Posts Tagged Subaru

2013 Subaru BRZ 5 Minute Test Ride

My 5 Minute Ride Along in the 2013 Subaru BRZ

Full Photo Gallery Here

I got a call from my local subaru dealer (Fairway Subaru, Greenville SC) from my lovely sales lady Jan Doss that the Subaru BRZ was at the dealer and if I wanted to come up and take a look at it and see what it was all about to get on out there because this is a "Demo/PR" car that the regional sales rep has been bringing around to various dealers.  If you want to know when it maybe in your area please contact your dealer.

Interior:

My initial thoughts seeing the car was it looks really nice, Subaru didn't skimp on the outside except for the vents in the fenders could be more real but not a huge deal.  When i got in the car i was amazed on just how well the seats fit.  I would actually love to own these seats for my current car(s) lol they kept you planted in the seats during hard cornering and were actually quite comfortable even for me being 6' 3.  I like the fact that the interior was all covered in leather with most of it in red stitching, the console reminds me of carbon fiber but it's just plastic but still you feel like you are sitting in a car that is well made.  The one thing that annoys me the most about newer cars is the plastic feeling for the money you pay, at least this car won't have that issue.

 

Radio & HVAC controls – I'm not a huge fan of the navagation option but I do however like the idea that you can remove the radio unlike they did to the 05-09 subaru legacy gt owners.  What i thought was actually cool was the heater controls and switches in the center console.  It reminds me of a cockpit control panel which I have seen in some of the newer chevy cars.  The interior doesn't look cheap although there is always room for improvement.  I would love to see the black trim offered in carbon fiber.  This car is also has the engine start button and i didn't hear him start the car he just reached down and pushed the button and we were off.

Exterior:

I absolutly love the looks of the outside of the car minus the fake side vents, if I were to get one I would want the HID lights, and some other options that the toyota FRS will not have.  Here is a quick few pictures of the outside:

Engine & Transmission:

The subaru brz has been equipped with the Subaru Boxer D-45 motor which puts out 200 horsepower from a 2.0 liter motor but does not come with a turbo charger option (for now) but during the ride along I never saw a need for a turbo charger of course it would be nice but this 2500 lb car had no problems during acceleration or passing.  It even stuck to the road in the corners & accelerating at the same time with no problem.  Something that I think would be a must is to have the 6-speed manual transmission, that is what this model had and maybe i'll write another review once i see one with a automatic.

One of the interesting things I noticed about the engine was due to it sitting so low in the engine bay they had to relocate the engine oil filter to the top of the motor, i personally wish subaru had done this long before now but we will tell in the long run how well this does.

Handling:  I thought the car did amazing though the curves and even when we punched it the car never broke loose or even hinted at tire squeal and trust me we pushed it.  The suspension did quite well but I would like to see some spt upgrades for this down the road.  Maybe next time we can get a look at it we'll try to put it on a lift and get some good pictures of the under body to show the suspension.

 

Bottom Line: Yes I would love to have one of these but the price point at the moment doesn't make me feel all warm and fuzzy considering you can get a WRX for about the same price that has a turbo charger.  I think something Subaru should consider for this model is to come out wtih a track ready version that includes Brembo brakes, and maybe some suspension tweaks because after all most of the people purchasing these will most likely be taking them to some form of track day.

Car Specs:

 

2013 Subaru BRZ prototype
BASE PRICE $25,000 (est)
VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine, RWD, 4-pass,2-door coupe
ENGINE 2.0L/200-hp (est)/170-lb-ft (est) DOHC 16-valve flat-4
TRANSMISSION 6-speed manual,6-speed automatic
CURB WEIGHT 2500 lb (mfr est)
WHEELBASE 93.5 in (est)
LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 148.8 x 70.0 x 46.8 (est)
0-60 MPH 6.0 sec (MT est)
EPA CITY/HWY FUEL ECON 25-27/30-32 mpg (est)
ENERGY CONS, CITY/HWY 125-135/105-112 kW-hrs/100 mi (est)
CO2 EMISSIONS 0.67-0.72 lb/mi (est)
ON SALE IN U.S. Spring 2012

 

Oh yea if I were to ever own one of these this is the color it would have to be:

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New Subaru Project

Managed to pickup a 1993 Subaru Impreza L (FWD) sedan to convert for some track use and general fun :)  I did a rough comparison to the new Subaru BRZ which subaru is releasing sometime soon.  The BRZ has me hands down in the looks department, handling, etc for now but the Impreza isn't going to stay the way it is.  There are big plans for her! so check back and watch the progress!!!

Car Specs: 
Engine:  1.8L Flat 4
Horsepower: 110 hp @ 5600
Torque: 110 ft-lbs. @ 4400 rpm
Weight: 2350 LBS
Driveline: Front Wheel Drive (converting to All Wheel Drive or Rear Wheel Drive)

Now compare this car to the Subaru BRZ:
Car Specs:
Engine: 2.0L Flat 4
Horsepower: 200 hp / 200 ft-lbs Torque
Weights: 2500 LBS (estimated)
Driveline: Rear Wheel Drive

My 1993 Subaru Impreza L:

Subaru BRZ:

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1st attempt at a rolling shot

 

I was stationary and thought i'd try to capture a few shots of a subaru that drove by, Not too bad for my first attempt but I know i can do better.  I am using a Canon 60D with the kit lens.  (No $$ to get the 50mm 1.4 or 1.8).  I set my dial to TV (shutter priority) and turned the dial down to about 60 as my base.  I then tweaked it slower and faster to try a few captures.  I do not have any other camera gear except my Manfrotto tripod of which i didn't use.  No camera rigs

Here is the original shot:

Click here to see the edited shot: (Notice i left off the wing on the back, oops)

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Subaru Drive Performance – Friend got his Forester in.

Glad to see its in the current issue of Subaru Drive :)

 

FORESTER MUDDER

This is my fourth Subaru since 1994. Each car has been different in its own way, from the high-mileage 1990 Legacy that just wouldn’t stop going to the high-horsepower and sporty 2006 WRX STi.

http://www.driveperformance.subaru.com/version7_2/reverse.asp#forester

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2010 Impreza WRX STI SE & WRX Limited

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 24 /PRNewswire/ — Subaru of America, Inc. is introducing the 2010 Impreza WRX STI Special Edition at the Los Angeles Auto Show, which runs December 4-13 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Available in an initial limited run of 125 units, the WRX STI Special Edition features upgraded performance suspension (derived from the Japanese domestic market spec C), unique Aspen White paint and custom spec C wheels. Pricing will be announced at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Also at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Subaru is introducing the 2010 Impreza WRX Limited model, which adds a leather interior, standard moonroof and SIRIUS(®) Satellite Radio over the feature content of the Impreza WRX Premium model. Turbocharged excitement remains courtesy of the 265 HP, 2.5-liter turbocharged boxer engine powering Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive system through a five-speed manual gearbox.

WRX STI Special Edition

The 2010 WRX STI Special Edition is aimed at the driving enthusiast who is willing to trade a few amenities to gain an extra measure of handling performance over the already extraordinary WRX STI. Suspension for the new version of this high-performance machine is adopted from the Japanese domestic market WRX STI spec C model, which adds a 1-millimeter thicker rear stabilizer bar, stiffer rear sub-frame bushings plus upgraded and retuned springs. The front springs are 16-percent stiffer, while the rear shocks have been stiffened by 29-percent.

Available in early Spring, the first 125 units of the 2010 WRX STI Special Edition will be painted in exclusive Aspen White, set off by the charcoal-colored 18 x 8.5 in. 14-spoke alloy wheels from the JDM WRX STI spec C. The WRX STI Special Edition will then become a regular production model later in 2010, available in standard colors.

The WRX STI Special Edition was developed by Subaru Tecnica International, the high-performance and motorsports subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. Compared with the standard 2010 WRX STI, the WRX STI Special Edition features halogen rather than HID headlights; a single-disc CD player / 4-speaker audio system instead of the 6-CD /10-speaker system; manual air conditioning in place of automatic climate control, and body color side mirrors.

All other aspects of the WRX STI Special Edition remain as on the standard model, including the 305-horsepower / 290 lb.-ft. turbocharged/intercooled Boxer engine, 6-speed manual transmission and a high level of driver-selectable powertrain- and dynamic handling-control systems. The car's bulged fenders and rear quarter panels, rear gate-mounted spoiler and aerodynamic ground effects give the WRX STI a direct link to Subaru competition cars. The hood scoop, brake-cooling air intakes and engine heat outlets are all functional.

The Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) version of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, which remains exclusive to the Impreza WRX STI, offers three selectable automatic performance modes in addition to six manual center differential locking settings. The WRX STI is in addition equipped with limited-slip front and rear differentials. The Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) stability and traction control system features three driver-selectable positions. On all WRX STI models, the 18-in. wheels are fitted with Dunlop SP600 245/40R18 tires.

The Brembo Performance Brake System employs ventilated 4-wheel Super Sport anti-lock (ABS) disc brakes with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). Side-curtain airbags and front seat side airbags are standard. The Incline Start Assist feature can momentarily prevent the vehicle from rolling backward when being driven away from a stop on an incline.

(Read More)

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Grassroots Motorsports magazine purchases Subiesport Magazine

Sad to see my beloved subiesport go but hopefully it will be just as good over at GrassRootsMotorsports

HOLLY HILL, Fla., November 18, 2009—Motorsport Marketing, Inc., publishers of Grassroots Motorsports magazine, are pleased to announce that they have acquired Subiesport Magazine’s print and digital editions from MediaSpigot LLC, a media company based in Kirkland, Wash. Grassroots Motorsports Publisher Tim Suddard had this to say about the purchase: “Here at Grassroots, we know and love Subarus and have been at the forefront of the blossoming Subaru market for many years. Bringing Subiesport into our fold is a good fit for both companies and will mutually benefit our combined readerships. Not only will we fulfill all remaining Subiesport digital and print subscriptions with Grassroots Motorsports, but we’re also going to ramp up coverage. Our hope is that we can deliver beyond our new readers’ expectations.” David S. Wallens, Grassroots Motorsports editorial director, commented on how the acquisition will affect the editorial side of Grassroots Motorsports: “In addition to our already extensive autocross and rally coverage, we have begun to create even more Subaru-specific features in light of this acquisition. In fact, we already went out and purchased our new project car: a 2003 Subaru WRX, which we’ve been having fun with. I welcome Subaru fans to give us feedback on our Web site and tell us what they want us to do with it—while it’s still mostly stock.” Tim Suddard continued, “Another great benefit of this acquisition is that, rather than have a competitor in the Northwest, we now have a friend and ally in former Subiesport Publisher Ryan Douthit. We have known Ryan for many years and have respected what he accomplished with Subiesport. Now, however, he’ll be able to put more of his energy into producing great content, both for Grassroots Motorsports as well as his growing video series, ‘Driving Sports TV.’” Douthit added, “Having competed against Grassroots Motorsports in the cutthroat magazine business, I know that the quality of their editorial and the ethics of their staff is unsurpassed. Also, as a larger publishing company, they will be able to do a great job providing the Subiesport readership with the type of content they continue to crave—now eight times a year!” The acquisition is effective immediately. Subiesport subscribers will receive all issues due to them, starting with the April issue of Grassroots Motorsports, which gets mailed in February 2010. About Grassroots Motorsports:? Grassroots Motorsports is the how-to magazine for the serious sports car enthusiast. From profiles of new sports cars to in-depth—and occasionally off-the-wall—project cars, for 25 years each issue of GRM has been packed with practical tips that help real-world sports car enthusiasts get race car performance out of their daily drivers. To receive a free trial copy of Grassroots Motorsports, request one online at grassrootsmotorsports.com/try or call the magazine’s offices at (800) 520-8292. About MediaSpigot LLC: ?Based in Kirkland, Wash., MediaSpigot is an event and media company that focuses primarily on the automotive enthusiast market. Through its “Driving Sports TV” brand it has produced exclusive motoring content for Web, broadcast television, live streaming video and on-demand services. For more information, visit mediaspigot.com.

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2010 Subaru Legacy GT Review

I recently post in another thread about my local dealer (www.fairwaysubaru.net) having a new 2010 Subaru Legacy GT, click here for the link

Here are some other reviews on the car :) and checkout my subaru forum www.sesubies.com

Also would like to add that the all 2010 Subarus were top rated in roll over testing :)

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Subaru Car Meet

Sunday, October 25th 2009.

Location & Time

Quaker Steak & Lube
10 Chrome Drive
Greenville, SC 29615
4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

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Subaru led interior mod

It took 17 red led’s and about 2 hours getting everything ready but here is the final product!

2nd Picture:

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Autocross Event Tomorrow in Laurens, SC

Registration is open for the Fairway Subaru/Folger Subaru “Black Lake Shootout,” July 18-19 at the Michelin Proving Grounds in Laurens, SC. For those of you have never run at the “Black Lake,” it’s 1400 ft x 400 ft of perfectly smooth, flat, obstacle-free asphalt – in short, one of the best autocross sites in the southeast.

The “Black Lake Shootout” is a two-day event, jointly hosted by Central Carolinas Region SCCA and South Carolina Region SCCA. Entry fees are $55 for SCCA Members, and $75 for Non-Members (advance payment; $5 charge for on-site payment).

More information, including event hotels and supplementary regulations, after the jump…

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