Subaru has announced new iPad applications based on its 2011 model digital brochures. The free apps allow consumers to explore the 2011 Subaru Outback, Forester and WRX/STI on the iPad interface, with 360-degree views, videos and interactive demonstrations.

Subaru’s new apps enhance the auto research experience by offering trim simulators along with engineering and Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive feature demonstrations.

The apps build on Subaru’s environmentally friendly practices – such as its zero-landfill manufacturing plants – by reducing paper usage, energy consumption, inks and production waste. Beyond the environmental benefits, the iPad apps offer consumers additional choices of how to get information and give them new ways to compare models, experience the Subaru brand and share the experience.

The free apps can be downloaded to the iPad or iPad2.

Subaru announced that it is now offering Wi-Fi connectivity for the 2011 Outback crossover SUV model. The new Subaru Mobile Internet system creates a Wi-Fi hotspot inside the Outback giving internet access to 10 or more users for up to 150 feet around the vehicle.

The Subaru Outback redefined the SUV, and offering Wi-Fi connectivity further expands this versatile vehicle’s capability. Operating on the 3G network and working with all Wi-Fi enabled devices, Subaru Mobile Internet provides users a safe, fully encrypted connection with download speeds averaging 400kbps-1.2mbps. This uninterrupted Wi-Fi capability is designed for passenger access while the Outback is in motion.

Subaru Mobile Internet easily allows users to check email, surf the web or listen to Internet radio and even stream video and post to social networking sites. Outback passengers can check weather and traffic, download hiking trails, and even reserve a campsite while they’re on the road. Multiple passengers can simultaneously use the Wi-Fi connection for their separate devices, including Wi-Fi capable laptop computers, netbooks, smart phones, game controllers, plus the new iPad and iPod Touch models.

Subaru Mobile Internet technology is provided by Autonet Mobile, the world’s first in-car Internet service provider. The Wi-Fi service can be added as a port or dealer-installed accessory to any 2011 Subaru Outback for $499, plus a $35 activation fee. A one-year subscription at $29 per month is required, and Subaru is including the first three months of service for free. Comprehensive user support is included through joint Subaru and Autonet Mobile customer service resources. Subaru Mobile Internet is a Genuine Subaru Accessory and is covered under the Subaru of America warranty.

Subaru 2011 Outback price
Starting at $22,995, the 2011 Subaru Outback is offered in a wide range of four- and six-cylinder models. The Outback is smart-sized compared to other two-row crossover vehicles, featuring a mid-size interior in an easy-to-maneuver and off-road capable wagon body. Equipped with the Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission), the 2011 Outback is rated at 29 MPG in highway driving.

Subaru of America, Inc. today announced pricing for the 2011MY Subaru Impreza (non-turbo) models. Pricing for the 2.5i, 2.5i Premium and Impreza Outback Sport are held to 2010 model year levels.

Subaru of America continues to enjoy record sales after its best-ever sales year in 2009, with sales up 40 percent year-to-date. The Subaru Impreza is also showing a sales increase year-to-date due to its unique blend of fun-to-drive performance, safety and functionality with Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive technology. The Impreza has been an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick for three consecutive years, making it an unmatched value in the compact vehicle segment. The 2011 Subaru Impreza is scheduled to arrive at dealerships in July.

Subaru Impreza 2.5i

The well-equipped Impreza 2.5i maintains an aggressive starting price of $17,495, with the 5-door available starting at $17,995. All naturally-aspirated Imprezas come with Subaru’s 2.5-liter SOHC horizontally-opposed boxer engine with i-Active Valve Lift System. This engine puts out an impressive 170 hp @ 6,000 rpm.

All Impreza models feature the active safety of Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Vehicle Dynamics Control and Brake Assist as standard equipment. Two new colors for the 2011MY, Marine Blue Pearl and Sky Blue Metallic, expand the color selection, while Newport Blue is phased out.

Subaru Impreza 2.5i Premium

The Impreza 2.5i Premium maintains its starting price of $18,495 — the 5-door is $18,995. The 2.5i Premium trim level adds alloy wheels, a leather wrapped shifter and steering wheel and audio control switches on the steering wheel.

The audio system for the 2.5i Premium and Outback Sport models is upgraded for the ’11MY and now includes standard Bluetooth Audio Streaming, Bluetooth Hands-Free Connectivity, standard USB port with iPod control capability, a single-disc CD Player with MP3/WWA capability and six upgraded speakers.

The Special Edition Package on the Impreza 2.5i Premium is renamed the Power Moonroof Value Package for the ’11MY and still includes the All-Weather Package, fog lights and power moonroof for just $500, a retail value of $1,850 resulting in a generous $1,350 discount.

Subaru Impreza Outback Sport

The Outback Sport maintains its attractive starting price of $19,995 and includes items such as standard 17-inch alloy wheels, raised suspension, fog lights, All-Weather Package and a cargo tray among its many upgraded features.

New for the 2011MY, Camellia Red Pearl and Sage Green Metallic will be offered as monotone exterior colors on the Outback Sport. Obsidian Black two-tone, Marine Blue two-tone and Steel Silver two-tone complete the Outback Sport color line up.

Destination and Delivery charges for the 2011MY are $725 (Alaska D&D is $875).

Subaru today announced that it would begin evaluating its R1e electric vehicle (EV) (photo) in the United States this summer. The Subaru R1e will be on display at the New York International Auto Show, from March 21-30 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center.

Based on the Subaru R1 minicar sold in Japan, the R1e was developed by Subaru in partnership with the Tokyo Electric Power Company, Inc.. The utility has been testing a fleet of R1e electric cars since 2006. As part of a U.S. test program, two of the Subaru R1e electric cars will join the New York Power Authority (NYPA) fleet.

continue reading "Subaru Quick Charge Electric Car in New York"

Subaru of America, Inc. today announced pricing on the all-new Subaru Forester. The 2009 Subaru Forester will arrive in dealer showrooms beginning in April with pricing starting at $19,995, a full $1,200 lower than the outgoing model.

continue reading "Pricing on All-New 2009 Subaru Forester"

Subaru of America today introduced the all-new, third-generation 2009 Forester.

The 2009 Subaru Forester, which arrives in Subaru dealerships this spring, builds upon that reputation while projecting a bolder, more SUV-like design and making a major leap in safety technology, comfort, refinement and driving dynamics.

As with all Subaru models, the 2009 Forester comes equipped as standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. An all-new platform featuring a 3.6-inch longer wheelbase (now 103.0 inches) and double-wishbone rear suspension improves crash-worthiness and at the same time provides crisper handling, a quieter ride and increased interior space and cargo room.

continue reading "Subaru Debuts New-Generation 2009 Forester Crossover SUV"

Subaru of America, Inc. today released the first official photos of the all-new, third-generation 2009 Forester, a total re-design of the award-winning crossover utility vehicle (CUV) that will debut at the 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit in January. The 2009 Forester, which arrives in Subaru dealerships this spring, builds upon its predecessor’s reputation as an icon of safety, dependability and versatility. The new-generation 2009 model projects a bolder, more SUV-like design and making a major leap in safety technology, comfort, refinement and driving dynamics.

As with all Subaru models, the 2009 Forester comes equipped as standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. An all-new platform featuring a 3.6-inch longer wheelbase (now 103.0 inches) and double-wishbone rear suspension improves crash-worthiness and at the same time provides crisper handling, a quieter ride and increased interior space and cargo room. The 2009 Forester once again blends positive SUV attributes including a high seating point and interior versatility with passenger car comfort, handling and fuel efficiency.

All Forester models for 2009 feature standard side-curtain airbags with a rollover sensor, and the Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) stability and traction control system is standard on all models for the first time. With the Subaru Dynamic Chassis Control Concept (Subaru DC3), Subaru optimized all elements of the Forester’s chassis to deliver a better balance of ride, handling response, quietness and overall traction performance than offered by competitive vehicles. A comprehensive array of elements contributes to that goal, including the new, high-strength body structure, standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, VDC and four-wheel disc ABS brakes with the Brake Assist safety system.

Manual-transmission models also feature Incline Start Assist, which can momentarily prevent the vehicle from rolling backward when being driven away from a stop on an incline.

Even with its bolder exterior and roomier interior, the new 2009 Forester is only about three inches longer than its predecessor, thus retaining the trim exterior packaging cited by Forester owners as one of this model’s most essential features. A robust body structure, heavy-duty raised four-wheel independent suspension system and up to 8.9 inches of ground clearance help make Forester equally adept at negotiating twisty roads and absorbing ruts and bumps.

continue reading "Forester Crossover SUV photos"

2008 Subaru Impreza is the only small car to earn the highest rating in the most recent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash tests that now require side head protection and electronic stability control.

The 2008 Subaru Impreza received “GOOD” ratings in the frontal, side and rear-impact crash tests for both the driver and passenger seating positions. Based on this performance and standard side curtains for side impact head protection, the 2008 Impreza 2.5i with VDC was the first small car to receive the coveted IIHS “Top Safety Pick” award.

“Customers’ safety is our top priority,” said Thomas J. Doll, executive vice president, Subaru of America, Inc. “Subaru makes industry leading safety affordable with the IIHS award-winning 2008 Subaru Impreza starting at just $16,995. It speaks to the tireless efforts of our engineers to build vehicles with uncompromising active and passive safety features — starting with all- wheel drive, standard.“

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.

Subaru announced pricing on the all-new Subaru Impreza 2.5i and its performance icon cousin, the Impreza WRX arriving in dealer showrooms beginning in August. The 2008 Subaru Impreza starts at $16,995 and the 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX starts at just $24,350.

With new, more sophisticated styling and two new body styles, a 4-door sedan and a 5-door model, the Impreza 2.5i and Impreza WRX breathe new life into the compact performance market. The new Impreza models deliver significant improvements in comfort and utility, while delivering the handling, performance and Subaru Symmetrical AWD that made the original Impreza such a success. Also new for 2008, is the availability of Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) on both the Impreza 2.5i and Impreza WRX.

In 2002, Subaru changed the face of the performance market with the introduction of the original WRX, a car that could deliver turbocharged, rally-bred performance in any driving condition. The all-new 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX follows that lead with an all-new breed of AWD performance car. Larger than its predecessor, the 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX now rides on a 3.7 inch longer wheelbase (103.1 inches) that improves ride, interior space and utility.

The new WRX is powered by a 2.5-liter flat-four Boxer engine delivering 224 horsepower and 226 Lb.-ft. of torque and is 50 lbs. lighter than its predecessor. The engine has been modified to produce more torque at lower rpm. With its broader and richer torque curve, the 2008 WRX delivers a smooth stream of power, improving drivability and fuel efficiency.

continue reading "Subaru Announces Pricing on All-New 2008 Impreza 2.5i and Impreza WRX"