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.

The design suggests a possible new rival for the Nissan Qasqai and Subaru has assured motorists that the final product will be based on its concept model which was unveiled at Shanghai Auto Show earlier.

The XV concept is the creation of a more fashionable SUV form with the key design concept of ‘Protren’, the combination of ‘professional tool’ and ‘trendy design’. The concept featured elements of a hexagon grille, winged motif and sharp-solid designed hawk-eye headlights.

The interior features include a ‘Silvery White Leather’ which is used as a base material for seat coverings, a large multi-functioning touch panel with navigation, car audio and vehicle information displays. In addition, there is a driving assist ‘Eyesight’ system.

The vehicle is powered by a 2.0 litre four-cylinder horizontally-opposed DOHC engine with an output of 150 hp at 6000 rpm and 146 lb-ft at 4,200 rpm coupled with Lineartronic (CVT) transmission.

It is expected that the final production model will reflect the concept car features without many adjustments.

Going by the pictures, we guess the production model will equip aggressive fascia, an increased ride height and extended fender flares. We hope the car would a 2.0-liter four-cylinder power train that comes with desirable adaptations and equipped with some smaller displacement turbocharged units.

It was earlier said that the Toyota-Subaru joint venture model will be outfitted with a 2.0-liter turbocharged boxer engine with 260 hp (194 kW / 264 PS).  It was also previously reported to feature a six-speed manual transmission, which will send power to the rear-wheels.

The styling is expected to be virtually identical to the Toyota FT-86 but this one will have a unique grille, modified bumpers, and different wheels.

(Via TokyoNP)

The Spec C brings the model to top notch in terms of engine output and suspension.

The new edition of the WRX Spec C has some new features added to it, including ECU remap and the addition of new ball-bearings for the (awesome) twin-scroll turbocharger.

That pumps out an output of 308 PS (227 kW / 304 bhp) and 430 Nm (317 lb-ft) of torque on the 2.0 liter turbo unit.
It has got new features on the body as well. The front chassis have been reinforced with a new cross member.

Its also comes with an aluminum bonnet, smaller battery, cool 18nch alloys with the all new Bridgestone POTENZA RE070 tires with 245/40R18 dimensions.

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.

The 2.5 liter Boxer engine turbocharged to 263 PS (193 kW) and 347 Nm of torque on the Forester tS was seen on the S-Edition concept.

The main difference is that while the concept has not moved forward, the Forester tS will definitely be getting into the production stage, at least for the Japanese market.

Sources say that the model will have a specially tuned suspension which will include STi-tuned dampers and springs and flexible front and rear sway bars.

As per information received, only 300 units of the Forester tS will be made, and they will be available only in Japan.

(Via 7Tune)

The interior has an Alcantara seat finish which has the S-Edition badge on, the floor pedals are pleasant to the eye, being drilled alloy; the instrument panel with luminescent lighting has bee uniquely designed. For the finishing touch, there is a Forester S-Edition badge on the rear hatch.

The concept has a symmetrical all-wheel drive system that is powered by a Boxer engine – 2.5 liter turbocharged; with 193 kW (262 PS) and 347 Nm of torque.

Wheels are high luster alloy – 17 inches high. It also has a 5-speed automatic gearbox that is paddle-shift and a sport suspension.

To ensure that the all-wheel drive runs symmetrically and smoothly, the concept has a Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) feature.

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)