Subaru's Advanced Tourer Concept ready for Tokyo Motor Show

Subaru's Advanced Tourer Concept

Subaru's biggest announcement for next month's Tokyo Motor Show was expected to be the BRZ sports car, but now news has arrived that it will also show an "Advanced Tourer Concept" powered by its trademark horizontally-opposed engine and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD), but with turbocharging and direct fuel injection, plus a single-motor hybrid system, all driving through a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

Paradoxically Subaru has fitted the car with its EyeSight driver assist system, and a steering wheel which incorporates a "large monitor" for access to "maps, television and internet services." Perhaps news about the carnage resulting from distracted driving hasn't reached Japan yet.

Subaru's Advanced Tourer Concept-ii

Subaru says the direct fuel injection turbo engine is "one of the main technologies that will guide Subaru's future engine strategy", noting its quick, smooth acceleration and environmental friendliness.
The turbocharged 1600cc engine and single electric motor are combined into a hybrid system that offers continuous all-wheel-drive even when it is in electric-only mode and manages to use all four wheels to regenerate electricity during deceleration.
Subaru's proprietary EyeSight™ driver assist system will be showcased on the vehicle, with the system now offering greater range and width. The steering wheel monitor will also be interesting to see. Distracted driving is one of the major trends associated with new technology, and putting it on the steering wheel seems like a recipe for encouraging taking your eyes off the road, but we don't know the full story just yet.

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Subaru's BRZ Concept sports car finally breaks cover

It feels like we've been waiting for Subaru's BRZ concept forever. 

The BRZ is a joint development effort between Toyota and Subaru, using a 2.0 litre version of Subaru's signature horizontally-opposed engine with Toyota's direct injection system.

Subaru BRZ

Toyota will sell the car as the FT-86 which it showed as a concept two years ago at the Tokyo Motor Show and has since shown with revised styling. The near identical BRZ concept will be seen for the first time at the Los Angeles Auto Show two weeks from now and can be expected in showrooms in the United States spring of 2012.

It has been a long time coming, and why it has taken so long to materialize is uncertain. Subaru showed the skeleton and mechanicals of the BRZ at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, but the pic you're looking at is the only released image of the full car.

The BRZ employs a totally new 2.0-litre Boxer engine exclusively designed for the new sports car using direct injection and port injection technology from Toyota - dubbed the D-4S.

The front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout is Subaru's first since its very first car, the Subaru 1500 built in 1954. The low and flat engine is mounted low in the car to assist with lowering the center of gravity, and by adding a lightweight body, Subaru is hoping to deliver what it is calling "Pure Handling Delight." The Subaru BRZ Concept - STI will be on show at the Los Angeles Auto Show from November 18 through 27.

The reason this car has taken so long to get to market is that Toyota was not happy with the engine in its original form and spent money and time re-engineering it to be more efficient. Over that time, the price and weight and intended target audience has also changed.

Unfortunately, Subaru will not sell their version in all markets that already sell Subaru's because it does not fit with their all-wheel-drive branding in some markets.

Source: ENGADGET

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2011 Subaru Outback

Pricing:  $23,195 to $31,495 MSRP/$21,848 to $29,484 Invoice Price

EPA Fuel Economy (MPG): 18 - 22 City/25 - 29 Highway:

After going through a major redesign last year, the 2011 Subaru Outback SUV-esque wagon returns still featuring impressive fuel economy, ample power, and versatile interior space at a great value.

The 2011 Subaru Outback is available in two models, distinguished by different engine configurations.  The 2.5i is powered by a 170-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder boxer engine that is mated to either the new CVT or a six-speed manual transmission.  Next up is the 3.6R, which sports a 256-horsepower, 3.6-liter six-cylinder under its hood.  All models get Subaru’s all-wheel drive system standard.  The Outback delivers up to 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, which is better than most crossovers and wagons.  The 2011 Outback competes with other wagons like the Volkswagen Passat and Volvo XC70 as well as a few compact SUVs like the Honda CR-V and Hyundai Tiburon.

The 2011 Subaru Outback features 34.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear-folding seat and 71.3 cubic feet total.  Subaru also extended the Outback’s length where rear passengers can enjoy a gargantuan four-inch increase in rear legroom; there’s more room for comfort here than in a Nissan Rogue or Volvo XC60, or many other competitors.  A standard roof rack has hinged cross-members that tuck into the side rails when not in use, which improves aerodynamics and decreases noise.

To fill all that interior space, Subaru loaded the Outback full of goodies.  The base model features an electronic parking brake with a hill holder feature that keeps the car from rolling back while stopped.  The Premium model boasts a 10-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar adjustment, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and options like a 440-watt Harmon/Kardon® stereo and heated front seats, among others.  The flagship Limited line offers premium perforated leather seats, dual zone climate control, and an optional GPS system with an eight-inch LCD display screen.

The 2011 Subaru Outback features standard antilock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, traction control, and stability control, as well as a full complement of airbags.

If you’re looking for an SUV-esque wagon that excels around town and in the great outdoors, the affordable and versatile 2011 Subaru Outback is for you.

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