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12/21 Winter starts today. It's the
winter Solstice, the shortest day and longest night of
the year. From here on it gets better, each day gets a little longer.
Winter is starting off a doozie too. There's snow on the ground here in
Seattle, it'll be a white Christmas. It's the season for skiiers, kids
to play in the snow, and Subaru owners because they can get around fine
(no chains). The snow does help sales too because people realize they need
a Subaru. And on the subject of a white Christmas, I always watch Bing
Crosby, Danny Kaye, and Rosemary Clooney (George's aunt) in White Christmas.
Ok so it's a sappy happy movie but that's a great song .. 'I'm dreaming
of a white Christmas... '
On the winter solstice,
the South Pole has 24hrs of daylight and there is no daylight at the North
Pole.
Driving tips for a
cold weather have you checked your radiator and washer fluids recently?
Keep at least 1/3 - 1/2
tank of gas to minimize condensation.
Before starting the car
turn OFF all accessores - it's much better for the battery.
Let the engine run for a
minute or two before taking off.
If you have the All Weather
Package (heated outside mirrors, front wiper de-icer and heated seats)
turn on the front wiper deicers to free the blades if there's any frost
or ice. Don't use warm water on the windshield, it can crack the glass.
And of course use the heated seats and rear defroster.
Door lock frozen? Lock deicer
is handy and good to use (at most auto parts or hardware stores, or locksmith),
or heat the key with a match.
Door frozen closed? Help
prevent this - lightly wipe silicone on the rubber seals. Use silicone
spray on the rubber door seal. Be sure to wipe off excess and overspray.
good things to carry
in the car cell phone, flashlight that works, ice scraper, emergency
reflective triangle or flare, blanket, gloves, bag of sand, shovel, common
sense.
Snow driving:
see above, and then check to see your are tires ok, do they have lots of
tread and are they properly inflated?
Can you see out? Gently
scrape snow off, don't scrape down to the paint, it can scratch it. Maybe
let the car warm up and melt it off.
Keep at least 1/3-1/2 tank
of gas to minimize condensation and also to keep warm if you get stuck.
Take off slowly, no jack-rabbit
starts
Braking: only very gently
tap the brakes to slow down. Anticipate stops, lift off the gas pedal.
Downshift if you can with the Sportshift automatic or manual transmission.
Avoid hard braking. If you
have to brake hard, don't pump, just push down and hold so the anti-lock
brakes kick in. Then remember to steer and not to panic.
Avoid accelerating while
turning.
Watch for snow build-up
behind the tires
Watch out for the 'other
guy' esp the one who thinks he's invincible and laws of physics don't count
in his 4x4.
General new,
comments and links in 2008
Model specific news, reports, reviews,
articles etc are below
12/30 Sales tax deduction- save your PO for Washington State, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Texas, Wyoming, Tennessee. You have to itemize for the deduction. Keep your car PO and other receipts. See your tax people for legal advice.
12/25 Merry Christmas
12/23 Rebates
and rates extended through 1/5 (from 1/2), except the
STi program and Share The Love Event which end 1/2 as scheduled.
12/22 Happy Hanukkah
12/14 Tax credit for Washington
State, Florida, Nevada, South
Dakota, Texas, Wyoming and Tennessee. You have to itemize to get the deduction
so keep your car purchase order and other receipts which shows the taxes
paid. Signed October 3, 2008, the law allows you to deduct state sales
taxes on your federal tax return. If you're in a state with both sales
and income tax, you have to choose one.
12/11 Subaru expands quickly in China
'Subaru is enjoying the fastest sales growth among imported auto brands
in China... sales surge in China from 10,000 in 2007 to around 20,000
in 2008. China has become Subaru's fourth biggest target market following
US, Japan and Canada. The company is expected to open 102 outlets in China
by the end of the year, which will be increased to 128 in the following
year.' Sounds like China will soon pass Canada the
article.
12/8 Fuji announces a Subaru bicycle,
the Subaru XB, with a 27-speed derailleur and alloy frame. Only 99 will
be made with Japanese chromoly steel hardtail frame; RockShox Reba Race
Dual Air suspension fork; Shimano XT components (crankset, derailleurs,
disc brakes, shifters, brakes, cassette, chain); Deda Big Bar handlebar;
Deda Quattro stem; Deda Metal Stick seat post; Mavic CrossRide wheels;
Michelin Country Rock 26 x 1.75 tyres; and Selle Italia C2 Gel Flow saddle.Price?
Hold on... expected $3880. from
bikeradar.com
12/1 Rebates
and Interest Rates specials continue unchanged from November.
The busiest car selling week of the year is usually the final week, between
Christmas and New Years.
11/28 GPS units track and record your
location. GPS is good for directions so I don't get lost but they also
track my location and while I certainly have nothing to hide, does my car
need to keep a record of where I've been?
'The (GPS) units can place a suspect at
a crime scene, undermine an alibi or prove fault in an accident..
And though privacy rights advocates don't like the intrusion, courts tend
to side with authorities. Global positioning systems (GPS) and factory-installed
"black box" event data recorders effectively keep late-model vehicles under
24/7 surveillance, providing evidence that can place a suspect at a crime
scene, undermine an alibi, expose a cheating spouse or prove liability
in an accident... black boxes installed in new cars have the
potential to provide insurance companies with accident information useful
in defending or prosecuting claims, and many insurance policies now contain
fine print obliging drivers to turn over the event data recorders in liability
investigations.
"That's my problem with this, from
the privacy perspective," John Soma, a Denver University law professor
and executive director of its Privacy Foundation, said of event data recorders
and of authorities reviewing the stored information. "The car comes equipped
with it. They can't disable it. There hasn't been any meaningful legislative
discussion of this or any meaningful notice that this is now in your car."
the
full article
11/27 HAPPY THANKSGIVING
11/12 Traveling with animals. The
American Veterinary Medical Association with a grant from Subaru (yea Subaru!)
has put together a brochure 'What You Should Know About Traveling With
Your Pet'. Organizing, planning ahead, taking care of your animal and other
helpful hints. the
brochure
10/30 New webpage-
Subaru dealer
list, state by state.
Dealers please
send the days your sales, service and parts is open, if you offer
loan cars, if you are a SPT or CPO dealer, and year the dealer opened
10/25 What the candidates drive. Not
a Subaru in the bunch.
Obama until recently drove a fast V-8
Hemi Chrysler 300C. He now drives a Ford Escape hybrid, also the car of
choice for John Edwards, Al Gore and Hillary Rodham Clinton.
McCain said his first car was a 1958 Corvette.
Now he drives a Cadillac CTS sedan.
VP candidate Biden, told AP at the start
of the 2008 campaign last year that he drives a 1967 Corvette that his
father gave him as a wedding gift when he married his first wife.
VP candidate Palin drives a diesel VW
Jetta. For state business, she drives a Chevrolet Suburban.
10/18 What color do you like? Silver
is top choice. According to PPG paint company 'silver has once
again dominated as the world’s most popular car color but other shades
are gaining ground, especially in North America.
In North America, color rank is silver
20%, white 18%, black 17% + 2% from last year, reds 13%, blues 12%, naturals
9%, other 7%, and green 4%.
'Blue will be the new major color area
for the coming years' said Reiner Mueller-Koerber, PPG's Europe color styling
mgr.
Subaru buyers generally prefer lighter
colors. Subaru offers 2 surprisingly similar silvers Steel Silver and
Spark Silver, also Newport Blue, Sage Green, and Seacrest Green. These
have been the popular choices the past few years. Earthtones like Deep
Bronze, Harvest Gold, Topaz Gold and Sunlight Gold Opal are making a comebaCK
10/1 It was 100 Years Ago today
that the Model T went on sale. 10/1/1908 and everything changed.
Are we there again at the start of a new car era? The original Model
T had 4 cylinders, 20 horsepower, a hand crank starter, top speed was 45mph
and it got up to 21mpg. It had a canvas top, no side windows, no heater,
no gas guage, and no shock absorbers except for padded seats. In 1908 it
cost $850 and dropped to less than $300 by 1923 when production stopped
and 15 million had been built. It was finally outsold by the VW Beetle.
Is it 1908 again with everything about
to change, is the Insight and Prius today's Model T? Expect the hybrid
selection to grow dramatically, fuel cell cars are in trial stages, electric
charging and hydrogen fueling stations are being planned...
9/22 Fall starts end of summer
:(
9/15 Destination increase, all models.
Destination on cars arriving at dealers starting late September 2008 will
be $695 (up $30, from $665). Alaska $845 (from $815). Cars already at dealers
prior to the increase will still have $665 destination.
9/2 Subaru of America is good
employer. Back in May, 2009, SoA was ranked #2 on the Best Adoption
Friendly Workplaces in America list released tby the Dave Thomas Foundation
for Adoption.
Today, September 2, SoA announced that
it has also earned the top rating of 100% for their treatment of lesbian,
gay, bisexual, and transgender employees and consumers in the 2009 Corporate
Equality Index (CEI) annual survey administered by the Human Rights Campaign
Foundation. Subaru joins the ranks of 259 other major U.S. businesses which
get top marks for their treatment of LGBT employees and consumers.
"We are very proud to accept this recognition.
Due to the diverse insights, talents and perspectives our employees contribute,
we have built a culture that is cohesive in operation, strong at heart
and a company where our employees work with pride," said Tomohiko Ikeda,
chairman, president and CEO, Subaru of America, Inc. "Together we hope
to create a reputation of distinction, service and respect."
The CEI rated 583 businesses evaluating
non-discrimination policies, health and domestic partner benefits. Subaru's
efforts in ensuring LGBT equality in each of the survey's main criterion
earned it the prestigious 100% ranking.
8/28 Subaru cleans up their painting
process. SIA (Subaru of Indiana Automotive) has converted from
a solvent borne to a water borne paint process for Subaru production in
its Lafayette facility. The company completed the switch in less than a
month, during the plant's annual summer shutdown in July. The company says
the new paint process reduces hazardous materials handling, improves future
capacity and creates long-term cost savings. SIA chose to switch to a water-borne
paint process include the positive environmental impact and reduced hazardous
materials handling.
8/15 How many cars did the average
new car dealer sell July, 08? The average Subaru dealer sold 27 cars
in July 2008. What's important is really the number of dealers a manufacturer
has. For example, there are only 82 Mini dealers in the US so those dealers
dowe well. For comparison, there are almost 600 Subaru dealers and
Toyota has almost 1,450 dealers. Here's the top half of the 'sales per
dealership' list for July: Toyota 143, Honda 123, Lexus 100, Nissan 81,
BMW 71, Mini 62, Mercedes 60, Infiniti 51, Acura 48, Kia 43, Saturn 41,
Ford 37, Chevy 34, VW 34, Mazda 33, Subaru 27, Audi 25, Dodge 19... all
the way to Rolls Royce at 1 car per dealer in July.
8/12 Dog friendly vehicles 'Five
and 25 - five (actually six with a tie) models with a base price of less
than $25,000 and a fuel-economy rating of close to or exceeding 25 mpg
on the highway. These models all have rear-hatch entries, fold-flat seats
and relatively roomy cargo areas... The Forester has long been a favorite
among dog lovers who want a surefooted ride but don't want a large SUV..'
the
article
8/5 August Rebates,
Finance Rates, 09 Outback, Legacy, Forester 4.9%, $3,750 on
08 Tribeca.. check
it all here
8/3 X Games rally today, Sunday,
watch ABC, 3-6 ET.
3:05 Travis
Pastrana with co-driver Carolyn Bosley win
the Gold at XGames 14 in an 08 STI, Tanner Foust gets Bronze. Results.
Vote for the Subaru Outstanding
Athlete to win the 09 WRX at EXPN.com,
winner announced 9pm ET.
7/29 Leases scare off banks. Many
vehicles, especially those with marginal fuel economy like SUVs and trucks
that were also popular lease vehicles, are no longer worth their anticipated
residual value at lease end, and lenders are cutting back. When a car isn't
worth the residual, the lender loses money. Last Friday, Chrysler said
they'd stop all leasing later this year, now Ford and GMAC are cutting
back. This also happened after the Ford Explorer roll-overs in 2000. No
word from Subaru..
7/28 Immobilizer keys are now standard
in all models. A code is needed to cut and program them. Dealer site
for lost codes https://subarudealers.locksmithsdrm.com
7/22 Washington and California cell
phone laws started July 1. In California
talking on a cell phone while driving is a primary offense and more than
4,000 tickets have already been issued. The fine starts at $20 and increases
with local fees. Washington's ban is a secondary offense, State Patrol
troopers stopped nearly 300 drivers, ticketing 113. An untold number of
drivers ditched their phones as fast as possible when police vehicles approached...
from the Seattle
Times
7/21 Subaru co-founder Macolm Bricklin
sues former partner, Chery. Bricklinis suing China automaker
Chery over a failed agreement to import the Chinese cars to the U.S.. Bricklin,
who with Harvey Lamm brought Subaru cars to the US in the late 1960s, has
been involved with the Fiat X1-9 Bertone, Yugo, powered bicyles, and the
Bricklin SV-1 which was ahead of it's time. Bricklin's current company,
Visionary
Vehicles, intended to import Chery's, but Chery has since signed an
agreement with Chrysler. GM had previously accused Chery of copying its
Daewoo Matiz/Chevy Spark in a previous lawsuit. Bricklin, always with an
eye toward the next thing in the world of cars, is now working on an electric
car. More
on Malcom Bricklin
7/1 Hands free cell
phone now required in Washington State, California,
effective July 1.
Washington State- it's a secondary
offense, so you have to be pulled over for something else like speeding
before a $124 ticket is issued.
California- the new law is a primary
offense, meaning you can get pulled over if a police officer sees you talking
on a cell phone. It also bans anyone under 18 from using a cellphone or
other mobile device while behind the wheel.
This is in addition to laws in New York,
New Jersey, Connecticut, and Wa, DC.. Some states and cities have local
cell or distracted driving laws. (Pretty soon they'll have to post warning
signs at state and city borders.)
6/26 Hands free cell
phone required in Washington State and
California. Its a ticketable offense starting July 1.
6/25 GTP ends June 30. Guaranteed trade-in
program is through June 30. Customers with an 03-06 Subaru get a very
good trade-in value when purchasing a new 08 or 09 Subaru, plus still get
rebates and special finance rates off your best deal on a new car. Trade
values are based on Kelly Blue Book. Also get $500 Subaru Reward Dollars
mailed to you for parts, accessories and future services. Your local dealer
will have program details and trade amount for your car.
6/20 First day of summer!
6/17 SOA sponsors Geological Society
of America for the 8th year. The sponsorship includes awards and grants
made by Subaru to those involved with the study of earth sciences, helps
fund the Women in Geology Mentor program, Subaru Minority Earth Science
award, and the Subaru Outstanding Woman in Science Award and Earthcache.
Subaru is also the 2008 GSA Annual Conference diamond sponsor, held Oct.
5-7, 2008, in Houston, Texas. GSA
members can get special deals through the Subaru VIP program.
6/1 $500 coupon when you buy a certified
pre-owned Subaru. Purchase a CPO (certified pre-owned) used Subaru
and get a $500 coupon from SoA toward your next new Subaru. Good for 4
years. More on this and the certified
pre-owned program
5/31 Chimpanzees used in advertising
are often abused. Subaru, Yahoo, Honda and other companies
have agreed not to use them, which is good. From PETA. '.. trainers kick,
punch, and beat chimpanzees in order to make them obey commands. Chimpanzees
used for entertainment are usually only a few years old. By the time they
reach age 8, they are too powerful to control and are often discarded at
roadside zoos or sold to cheap traveling shows. World-renowned chimpanzee
expert Dr. Jane Goodall supports efforts to end the use of great apes in
the entertainment industry. In March, Goodall and a group of primatologists
concluded in the journal Science that the derisive portrayal of chimpanzees
and orangutans in ads is undermining efforts to save these endangered animals..'
more
from PETA
5/14 Nice reputation. SoA
is #2 adoption-friendly workplace, a very nice award. Subaru of America
was ranked #2 on the Best Adoption-Friendly Workplaces in America list
released today by the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. The list was
made up of large, medium and small businesses with Subaru named #2 in the
medium sized company category. 'This is a great honor for us to be recognized
as one of the Best Adoption-Friendly Workplaces in America,” said Tom Doll,
exec VP/ CFO “We are proud of our reputation as a family-focused organization.”
Rita Soronen, the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption’s executive director,
said the list debuted in 2007 and includes the top 100 organizations that
provide exceptional support to employees who adopt. “More than 50 organizations
nationwide established or enhanced their adoption benefits for 2008. As
a result, employers who made the list offered more robust adoption benefits
packages this year to make it. Rankings for the Best Adoption-Friendly
Workplaces in America list are based on the amount of financial assistance
and paid leave provided. The foundation compiled the results from survey
data collected from 919 U.S. employers. Several survey partners helped
extend the survey’s scope even further by asking their subscribers/members
to participate: Employee Benefit News, a SourceMedia publication that is
the leading source of information for benefits decision makers; the National
Restaurant Association; and the Ohio Chamber of Commerce. In addition to
ranking the top 100, the foundation also recognized the top 10 by size,
the leaders of each industry, and companies who support the cause of adoption
and adoptive families in other ways. Go to AdoptionFriendlyWorkplaces.org
to view each of the lists.
5/11 Happy
Mother's Day
5/6 Snow tires. Yes it's summer but
never to early to talk about snow and a new tire design with hidden studs
that you extend when needed. 'QTires
has developed this patented all-weather tire technology'. The studs extend
from the surface of the tire in snow and ice, they're anti-corrosive safety
studs that deploy when you need them providing optimal control on icy roads,
then retract when driving conditions are safer..' This could be just the
thing for those of us in winter states who like traction and safety but
not the constant, droning, miserable, road-eating, butt-rumbling, ball
bearing feeling of studded tires. More to come...
4/18 Guaranteed Trade-in Program
(GTP), runs 4/21 - 6/30/08. Applies to any 2003-2006 traded in against
a new 2008 or 2009. May include $500 coupon good toward the future
purchase of Subaru accessories, parts, service, Subaru Added Security Plan
or another New Subaru Vehicle (allow 6-8 weeks for coupon delivery). Your
Subaru dealer will have details on the GTP value. Trade must meet mile
and condition requirements.
4/9 New webpage Certified
Pre-Owned used car program (CPO) webpage with information, interest
rates etc.
4/8 Fake Warranty letters Did you get a letter trying to sell you an aftermarket warranty? They're not from Subaru. Read more here.
4/6 Subaru sponsors the Elephant
Rock bike festival, May 30 to June 1 in Castle Rock, Colorado. Participants
also get Subaru
VIP prices. 'Where can you find an 8-mile family course, 32, 50, 65,
100-mile road rides, a 25-mile off-road course and a 24-hour ride during
a weekend? The annual pilgrimage to Castle Rock, Colo, marks the first
major cycling festival of the season for participants from near and far.
Subaru Elephant Rock participants are encouraged to register early this
year before the 7,000-rider limit is met' more
from Velonews.com
3/21 $10million price announced Today
at the NY Auto Show, the X Prize and Progressive Insurance announced a
$10 million purse for the renamed Progressive Automotive X Prize, an international
competition designed to inspire a new generation of super fuel efficient
vehicles. The independent and technology-neutral competition is open to
teams from around the world that can design, build and bring to market
100 MPGe (miles per gallon energy equivalent) vehicles that people want
to buy, and that meet market needs for price, size, capability, safety
and performance. more on the X
Prize
3/17 Happy St. Patricks Day
3/2 a hard week for musicians..
legendary drummer Buddy Miles (Hendrix's Band of Gypsies) died in Texas
at 60 years old. Also Mike Smith, Dave Clark Five's lead singer/keyboardist
just died, from pneumonia, at 64. He was to be inducted into the Rock and
Roll Hall of Fame this year. Canadian musician Jeff Healey died March 2
after a long battle with cancer.
2/23 Democrats like
Subarus and Volvos, Republicans like GMC Yukons. The political machines
dissect everything.
'... from Steve Schmidt, a
Republican political operative who's worked for Bush, Schwarzenegger and
now McCain. He was just talking as the (McCain straight-talk) bus cruised
along the highway between stops not long ago when he said: During one conversation,
he explained that in 2004, when he was working for Bush’s re-election,
“we targeted voters not where they lived but how they lived their lives,
in the same way that credit-card companies do... And so we know, for instance,
that among independent voters there are life styles and behaviors that
identify them as Republicans or Democrats. For example, the GMC Yukon is
a Republican vehicle, and Volvos and Subarus are the most Democratic vehicles..'
more
2/21 0% interest announced on all
08 models, for 24mos oac
2/1 New lower Subaru interest rates,
Impreza lease specials. Check here
1/24 New lower interest rates.
The Fed dropped the bank rate and Subaru lowered their special rates. Click
Rates
1/15 new
January
15-31: 0.0%x24 months available on new 08 Foresters, plus rebate.
1/14 2009
Forester page has a few updates
1/13 Fuji is planning no
new car assembly plants before 2011 and instead will add capacity in Japan
to meet its goal of expanding sales by 17% by 2010. Under its four-year
business plan ending in March 2011, the automaker aims to reach sales of
683,000 a year against 583,000 in the 2007 calendar year. Current capacity
is 505,000 cars a year in Japan and up to 120,000 in Indiana.
1/13 Car of the Year Chevrolet
Malibu sedan and Mazda's CX-9 SUV were named the North American Car of
the Year and Truck of the Year by auto industry journalists.
1/10/2008 Wow, how times change!
'Americans bought more Toyota Prius hybrid gas-electric hatchbacks in 2007
than Ford Explorer sports utility vehicles, the top-selling SUV for more
than a decade... Prius sales soared 69% in 2007, demand for the Explorer
was less than a third of its 2000 peak more
(top)
|
news and reviews in 2008 |
| 2008
12/20 Tribeca owners using MySubaru.com.. Subaru incorrectly sent all 07-08 Tribeca owners on MySubaru.com a recall notice intended for some 08-09 owners only. It's the VDC G Sensor Recall. A correction email was sent. See recalls for more info 12/10 New accessories
|
|
news and reviews in 2008 |
| 2008
12/10 New accessories iPod-iPhone interface for for Legacy, Outback, Tribeca. iPod interface controls your iPod- iPhone through the factory stereo. Also recharges it except for 4th gen Nano and 2nd gen iPhone. For all Legacy, Outback, and Tribeca 2009-08-07 without Satellite radio. Factory or dealer installed. SPT turbo heat shield for 2009-8-7-6-5 Legacy GT and Outback XT turbos. Helps keeps the turbo warm, retain heat which increases response. 12/5 Outback review from a guy who owns one '... After 16 months, I’ve discovered two truths about the Outback that I think sum up our experience so far: 1. I still love driving it. Even with the smaller 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and 170 hp, the Outback is fun to drive, with excellent steering, decent pickup and a very comfortable ride. As a jaded auto journalist who tests a new car every week, I still can’t think of another car we would’ve been happier with. 2. We need a bigger car. With a 9-month-old and a dog, the Outback fills up quickly on weekend trips to the ‘burbs to visit the in-laws/grandparents. Now, if we didn’t have the dog or the child, the Outback would be plenty big enough. But thinking that baby No. 2 won’t be too far down the road we either need to get a minivan, a larger crossover or a roof-mounted cargo carrier. I’m leaning toward the cargo carrier and its much smaller price tag. ..' the article 11/18 2009 Outback and Legacy Harmon Kardan stereo- the new for 09 HK stereo in the Outback and Legacy SE models and up, has automatic Speed-Sensitive Auto Volume Control (SSVC). This proprietary HK technology is more focused on low voice frequency and down as opposed to high frequency speed related noise like tire whine. The volume changes may be very subtle. There are no adjustments or settings that the user can control or set. 10/12 Legacy GT review '..Subaru's most mainstream sedan, the Legacy, competes in the heart of the American automotive market. To attract attention against the likes of Toyota's topselling Camry, Honda's Accord and Nissan's Altima -- not to overlook myriad American offerings such as Ford's Fusion and Chevrolet's Malibu -- a small company such as Subaru needs to offer something out of the ordinary. For the Legacy, that would be its standard all-wheel drive. Like all Subarus, the Legacy features the all weather advantages of four-wheel traction. Folks who live in snow country love their Subarus -- just take a look at a ski resort parking lot. But all-wheel drive isn't necessarily just for foul weather. There also are inherent advantages in handling and grip on dry pavement, which plays nicely into the idea of a performance car. And given years-long successes in rally racing, performance is something Subaru knows a bit about. With 243 eager horsepower, the GT has plenty of punch -- once the revs climb above 2,000 rpm. The power comes on progressively but there's a noticeable lag until the turbo spins up. Then acceleration is quite lively. The GT is a sprightly handler through the curvy bits. It always feels firmly planted on the tarmac and body roll is minimal. Steering is sharp and communicative, with just the right amount of effort for maximum control. With its long suspension travel, the GT delivers a supple, comfortable ride on most surfaces, more in the European mode than Japanese. The Legacy boasts a handsome, modern cabin, nicely finished with high quality materials and very comfortable bucket seats up front. Rear room is a bit tight compared with its competitors, but perfectly adequate for two. Electroluminescent gauges are brightly lit and easily read; climate and audio controls are well-placed and intuitive. With its attractive, sporty styling and perky performance, the Legacy GT presents an attractive alternative to more family oriented sedans. And its all-weather capability is a definite plus. Subarus have always been a little different, out of the mainstream. The Legacy GT is proof that different can be good. Very good.' more 9/23 turbo recall on 07/08 turbo oil supply pipe, first announced 9/18, VINs announced, cars should not be sold prior to checking. details here 9/18 turbo recall on some 2007, 2008 turbos oil supply pipe. more here 9/15 Destination increase, all models. Destination on cars arriving at dealers starting late September 2008 will be $695 (up $30, from $665). Alaska $845 (from $815). Cars already at dealers prior to the increase will still have $665 destination. 9/7 Outback review 'Enter the Outback. Raised wagon has sedan-like handling. While Subaru was going out on a limb by offering an Outback raised wagon when it was far cooler to have an SUV, they did prove variation can breed profits and the popularity of the SUV through the ’90s made anything remotely resembling something capable of going off-road, very marketable. The Subaru Outback set success in motion for what is now the emerging favorite class -- the crossovers. There is a lot to like about the Subaru, most notably the all-wheel drive and tried-and-true 2.5-liter flat-4 engine. For great traction and an outstanding center of gravity, the flat-4 spreads out the weight of the block over a wider area to create a feeling of tremendous tire on pavement control.. Part of the reason for the crazy-loyal customers is Subaru's ability to keep you safe and sound. You'll find antilock brakes, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and anti-whiplash front head restraints as standard issue on all 2008 Subaru Outbacks. The Outback earned a perfect five-star rating in NHTSA crash tests. Base priced at the low end, the Subaru Outback is just over $21,500; but higher-level models such as the XT Limited will push the price over $30,000... Overall, the Subaru is great for those who want sure-footed all-weather traction and some extra ride height clearance. Smallish interior will disappoint some taller consumers, but the turbo 2.5-liter engine will create fun for those that comfortably fit into the cabin...' the full article 7/28 Immobilizer keys are now standard in all models. A code is needed to cut and program them. Dealer site for lost codes https://subarudealers.locksmithsdrm.com 7/24 Brochure errors, 2009 Outback and Legacy. The 2009 Outback brochure incorrectly indicates the 2.5i SE has a CD changer, the correct stereo is a single disc CD. The 2009 Legacy brochure incorrectly indicates the Legacy 2.5i SE and 3.0R models have a CD changer (they don't). The correct stereo on these models is a single disc CD. The Legacy brochure also omits that the 09 2.5i Limited has a power passenger seat in addition to the power driver seat. 7/14 Price increase. Cars arriving starting August 2008 (late July?) will include a $25 price increase to the dealer invoice only. This will not effect MSRP or cars already on dealer lots. The price of gas is effecting everything, including shipping the car to the dealer and the cost to fill that new car's gas tank when it's sold... 6/9 2009 Legacy and Outback start arriving at dealers. 09 Outback and Legacy pages updated. 5/30 2009 Outback and Legacy prices announced. Cars expected mid June. 5/10 Lease dealer incentive on Outback 2.5i manual transmision increased to $1270 + rebate, starting 5/7. see rebates 4/28 Turbo maintenance- Subaru releases a clearly worded turbo maintenance schedule and driving tips: The following information updates factory recommendations for the care and maintenance of new Subaru turbocharged vehicles. The turbocharger, commonly called a “turbo,” is operated by the energy contained in the exhaust gas. The exhaust gas spins a turbine inside the turbocharger at an extremely high speed (more than 100,000 rpm). That compresses the air/fuel mixture in the cylinders, which creates higher power output. Because of the turbine’s rotation speed and the high temperature of the exhaust gas driving the turbo, proper cooling is needed to maintain its durability. Engine oil plays a major role in lubricating and cooling the turbo, so following recommended oil change guidelines is important... oil and oil filter change interval for turbo vehicles is every 3,750 miles or four months,' the full article 4/26 more on the turbo engine stop sale 'supplies of magnetic oil pan drain plugs used in the oil screening are somewhat limited. Therefore, we are asking dealers to limit their orders..' 4/21 Turbo engine stop sale announcement 'We took this action as a “Customer First” preventive action as we had confirmed, in other markets, that there was a small possibility of an “Engine Knocking Noise” caused by a contamination in the area of the connecting rod big end journal at very low mileage/time in service. The action was successful in preventing the potential of failures for our customers. Subaru has defined a (an oil) screening process that you must perform to all of the affected vehicles in your inventory before delivery to a customer or putting in demonstrator service. The screening process consists of several steps to inspect the condition of the engine oil to determine if the engine is not affected by the contamination, is already damaged, or has a potential for damage...' read more 4/17. Turbo engine stop sale (pls refer to 4/5/08 below). It's my understanding Subaru will be replacing a small number of turbo engines built after early January due to a manufacturing problem that left metal shavings in the engine that could cause early bearing failure. 4/12 Legacy 3.0R review:
'Sports-car-like paddle shifters, a six-cylinder engine and seats trimmed
with perforated leather aren't typically expected in Subaru sedans. But
they are standard equipment for the newest version of the Subaru Legacy
3.0R... luxury and sportiness can combine comfortably in a Subaru
car with an unassuming exterior... Like European models, the Legacy 3.0
R Limited tester -- built in Lafayette, Ind. -- stuck to the roads tenaciously.
Even on rainy surfaces, the car didn't lose traction...' the
full article
(updated 4/7/8) Subaru announced a stop
sale on all of the 2008/2009 Subaru Impreza, Forester, Legacy and Outback
vehicles equipped with a 2.5L Turbo Engine produced with the beginning
chassis number and later as shown below "due to several reports of "Engine
Knocking Noise” from other markets on vehicles produced after the production
dates listed. Initial investigation confirms an internal wear issue on
the failed units. In the interest of preventing any possibility of failures
for our customers, we have chosen to isolate any potentially affected vehicles
by ceasing sales of the potentially affected units until the root cause
and correction can be identified. All the other displacement engines and
the 2.5L Natural Aspirated Engine are excluded from this action".
|
|
news and reviews in 2008 |
| 2008
12/13 Forester review from Heels on Wheels 'As an automotive journalist, I test drive many different vehicles.. Applause for the Forester to drop its nerdy look and finally get some SUV sex appeal. Critics are loving this car, which has the honor of being awarded Motor Trend's 2009 Sport/Utility Car of the Year. It also became Consumer Report's top-rated small SUV, beating out competitors like the RAV4 and Honda CR-V. The panoramic moonroof is a definite standout. My 2.5-liter 4-cylindar Pzev (Partial Zero Emissions) engine was $25,623, which came with great new (free) standards as the moonroof, roof rails and steering wheel mounted controls. The EPA's Green Vehicle Guide gives the Forester a 9.5 out of 10 for reducing air pollution..' the article 12/6 New accessories for Imprezas and Foresters. Interior illumination footwell lighting (a soft red or blue light) for 2009/8 Imprezas and 09 Foresters, and Reverse Assist Sensor (back-up beeper) available on the 09 Forester. These are worth considering and can be dealer installed. The STI 09/08 has standard footwell lighting and the Tribeca has optional reverse assist sensors if you want to see them. 11/19 iPod interface, optional on 08/09 Impreza and 09 Forester, recharge function doesn't work with new iPod Nano 4th generation and Touch 2nd generation. Other functions still work, they just don't recharge through the connection. Subaru is working on a new version of the interface. 10/23 Forester goes off road with FourWheeler.com '...On-road, the new Forester is a pleasure to drive with the five-speed; clutch feel is light and engagement a tad abrupt, but with a little practice, rowing through the gears becomes progressively more fun, though the engine takes its time to generate max power... Off the pavement, the Forester provides a mixed bag of manners. On stretches of high-speed dirt, the little Forester offered a firm, controlled ride and was a blast to drift in corners and launch from small berms (oh yeah, these guys also build Impreza rally cars, huh?). On nastier, slower-speed sections of trail, though, the Subaru's variable-clutch AWD system was slow to get power to the rear wheels (the viscous coupling with the five-speed behaved much more efficiently); the ABS traction control didn't always engage when we would have expected it, resulting in a sometimes-jerky ride; and powering up steep hills was accompanied by a fair amount of rear wheelhop and undercarriage scraping. Bottom line: The new Forester is much happier taking you and your trail toys down dirt country roads to your favorite trailhead; just leave the gnarlier routes to the Jeep guys, and enjoy the ride in a capable, if slightly quirky, crossover rig. And trust us, you don't need to wear Birkenstocks.. ' more 10/15 Forester is MotorTrend's 2009 SUV of the year. '.. So how does a small, quirky, former airplane manufacturer from the Gunma prefecture of Japan finish first among surprise offerings from established players and bold moves by newcomers? How does it beat a chest-thumping, head-turning macho mobile known as the BMW X6? How, when Ford wraps stylish sheetmetal around a Gulfstream V interior and calls it Flex? How can it win, when Kia serves notice to the entire category with its own body-on-frame, V-8-powered Borrego, and Infiniti conjures up seven-speed transmissions and jaw-dropping bird's-eye-view monitoring systems? Just how does the Subaru Forester do it?..' read more 10/6 Forester XT test 'With the crossover segment growing so rapidly, it seemed like a good idea to add one of the newest such vehicles to the AutoWeek long-term test fleet... Our initial impression of the new Forester is that it seems like a solid, well-built piece. The cabin is quiet, even at freeway speeds and despite the aggressive tread pattern of its 225/55R-17 Yokohama Geolander all-season tires. The boxy design is not to everyone's liking, but form is following function here. The low cargo floor, fold-flat rear seats and tall roofline allow for decent hauling capabilities, always in high demand among the AW staff. A roof rack will give the campers, kayakers, bikers and hunters in the group additional flexibility for hauling their gear. Inside, the dash layout is simple and straightforward, with a big speedometer dominating the gauge cluster. The navigation and audio systems are controlled via a touch-screen pad, something not everyone likes. The seats have proved to be supportive and comfortable in the few trips we've taken so far. The only downside noticed right away is the four-speed tranny. Subaru's competitors all have five- and even six-speed autos, and having one more gear would quiet the boxer four even more on the highway while most likely improving the fuel mileage (19 mpg city, 24 mpg highway). We'll pay attention to this in the coming year. We also expect that the Forester will see a variety of different duties over the next 12 months, and with its standard all-wheel drive, it is sure to become a favorite once the snow starts to fly.' the article 10/3 new research page: 2009 window stickers 9/27 Forester with an Opossum in the back seat '..Our first stop in the 2009 Subaru Forester was the liquor store. No, we didn't need a pint of gin to whip up a martini. We needed boxes. And through the years we've found that the liquor store is a grand place to find boxes just the right size for moving books, clothes and other small objects.. Enter the all-new Forester. One of our favorite small sport utilities now more commonly known as crossovers, for more than a decade, the new Forester has grown slightly in size and sophistication with exterior styling that is handsome and contemporary.. In the case of the new Forester, cargo capacity behind the front seats is nearly 69 cubic feet and the standard four-cylinder boxer engine will take that cargo from point A to point B for the frugal price of 26 miles to the gallon.. Fortunately there wasn't as much drama this time as 10 years ago when we were using the first of three Forester iterations in another move.. Jim had been plagued by an opossum in the garage that apparently enjoyed cat food. What we hadn't counted on was the toothy varmint climbing at some point into the Forester as it was being loaded. We just barely avoided running into a ditch when, after about five miles, we turned to see the critter staring at us, teeth barred, from between the seats. We arrived at our destination about 10 minutes later, sprang out of the vehicle and started prodding the opossum to exit using a broom stick. Perhaps he thought there was cat food hidden in one of the bins. The Forester was unique back in those days, one of the early examples of the small station-wagon-like small SUV hatchback. Over the years the Forester has been a favorite of a lot of people because of its relatively good fuel efficiency, easy-to-drive nature, standard all-wheel drive, useable cargo hold and excellent reliability... Subaru has made evolutionary changes over the years and the Forester remains true to its original concept.. The Forester has always been one of our favorite small SUVs. We like it just as much now with its new styling, larger passenger compartment and excellent drivability. And we were happy we didn't drive this one with an opossum grinning at us from between the seats.' more 9/23 turbo recall on 07/08 turbo oil supply pipe, first announced 9/18, VINs announced, cars should not be sold prior to checking. details here 9/18 turbo recall on some 2007, 2008 turbos oil supply pipe. more here 9/15 Destination increase, all models. Destination on cars arriving at dealers starting late September 2008 will be $695 (up $30, from $665). Alaska $845 (from $815). Cars already at dealers prior to the increase will still have $665 destination. 9/11 2009 Forester review from MotherProof 'Forester Enhances 'Granola' Reputation ...many people refer to the Subaru Forester as a “granola” car, often seen in major granola zones like Boulder, Colo. Many people consider me sort of granola-ish, but I’ve never found the Forester appealing. So I was pleasantly surprised when I found it (2009 model) to be much more interesting than I had previously judged. I believe that part of the Forester’s granola reputation comes from its go-anywhere attitude, which can be attributed to its standard all-wheel drive. I imagine a super-crunchy Forester owner could drive her car to a remote location and live quite the granola life, with only a tent, some jugs of water and some seedlings. Obviously, most Forester owners are probably more like me, living a granola-light lifestyle that includes making earth-friendly choices, but still appreciating some of the finer things modern life offers. In the 2009 Forester, Subaru has made an effort to appeal to the granola-light consumer who wants to have as much convenience and style as possible in a car that delivers good gas mileage, value pricing and the ability to get out of the ’burbs at a moment’s notice... One thing any self-respecting granola will tell you is that being flashy is a turn-off. Practicality and function win over style and luxury any day... My favorite interior feature is the Forester’s massive moonroof, which extends over the rear seat. This is no easy feat, as the rear seat features a lot of legroom for even the lankiest passengers. My kids loved being able to see the sky, and it made the car seem more roomy. Another very practical, albeit odd, feature was the rear passengers’ cupholders, which fold out of the center seat-bottom cushion. Obviously, it would be difficult to use if you had a third passenger in the backseat, but so would an armrest-type cupholder... I didn’t install a child-safety seat in the Forester, but I found that the Latch connectors were easy to access. The connectors are covered with a fabric tab when they’re not in use. Getting my kids buckled into their booster seats was a little more challenging because the Forester’s seat belt receptors were under where the booster naturally rests... The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has named the 2009 Subaru Forester a Top Safety Pick for 2008. That’s something everyone on the granola spectrum and beyond can appreciate...' the article 8/20 Forester, incomplete window stickers Some 09 Foresters with a lot of options may have more options than fit on the window sticker. As a result, the MSRP price on the sticker may not make sense because it includes options -not- shown on the sticker. Click here for photos of the sticker 8/17 Forester review 'When Subaru
redesigned its Forester wagon for 2009, it transformed the fearless, spunky
hauler from purely practical to assertively stylish. That's a big change
for a model that once looked as if appearance was the last value its creators
considered. As if, after so carefully crafting the vehicle's go-anywhere,
all-wheel-drive power system, and its plucky, through-the-muck platform,
engineers covered the workings with any old body that fit. The redesigned,
2009 model is still an upright, high-clearance wagon with a wide cargo
bay and a long-running roof that's indispensable for hauling mountain bikes
and kayaks and such. But like other recently styled crossovers, Forester's
sleeker, more streamlined body now motors more comfortably to venues outside
of outdoor recreation sites. As a result, (east coast Subaru dealer) Aaron
Singer sees newcomers trading in a variety of different models to get the
new Subaru. They're giving up SUVs and pickups, of course, but just about
everyone is getting out of those. Singer also has new customers exchanging
popular Toyota Camry sedans for Foresters. Last week he took a Nissan Altima
as a trade-in...' the
article
6/28 2009 Forester test and comparison
to other similar vehicles in the August Consumer Reports. The Forester
is the top rated pick. See the magazine, also appliances, countertops,
flat screens etc reviewed. On newstands or consumerreports.org.
(top) |
|
news and reviews |
| 2008
12/26 Impreza 2.5i is one the quickest cars under $20000 according to CarAndDriver. They like the usual suspects- Civic, Rabbit, Lancer, Scion, Mazda, Cobalt, Impreza, Mini etc. the article 12/19 Impreza 2.5GT review (automatic
WRX) '.. What could demonstrate your gayness more than listening
to a Lesley Gore CD while driving a Subaru? I’m guilty, but have no apologies
— for doing either. I jammed to “It’s My Party” while tooling around in
the Impreza 2.5 GT five-door, which bridges power between 2.5i models and
the heavy-breathing WRX editions. It was definitely a party, but no crying.
(but
really, who doesn't like Leslie Gore singing 'its my party and I'll cry
if I want to..'?)
10/21 Incorrect
window sticker- 2009 WRX. The 09 WRX comes with Dunlop Sport
Summer Performance Tires. The first 2009 WRX window
stickers incorrectly said all season tires. If you purchased one with
an early sticker, your dealer may be able to supply an updated one.
10/8 Impreza 2.5GT is an automatic WRX
'... The 2.5GT is a new addition to the Impreza lineup (which also includes
the 2.5i, WRX and STI). In many ways, it picks up where last year's WRX
left off, with the same 224 horsepower turbocharged engine and the same
anonymous styling. (The 2009 WRX, meanwhile, has moved on to bigger and
better things, with more power and a fancier body kit.) The 2.5GT is also
the only choice for Subaru hot-rodders who can't drive a stick -- it comes
exclusively with a 4-speed automatic transmission, while the WRX can now
only be had with a manual transmission. Price-wise, the GT sits between
the WRX and the king-of-the-hill STI, mostly because the 2.5GT comes with
a bunch of nice-to-haves that are extra-cost options on lesser Imprezas.
9/18 turbo recall on some 2007,
2008 turbos oil supply pipe. more here
9/12 2009 Imprezas are arriving, all models. The new Paprika Red Pearl looks good, and the WRX.. I can really tell the difference driving the 09. Many new photo page, WRX - 2.5i and Premium - Outback Sport 9/10 WRX vs Evo video. Jason Plato
and Tiff Needell of Fifth Gear.. they attack the cones in a slalom course,
zipping between them, pulling the e-brake for a quick turn-around, and
then punching through the cones on the way back. In the second segment,
the two cars go for a speedy spin around the track. Check
it out
8/26 09 Impreza prices announced The 09 WRX is $645 more than the 08, 2.5GT is $455 lower. No changes announced yet for the 09 STI. Check here WRX, STI, GT I 2.5i, Premium, Outback Sport. (contact me if you want to order an 09, takes app 6-8weeks) 8/25 09 WRX comments
8/21 Impreza review 'I recently
had the good fortune to spend several days in San Diego on vacation with
my family. My trusty ride was a Lightning Red 2008 Subaru Impreza, and
it was the perfect car for the job. It’s easy to overlook the Impreza next
to its more famous competitors — cars like the Toyota Corolla and Honda
Civic. But Imprezas, like all Subarus, come with standard all-wheel drive.
Subarus are famous for their ruggedness. Early on, they became favorites
of skiers and campers for their ability to get to where the action is in
comfort and with economical and reliable service.
8/13 My 09 Impreza
pages are almost done, including options, most specs, 2.5i,
Outback Sport, WRX, STI Waiting on prices, colors, final specs.
7/30 2009 WRX unveiled. A new 09 WRX
to be given away at X Games 14, starts 7/31- 8/3, Los Angeles. Subaru
is giving a WRX for the “Subaru Most Outstanding Athlete of the Games”
grand prize. Subaru Rally drivers Travis Pastrana will be in car #199,
Ken Block in #43. X
Games 14, follow Subaru rally teams here.
7/27 Impreza review '..The
Impreza – and Subaru, for that matter – focus on impressing the consumer
with vehicle performance. The company has achieved just that as the Impreza
is 2008 Consumer Report's recommendation and Subaru is ranked just behind
Toyota in all-over manufacturer satisfaction... The Impreza looks and acts
quite racy (it is actually raced in the World Rally Championships). Subaru's
style caters to more of an adventurous or practical woman – but it's the
reliability and safety on a vehicle like the Impreza that should speak
to all women..
7/25 Impreza 2.5i review '..
A lot of car for the cash. What a treat. A simple, sensible, pleasant car
with all-wheel drive (AWD), decent fuel economy, comfortable seats and
relatively good people space.
7/11 STI Long Term Road Test Update, this one from caranddriver.com 'In its nearly four months with us, the STI hasn’t ventured too far from the home office in Ann Arbor, Michigan, making it as far as, uh, Ohio, along with Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Part of that reason is simply the unfortunate reality of cargo- and people-space needs; our long-term Mazda CX-9 gets much more road-trip attention.. But that’s not to say we’re not enjoying driving the STI. At least one editor thought we made the wrong call in the Evo vs STI vs VW R32 comparison test, saying that “the STI is far more refined than the Evo GSR” and also that it has “better seats, shifter, driving position, and interior styling, while the exterior looks are a wash. The seats are certainly up to the long-haul task, too, as the lone staffer who’s driven serious miles reported: “Great seats, even with 20-plus hours logged behind the wheel during a 1200 mile road trip.. And we haven’t gotten sick of the STI’s black and gold color combination or its serious performance and hyper flared styling that one person put into context by comparing it with the Corolla-with-a-hood-scoop boringness of the regular WRX.. One knock against the 0.93-g worthy Dunlop SP Sport 600 tires is that they tend to sing during steady state cruising.. Other staffers argue that for $37,878 the STI should include heated exterior mirrors and garment hooks in the rear. Also, the aluminum look trim in the much-improved interior is already showing signs of wear in places.. more from caranddriver.com 7/8 Impreza 2.5i review 'It was the second Sunday of May and the third day of rain. We felt lucky, and for the most mundane reason. We were in the right car, the 2008 Subaru Impreza 2.5i Premium sedan. Subaru is much like a wise parent. It gives you everything you need — well-constructed body; symmetrical all-wheel drive; a flat four-cylinder engine (one with horizontally opposed cylinders and a longitudinal layout) that enhances vehicle stability and handling; and reasonable fuel economy in a car that uses regular unleaded gasoline. The Impreza is no longer outright ugly. It is now mainstream common.. Likes: Stable ride. Good acceleration and handling. Impressive all-wheel-drive performance. Dislikes: Vanilla exterior styling. The well-laid-out interior also is somewhat bland. An aging four-speed automatic transmission is a drawback in an era of five-speeds. The four-speed hinders performance (as does the car's curb weight)...' from Warren Brown of the Washington Post 7/7 Impreza 2.5i vs Lancer review
'If you'll forgive me for invoking a hallowed piece of genre-defining cinema,
there's a moment in The Brady Bunch Movie that always tends to stick in
my head. Jan Brady, the middle of three sisters, has grown mildly psychotic,
and she's begun talking to herself..
(updated 4/7/8) Subaru announced a stop
sale on all of the 2008/2009 Subaru Impreza, Forester, Legacy and Outback
vehicles equipped with a 2.5L Turbo Engine produced with the beginning
chassis number and later as shown below "due to several reports of "Engine
Knocking Noise” from other markets on vehicles produced after the production
dates listed. Initial investigation confirms an internal wear issue on
the failed units. In the interest of preventing any possibility of failures
for our customers, we have chosen to isolate any potentially affected vehicles
by ceasing sales of the potentially affected units until the root cause
and correction can be identified. All the other displacement engines and
the 2.5L Natural Aspirated Engine are excluded from this action".
1/16 STI review '...Subaru's decision
to build the STI on the Impreza's five-door wagonette body style rather
than the sedan is easy to question, but ultimately tough to fault. It's
hard to call it a pretty car, with a longish snout topped by a gaping scoop,
swollen fenders, and a pinched rear end that sports quad exhuast tips,
clear-lens LED taillamps, and an awning-like spoiler over the rear glass.
And yet, there's no frivolity here, nothing added that doesn't support
the car's raison d'être. And when you're done risking your driver's
license for the day, it's awfully handy to lift the hatchback, drop the
rear seats, and load 'er up. We slotted in a six-foot stepladder, gobs
of groceries, and various other whatnots with no trouble. This is a Subaru,
after all.... In the end, however, this latest iteration of Subaru's rally-inspired
hero car is just dizzyingly great. Has it grown up a bit? Absolutely. Call
it more comfortable, call it quieter, call it better-equipped. Just don't
call it soft.' the
article
|
|
news and reviews |
| Subaru halted production of the
Baja sport-utility truck in mid-April 2006
|
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and all other models including non-US market models news and reviews in 2008 7/23 Subaru 360 wins 2000 ralley. Wow, that's a lot of miles in an itty-bitty car. The 360 was the first Subaru car available in the US, imported by Malcom Bricklin. It was a cute little Japanese car and I sure wouldn't want to drive very far in one, much less 2000 miles. '..Four UK Subaru fans have returned home victorious after putting the manufacturer’s original model, the 360cc microcar, to the ultimate test - a 2,000-mile rally through some of Europe’s toughest terrain including Italy’s Stelvio and Gavia Passes. It is the world’s only International rally for sub-500cc cars and attracted over 75 entrants, some of whom successfully travelled through Belgium, Germany, Austria, Italy and Slovenia... Both cars are from the 1967 and 1968 model years and are powered by two-cylinder, air-cooled two-stroke engines mounted in the rear and producing a dizzying 20 PS each – less than some single seater petrol lawnmowers... Subaru’s 360 microcar was never officially exported into Europe but did, perversely, find its way into the United States where some spare parts can still be found...' read the article. More details on the 360 |
2008 |
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DIESEL, HYBRID, ALTERNATE FUEL and CONCEPT CAR news in 2008 scroll down for fuel economy, emissions, EPA news and issues etc 12/28 Subaru 2 door delayed - Subaru and Toyota have delayed the production of their jointly developed sports coupe announced earlier this year. The 2+2 coupe has been pushed back at least 18 months, to 2012. 12/17 It's official - the concept car at Detroit auto show will be a first look at what might be the 2010 Legacy. As expected, it has the larger 3.6L 6 cylinder engine currently in the Tribeca, Is this the end for the current 3.0L H6? See an image of the Legacy concept car here. 'SoA today announced that the Subaru Legacy Concept will debut at the 2009 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit January 11th. The NAIAS is open to the public January 17 through 25, 2009. Celebrating 20 years of the Legacy sedan, the Legacy concept showcases the direction of future Legacy sedan design. The exterior highlights the sportiness and dynamism befitting a car powered by a 3.6-liter Horizontally-Opposed Boxer engine. A distinctive front fascia and flared wheel arches establish a powerful road presence and hint at the exceptional handling promised by the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system and low center of gravity. The interior embodies modern, high-tech architecture while delivering a comfortable environment for occupants. The Subaru Legacy series was first introduced in 1989 and next year it will celebrate its 20th anniversary of the start of production. Manufactured in Gunma, Japan and Lafayette, Indiana USA, global production has exceeded 3.6 million units.* The United States accounts for 43% of the production volume. 12/8 Concept car- Subaru at the Detroit auto show Jan 11-13, with a concept car in addition to the usual group of Outback, Forester, Tribeca and Impreza. What will the concept car be? That's the question and there are many possibilities. an updated 09 STI with more power, which would explain the recent fire sale on the 08 STIs, or the long anticipated diesel, or a preview of the 2010 Outback, perhaps a US version of the Exiga already available in Japan, or a rendering of the new joint Subaru-Toyota sport coupe- the Toybaru or Subatoy? or a US version of the Diahatsu subcompact being built for the Japan, or a Stella or R1e electric car for the US market, or the just announced Subaru bicycle, the Subaru XB, with a 27-speed derailleur and alloy frame? So many choices... any thoughts? Check Concept cars for the Exiga, R1E etc 10/31 Two Forester XT turbo concepts
cars shown at the 2008 auto parts show in Las Vegas.
9/8 Subaru electric car. The test
of the R1e electric car with the NYC Port Authority scheduled for late
summer 2008 has been postponed until spring 2009. In the meatime, Subaru
has plans to sell 200 Stella electric cars in Japan in 2009. The Stella
is an electric city commuter car that charges overnight with a household
outlet, seats 4, and goes up to 50 miles on lithium ion batteries. Fuji
plans up to 200 units during the car's first year, with no immediate plans
for the US. See more
diesel review ' ..Europeans
have been driving it (the diesel) in the Legacy and Outback since January,
and in about a month, after the Paris Auto Show, they'll have it in the
new third-gen Forester, too. Americans...well, we'll have to wait, but
we could get the boxer-diesel Forester sometime in 2010. If, that is, Subaru
gets the message (wink wink) that American buyers are seriously interested...
7/17 Solar car race. The 2008 North
American Solar Challenge (NASC2008) is a competition to design, build,
and drive solar-powered cars in a cross-country time/distance rally event.
Teams compete in a 2400 mile drive from Dallas, Texas to Calgary, Alberta.
At a reported cost of $200,000-300,000, and 40mph, these concept
and experimental vehicles aren't ready for the daily commute. The race
route is July 18-19: The route is Fargo, North Dakota, July 19-20 then
to Winnipeg, July 20: Brandon, July 20-21: Regina, July 21-22: Medicine
Hat, with those that make it ending in Calgary, Alberta July 22. (And no,
Subaru isn't involved) www.americansolarchallenge.org
3/12 Diesel WRX? 'A senior
brand insider has revealed to Autocar that Subaru UK wants to sell a hot
diesel-powered version of the Impreza WRX in the UK. Subaru’s new diesel
boxer engine, currently only on offer in the Legacy, is likely to be offered
in the Impreza in its current state of tune before the end of the year
– and Subaru has already hinted that more powerful versions of the engine
will follow.... the diesel engine will also spread throughout the
Subaru range, including the new Forester later this year.' read more
12/27/2007 Electric car: Green Car
Congress is reporting that the all-electric R1e micro-car will be available
in Japan in 2009, a year ahead of schedule. The R1 has an electric motor
and a set of lithium-ion batteries. The car can only reach 62 mph,
maximum range of 50 miles, but can be recharged to 80% capacity in 8 minutes
- making it an ideal commuter car for Japan’s densely-populated urban cities.
more
5/23 Gas prices
here are a few sites to research gas prices by zip code MSN,
mapquest,
gaspricewatch,
gasbuddy
5/2 10 top gas guzzlers based
on driving 15,000 miles per year, from Forbes. 'The gas-greedy SRT 8 (Jeep
Grand Cherokee) is equipped with a 6.1-liter V8 engine, gets 11 miles to
the gallon in the city and 14 on the highway. Owners can expect to shell
out $4,186 a year at the pump. More popular Cherokee versions, like those
equipped with a 5.7-liter HEMI engine, have an estimated annual fuel cost
of $3,132, which is comparable to similarly equipped Ford Explorer, Mercury
Mountaineer and Chevrolet Aspen SUVs.. The Lamborghini Murcielago and the
Bugatti Veyron are the worst gas guzzlers among two-seaters, and across
all vehicle classes. Drivers of both can expect to pay $5,025 a year in
fuel costs. Both are estimated to get eight miles to the gallon in city
driving but the Lamborghini gets 13 miles to the gallon on the highway
and the Bugatti 14. The Bentley Azure, with an estimated annual fuel cost
of $4,568, topped the compact car category; among midsize cars, the Ferrari
612 Scaglietti, ($4,377 in annual fuel costs) won; and the midsize Mercedes-Benz
E63 AMG station wagon topped its class with $3,438 in annual fuel costs.'
read the
article. Fuel economy chart: what
do you spend per year?
top
4/17/08 Crash Test: 09 Forester
is a Top
Safety Pick from the Insurance
Institute for Highway Safety and gets good performance in front, side,
and rear tests and standard DVC electronic stability control. Front
crash test, side
crash test.
4/3/08 Toyota buys another small
piece of Subaru There are reports this week that Toyota may expand
its holdings in Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. -- the parent company of Subaru.
Toyota owns an 8.7 percent stake in Fuji Heavy Industries, and both companies
separately denied a report in The Nikkei business daily they were considering
raising Toyota's stake in Fuji to 17 percent. The Nikkei indicated Toyota
planned to spend 30 billion yen, or $295 million, to increase the partnership.
Through an investment valued at $230 million, employees at the Subaru of
Indiana Automotive Inc. plant in Lafayette began producing Toyota Camry
vehicles in April 2007. The deal added 1,100 jobs at SIA. more
12/27 Antique Road Show Subaru continues as a national sponsor of PBS Antiques Roadshow through the 2010 season. They'll get a few ads each episode. Road Show 12/18 advertising- Automotive Marketer
of the Year Subaru of America has been named Automotive Marketer
of the Year by Mediapost.com marketing and advertising website.
11/23 Share The Love - buy a Subaru
and $250 is donated to your choice of charity. The 'Share the Love'
event runs from November 24, 2008 - January 2, 2009. For every new 08 or
09 Subaru sold 11/24/08-1/2/09, SoA will donate $250 to the customer’s
choice of charity. The charities are: Meals On Wheels, Habitat for Humanity,
ASPCA American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, National
Wildlife Federation NWF, or the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
A Thank You letter will be sent by the charity to the purchaser/donor after
program is complete. If you don't choose, funds will be distributed evenly
to the 5 charities. At least $250,000 will be donated to each charity,
which is only 4000 cars at $250ea. And if only 12,000 are sold for example
-and that's very low- $3,000,000 would be donated. All rebates and finance
rates still apply! Select your preferred charity here
by
January 31, 09
A modern car company needs a core of leaders with a shared overall vision to translate technical originality into corporate identity. Subaru has its roots in the prewar Nakajima Aircraft Company, or Fuji Heavy Industries, as it has been known since being formed in the forced corporate restructuring after the war. It has produced one of Japan's automotive
icons, the Subaru 360, and has consistently followed its own path. Over
the years, Subaru has been partially owned by Nissan and General Motors,
and recently Toyota acquired a 16.5 percent stake, giving it considerable
influence on the company's direction.
3/2 Advertising: Subaru's
Super Bowl ads introducing the then new 93 Impreza. 'At the time,
the Subaru had been tortured for years by a little angel on one shoulder
and a little devil on the other. Should Subaru be a “Big Car Company,”
and continue to butt heads with Toyota, Honda and Nissan? The major players
could easily undercut Subaru on the price of entry-level, front-drive cars.
Or should Subaru stick to all-wheel drive, and be content to be a smaller,
niche player? ... So Subaru decided to break out of its comfortable niche..
blew pretty much its entire annual ad budget for spots on the Super Bowl,
to introduce the new Impreza.. Critics raked the Super Bowl ads over the
coals, after which the brand was forced to “go dark,” having spent its
ad budget. Much later, Subaru executives admitted to suffering from “Big
Car Company-itis"..'
more
2/15 SoA and American Association
for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) honors 4 authors and an illustrator
of children’s science books with the 2008 AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize for
Excellence in Science Books, a prize intended to promote science literacy
by drawing attention to the importance of good science writing and illustration.
Winners are 'Where in the Wild? Camouflaged Creatures Concealed and Revealed'
by David Schwartz and Yael Schy, illus Dwight Kuhn; 'Dinosaur Eggs Discovered:
Unscrambling the Clues!' by Lowell Dingus, Luis M. Chaippe, Rodolfo Coria;
'The Wild Trees: A Story of Passion and Daring' by Richard Preston; 'Exploratopia'
by Pat Murphy.
Subaru
SALES in 2008
12/2 November sales (updated 12/3)- 13,706 total, -8% from 14,868 in 11/07. First the good news- for the year, SoA is still up almost 2,000 cars (+1%) over 2007 even with the recent down-turn! That's big news. The Impreza is +4% to 3,873, with the STI selling 732 in November thanks to the huge dealer incentive (up to $5000) combined with 0% interest. The redesigned 09 Forester is a success and +64% to 4,996, up from 3,046 in 11/07. Now the bad news: Outback -45% to 2,686 units, Legacy -15% to 1,529, Tribeca -56% to 622 from 1,417 in November 2007. Subaru hopes to sell 18,000 cars in December so they'll need strong incentives. 11/3 October sales. For the year
so far, Subaru is +2% for Jan-Oct 2008 with 156,706 cars.
7/1 June sales totals.
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