Subaru South Africa has decided to drop the Impreza from its lineup. The new Subaru XV, that will be uveilied at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show will be replacing the Impreza range in South Africa from February 2012.

Designed by Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. and described as an “Urban Adventurer”, the XV is a high-riding crossover model that will likely  slot in between the Impreza and the larger Legacy Outback. The XV will be powered by a naturally aspirated 2,0-litre example of Subaru’s new FB-generation flat-four petrol engines. In addition,  A choice of either 6-speed manual or Lineartronic CVT transmissions will be offered.

Subaru’s new brand philosophy is aimed at a continuous product development – bringing in more products to the customer in a timely, anticipatory manner while simultaneously focusing on environmental issues.

This focus will be coupled with a keen eye on excellence in engineering to ensure top level innovation.

Reports say that the move is Subaru’s way of moving with the times and focusing on the green market and products. There is a strong possibility that the company will be concentrating more on hybrid, battery electric and possibly alternative fuel vehicles in the future.

As far as the new concept is concerned, all that can be deciphered from the teaser that was released is that the vehicle looks like it could be the next generation Impreza, which is due in 2012.

And what has been glimpsed right now is a curious mix of camouflage and spare parts patched in with duct tape.

Understandably, this visual makes it quite impossible to zone in on what the production model will finally look like, but based on previous renderings, this model is likely to be a striking offering from Subaru.

As per previous information, the coupe will inhabit a shortened frame of the Legacy platform, and will have the rear suspension of the Impreza.

The FT-86 will feature a 2.0-liter boxer engine – naturally aspirated; and reports say the Subaru model will be using a 2.0-liter turbo with 260 hp (194 kW / 264 PS).

This will be paired to a six-speed transmission and rear-wheel drive. The model will be on sale by 2013 and reports say the base price will be at a minimum of $25,000.

(Vi WCF)

Subaru will take the wraps off of their new Impreza WRX STI Special Edition at the LA Auto Show next month. The car is going to be produced in limited quantities, and only 125 units will be offered in the beginning, all of them white with custom 18-inch rims — which by the looks of it, has a lot in common with its Japanese counterpart, the WRX STI Spec C model. Featuring a new performance suspension, hardened sub-frame bushings and a thicker rear stabilizer have been included with the new model, while the engine stays — the same 2.5l turbo Boxer engine, producing 305 hp with 393 Nm of torque. Actual sales for the Subaru Impreza WRX STI will begin next spring.

The Subaru Impreza WRX STI Carbon has broken cover in Tokyo but to everyone’s surprise the engine is mated to a five-speed automatic gearbox to spoil the fun of driving on the back of a monster. Based on the A-Line special edition, the STI Carbon chooses a carbon fiber roof instead of the normal panel which lowers the centre of gravity and simultaneously reduces the weight of the vehicle. As far as the interior goes, unlike the standard STI, the STI Carbon is lined in suede. Under the hood is a 2.5L four-banger that produces 296 hp. The manual gearbox version slated for the US will render 305hp. Subaru is calling it the display model but the A-Line derivation for the automatic gearbox will be a part of the production facility rolled models as well.

Subaru Impreza WRX

Sadly, the sedan doesn’t come in an STI version, but the WRX with 195kW should keep you busy around the corners. The WRX comes standard with a scoop on the front, while the standard 110kW Impreza looks more like the car you’ll see Grandad driving.

The price is a bit on the steep side too. The WRX comes in at a hefty R360k, but that’s nothing compared to the R520k for the STI hatch. I’d be hard pressed between the STI hatch and a 2 year old M3.

Subaru Impreza

I’d suggest giving them a drive anyway, well worth the fun, which really is what sets the Subaru’s apart. They seem to capture a level of excitement and fun in the diving experience that few cars have manged to really capture properly.

One of the best example of this, is what Ken Block manages to do with his STI Hatch. He’s got tons of clips on YouTube, but few of them really capture what he’s able to do. It’s one of my all time favorite clips, and just goes to show what the car is really capable of.

by Shawn Jooste

Subaru Impreza WRX STI Carbon as the name implies is an STI based A-Line hatch that comes with a carbon fiber roof to ensure weight reduction and hence lowered gravity centre oand increased performance. Currently announced for Tokyo, the hatch is an A-Line baby with a 5 speed automatic gearbox and this helps the car reach out to more customers. It will be offered with two engine choices, either a 2.0L turbo option that produces 308hp with 422Nm of torque or a 2.5L turbo that gets 300hp with 407Nm of torque. To add to the comfort factor, the suede fabric has been used on the inside hence making the hatchback a little more luxurious. The Subaru Impreza WRX STI Carbon Hatch will break cover at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show.

With the recession choking our throats to the chore and the hunger for new ride insatiable, automobiles with a basic price can be a good alternative. The 2010 Subaru Impreza pricing has been announced and I ma sure that it fits into that credibility bracket. Ask me why and the reason is that all the new-models are price at par with the 2009 option; indeed, the premium model comes with a price reduction of $1,000. But all this, in no way means the technology has been bargained with, as you will find all Imprezas’ now featuring Symmetrical AWD badges. You can fetch the base price at an unchanged $17,495, while the premium Impreza 2.5i gets its price slashed by $1,000 to $18,495. The pricing of the 265-hp WRX remains unchanged at $24,995 for the sedan and $25,495 for the five-door.

We don’t know exactly who Lars is, but he’s got a great talent. Check out his interpretation of a Subaru WRX STI that edges away from the ugly exteriors we’ve been used with. Of course Subaru was never about stylish curves, since they had monsters under the hood, but this rendering exudes sophistication and beauty from every little joint. A new front-end, narrow honeycomb grille, steeper curves and modified headlights, that’s what makes it a great car to drive. [via Jalopnik]

A more accessibile version of the renowned WRX STI, Subaru announced that they’ll be releasing a new Impreza WRX STI A-Line edition. Using the company’s 4-cylinder turbocharged 2.5 liter Boxer engine mated a five speed automatic transmission dubbed as SPORTSHIFT, it manages to sport 300 hp and 350 Nm of torque. And if we already know what the Japanese can do with the engines and performances, they’ve outdone themselves when it comes to the interior. There’s an 8-directional electronically adjustable driver’s seat (there’s the option for leather) and leather trim on the inner door paneling highlighted with silver stitching. Furios yet elegant, the new Subaru Impreza WRX STI A-Line is definitely hot in that “Satin White Pearl”.

Here are more details:

• a single scroll turbocharger for steady torque
• Downshifting Blipping Control for better shifting of the automatic transmission
• VTD (Variable Torque Distribution) AWD system
• a Tumble Generation Valve that controls air intake for maximum combustion efficiency