CAR News

The latest in Subaru’s occasional series of limited edition turbocharged Club Spec WRXs goes on sale in August, with the choice of eye-catching tangerine or black paint, plus a variety of spec upgrades.

Just 300 Club Spec WRXs will be available, each featuring:
Leather trim
Black coated 17-inch alloy wheels
Black Subaru Tecnica International (STI) spoiler
Black door mirrors
Club Spec external badge
Numbered Club Spec interior badge
The limited edition is available purely as a sedan with manual transmission-only.
Tangerine cars will also have orange stitching on the WRX logos on the front seats and on the front seat back rests.
Seat and steering wheel stitching is black.
The black car has standard red stitching on the seats, back rests and steering wheel.
The front guard garnish with WRX logo is also black instead of the standard silver.

An STI kit is also available including:
Front lip under spoiler
Short shift gear lever assembly
Flexible tower bar

The normal Manufacturer’s List Price (MLP) for the kit is $2100, but is available for $1000 on the Club Spec limited edition.

The Club Spec WRX is priced at $41,490 MLP.

Nick Senior, Managing Director, Subaru Australia, said: “WRX continues to have tremendous appeal in its widebody form and combined with the retained value traditionally achieved by these limited editions, there’s likely to be a lot of interest in these cars, which can be differentiated even further from standard WRX with the addition of the STI kit.”
**Prices are Subaru (Aust) Pty Limited’s Manufacturer’s List Prices only and include GST on the list price but exclude dealer delivery charges and all other government and statutory charges. For the drive away price of Subaru vehicles consumers should be advised to contact their local authorized Subaru dealer.

Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the manufacturer of Subaru automobiles, today announced that it will showcase the 2013 Legacy and Outback (US specifications) at the New York International Auto Show (Press day: April 4 and April 5; Open to the public from April 6 through April 15). Those two models will be introduced to the US market this summer.

The product concept of 2013 Legacy and Outback is “All performance enhancement” that covers designs, fuelefficiency, driveability and safety. In pursuit of further evolution that greatly exceeds customers’ expectations, FHI has developed the 2013 Subaru Legacy and Outback with more extensive modifications than a typical yearly
model change. The modifications are not limited to exterior and interior changes. The Legacy and Outback-like sporty driving feel with comfort and peace of mind were further refined. The new generation
Horizontally-Opposed Boxer engine that features in both models for 2013 improves fuel efficiency. While maintaining a top level safety assessment, the new models feature Subaru’s original advanced driving assist system “EyeSight” for the first time in North America. “EyeSight” was previously introduced in Japan and
Australia markets and has received very high reputation.

Design
Exterior
By adopting the headlamps with the motif common with other Subaru vehicles and a hexagon grille that conveys wideness, stability and sharpness in the front face, a sporty and sophisticated image is expressed. The new front grille and bumper design accentuates both models’ uniqueness, providing a sharper look for the Legacy and more
powerful look for the Outback.

Interior
With the design concept of “Sportiness” and “Luxury”, quality and functionality were improved. Two types of grain were newly adopted for the instrument panel, door panel and shift knob: one for Legacy and the other for Outback. The grain was also added to the shift knob for a harmonized interior design. The new Electro-luminescent meter with color LCD was adopted for the upper trim levels. The color LCD corresponds to the newly introduced “EyeSight”. Those modifications enhance both the visibility of the indicator and product appeals.

? Fuel Efficiency
To satisfy the increasing demands for environmental consciousness and fuel efficiency, the new generation Boxer engine was newly adopted for the 2.5 liter models. By combining the light and compact second generation Lineartronic (CVT), first introduced in the new Impreza, fuel economy was further improved.

? Driveability
Low to mid speed torque centers on manageability in practical use and was improved by the adoption of the new generation Boxer engine and the second generation Lineartronic (CVT). High fuel efficiency and engine output were both achieved. Suspensions were also revised to further refine the unique driving experience of the Legacy
and Outback: they are fun to drive, giving a secure driving feel, excellent stability in straight line driving and good cornering performance. Body vibration is kept to a minimum and better maneuverability was also achieved due to the setting change of damper and spring rate, reinforcement of the cradle frame and the body structure.

? Safety
Subaru’s renowned crash safety performance, which receives excellent evaluations, has been enhanced by the addition of body reinforcement and the design change of airbag. Moreover, the Subaru’s original advanced driving assist system “EyeSight” is now introduced to North America. It features “Pre-Collision Braking Control”,
“Pre-Collision Brake Assist System”, “Adaptive Cruise Control with all-speed range tracking function” and “Lane Sway Warning”, providing drivers with more comfortable driving situations.

Re-Styled 2013 Subaru Outback® to Debut at 2012 New York International Auto Show

New BOXER® engine with higher power and better efficiency
Up to 30 mpg highway with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
New second-generation Lineartronic® CVT
Redesigned front styling
Smoother, quieter ride
New convenience and audio features
Available EyeSightTM driver-assist system with:
Pre-Collision Braking
System Capable of Pedestrian Detection
Lane Departure and Sway Warning
Adaptive Cruise Control
Subaru of America, Inc. today announced that it will introduce the 2013 Outback models at the New York International Auto Show. The 2013 Outback is powered by a new, more efficient powertrain and debuting the new EyeSight driver-assist system and features revised styling. Chassis enhancements improve both ride quality and agility in the 2013 Outback, which also offers new amenities and audio/infotainment capabilities.

The 2013 Outback features a restyled front end, with new headlights, grille, front bumper, and fog lights, for a more powerful appearance. Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive distinguishes the Outback from crossover competitors, which generally offer all-wheel drive as an extra-cost option. Numerous enhancements to the body structure, suspension, and steering give the Outback an even smoother and quieter ride for 2013; while also helping increase handling agility. Body roll has been reduced by up to 40 percent.
The Subaru Outback provides the crisp car-like handling with the versatility of an SUV. The 8.7 inches of ground clearance is higher than for many large SUVs and crossovers while maintaining a low step-in height.
Up to 30 MPG
The 2013 Outback 2.5i models debut a new double-overhead-cam (DOHC) 2.5-liter FB series Boxer engine for increased performance and fuel efficiency. The new engine produces 173 hp and 174 lb.-ft. of torque, compared to 170 hp and 170 lb.-ft. with the previous engine. More significant is that the new engine produces greater low-end torque across a broad speed range, making the 2013 Outback 2.5i models more responsive in everyday driving.
Outback 2.5i and 2.5i Premium models offer a choice between a standard six-speed manual transmission and the second-generation Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission); the latter is standard on 2.5i Limited. Models with the CVT also feature a 6-speed manual mode with steering wheel paddle shifters, which allow the driver to control the transmission via six pre-set ratios. Outback 3.6R models continue with a 256-horsepower 3.6-liter six-cylinder BOXER engine and five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission.
Official EPA fuel economy figures are not yet available, but Subaru projects that the 2013 Outback 2.5i with the Lineartronic CVT will achieve 24-mpg city/30 mpg highway/26 mpg combined, up compared with the 22/29/24 for the 2012 model.
Subaru also projects that the 2013 Outback will achieve a 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The 2013 Outback models add a new Brake Override system.
New EyeSight Driver-Assist System
The 2013 Subaru Outback (and Legacy®) models debut Subaru’s new EyeSight driver-assist system, which integrates Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking and Vehicle Lane Departure Warning. Projected to be one of the most affordable such technologies available in the U.S. market, EyeSight uses a stereo camera design developed by Subaru to provide a detection angle wider than that of radar-based systems.
Enhanced Interior Comfort and Convenience
New, more comfortable seat fabric, and a new light matte wood grain trim provide a sophisticated appearance. The Outback Limited models for 2013 offer a new Special Appearance Package option that provides a Keyless Access & Start system along with a two-position memory system for the already-standard 10-way power driver’s seat. With the Keyless Access & Start system, the driver, while carrying the remote control in a pocket or purse, can unlock the car by touching the door handle button. The rear gate also has an unlock touch sensor.
Also in the Limited models, rear A/C outlets have also been added, and a new electro-luminescent instrument cluster integrates the 3.5-in. color screen for the multi-information display, which also shows EyeSight functions when the car is so equipped. The Outback was the first crossover to feature as standard factory-installed foldable roof crossbars. For 2013, a new adjustable design allows the rear crossbar to be moved further rearward to carry longer items such as kayaks or other outdoor gear.
Three Trim Levels
The 2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i models are available in three trim levels – base, Premium, and Limited. Outback 3.6R models will be offered in base and Limited. The base 2.5i features standard steering wheel cruise control and audio switches; a 60/40 split fold-down rear seat with recline feature; electronic parking brake with Hill Holder System; and an automatic headlight function. The standard audio system in the 2.5i model is upgraded for 2013 to now include Bluetooth® hands-free phone capability, audio streaming, iPod® control capability, and a USB charging port. The system continues with an AM/FM stereo, single disc CD player, Radio Data Broadcast System (RDBS), 3.5mm aux. input jack, and 4 speakers.
Outback Premium models add a 10-way power driver’s seat; leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter; body-colored side mirrors; 17-in. alloy wheels (all 3.6R trim lines have 17-in. alloy wheels as standard); and other amenities.
The Limited trim lines add to the Premium perforated leather upholstery; dual zone automatic climate control; the All-Weather Package that includes heated front seats and mirrors, and a windshield wiper de-icer (package optional for Premium); the harman/kardon Premium Audio Package (optional for Premium) with a 4.3-in. color display, 440-watt amplifier, nine harman/kardon premium speakers, and standard XM Satellite Radio® service (four-month free trial subscription included); rear A/C duct, electro-luminescent gauges, and a 4-way power front passenger seat. The Limited models also exclusively offer an available voice-activated GPS navigation system with a seven-in. LCD display, rear vision camera and XM NavTraffic® (with a four-month free trial subscription included), and an SD card slot for convenient navigation map updates, among other features.
Outback Premium and Limited models offer an available Power Moonroof Package with Rear Vision Camera that also includes an auto-dimming rear-view mirror with Homelink garage-remote function.
Subaru produces a full line of all-wheel drive sedans, crossovers, and SUVs; and for 2013 has also introduced the rear-wheel drive BRZ sports car to its portfolio.

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 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.

Concept

The product concept of Subaru 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 Subaru BRZ is a fun sports car that any driver can enjoy driving with peace of mind.

Design

The Subaru 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 Subaru 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 Subaru 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 Subaru 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”.

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 Subaru 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 Subaru 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.