupe BRZ as concept heads for Frankfurt

Noah Joseph — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 00:25:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Coupe, Subaru

WRX drivers won't like hearing it, but Subaru has got some catching up to do with Toyota. While the latter has unveiled several concepts to preview its version of the rear-drive coupe the two are developing together, the former has yet to show us anything more than a frame. But that's about to change.

At the rapidly approaching Frankfurt Motor Show, Subaru will be unveiling a "technology concept" for its version of the sports car. And in announcing its plans, Fuji Heavy's automotive unit has revealed the car's name: BRZ.

The letters stand for Boxer Rear-drive Zenith, and will be worn on the concept called the BRZ Prologue. We're not quite sure what to expect, exactly, of a "technology concept," but hopefully, it'll give us a better idea of what we're looking at than what we've seen so far. Follow the jump for the press release and follow the link to the teaser site for more.

Continue reading Subaru names its coupe BRZ as concept heads for Frankfurt

Subaru names its coupe BRZ as concept heads for Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Aug 2011 00:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Scion FR-S designed with a rollcage in mind and other key tidbits

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Scion, Toyota, Rumormill

The diehards at Club4AG have been patiently waiting for a new generation of sports car from Toyota. It seems one of the sites founding members got a closer look at what's in store for the production version of the Toyota FT-86 II/Scion FR-S. User Moto-P got the chance to attend a dinner meeting with chief project engineer Tetsuya Tada, and it sounds like many a bean was spilled.

It's apparent from Moto-P's time spent with Tada that the upcoming vehicle is designed to be a true sports car, for true enthusiasts. The engine has been tuned by Yamaha to produce inspiring sounds. Racers will appreciate the space left on either side of the dash, which is there to accommodate a rollcage without also requiring that you cut up the dashboard. There's even a chance the car will come sans CD player and navigation unit to keep things light and simple in the cabin, yet an iPod connection would still be offered.

Moto-P goes on to express his love for the brand, the main engineer and the upcoming car itself. It's clear that this person is a huge fan, so we take everything said in the forum with a grain of salt. Still, it's interesting to hear about what may be in store for the long-awaited FT-86/Toyobaru.

Scion FR-S designed with a rollcage in mind and other key tidbits originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Jul 2011 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru promises four new models by 2016

Zach Bowman — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 14:31:00 EST

Filed under: Japan, Plants/Manufacturing, Subaru, Earnings/Financials

Fuji Heavy Industries has just released a new five-year plan for Subaru under the banner "Motion-V," and the blueprint calls for at least three new models and a hybrid vehicle to be on dealer lots by 2016. The move is part of a strategy to draw in an ever-larger brand fan base in an attempt sell 900,000 units by that date - a 40 percent jump over current figures. That means increasing North American sales to 380,000 units and broadening its Chinese presence to 180,000 vehicles. Subaru sold 263,820 vehicles in the U.S. in 2010.

Still, the goals aren't quite as far-fetched as the Nissan ~~Crazy~~ Power 88 outline.

At least one of the new vehicles will be the upcoming rear-wheel drive Toyota collaboration and Subaru says both companies will continue their partnership over the next five years. Daihatsu will continue to supply Subaru with subcompact vehicles overseas and Subaru will continue to allow Toyota to manufacture the Camry in its Indiana facility. Hit the jump to have a look at the full "Motion-V" plan for yourself.

Continue reading Subaru promises four new models by 2016

Subaru promises four new models by 2016 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Jul 2011 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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STI version of Subaru coupe unlikely to go turbocharged? Not so fast...

Zach Bowman — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Japan, Subaru, Rumormill

Subaru Coupe spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

Automotive News has dug up a few details on the Subaru sports coupe co-developed with Toyota. The production version of the two-door is set for an official unveil at the Tokyo Motor Show this December, and when it bows, AN expects it to show up without the company's trademark all-wheel drive system or a turbocharger. That sound? It's the lonesome wail of a sad trombone.

The good news is that Subaru is reportedly planning on a longer-than-average lifecycle for the coupe, with multiple packages popping up down the line to keep the car fresh. Those include an STI model, and while those three letters typically signify forced induction, Automotive News suggests that's not the case for this vehicle. According to their sources at Subaru, the Subiyota was always intended to be all naturally aspirated, all the time. Curiously, Autoblog's own well-placed sources assure us that isn't the case, suggesting that turbo power is still very much in the car's future.

Even with a 2.0-liter, naturally-aspirated four-cylinder behind the headlights, the Subaru coupe should be a blast to fling. The company's engineers have positioned the engine five inches lower in the chassis compared to the Impreza, which should translate into a better center of gravity and improved handling dynamics. Here's hoping that all-wheel drive shows up before long.

STI version of Subaru coupe unlikely to go turbocharged? Not so fast... originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jun 2011 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru teases Boxer Sports Car Architecture ahead of Geneva debut

Noah Joseph — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Geneva Motor Show, Subaru

Some automakers adopt the latest technologies in whatever form they come. Others define themselves around specific features. Take Subaru, for example, which has built up its reputation around two features: all-wheel drive and the boxer engine. In its joint venture with Toyota over a shared sportscar platform, Subaru may have had to give up on AWD (at least in conceptual form), but it's not budging an inch on the horizontally-opposed engine configuration.

So far, all we've seen of the Subaru version of what Toyota is calling the FT-86 program are some spy shots of test mules wearing modified Impreza bodywork. But both Toyota and Subaru are expected to unveil their own versions of the sports coupe at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, and to pique our interests, the latter has released the single teaser shot you see above, representing the boxer engine nestled inside a Tron-like representation of the sportscar's frame. Not much to go on, really, but about all we've got so far, so check out the statement after the jump, follow the link to Subaru's website and watch this space for more. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

[Source: Subaru]

Continue reading Subaru teases Boxer Sports Car Architecture ahead of Geneva debut

Subaru teases Boxer Sports Car Architecture ahead of Geneva debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Feb 2011 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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