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Toyota will use the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show to unveil its latest concept car, the FT-86 sports car. The name doesn’t roll off the tongue, but the car itself is quite tasty. The FT-86 is the long-rumored coupe co-developed with Subaru, and it suggests fun may be returning to the rather conservative product line. The FT-86 is rear drive, with a 2.0-liter boxer engine under hood. Toyota has not yet released the horsepower, though it may be rather entertaining, for Subaru offers a turbocharged 2.0L in Japan. The car measures 163-inches long and 69-inches wide, making it about the size of the Nissan 370Z . For contrast and historical perspective, it is more than a foot shorter than the Subaru XT sports car from the 1980s and about seven inches shy of the last-generation Toyota Celica . Toyota refers to the FT-86 as a five seater, though from the photos it is hard to imagine it holding that many full-sized humans. Subaru is expected to introduce its own version of the FT-86 on the show circuit this year. Naturally, the car will feature all-wheel drive. It could be quite interesting with a 2.5-liter engine family, like the Impreza, ranging up to the 265-hp WRX and 305-hp STI. This is definitely...
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The CAR Allowance Rebate System (CARS), popularly known as “ cash for clunkers ” was executed in a bumbling fashion that only government could manage, yet it was a resounding success. Manufacturers have released their July sales figures, and the news is largely good (or at least, not as bad), with most full-line automakers seeing a lift in the past week from the CARS program. (Learn how cash for clunkers works .) Subaru boasted the most impressive gain, comparing July 2009 to July 2008, with a stunning 34-percent increase. Although not known for high fuel economy, much of its model line is eligible for consideration, and the AWD-automaker is drawing showroom traffic with its redesigned Legacy and Outback. Volvo saw a 26-percent gain, with the XC60 crossover gaining new buyers to what is otherwise an aging product line. Hyundai issued CARS credits weeks before the program was finalized, and as a result, the crafty company saw a 12-percent gain. (See “ Hyundai Honors Cash for Clunkers CARS Rebate – Now .”) But the real winner is arguably Ford Motor Company. Ford, Mercury, and Lincoln retail sales increased nine percent versus a year ago; total sales (including fleet) were 158,838, up...
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Even a spacious midsize sedan can be a tight squeeze for five adults—but you still want to go places with everyone every once in a while—and you have to drive. So if driving a minivan doesn’t suit you, nor does spending more than $25,000 on a new vehicle, here are five three-row crossover SUVs that will fit you, your passengers, and your budget. Click on each to learn more about features, options, and pricing in a 2009 New Car Buyer’s Guide . 2009 Dodge Journey 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander 2009 Subaru Forester 2009 Toyota RAV4 -Deborah Neal, Editorial Director
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At the 2009 New York auto show, Subaru introduced the all-new Legacy and Outback. Both related models are bigger and promise to be better than the current, outgoing models . The Subaru Legacy sedan starts at $19,995 , and the Outback wagon starts at $22,995—just $700 more than the current model . Add $695 for destination charges. The new Outback has a longer wheelbase, enabling four more welcomed inches of rear legroom while reducing the overall exterior length by an inch. Increased width and height gives the Outback a commanding presence, and it results in a cargo capacity increase of 6 cubic feet. Despite the larger size, fuel economy is estimated to increase by 1 MPG in both City and Highway modes with CVT. The base 2.5i is powered by a revised 2.5-liter, 170-hp four-cylinder engine with AWD, natch. The base boxser engine is available with either a new standard six-speed manual transmission for $22,995 or a continuously variable transmission for $23,995. Standard equipment includes four-wheel disc brakes, power steering, tilt and telescope steering column, 60/40 split-folding and reclining rear seats, floor mats, cargo tray, electronic parking brake with Hill Holder system, auto...
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The all-new, larger Subaru Legacy sedan starts at $19,995, about $800 lower than the previous generation Legacy despite a notable size increase. Right from the introduction of the Legacy concept car , it was clear that Subaru was about to make among the most significant generational jumps with the 2010 model. As previewed at the New York auto show , the 2010 Legacy graduates a half class. Where it was previously a "tweener," positioned between compact and midsized cars, it is now officially midsized gaining notable passenger space. Most significantly, it gained much-needed rear legroom through a four-inch increase in wheelbase. Don’t let the price throw you, this base model as respectably equipped with all the basics, such as four-wheel disc brakes, power windows/locks/mirrors, auto headlights, tilt-and-telescope steering column, AM/FM/CD stereo with auxiliary input, and remote keyless entry system. And, of course, it has all-wheel drive. The base engine is the familiar 2.5-liter with 170 horsepower, paired with a six-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission. The CVT adds a $1,000, for a $20,995 starting price. Next up the powertrain hierarchy, there is a WRX-derived...
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Subaru will introduce the next-generation Legacy sedan at the 2009 New York International Auto Show this week, unveiling a larger, more powerful model. Based on a new platform, the 2010 Legacy is 3.2-in. higher and 3.6-in. wider than the previous model, yielding gains in head, shoulder and hip room. Yet, the overall vehicle length is up by just 1.4-inches to 186.4 inches total. The result from the increase in overall scale is a roomier interior that Subaru has upgraded with convenience and entertainment features. The base 2.5i model, for example, features standard steering wheel audio and cruise control buttons, a 60/40 split fold-down rear seat, new electronic parking brake, automatic lights-on function, ambient overhead console lighting and an available iPod jack. Legacy Premium models add more amenities, including an eight-way power driver's seat with power lumbar support adjustment and driver's auto up/down window. The Premium models also offer additional comfort and convenience options, including a harman-kardon audio system, a power moonroof, and the All-Weather Package that adds heated front seats and mirrors and a windshield wiper de-icer. At the top of the range, the...
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The tragic trend continues, car sales continue to slide from bad to worse as the nation reels amidst the troubled economy. As automakers, suppliers, and dealers struggle to survive and restructure to face the changing challenges, the plummeting sales figures do mean that tremendous deals can be found for those in the market for a new or even a used car . Few companies were spared deep double-digit declines in Februrary when comparing the month year to year. In the 40-50 percent range, Acura , Ford , Lincoln , Mercury , Pontiac , and even Toyota saw such steep declines. The 50-60 percent range includes Buick , Cadillac , Chevrolet , GMC , Mitsubishi , Saturn , and Volvo . The scariest thing, there are brands in the 60-70 percent range, such as Chrysler , Hummer , Saab , and Suzuki . At the corporate level, the numbers still look dreadful. BMW is down 32.7 percent, proving that even the well-heeled are sheepish about new car buying. Chrysler is down 44 percent—notably less than Ford Motor Company at 48.4 percent and General Motors at 52.9 percent. Even Honda saw a 38 percent decrease, made higher by the 41.5 percent drop in Acura sales. Nissan is off by 37 percent, and Toyota Motor Company...
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It’s hard to believe the stellar Subaru Legacy sedan is celebrating its 20th anniversary and, while Subaru is calling the just-revealed Legacy Concept a 2009, we have to believe this means a closely-related production version will follow soon. Like the redesigned-for-’09 Impreza WRX STI, the Legacy Concept sports a more aggressive, racy look. The new design more closely matches what the Legacy sedan is all about—affordable, all-wheel-drive sport performance in a fun-to-drive, five-passenger sedan. PRESS RELEASE: Detroit—January 11, 2009—Subaru of America, Inc. revealed the 2009 Subaru LEGACY CONCEPT today at the 2009 North American International Auto Show. The new LEGACY CONCEPT is a hint at the future of Legacy design. The design showcases the sport sedan heritage of the Subaru Legacy, but in more modern and purposeful package. Marking the 20th anniversary of the Subaru Legacy, the LEGACY CONCEPT has been developed to showcase the Legacy’s sporting capabilities and features Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system mated to a Horizontally-Opposed Boxer engine. The design concept is based on a larger 108.3 in. wheelbase designed to maximize interior space and provide comfortable accommodations...
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Seems like just a few years ago, customized full-sized pickup trucks and SUVs were abundant throughout the Las Vegas Convention Center, home to the annual Specialty Equipment Market Association ( SEMA ) show. These days, the SUVs that are selling are crossovers, particularly smaller ones. Hence, it was no surprise to see a special Subaru Forester given the full STI treatment . The transformation is fitting, as the production Forester XT is essentially an Impreza WRX wearing a taller body. To build this show vehicle, Subaru of America technicians installed the engine and entire drivetrain from the Impreza WRX STI . In the Forester XTI, a custom stainless steel cat-back exhaust system from the Subaru Performance Tuning (SPT) catalog helps to raise output of the 2.5-liter intercooled turbo engine to 315 hp (from 305 stock) and 300 lb.-ft. of torque (from 290 lb.-ft. stock). As in the WRX STI, power flows through a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission and the Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) all-wheel-drive system. The Forester XTI also features an adjustable coil-over suspension by STI. The powerful Brembo brakes come right from the stock WRX STI, with four-piston front...
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Subaru has released pricing information on its 2009 Impreza and Tribeca, along with details on minor running changes. The base Impreza 2.5i will start at $17,495, up from $16,995 for the 2008 Impreza , with some equipment upgrades accounting for the increase. The Tribeca holds the line at $29,995. Subaru previously released the 2009 Forester pricing and changes . For 2009, all Imprezas include rear disc brakes, brake assist, and stability control. The 2.5i looks sharper with body-color door Handles and exterior mirrors, while manual transmission models benefit from a helpful Incline Start Assist. The former 224-horsepower WRX becomes the Impreza 2.5GT, better befitting is refined manners and compliant ride. The all-new 2.5GT model features Premium Package equipment, including an all-weather package and a new power glass moonroof. In sedan and hatchback form, the 2.5GT comes with an automatic transmission. Pricing starts at $26,995. Looking like a relative bargain, the upgraded WRX features a new grille, front spoiler, body-side moldings, and gunmetal gray alloy wheels. Plus, it makes a massive 41-horsepower gain courtesy of a larger turbocharger, increased boost, and a new low-density...
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The redesigned Subaru Impreza line made a dramatic advance with the current generation, boasting a much improved chassis and interior, with increased rear-seat room as an added bonus. However, the powertrains carried over essentially unchanged—until now. The 2009 Impreza WRX boasts a massive 41-horsepower increase, along with a retuned suspension and wider, lower-profile summer performance tires. The ’09 WRX is also marked by a new grille, front spoiler, body-side moldings, and gunmetal gray alloy wheels. The power gain is accomplished with a larger turbocharger, increased boost, and a new low-density catalyst for reduced exhaust backpressure. The result is 265 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 244 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm. This engine will be fitted exclusively with a five-speed manual transmission. Inside, the revised WRX gains exclusive black-checkered upholstery, accented by red stitching. A standard tilt and telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel is accented by red stitching, and standard aluminum-alloy pedal covers now include the driver's footrest. Bolstered front seats feature an integrated head restraint. The optional Premium Package gains a power moonroof for 2009...
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The all-new 2009 Subaru Forester starts at $1,200 less than the out-going, second-generation Forester. For a $19,995 base price, car shoppers will be able to buy an SUV that is three inches longer and 4.5 inches taller than the model is replaces. Riding on a 3.5-inch longer wheelbase, the new Forester will have improved legroom, addressing a key weakness. The overall size increase puts the Forester in a better competitive position against the segment sales leaders, Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The Forester will again be offered with a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter boxer engine, with a turbocharged variant delivering WRX-grade power in a sporty 2.5XT trim level. The 170-hp models are available with five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission, while the 224-hp turbocharged models come with the automatic transmission. All Forester models feature front seat side-impact air bags and side-curtain air bags, plus active front head restraints. Electronic stability control and four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock are also standard. Model Highlights: 2.5X - $19,995 All-wheel drive; power windows, door locks, and mirrors; keyless entry; thermometer; air conditioning; AM/FM/CD stereo;...
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