Subaru Crew - Future Models II

rsholland · March 2010

http://www.subaru-global.com/special/impreza_xv/index.html

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showpost.php?p=29927241&postcount=29

Not at all what I expected. I bet this is the 2010 Outback Sport.

Things I like:

 New front bumper
 Wheel arches
 Beefy roof rails
 Body-colored rear log strip, as per current WRX/STI
 WRX/STI-like seats

Things I'm not sure about:

 Grille
 Rear spoiler
 Tires look too small, now that it has wheel arches.
 Still has a 5-speed (for gas engine) and the 4-EAT

Bob

ateixeira · March 2010

I like those wheel arches, too.

That differentiates the Outback Sport better. Right now it's just two-tone paint.

Grille reminds me of the Tribeca. I guess they went for a family resemblance.

It's definitely more "butch".

rsholland · March 2010

This Euro-version appears to have 16" wheels. Our current Outback Sport has 17" wheels. That will help the looks a bit. I still hope out Outback Sport gets larger-still 215/55x17 tires (current OBS tires are 205/55x17).

I hated that 2-tone paint they've been using for years. This is much better.

It would be great if they offered an Outback Super Sport, with the WRX engine.

Bob

xwesx · March 2010

I like the looks, although I also like the current two-tone paint. Euro will have the 2-liter turbo-diesel in an Impreza! We really need that engine over here.

I received a message from SoA regarding the diesel, though I suspect it is old news now:

Thank you for your e-mail to Subaru of America, Inc. We appreciate you taking the time to contact us with your feedback.

First, please be advised that we have received many other contacts similar to yours so you will find that the statements below are the same as I have provided to other customers seeking a diesel Subaru.

Our chairman Ikuo Mori was actually misquoted by reporters when he originally stated that Subaru would bring our diesel to the US in 2010. He had meant in the 2010(s). Since that time there have been many re-interpretations of this statement posted to various blogs throughout the Internet.

Further complicating the issue is that the original statement of plans to bring the diesel stateside was made in 2008 after we launched vehicles in Europe but before the drop in the economy in the Fall of 2008. Subaru as well as every other company had to re-organize in the wake of this volatile market and consequently any future plans have gone under re-examination.

At this time, we have not been made aware of any set plans as to when we will offer diesel models stateside since these past events and statements.

If you wish for this product to be offered please make sure to encourage others who share your interest to contact us, as past input from our customers has been helpful in initiating changes to our newer models.

Should any decisions be made as it relates to offering such a vehicle stateside, you will among the first notified.

If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact us again. Thank you for the opportunity to be of service.

Best wishes,

Kerry Ann Miller
Subaru of America, Inc.
Customer/Dealer Services Department

ateixeira · March 2010

Super Sport sounds good to me.

ateixeira · March 2010

It would not pass CARB emissions as-is, so they'd have to invest to make that engine cleaner.

It might be different if the US and Europe had the same emissions standards.

nippononly · March 2010

More butch? It looks either ridiculous or fugly to me, depending on my mood. Trust Subaru to mess up the looks after a couple of short years. Glad I got mine when I did, because I wouldn't have bought it looking like this.....

.....but then, maybe this is just for overseas markets?

rsholland · March 2010

Gotta disagree here. I've never cared for the silly 2-tone paint-tape styling of the current and previous Outback Sportsand we have owned two of them. I much prefer where Subaru is headed with this new VX model.

This new VX, as it stands, will be much more able to compete against the Euro Mini Countryman and the new VW CrossGolf and CrossPolo.

http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/03/03/geneva-auto-show-mini-countryman/

http://wot.motortrend.com/6647406/auto-shows/2010-geneva-vw-hatch-hysteria-adds-- - - - crossgolf-crosspolo-and-polo-gti-to-the-mix/index.html

Having said that, it's not perfect. The large wheel arches scream for a larger wheel/tire combo; and I suspect it's coming, at least for the Aussie market. Their web site has just been updated with some news on this car, and one thing they mention is the Oz version will get more ground clearance, and which I hope also means larger tires and wheels.

http://www.subaru.com.au/about-subaru/news/breaking-news/2010/03/03/impreza-xv-u- - - - nveiled/

Some time ago I wrote to SOA, and asked them to get serious with the Outback Sport, as the current model is just silly, and stands for nothing. Now it looks like they're finally now heading in that direction. I just hope it comes here as well, badged either as an Outback Sport or VX.

Bob

ateixeira · March 2010

The current model is basically an option package with good value.

This would seperate it more, almost like the 96 Outback did vs. the Legacy wagon.

rsholland · March 2010

http://www.autoblog.com/gallery/geneva-2010-subaru-impreza-xv/#20

You can view them in small (here) or medium or large sizes.

Bob

saedave · March 2010

Is it possible that the track has been increased? Those fender bulges seem to match the tires.

rsholland · March 2010

I kinda doubt it.

Bob

rblnr · March 2010

Any guesses on the progress of the coming DI engines in the new plant?

samiam_68 · March 2010

Yeah, I'd like to know as well. I'm holding off until Subie puts a DI engine AND a CVT into the Forester before I replace mine.

rsholland · March 2010

If so, you may want to fill out the following survey.

http://www.logicdepot.com/surveys/run/start.cfm?skey=2CYCR-11GMK

Note that this is not an official SOA survey, but the results will be sent to them.

Bob

xwesx · March 2010

The link comes up invalid.

rsholland · March 2010

Works for me. Try it again.

Bob

xwesx · March 2010

Works now..... :confuse:

nippononly · March 2010

yes on the survey.....my next Subaru must make 40 mpg highway for me (rated 35 under the new EPA system). Otherwise, I will defect from Subaru once again....doesn't matter to me if they use hybrid or diesel or something else to achieve that goal, but that's the mark they have to hit. If it's pure electric, it must have a 300-mile range for me to be interested.

rsholland · March 2010

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/22/new-york-preview-subaru-wrx-goes-widebody-for- -2011/

http://blogs.insideline.com/straightline/2010/03/2011-subaru-wrx-wide-body-headi- ng-for-2010-new-york-auto-show.html

A few things...

1) This pretty much confirms that the (new) STI sedan will remain Impreza-based. I had wondered if it might be based off the Legacy, but not anymore. I couldn't see developing a wide-body Impreza STI sedan by itself. Now with the WRX getting this bodywork, it makes perfect sense.

2) Not sure how I feel about it. I really liked the "stealth" aspect of the outgoing WRX, and that's completely gone now. This car is pure jail-bait, and frankly I'm not too comfortable with that.

3) I'll wait until I see it in person to make a final comment, but I'm pretty sure this wide-body will look better as a 5-door, as per the current STI. This looks kind of awkward. Aggressive for sure, if that's your cup of tea.

4) I'm really glad they increased the track, the rim width and tire size. That was a big concern of mine if they went wide-body, but using the existing wheels and tires. I think this car will look okay the way they've equipped it.

5) Disappointed that it still uses a 5-speed tranny. Was hoping for the 6-speed unit.

6) Can't wait to see what they've done to upgrade the STI.

Bob

rsholland · March 2010

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showpost.php?p=30152258&postcount=86

Definitely looks better as a 5-door.

Bob

ateixeira · March 2010

I like it.

I do think they should have added a 6 speed. The GTI and MazdaSpeed3 get one.

Thing is that would really step on the toes of the STI.

xwesx · March 2010

Agreed.

Interestingly, though, the majority of WRX vehicles I see with the current body style are sedans.... :confuse:

dino001 · March 2010

Here it's the opposite. Sedans are almost non-existent.

rsholland · March 2010

Same here. I see far more 5-door WRXs than I do 4-door models. In fact, that even holds true for the 2.5i models as well.

Bob

xwesx · March 2010

That certainly holds true for the 2.5i here, but not (seemingly) the WRX. Of course, this is all empirical evidence, so it may be that I am just not seeing the hatchbacks on my particular routes. Of the 2.5i, I see quite a few Outback Sports (signified by the two-tone paint).

2009+ Foresters, though, are literally everywhere. They are incredibly popular here. Subaru is, in general, but the Forester in particular. In any given line of cars, a quarter-to-third are almost guaranteed to be Subaru, and probably half of those will be Forester.

ateixeira · March 2010

I also see many, many more 5 doors.

My wife saw a sedan a little while ago, and she said it was the first Impreza sedan she had ever seen.

Keep in mind we've owned 3 Subarus!

nippononly · March 2010

Imprezas I ever see in my area are the cheapo lease-special sedans (plastic wheel covers) and the OBS. I do occasionally see WRXs as well - always wagons - but they are much rarer.

And my area is the same for Foresters, it is lousy with them

css1 · March 2010

Hi AJ,
Hi Bob,

How are you??

Are you guys coming up to the NY show this year?

Charlie

ateixeira · March 2010

Can't - spring break conflicts with the schedule.

I wish it didn't.

Bob's going ...

rsholland · March 2010

Hi Charlie. I'm going to be there for the first press day, the 31st. Also going to a Subie sneak-preview that evening.

Bob

css1 · March 2010

Sorry we can't hook up this year.

Bob,
Once again my Tribeca lease ends in November/December 2010. I'd appreciate it if you can find out any information on the refreshening or replacement for the Tribeca. I want to avoid getting stuck in a lease only to find something new is released in spring '11.

Have a great time.

rsholland · March 2010

I'll see what I can find out Charlie. I don't think there will be an announcement of that model, although I could be wrong. I think the news at NY this year will be about the WRX and STI.

Bob

rsholland · March 2010

The wing is backbig time!

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/29/the-wing-returns-subaru-teases-impreza-wrx-st- - i-sedan-ahead-of-n/

Will see this Wednesday night at an SOA sneak-peak event. The car will be officially announced Thursday morning.

So the NY show is all about the wide-body 2011 WRX and this new 2011 STI sedan.

Bob

dcm61 · March 2010

According to your link, the "teaser" picture is a hatchback, not a sedan.

But judging by this solitary teaser of the 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, it appears that the rally-bred hatch is getting an all-new wing inspired by Subaru's dearly-departed WRC contender.

rsholland · March 2010

I think AutoBlog is wrong.

Bob

tifighter · March 2010

I'm with autoblog on this one. Looking at the taper of the roof to rear glass in that photo, its looks clear to me that its the hatch. A sedan could be in the works, though.

xwesx · March 2010

I agree that it doesn't look so much like a sedan to me, but then the current Impreza has a fairly sloped back end and short trunk lid, so it could very well be a sedan. The massive wing certainly hides a lot of the shape back there and the slope from the roof line drops off much sooner than the current hatch.

That said, the hatch is definitely the better body style and a wing of that size is pure silliness. However, there are fans of both and I think Subaru can keep the sales up and people talking by mixing things up from time to time ("let's give them a hatch for a couple of years then a sedan for the next few!"). :shades:

rsholland · March 2010

They just announced a wide-body WRX sedan for 2011. I'm sure there's an STI version as well.

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/22/new-york-preview-subaru-wrx-goes-widebody-for- -2011/

They wouldn't spend all that money, time and effort for just the WRX.

Bob

dcm61 · April 2010

I think AutoBlog is wrong.

Well ... the wing is on the sedan,
http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/01/new-york-2010-2011-subaru-wrx-sti-4-door-has-- wing-needs-gold-w/
http://www.autoblog.com/gallery/2011-subaru-impreza-wrx-sti/#9

but it's obviously not the same wing as in the teaser picture.
http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/29/the-wing-returns-subaru-teases-impreza-wrx-st- i-sedan-ahead-of-n/

ateixeira · April 2010

Hopefully you can get it without the ironing board.

exit123 · April 2010

Does anyone have any info on the 2011 Impreza colors?

exit123 · April 2010

Anyone have the info on changes for the 2011 Impreza??

rsholland · April 2010

So far only info on the 2011 WRX and WRX-STI has been released.

http://media.subaru.com/index.php?s=13&cat=134&mode=gallery

http://media.subaru.com/index.php?s=13&cat=138&mode=gallery

http://media.subaru.com/index.php?s=13&cat=136&mode=gallery

http://media.subaru.com/index.php?s=13&cat=135&mode=gallery

Bob

exit123 · April 2010

Yeah, that's what I thought, but it never hurts to ask.

aaykay · April 2010

To be quite honest, I am sorely disappointed by the 2011 STI....of course for people who were waiting for an STI Sedan, it is great news, since finally the new generation STI appears as a sedan. But as far as the hatch is concerned, I am left with an empty feeling. :sick:

After the WRX went "wide body", it liberated the designers to introduce some much needed updates into the STI, including upgrading the suspension (done !), improving the steering to work well with the upgraded suspension (not done) and introducing better seats (than the useless "flatties" that the current generation STI/WRX and all STI/WRX's since the 2004 model year has) which too did not happen. So other than firming up the suspension (which is the easiest task for the aftermarket) the STI hatch was left to fester in its 2008 introductory state.

What would have been impossible for the aftermarket, would have been introducing sharper/faster steering gear like in the SPEC-C or better bolstered seats (which is just not replaceable via the aftermarket, since airbags and other SRS electronics are embedded into the driver's seats) and better engine technology like DI which would enable more power and better mileage, along with improvements into the Turbo itself enabling faster spooling and reducing turbo-lag. The results of course were sorely disappointing - to me !

They made a big hoo-haa that the suspension was "fine tuned on the Nurburgring". Sure. But what they failed to mention was that the fine-tuning of the suspension on the SPEC-C, happened with the SPEC-C's faster/sharper steering, the SPEC-C's fast-spooling and highly tractable twin-scroll turbo engine etc and not just stiffening up the suspension and calling it a day, while leaving all other aspects of driveability, unchanged. :mad: What they failed to state was that it was the total package that was "fine-tuned on the Nurburgring" and not just the stiffer suspension.

The big winners from the new introductions were the WRX (which benefited from the bodystyle changes, even though IMHO, the WRX after the 2009 updates, was definitely not in need of another body-style update) and the availability of the sedan STI bodystyle (for people who were waiting for it). To me the whole hoopla surrounding the "new and improved" 2011 STI was a total wet dishrag.

I was all set for a 2011 STI hatch (with the above said improvements) but not very enthused with what finally appeared. I am currently looking around for a 2010 STI SE (with no options) but will also keep my eye open for other options available in the market.

ateixeira · April 2010

I thought they *did* change the seats? No?

Mags are clocking regular WRXs as quicker than the STI, so besides the 6 speed and DCCD, there's not much reason to upgrade now, especially since visual distinction is far less now.

aaykay · April 2010

No, based on feedback from people who sat in the cars in NY, the seats are supposed to be identical - no changes there.

Yeah, the gearing of the STI basically means that a shift into 3rd would be needed, right before it gets to 60mph.....the WRX can cross 60mph in 2nd. So that is a 0-60 killer - for the STI. The additional weight of the STI (almost 200 lbs more than the WRX) is not helping things either.

In addition to that, there are indications that the power rating of the 09+ WRXs are deliberately under-rated to prevent any more embarassment to the STI than absolutely needed.

Bottomline, Subaru seems to be leaving the STI to languish, thinking that it would spur WRX sales (you are getting "almost an STI" for 1000s less) and that, IMHO, is a serious and strategic mistake. The STI brandname would be irreparably damaged.

They should just bring over an LHD version of the SPEC-C as *the* STI, which in turn would maintain a decent separation between the STI and the WRX. If not, then just kill off the STI, instead of leaving it as-is, so that the branding will not be further diluted.

ateixeira · April 2010

Spec-C, undiluted, would be good.

If they think the price would get too high (a valid concern, since Edmunds' last EVO cost $44 grand), then introduce a Legacy STI instead, with a turbocharged 3.6l H6.

$43,984. :surprise:

http://www.insideline.com/mitsubishi/lancer-evolution/2010/comparison-test-2010-- bmw-335i-vs-2010-mitsubishi-lancer-evolution-mr-touring.html#article_pagination_- top_1

rsholland · April 2010

I was one of those who sat in the car at NY, at the sneak-peek the night before it was announced at the NY show.

The seats are fine. They were leather (STI Limited), and seemed a little more supportive than those found in my '09 WRX. The big STI news, besides the 4-door, is the suspension has been upgraded.

Keep in mind that this was a mid-life upgrade, not a full model makeover. As such, I was quite impressed.

One more thing: The seats are not that much different than those found in the Porsche 911 (see link). That's as good an endorsement as any as far as I'm concerned.

http://z.about.com/d/cars/1/0/i/V/1/ag_09_911_frtseat.jpg

Bob

Subaru Crew - Future Models II

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