According to Egmcartech, the rumors of a new $20,000 Toyota and Subaru sports car that has been under lock and key was finally validated with a Concept making its debut in the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show. The Toyota FT-86 will carry a 2.0L boxer Subaru engine sending power to the rear-wheels.

Since last year, we’ve been hearing about a new sports car from Toyota and Subaru that will be priced around $20,000 and would give the two brands something to be proud about. However, both automakers were very good at keeping their upcoming sports coupe out of way of spy photographer lenses and never really talked much to the media about it in terms of when it will be available or what it would be called. In fact, the car’s nickname eventually became “Toyobaru,” which to say the least, we hated.

However, today we get our first look at what Toyota and Subaru have been working on with the new Toyota FT-86 Concept, which will make its world debut at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show. Inspired by the sporty 1980s Corolla AE86, the production version of the FT-86 will carry a 2.0L boxer Subaru engine sending power to the rear-wheels.

Developed jointly with Fuji Heavy Industries, which owns Subaru and which Toyota owns 16.7 percent of, most of the mechanical work on the production FT-86 will be completed by Subaru while the overall design will be created by Toyota’s ED2 styling studio in France (who also worked on the FT-86).

Toyota and Fuji Heavy plan to have the FT-86 on the roads by 2011. Subaru will get its own version of the car. Prices are expected to start around 3 million yen ($33,700 USD) in Japan and around $20,000 in the United States.

Source Egmcartech

The well-known all-wheel-drive brand will be adding a little hybrid to itself next month at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show. Subaru announced today that it will show the Hybrid Tourer Concept in Tokyo next month – a concept that features “Subaru’s latest evolutions in handling agility, riding comfort and superior safety performance.” It also shows Subaru’s vision for a hybrid grand touring model.

Sabaru released information on its Hybrid Tourer Concept to be shown at the Tokyo show, according to Egmcartech.

The Subaru Hybrid Tourer Concept is powered by a 2.0L Horizontally-Opposed direct fuel-injection turbo gasoline engine mated to symmetrical AWD system and a unique hybrid two-motor system with a power/drive motor in the front and a drive motor in the rear.

Press Release:

SUBARU HYBRID TOURER CONCEPT

1. Concept

Subaru has condensed its DNA, developed over many years around the Subaru’s core technology of “Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD)” and “Horizontally-Opposed Boxer Engine”, into the integration of a luxurious and high-quality cabin atmosphere and an eye-catching sculpted body. The concept car features Subaru’s latest evolutions in handling agility, riding comfort and superior safety performance. It proposes Subaru’s vision of a future grand touring car that excels in environmental friendliness thanks to Subaru’s unique hybrid system.

2. Design and packaging

(1) Exterior

Subaru imagined wings with a feeling of freedom and confidence for driving far and wide in any environment. A luxurious and comfortable cabin, and advanced driving performance are contained within a sculpted aerodynamic form. The design features a combination of bright, open glass areas with a solid, reliable body.

(2) Interior

The original point of the ideal grand touring car is its interior design, featuring four independent and comfortably positioned seats. Passengers are enclosed within an atmosphere that provides a surpassing feeling of openness and stress-free reassurance, through the further pursuit of a human-centered philosophy, the essence of Subaru car design, and the incorporation of functions that are friendly to passengers.

The top of the dashboard is movable up and down to provide an optimal driving environment for the driver according to driving conditions.

A flat floor in the rear seat was achieved even with the implementation of AWD, for improved use and movement inside the cabin.

Specialized shielding is incorporated in the windshield to reduce eyestrain on the driver.

New leather covering developed with superior breathability and a ventilation function is used in the seats for improved comfort and texture.

3. Mechanisms

In addition to refinements to Subaru’s core technology such as Symmetrical AWD and Horizontally-Opposed Boxer Engine, further enhancements were made for improved environmental friendliness, driving performance and high safety performance by offering a next-generation power unit system and advanced safety technologies.

(1) Next-generation power unit system

2.0-liter Horizontally-Opposed direct fuel-injection turbo gasoline engine

The Horizontally-Opposed turbo gasoline engine, with a reputation for powerful acceleration, is combined with a direct fuel-injection system for improvements in fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, and improved torque and response in practical range. This evolution in Subaru turbo technology excels in both environmental friendliness and engine performance.

Lineartronic (CVT)

Lineartronic, Subaru’s new generation automatic transmission, achieves further improvements in both fuel efficiency and driving performance by reinforcing parts for use with the high-power output of a turbo engine.

Hybrid system

To further enhance the appeal of the Symmetrical AWD system, this unique hybrid two-motor system features a power/drive motor in the front and a drive motor in the rear.

* At start-up and extremely low speeds when fuel efficiency is low, such as when driving the car into a garage, the rear motor is used primarily to allow driving without utilizing the power of the engine.

* During normal driving, the front engine is primarily used. The direct fuel-injection turbo gasoline mated with the Symmetrical AWD offers a whole new, Subaru driving experience.

* During acceleration, the rear motor assists the driving power of the engine to achieve advanced driving performance.

* Further, when accelerating uphill, the front motor, which is normally used as a power generator, assists to drive the front axle for improved performance.

* The implementation of a non-idling function that stops the engine when the car comes to a halt reduces unnecessary fuel consumption.

* The use of a high-performance lithium battery is based on experience and know-how achieved with the Subaru Plug-in STELLA electric vehicle, launched this summer. This includes the use of a precise energy management system and regenerative brake controls, for improvements in excellent fuel efficiency.

Major specifications:

Length x Width x Height: 4,630 x 1,890 x 1,420mm

Engine type: 2.0-liter Horizontally-Opposed direct fuel-injection turbo

gasoline engine

Max output of Motor: 10kW (Front) / 20kW (Rear)

Transmission type: Lineartronic

Drive train: Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with 2 motors assist

Battery type: Lithium-ion battery

Source  Egmcartech

There’s a new sheriff in town at Toyota, and he’s wasting no time in making his presence felt at the World’s Largest Automaker. Fortunately, that finally means a return to building fun-to-drive cars after years of offering virtually nothing to tempt the enthusiast market. We can only hope that some of that sporting DNA finds its way into the rest of the automaker’s staid lineup as well.

“The severe drop in the economy and auto market has created some of the most challenging times Toyota has ever faced,” says new Toyota Prez Akio Toyoda. “I aim to take us back to what made Toyota successful for many years – making high-quality products at an affordable price.”

According to Toyoda, two of the most eagerly anticipated (non-hybrid) vehicles from Toyota in years are moving ahead at full steam. First of all, the seemingly forever-delayed Lexus LF-A sportscar is back on track and headed Stateside. Secondly, Toyoda reconfirmed earlier reports that the planned affordable sportscar made in partnership with Subaru is on its way within the next few years. Finally, change we can believe in!

Source Autoblog

Subaru’s personal tuning shop has pumped out another hardcore version of the Impreza WRX STI. Known as the spec C, this modified Impreza WRX STI is lighter and more powerful than other variants of the road-going rally-car that will only be sold in Japan.

With a remapped ECU, the 2.0L boxer flat-four now makes 304-hp with a maximum torque of 311 lb-ft – that is a bit more powerful than the Japanese model but a little close to the U.S. spec STI which makes 305-hp and 290 lb-ft from a 2.5L turbo four.

STI also added an aluminum hood, laminar side windows and a lighter battery to cut excess weight. Subaru has also stiffened the suspension and added a Torsen mechanical limited-slip unit and Bridgestone Potenza RE070 tires.

Subaru will make only 900 units of the Impreza WRX STI spec C.

Source Egmcartech

The new Impreza WRX STI looks like a fast ride for reviewers.

I remember the last red Subaru I drove. I was in high school, and the car was my dad’s – a new ‘88 GL wagon with an automatic and push-button 4WD on the shifter. I dug that Scooby. It wasn’t powerful but it was fun — especially when it snowed. Somehow I managed to avoid bouncing it off a lamppost while sliding it around corners. This had much more to do with luck than skill, as I was in high school and clearly an idiot.

But I digress — after all, this isn’t about my dad’s old GL. It is, however, about a red Subaru – the new Impreza WRX STI, to be specific. If this thing was around back during my neighborhood rally-pretender salad days, I’d probably just be getting my license back right about now.

All photos Copyright (C)2008 Alex Núñez / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI

]]> http://www.car411.com/2008-subaru-impreza-wrx-sti/feed/ 0 http://www.car411.com/subaru-r1e-re-unveiled-live-new-york-auto-show/ http://www.car411.com/subaru-r1e-re-unveiled-live-new-york-auto-show/#comments Fri, 21 Mar 2008 21:37:02 +0000 admin

Subaru's press event was nothing short of spectacular and I say that in a fully sarcastic manner. The R1e that we already took many a peek at was officially unveiled by Subaru's head honchos. If you're wondering, the R1e will not be making it stateside, at least not anytime soon. However, it was announced that Subaru will be working with the New York Power Authority, which happily accepted two R1e's. They will now drive them around and allow Subaru to monitor their performance, as well as potential consumer demand. Like I said, spectacular. Press release after the jump.

SUBARU TO EVALUATE QUICK CHARGE ELECTRIC CAR WITH NEW YORK POWER AUTHORITY

NEW YORK, March 20, 2008 - Subaru today announced that it would begin evaluating its R1e electric vehicle (EV) in the United States this summer. The Subaru R1e will be on display at the New York International Auto Show, from March 21-30 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center.

Based on the Subaru R1 minicar sold in Japan, the R1e was developed by Subaru in partnership with the Tokyo Electric Power Company, Inc. (TEPCO). The utility has been testing a fleet of R1e electric cars since 2006. As part of a U.S. test program, two of the Subaru R1e electric cars will join the New York Power Authority (NYPA) fleet.

"This new partnership with the New York Power Authority is further demonstration of Subaru's ongoing efforts in applying electric car technology in real world situations. Along with our newly introduced diesel powered cars, electric cars are a viable response to our need to improve fuel consumption and carbon output," said Tim Mahoney, senior vice president and chief marketing office for Subaru of America, Inc. "The R1e electrical vehicles are designed for city dwellers looking for an environmentally friendly and fun to drive alternative to gas powered cars."

"This joint venture with Subaru builds on the New York Power Authority's extensive involvement with clean transportation and gives us the opportunity to offer the latest in electric drive technologies to our customers," Roger B. Kelley, president and chief executive officer, New York Power Authority.

The Subaru R1e employs state-of-the-art, fast-charge lithium ion battery technology that eliminates typical lithium ion battery issues of charge memory loss, allowing partial charges and quick charges that do not decrease battery life. The two-seat Subaru R1e is capable of driving at speeds up to 65 mph with a range of up to 50 miles, making it an ideal urban commuter. The Subaru R1e can be "quick-charged" to 80 percent capacity in only 15 minutes using quick-charge technology. The vehicle can be fully charged overnight (eight hours) while connected to a standard household electrical outlet. The R1e uses an AC permanent magnet synchronized motor producing 40 kW.

"Subaru's goal is to become the leading brand in the electric vehicle market," said Ikuo Mori, president, Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. "The R1e is an example of today's cutting edge battery technology, while the Subaru G4e Concept Car shows a glimpse into the future of electric cars."

There are currently 40 Subaru R1e vehicles in use and Subaru parent Fuji Heavy Industries will place an additional 100 electric vehicles into a consumer test program in Japan in 2009.
Subaru is concentrating on developing battery technology that could be used not only for electric vehicles like the R1e, but also in hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and, eventually, fuel cell electric vehicles (FEVs). Compared to nickel metal hydride or nickel-hydrogen battery technology, lithium-ion battery technology offers a number of advantages, among them easier packaging, higher power density, better cooling for longer life, and potentially lower cost.

Service life for the high-density lithium-ion battery is estimated at 10 years and 130,000 miles, another environmental benefit of Subaru technology. The battery pack is also designed to be easily recycled. The laminated battery packs are flat, rather than cylindrical, and can fit in a space four inches high, offering EV manufacturers wide latitude in vehicle design and packaging for better weight balance. The battery's basic design and composition consist of laminate, manganese, and lithium ion.

Subaru tested its tiny electric car, the R1e, in New York City. Powered by lithium ion batteries capable of a two-minute fast charge.

As reported by Matt Hardigree:

Subaru’s is bringing its tiniest alternative energy cruiser, the R1e electric car, to New York for a little testing in the Big Apple. And while we’re currently being powered by soggy french fries, this NYC transplant will get its motivation from Subaru’s own lithium ion batteries, which offer a few unique features. For one, these batteries allow for a two-minute fast charges that doesn’t damage the batteries. Additionally, the battery packs have been designed in layers so that they can be easily recycled.

Only two of the R1e’s will be seeing service in New York as vehicles for, appropriately, the New York Power Authority. Like most new arrivals to New York, this strange two-seater will likely pursue a music career but end up prostituting itself to various politicians for a “quick charge.” No matter what happens, we’re sure the R1e will be at least a “three diamond” ride. [MotorTrend]

Originally by Matt Hardigree from Jalopnik on March 18, 2008, 1:00pm

It would be an understatement to say that after driving the new Subaru Legacy that I am deeply impressed.

The flat-four diesel motor doesn’t just transform the Legacy, it gives the whole brand a new impetus in the UK. It’s not an exaggeration to say that the new engine – and its inevitable spread throughout the model range – is likely to save Subaru from the sales annihilation its petrol models’ profligate CO2 outputs threatened to trigger.

I’d be very surprised if a substantial majority of British-bought Scoobies weren’t packing the new motor in a year’s time: it really is that good.

Most impressive is the way it delivers on economy – long the bane of modern turbo-diesels, which tend to fall considerably short of the grandiose claims made for them in real world use.

Several years ago I ran a previous-gen Legacy 2.0-litre petrol which managed to combine utter gutlessness with fuel consumption to rival a recently torpedoed supertanker – I think the best it ever managed on a gentle run was 25mpg, and enthusiastic use would push it down to the mid-teens. 

The new diesel version is empirically quicker – 8.5 seconds for the 0-62 dash is hardly hanging around in anyone’s book – but it’s also remarkably frugal. Taking a gentle run at my 130 mile commute home and back, including urban sprawl, motorways and ‘A’ roads, saw an average of 50.7mpg according to the trip computer.

For a 1510kg estate car fitted with proper, permanent four-wheel drive system, that’s not just good – it’s unprecedented.