2008 Subaru Impreza is Ready for iPod

This seamless integration technology, available as an accessory on select models of the 2008 Subaru Impreza, allows customers to control most iPod functions through the dashboard “head unit” (and steering wheel controls if so equipped) — including text display of playlist, artist, album and song information, fast forward and rewind, and browsing by playlist, artist, album, Podcast, and Audiobook — and even charges the music player’s battery.

The new Subaru Impreza iPod interface also manages the digital music player’s power by turning the unit off when the vehicle’s ignition is turned off, and resuming playback when the vehicle’s ignition is turned back on — an added benefit, since control via an auxiliary input jack requires manually switching the unit on and off. When the Impreza audio system is switched to AM/FM/CD or Aux modes, the iPod will pause, resuming playback once the vehicle’s SAT button is pushed. In contrast, when connecting a portable music player via a standard auxiliary input cable, the player will not pause, continuing to play selected content. The new interface also keeps the interior of the Impreza tidy — and the iPod out of sight — by locating the dock connector in the vehicle’s center console.