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Showing posts with label Subaru. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Subaru. Show all posts
Sunday, April 24, 2011
The Misses
Nissan As previously mentioned, the compact/subcompact segment has been a focal point at the New York auto show, and will only grow more competitive in coming years. Last week, the Nissan Leaf won World Car of the Year, speaking volumes to just how in touch product developers of Nissan are to current trends.
However, I was extremely disappointed with the unveiling of their new Versa. With 30 city/37 highway at an extremely low price of $10,990, the Versa is one of the least expensive new cars sold in North America today and it is obviously trying to bring on the heat to the South Korean brands.
The price, unfortunately, comes with with a price. The Versa suffers from a bland exterior that whimpers anonymity in addition to plastic composite touch points in the interior that conjure childhood memories of Fisher Price. The press conference ended with restrained and scattered applause. Oh no is right. This can't be good.
Lotus
Lotus caused one of the largest buzzes in recent memory when they simultaneously unveiled at the 2010 Paris Auto Show an unprecedented five unique products-- Lotus Eterne, Esprit, Elite, Elan and Elise.
Since the show, skeptics and fans alike questioned whether or not Lotus indeed had the ability, in finances and resource, to meet its promise. With the presence of the Lotus Esprit concept and some major suits, including industry icon, legend, and former GM vice chairman, Bob Lutz, who is now a part of the Lotus advisory board, the venue had everything one could need to inject confidence to the public.
Unfortunately, nothing in depth was ever brought to attention. Sure, the new Evora S and Evora IPS were unveiled but rather than running across sales figures, company performance outlooks, and product improvements, Lotus did little talking at all. Instead, they've brought promotional videos to out attention and followed up with an agonizingly long discussion of Lotus' IRL racing activities. Disappointingly, the only thing the promo videos revealed were gorgeous models in sheer bikinis walking around a Esprit concept while a remix of La Roux's "In for the Kill" played in the background. Don't get me wrong, I loved the video. But that wasn't why FPH came to the Auto Show.
Subaru
Subaru is not exactly the biggest or most well known of the Japanese automakers. Having said that, it would make sense for them to come with an impactful, budget conscious press conference. Well, they came with one of those criteria and it wasn’t the former. Their video presentation was done in 3D which meant everyone was clustered in three locations where viewing screens were located. It’s a shame that two of the screens were behind support pillars and nobody could see the actual press conference being delivered by the Subaru representatives. Maybe this was their intention because the 2012 Impreza isn’t exactly a looker.
A mash-up between a Chevy Cruze and Toyota Corolla, the design language are far from inspiring. In an arena as hotly contested as the fuel efficient small car market that is packed full of attractive cars, Subaru will need to come to market with something that stands out in the performance department. It’ll be interesting to see what they can pull out of their magic hat with the WRX and STI variants. For now, the only offering is an all new 2.0 liter flat four with 148 horsepower attaining 27/36 mpg, an industry leading mpg figure for AWD sedans.
BMW
Most of the time, BMW can do no wrong. Their chassis are rock solid; engines are never lacking in thrust; design language is mostly pleasing to the eye. It would seem the only way that BMW could make a wrong step would be to not take a step at all. Since this is about the New York International Auto Show, lacking a formal press conference on the schedule would constitute as a misstep.
BMW tried to get the jump on the competition by having its unveilings at BMW Manhattan on the Monday before the show. Yes, North American unveilings of the Z4 Sdrive28i, 6-series coupe, and fully electric ActiveE were held while the automotive press were still working their normal nine to fives. This is like having a dinner party on a Tuesday at 4 o’clock and being pissed off when your friends can’t make it. We apologize for only having pictures of the ActiveE. We were too busy getting some take-out from Shanghai.
Final Wrap-up
Regardless of the state of the press conferences, it’s really the state of the industry overall that’s important. Current global climate along with legislative bills is forcing the automakers to push their engineering to the limit. While this was mostly seen in the fuel efficient small car sector this year, it applies to everything from SUVs to supercars. It is that excitement that fuels our enthusiasm for cars. That said, it is also a very good time to be a young car buyer.
Moreover, as significant manufacturers reported double digit sales growth in the past year, we can be confident that this won’t be our last NYIAS. After our first visit, we met many enthusiasts, both green and veterans of the industry, that have been gracious to us and embraced FPH. After all, an industry is nothing without its people and that's what made it even more special to be there. FPH is looking forward to cover more press events in the future and we hope to keep in touch with the friends we've made and to make new ones as well.
-Danny Choy and Danny Chin
Regardless of the state of the press conferences, it’s really the state of the industry overall that’s important. Current global climate along with legislative bills is forcing the automakers to push their engineering to the limit. While this was mostly seen in the fuel efficient small car sector this year, it applies to everything from SUVs to supercars. It is that excitement that fuels our enthusiasm for cars. That said, it is also a very good time to be a young car buyer.
Moreover, as significant manufacturers reported double digit sales growth in the past year, we can be confident that this won’t be our last NYIAS. After our first visit, we met many enthusiasts, both green and veterans of the industry, that have been gracious to us and embraced FPH. After all, an industry is nothing without its people and that's what made it even more special to be there. FPH is looking forward to cover more press events in the future and we hope to keep in touch with the friends we've made and to make new ones as well.
-Danny Choy and Danny Chin
Friday, April 22, 2011
The wheelbase has been enlarged by 25 mm, the bottom end of the A-pillar has been extended 200 mm toward the front and the door structure has been redesigned, with all these changes resulting in increased shoulder and elbow space, extra foot room for the rear passengers and an improved field of vision for the driver. Naturally, cargo space is larger in the sedan with Subaru claiming that it can transport four golf bags, while the hatchback can accommodate three.
Mechanically, the base U.S. models feature Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system and the third generation 2.0-liter boxer engine, mated either to a 5-speed manual, either to the new Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission.
Rated at 148 horsepower (22 less than the outgoing model’s 2.5-liter unit) and 145 lb-ft (197 Nm) of torque, the smaller engine achieved a preliminary in-house fuel consumption rating of 36 mpg (6.5 liters/100 km), a record for a U.S.-market AWD production car. This is also due to the vehicle's low weight (1,320 kg/2,910 lbs), the optimized aerodynamics and the standard low-rolling resistance tires.
Subaru says the exterior design follows the “Smart & Classy” concept, with the result being an elegant but somewhat understated look. The car's styling highlights include the hexagon grille with spread wings in the center, “hawk eye” headlights and bulged wheel arches, with the latter being a reference to all-wheel drive capability.
The new Impreza's interior appears to be inspired by German cars, with ergonomically placed controls and a classic setup. The three-spoke steering wheel and the round speedometer and rev counter add a hint of sportiness, but nothing to get excited about. Subaru didn't offer any details on pricing and launch dates.
GALLERY
Read more In Cars
Monday, April 18, 2011
Marking the 20th anniversary of the Subaru Legacy, then CONCEPT OF LEGACY has been developed to show the sporting legacy of the capabilities and features of Subaru symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system mated with Boxer engine-against horizontal. The design concept is based on wheelbase 108.3 in. larger designed to maximize interior space and provide comfortable accommodation.
The theme of concept design is “Presence”, represented by the aggressive front facia and solid yet expressive body. Four powerful and defined wheel arches emphasize the dynamism of Symmetrical AWD. Sharp design lines carve out a substantial mass as they flow from the hood, across the roof to the trunk, while the sharp body lines project a sense of strength. Wedge-shaped Side Rear Vision Cameras are featured and provide a sense of flow from the momentum of the A-pillar lines. A character line runs from just before the A-pillar and sweeps up to the tail just above the taillamps.
This grille design combines the central wing motif that defines the Subaru Legacy's brand identity. Subaru logo separates the lattice shape in the center accented by sharp headlights with vertical layout of the dual-row dual LED lights. In addition,, a thin fog lights arranged vertically in front of nets with large air intakes angles add a touch of jewel-like front design. The CONCEPT OF LEGACY finished in a special high-sheen "Ultimate Silver" paint to accentuate the angle of the designs.
The interior design has a striking four-seat layout featuring "High Definition " theme design. Comfort and style are achieved with a mixture of touch screen, camera and cover the modern surface. The mixture of high-tech look with comfort through four separate seating areas, a high roofline and generous legroom for all passengers. Center console features touch-panel screen that concentrates a large variety of functions for use simplified, while the form of flow extends vertically to emphasize a sense of strength and solidity in union with the outside. A steering wheel and shift lever has been adjusted to highlight the sporty nature of DNA elements in the Legacy's.
In-car entertainment is featured through monitors with multiple functions that are located in the center console, as well as in the rear of the front seat headrests to provide comfortable functionality as well a calm design that creates a relaxed ambiance for passengers. The monitor for the Side Rear Vision Camera has been situated toward the front of the roof to maximize rear visibility. The design is capped off with seats covered in pearl white leather that give off a blue sheen, while black metallic leather has been used for the door trim to create contrast with the instrument panel.
The Legacy was introduced globally in 1989, produced in Japan and Lafayette, Indiana. Since that date until November 2008, the total global production has exceeded 3.6 million vehicles making it Subaru’s car model. During that period, Subaru’s core technologies of a Horizontally-Opposed engine and Symmetrical 4WD have served to further the basic elements of automotive performance while continuously evolving for unparalleled handling, stability, and safety. This LEGACY CONCEPT incorporates the Legacy heritage while also serving as a concept model that provides an image of the new driving comfort and reliability that will continue to serve as a touchstone for Subaru.Monday, April 11, 2011
Subaru Impreza is a car that is often used to rally race car because it was able to run in poor road conditions and on paved roads. In adverse weather conditions, this car could be to rely on. Impreza is the ideal size to explore around the city while still being comfortable on the highway with large trucks and SUVs. It’s solid, safe, and simple, with the added attraction of all-wheel-drive, so be ready for any road driving conditions.
Impreza sedan version comes with a 4-Door and 5-Door hatchback version. Styling of the five-door is edgier, while the four-door sedan looks more traditional. hatch is a bit sporty, shorter overall length, with a shorter rear overhang. short overhangs suggest a better handling and shorter overall length is useful in tight parking limits. hatch is also far more practical with a large cargo capacity.
Impreza has a road trip smooth and responsive cornering, due to some parts for a relatively long wheelbase (103.1 inches), and lower engine placement, possibly because the position of the four-cylinder horizontally opposed. This will lower the center of gravity and improve the balance, contributing to agile cornering. Moreover, the stock Impreza WRX quick steering rack, with 2.8 turns out-to-lock key, and a tight turning circle of 34.8 meters. You can certainly feel it, and good. This sporty.
Out on the highway, there are a lot of speed from 170-horsepower engine, with 170 foot-pounds of torque at 4400 rpm, to put the oomph behind the acceleration. We did not find a flat spot in power or those places lacking. Standard five-speed manual gearbox works well. The optional four-speed automatic works fine machines, including when you need to hammer the throttle to pass a truck in the fast lane two.
2011 Subaru Trezia is the first compact city car from Subaru. This city car offers fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly. Trezia will make its debut at the 81st Geneva International Motor Show later. 2011 Trezia is a rebadged Toyota Verso S.
In European markets, 2011 Subaru Trezia will be offered with two different power units. That 1.3-liter gasoline engine and diesel engine 1.4-liter turbo. Subaru Trezia have lower emissions, 113 g / km CO2 emissions.
2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Spec C is now faster, lighter and more agile than before. Facelift of Subaru Impreza WRX was first debut in the 2010 New York Auto Show. This car is ready to challenge you.
Weight Loss consists of the hood that is lighter, smaller batteries. then with use 18 “Superlight alloy wheels wrapped with Bridgestone Potenza RE070 high-performance tires in 245/40 R18. Creating a more sporty appearance.
Improved performance features that re-map the ECU and a new ball-bearings for the twin-scroll turbocharger. The total power generated from the machine 2.0 liter horizontally opposed 4-cylinder is the 308PS (227 kW) and 430Nm (317 lb-ft) . 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Spec C has a rear differential mechanical limited-slip from the previous Torsen type and has a front casing strengthened with a new cross member.
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