With how popular the Subaru BRZ is, it’s understandable if you forget that the Japanese automaker has other models in its lineup.
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Subaru has announced its lineup for the 2013 Tokyo Auto Salon, where enthusiasts will undoubtedly be interested to see its BRZ Premium Sport Package Concept, Forester Sport Concept, and XV Sport Concept.
Subaru has released an iPad app for its 2013 XV Crosstrek model, which AutoGuide recently reviewed, trying to show off the all-new crossover in a fun and interactive way.
The 2012 Women’s World Car of the Year short list has just been announced, and women motoring writers from around the world will begin voting for their top picks.
Cutting a list of contenders from 300 down to 32, judges will now allocate points to the nominated cars that fall into four categories: Family Car, Luxury Car, Sports Car and Economy Car. Just one of the 10 criteria that cars are allotting points for is Child Friendliness, which is something vehicles aren’t usually judged on in a competition.
Winners of the 2012 Women’s World Car of the Year will be announced before the end of March, and awards will be presented at the Paris Motor Show in September. You can check out the complete short list after below.
Subaru is looking to increase the fuel efficiency of its vehicles by 30 percent and will introduce new technologies like turbocharging, different transmissions and hybrid systems to help meet those goals.
First up will be a blitz of new product built on an all-new lightweight architecture that will replace the current platform used by all Subaru products. Subaru’s insistence on all-wheel drive means that its vehicles are handicapped in the fuel efficiency stakes, due to AWD’s extra weight and complexity, and the company must take extra steps to stay competitive in this arena.
Subaru will introduce a third-generation boxer engine, a turbocharged boxer with direct-injection and a hybrid powertrain by 2013. Subaru will also launch its new BRZ sports car and XV crossover (pictured) within the same time period.
[Source: Automotive News]
Get more Subaru BRZ news and info at subarubrzforum.com
While we’re gearing up for the New York Auto Show, another one is happening a world away. At Shanghai, Subaru unveiled the XV concept, a new 5-door crossover.
The XV is a crossover (likely based on the 2012 Impreza set to be revealed at the New York Auto Show this week) that’s smaller than the current Outback, and carries design cues from the Impreza concept from last year’s Los Angeles show. In Subaru tradition it’s powered by a 2.0-liter flat-four engine, but it also features a Lineartronic CVT that should return decent mileage. At a contrast to the eye-searing neon green exterior are white leather seats with mesh inserts.
And according to Subaru, it features a “Protean” design concept, which isn’t a Greek deity you forgot about in freshman philosophy but actually stands for “Professional tool” and “Trendy design.”