2020 Subaru WRX STI S209 The fourth-generation WRX has been kicking around since 2014, so it’s not too shocking to hear that Subaru is planning the next one for the not-so-distant future. According to reporting by Japan’s Best Car, the fifth-gen WRX will arrive next fall, riding on a new platform and using a new engine. The launch of the next-gen sedan comes alongside remakes of the WRX STI, Japan-only WRX S4 and Levorg wagon. The STI will apparently swap its current turbo flat-four EJ20 (EJ25 in North America) for a direct-injection FA20 four-cylinder good for 315 horsepower. This follows the trail blazed by WRX models in the U.S., which switched to the FA20 in 2014. To clarify, Japan’s WRX STI has a 2.0-litre engine, while North America’s WRX STI runs with a 2.5-litre good for 310 horsepower. The FA20 in the North American WRX, meanwhile, makes 268 horsepower. Whether North America will get the 2.0-litre engine like Japan, or a 2.4-litre FA variant similar to that in the Ascent SUV, is uncertain. The piece also suggests the STI will take aesthetic cues from the Viziv concept and will ride on the new global platform, which fits with Subaru’s previously stated intentions to use it as the base for all vehicles. No word on reveal dates for the WRX, but to paraphrase some TV show we used to know, Tokyo is
Origin: 2021 Subaru WRX STI will arrive next fall with a 315-hp new engine: report
Subaru
Subaru announces pricing for 2020 Outback and Legacy
Subaru has just released pricing for the 2020 Legacy Sedan and Outback wagon. The base model Legacy is $26,395, while the Outback is not only jacked up in ride height but also a step up in price at $30,695.The $26,395 Legacy Convenience trim starts you off with standard Subarus Symmetrical full-time all-wheel-drive, EyeSight with Lane Centring Assist, dual seven-inch touchscreen infotainment display, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. Although its the base model, you also get automatic climate control, heated front seats, a 10-way power-adjustable drivers seat, Bluetooth connectivity, two rear USB ports, and automatic headlights.This the first year that Subaru will be offering Subaru Starlink connected services, which is a full suite of features that can be controlled with your phone or with an onboard concierge.Step up to an Outback and that $30,695 will get you these same standard features, plus LED fog lights, active torque vectoring, X-Mode with Hill Descent Control, a rearview camera washer, a one-touch retractable cargo cover, and roof rails with integrated crossbars and tie-down loops.Move up to the Legacy Touring for $30,295 and youll add 17-inch alloy wheels, LED fog lights, auto-dimming side-view and rearview mirrors, a power tilting and sliding sunroof, a proximity key with push-button start, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shifter, dual-zone automatic climate control, auto up/down on all windows, and a free three-year trial subscription for Subaru STARLINK Connected Services. For $34,795, the Outback Touring adds a power rear tailgate with a hands-free opening sensor, and a centralized close and lock button.The $34,295 Legacy Limited adds integrated navigation, 11.6-inch infotainment, heated passenger and rear outboard seats, rear console HVAC vents, steering-responsive headlights, and 18-inch alloy wheels. This will cost $38,995 in the Outback.Nappa leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, and a centre console-mounted CD player require stepping up to the Premier trim for $36,295, as well as a front-facing camera and Driverfocus Mitigation. Premier will cost you $40,995 in an Outback.Outbacks will also have a special trim called Outdoor XT, that adds an upgraded dual-function X-Mode with Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes, and a full sized spare tire.The Limited GT ($37,095) and Premier GT ($39,095) trims for the Legacy add the turbocharged 260-horsepower engine to the Limited and Premier trims, up from the 182-horsepower base model. In the Outback, Subaru calls it the Limited XT and Premier XT trims, and theyll cost you $41,795 and $43,795 respectively.The 2020 Subaru Legacy and Outback will arrive in dealerships in the fall of
Origin: Subaru announces pricing for 2020 Outback and Legacy
Ford reportedly wants to build a Subaru Outback competitor
The 2019 Ford Focus Active crossover.Handout / Ford Ford has a history of taking on the greats of the automotive world, but lately its been taking road car brands to task.First, Ford set its sights on the Jeep Gladiator and Wrangler market with its forthcoming Bronco and (rumoured) Bronco pickup, and now its targeting Subarus Outback.Weve long known Ford would be killing off most of its car lineup, leaving only the Mustang, F-Series truck and a few select crossovers, but were now learning the automaker also wants to merge three of its vehicles into a single competitor aimed at the Subaru Outback.According to Autocar, in Europe, the yet-to-be-named crossover will replace the Mondeo (Fusion), S-Max and the Galaxy, and will see Ford exit the minivan market as well as the large hatchback segment there. Underneath the new vehicle will be Fords A2 platform which currently underpins the Focus, an architecture thatll eventually be stretched to fit everything from the Fiesta to the Ford Edge SUV.The Subaru Outback isnt exactly a best-seller in Europe, but in North America, the off-road-capable wagon sells about 200,000 units annually, so its not hard to see why Ford would want part of that action. This new rumoured crossover will be sold globally, after all.Fords take on the ute will be powered by a gasoline 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo, connected to a 48-volt hybrid system. There will also be a 6d-compliant diesel option in Europe even less pollutant than a mild hybrid gasoline
Origin: Ford reportedly wants to build a Subaru Outback competitor
Toyota and Subaru join forces to create rival to Tesla Model X
A prototype render of a new BEV platform to be co-developed by Subaru and ToyotaSubaru Toyota and Subaru said early June they’ll join forces once again to create a new Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) platform that will underpin midsize and large passenger vehicles for each brand, though they will also jointly develop an SUV that uses the platform. World markets are undergoing a tectonic shift, with electric vehicles and hybrids gradually expanding their market share. To get new their zero-emissions technologies up to speed as fast as possible, Toyota and Subaru have again partnered together, hoping to draw from both companies’ expertise in order to create an effective BEV platform. Traditional hybrids have worked well in the past for both brands, but this is the first time either will step into the world of fully-electric vehicles. Building a pure EV requires the batteries are essentially part of the body, which necessitates a new platform for both Toyota and Subaru. Following this agreement with Toyota, Subaru will now shift its existing BEV development resources to this new joint project, the automaker said in a statement. Within this new framework, Subaru will continue its efforts to create an attractive BEV SUV for our customers, while improving efficiencies in terms of engineering, development, purchasing, and other areas through the new joint project. Toyota and Subaru first started a working partnership in 2005, and are now creating a deeper connection with the development of this new platform. The first fruit this partnership bore was the BRZ/GT86 sports car, which has been a hit with
Origin: Toyota and Subaru join forces to create rival to Tesla Model X
Most Subaru BRZ drivers prefer manual while Toyota 86 drivers go automatic
Last week Toyota told the world just how many of its drivers were champing at the bit to drive a car with a manual transmission. It wasn’t many. Just one per cent of Corolla drivers opted for the stick shift in 2018, while around 33 per cent of the far-sportier 86’s buyers preferred the manual. Following the news, Autoblog recognized the opportunity to perform a twin study and asked Subaru for the BRZ’s manual uptake numbers. Hypothesis: It’s basically the same car, so it should have the same appeal as a manual. Conclusion: Nope. Compared to the previously reported one-third of Toyota 86 models ordered with a stick, buyers of the Subaru BRZ preferred the manual transmission 78 per cent of the time in 2018. Regarding the ‘nature vs. nurture’ debate in this particular twin study, nurture dominates. There must be something about Subaru branding that appeals to the part of the enthusiast crowd that prefers to have busy hands. For context, the Mazda MX-5 Miata soft top has a manual take rate of 76 per cent, and that’s a car that basically shouldn’t even be offered with an automatic. The Subaru WRX also had an impressive stat in this column, with 90 per cent of buyers ordering the manual. That’s weighted, no doubt, by the fact that the WRX STI is sold exclusively as a manual. But before you go declaring Subaru the Queen of the Manual, know that the automatic is still vastly preferred within the brand’s less-sporty models. The Subaru Impreza sells with a stick 8 per cent of the time, followed by the Crosstrek at 6 per cent and the Forester at 3 per cent.
Origin: Most Subaru BRZ drivers prefer manual while Toyota 86 drivers go automatic
SUV Comparison: 2019 Subaru Forester vs. 2019 Toyota RAV4
Welcome to Dude Said, Punk Said — a special series devoted to skewering the automotive ramblings of young punk Nick Tragianis with the infinite wisdom of old dude Brian Harper. This week, the duo see just how far the Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4, two vehicles that arguably kickstarted the crossover segment, evolved over the course of two decades. Brian Harper: Gearheads might think Camaro versus Mustang or Porsche 911 versus Corvette are epic throwdowns, And, from a historical standpoint, they’d be right. But, these days, with the proliferation of crossovers on the automotive landscape, Toyota’s RAV4 versus the Subaru Forester is an ideal comparison. Think about it, more than 20 years ago the first-generation versions of both of these models, along with the Honda CR-V, were the originators of what is now a very full and very competitive compact crossover segment. And our two combatants are very evenly matched in size, powertrain, pricing and intent. In one corner, the topline Limited version of new, fifth-generation RAV4 ($40,945 as-tested). In the other corner, the equally new, loaded, Forester Premier ($39,495 as-tested), also the fifth generation. I’m sensing a very close battle here. Nick Tragianis: This isn’t going to be a runaway victory for either the RAV4 or Forester, I can tell you that much. Let’s start with the Subaru — on paper, the Forester is familiar. It’s still powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder boxer engine, sending power to all four wheels (of course) through a CVT. But the engine is new for 2019; now direct-injected and equipped with an automatic start/stop system, it pumps out 182 horsepower and 176 lb.-ft. of torque. The good news is, it’s an efficient unit, officially rated at 9.0 L/100 kilometres in the city and 7.2 on the highway. For the record, the trip computer settled at 8.8 over our week with the Forester. But the bad news is, the 2.5 is now the only engine offered. Pour one out for the Forester XT because you can’t get a turbo anymore. Disappointing for sure, but the 2.5 is peppy enough — OK, it doesn’t accelerate with the same vigor as the previous-gen XT, but it doesn’t break a sweat on the highway. The CVT also does a fine job of mitigating that “motorboating” sensation under hard acceleration. Subaru has even seen fit to do away with its hypersensitive throttle pedal, so it’s now quite well behaved and smooth in the city. Speaking of smooth, the Forester rides incredibly well. I was blown away by the Crosstrek’s ride quality when we pitched it against the Kona, and the Forester is more of the same. It soaks up bumps and rough pavement — and manages road and wind noise — in ways that belie its price tag. Not that the RAV4 is any rougher. BH: No, it’s not. One of the things I really like about the Canadian-built RAV4 is its ride quality. It’s firm without being harsh over rougher pavement. It helps that the new RAV4’s unibody structure is 57 per cent more rigid than the previous model, providing a stronger foundation for the front strut and rear multi-link suspension. And that’s on top of a very quiet cabin. Unfortunately, said quiet exposes the one disappointing feature of the high-compression, 203-hp Dynamic Force 2.5L four-cylinder. And that would be a rather discordant growl when the Toyota is under heavier load, such as passing acceleration or when climbing steep inclines. That said, under light acceleration or at cruising speeds it’s as smooth an engine as most crossovers in the RAV4’s class and, let’s face it, Subaru’s boxer engines have never been known for whisper-like operation. Another plus is the RAV4’s eight-speed automatic transmission, which makes excellent use of the 2.5L’s power. Not that anybody is taking these two to the dragstrip, but the RAV4 (its 203-hp engine significantly up on power from the previous generation’s 179) is almost a full second quicker to 100 kilometres an hour than the Forester. I will grant the Forester one solid “attaboy,” though: Considering there’s just a 12-kilogram difference in weight between the two, the Subaru felt much lighter and livelier in the curves and turns. Now, when it comes to styling, I think you’ll have to agree that normally conservative Toyota’s decision to blend design elements of its pickups into the RAV4’s new sheet metal is a bold one. Yes? <img src="/uploads/img/road-test/33-suv-comparison-2019-subaru-forester-vs-2019-toyota-rav4.jpg" alt="SUV Comparison: 2019 Subaru Forester vs. 2019
Origin: SUV Comparison: 2019 Subaru Forester vs. 2019 Toyota RAV4
Will the next-gen Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ use a Toyota platform?
2019 Subaru BRZ RaiuHandout / Subaru As vehicular twins, the Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 are no Olsen sisters, but they’re also no Danny DeVito and Arnold Schwarzenegger, either. The two coupes have their similarities and they have their differences. At the core of their shared genetics is the platform. Current versions are built upon a modified Impreza platform, but that may be about to change. According to Australian site CarSales, the next-gen 86 and BRZ will ditch their current base and swap in Toyota’s newer TNGA underpinnings. The rumour comes from an anonymous source at Subaru who says that, in order to retain both vehicles’ original rear-wheel-drive layout, the brands will be steering away from the Subaru Global Platform that’s being used for Subaru’s new AWD vehicles and toward the rear-wheel-drive- friendly TNGA option that already supports vehicles like the Highlander, Prius and Camry over in Toyota land. That or they’ll continue to work with what they’ve already got. It’s a very flexible platform, but we make all-wheel-drive vehicles, said the source with regards to the new platform. That’s our forte, all-wheel drive. Subaru’s forte may be AWD, but the BRZ and 86 are all about that rear-wheel-drive — gloriously so, at that. And seeing as the TNGA option would likely be the most affordable and the lightest option, our money is on that.
Origin: Will the next-gen Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ use a Toyota platform?
2020 Subaru Outback is more of the same — and then some
2020 Subaru OutbackHandout / Subaru What is it? Like thunder follows lightning, the Subaru Outback follows the Legacy into 2020 thoroughly redesigned with a new look, revised platform and powertrains, and more safety tech under the skin. Why does it matter? The Outback isn’t Subaru’s sales leader — though it’s certainly up there there — but it’s Subaru’s bread-and-butter vehicle. Stereotypes aside, it’s the quintessential Subaru, carrying on into 2020 as the jacked-up Legacy wagon it’s always been. There’s a reason why so many people love these things, and the sixth-generation model takes a proven formula and makes it even better. For 2020, the big news is the Outback is underpinned by Subaru’s modular Global Platform architecture, currently found across the entire lineup, save for the BRZ, WRX and STI. The new platform translates into more interior space, improved handling, and even better collision performance — Subaru says the 2020 Outback absorbs about 40 per cent more energy in a collision. Like the Legacy, the Outback gains two new powertrains for 2020. A new, direct-injected 2.5-litre Boxer four-cylinder engine with automatic start/stop serves as the base, rated at 182 horsepower and 176 lb.-ft. of torque. But again, like the Legacy, the big news here is the return of the turbo — a 2.4L turbo-four replaces the normally aspirated, 3.6L six-cylinder engine, pumping out 260 horsepower and 277 lb.-ft. of torque. Both engines are hooked up to a continuously variable transmission, and turbocharged Outbacks can tow up to 1,590 kilograms — more than enough to haul a BRZ or a Miata to the track. Naturally, the 2020 Outback is all-wheel-drive — come on, did you really expect anything else? — but it can now send power side-to-side via a new active torque-vectoring system cribbed from the WRX and STI. Other features include Subaru’s X-Mode powertrain mapping system now with Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes, a 180-degree camera up front, and two new features added to its EyeSight suite of active safety tech. The first, the DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System first seen on the 2019 Forester, is essentially a little camera pointed at the driver, monitoring their face for signs of distractions or fatigue. The second is a new lane-centering function built into the existing adaptive cruise control system. Visually, the Outback is precisely what we’d expect — a lifted Legacy wagon with more aggressive styling cues, just under 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and what Subaru calls body cladding reminiscent of a hiking boot. Go figure; the Outback’s always been for the more outdoorsy types. Inside, the Outback boasts improved materials and fit-and-finish, an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system available across most of the lineup, and more connected services, like the ability to be started remotely through an app. All in all, the 2020 Outback promises to be more of the same, but better. When is it coming? Official pricing hasn’t been announced just yet, but expect the Outback in dealers this fall. Should you buy it? The Outback’s always been something of a black sheep among the usual crop of CUVs. Most out there are amorphous blobs, but the Outback tends to err more towards the wagon end of the spectrum. If that sense of distinction isn’t enough to put the Outback on your shortlist the next time you’re looking for a new CUV, then the new platform and powertrains, more advanced safety tech, vastly improved cabin and trademark Subaru capability surely
Origin: 2020 Subaru Outback is more of the same — and then some
All about car 