Another Sales Record for Subaru – Mid Hudson Subaru

A parts shortage triggered by two natural disasters on the same day last March in Japan failed to prevent Subaru of America Inc. from setting a new sales record in 2011.

Selling 266,989 vehicles last year allowed the company to post sales records in each of the past three years, with a 1.2 percent increase over 2010.

“We are thrilled to close 2011 with a third consecutive sales record for Subaru,” said Thomas Doll, executive vice president and chief operating officer at Subaru of America. “We need to thank our retailers, distributors, our employees and of course the dedication and commitment of (our parent) Fuji Heavy Industries staff for making these results possible.”

An earthquake and tsunami hit Japan on March 11, 2011 — resulting in a shortage of some parts which hampered production for Subaru and other automakers through September.

December sales rose more than 25 percent, to 33,701. That helped the company reach its record high sales mark and eclipsed the previous best of August 2009 — the “Cash for Clunkers” month.

“We are pleased to welcome the 266,989 customers to the Subaru family,” said Bill Cyphers, senior vice president of sales with Subaru of America. “With production now catching up to demand, our December sales show the potential for the Subaru brand for 2012.”

Among vehicles produced at the Subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc. plant in Lafayette:

• Sales of the Outback models registered 13,430 in December and 104,405 for the full year — besting 2010 by 12.1 percent.

• Sales of the Legacy line totaled 4,625 last month and rose by 9.5 percent to 42,401 during the entire year.

• Although much smaller in number, sales of the Tribeca reached 324 in December and rose by 12.9 percent to 2,791 units for all of 2011.

Subaru vehicles built in Japan also reflected a healthy sales chart in December. But not for the entire year.

Sales of the Forester fell by 10.4 percent, to 76,196 in 2011, while sales of the Impreza models dropped by 7.2 percent, to 41,196 units.

FHI authorized an increase in Subaru vehicle manufacturing in the second half of the past year and the company is now producing more cars per month than at any time in its history.

“We delivered 34,000 cars to dealers in December, beating our previous highest total by 5,000,” Cyphers said. “Given how quickly our products are moving, we expect to reach another significant sales milestone in 2012.”

First Drive: 2012 Subaru Impreza WRX STI S206 – Motor Trend – Mid Hudson Subaru

By Peter Lyon

 | Photos Yoshitada Moro

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We almost don’t want to tell you about the new Subaru Impreza WRX STI S206. Why? Because it’s the fastest, best-handling WRX Subaru’s STI division has ever produced, but you can’t buy it in the U.S. It’s yet another special STI limited edition built exclusively for Japanese domestic consumption. 

Subaru’s tuning department takes its STI “S” series very seriously, something we witnessed at the recent Tokyo Motor Show when it revealed the new S206 with its eye-popping spec sheet. There’s more than a decade of history in the top-shelf S series, starting from the radical-looking S201 to the gutsy S204, and the extreme R205. We’ve driven them all and been suitably impressed with every car. But the S206 takes “S” to a whole new level.

You know you’re in for something special when the person greeting you prior to the drive at the Cycle Sports Center two hours south of Tokyo is none other than STI’s motorsport director, former chief test driver, and all-around Nurburgring-meister Hideharu Tatsumi. After a quick rundown of the impressive spec list, he shuffles us over to an S206 sitting in the pit area.

Smiling confidently, he opens the door to one of only 100 NBR Challenge Package models of the S206, a super rare edition celebrating STI’s monumental class win in this year’s Nurburgring 24-hour race. With its unique 19-inch BBS rims and hard-core carbon-fiber roof and rear wing, the NBR certainly looks the part.

Powering the S206 is a version of Subie’s turbocharged 2.0-liter boxer from the WRX STI. Horsepower has been bumped from 305 hp to 316 hp while torque increases from 290 lb-ft to 318 lb-ft. The engine is hand-built, with pistons, connecting rods, and crankshaft all meticulously balanced before assembly. The secret to the S206’s improved performance comes from the newly fitted low friction, twin-scroll ball-bearing turbo, a remapped ECU, and a low back pressure exhaust system that boosts low- to mid-range torque.

 

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Built off of the outgoing WRX STI platform, the S206’s suspension gets specially fitted inverted Bilstein dampers, STI coil springs, and a flexible front strut tower brace, while those 19-inch rims are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Super Sports rubber (245/35ZR19), highlighting huge six-piston Brembo calipers with drilled rotors. 

As we launch ourselves out of the blocks, the S206 feels at once poised and ready for any right boot extension. And any corner. Switching the VDC to S# for maximum throttle response, and with the updated DCCD (driver controlled center differential) left in normal mode, we gun the boxer engine in first and second to record a stopwatch-timed 0-60 mph sprint of around 4.5 seconds.

Compared to the current WRX STI, the S206 displays beefier torque between 3200 and 4400 rpm — where you need most for quicker cornering exits. But as Tatsumi says, “this torque curve also makes it easier to putter round town as well.” Right, but that’s not what we’re here for.

Zeroing in on a tight right-hander in fourth at 100 mph, we obliterate 50 mph in 1 second flat by jumping on the 6-pot Brembos, pop the notchy six-speed gearbox down to second and turn in. Whoa..

It almost defies logic. How can you make an Impreza WRX corner with so little roll, maintain so much lateral grip, and yet retain such comfortable ride quality? It can’t just come from the specially fitted Bilstein inverted dampers, coil springs and tower bar.

Back in the pits, Tatsumi lets on that his team has brought across some “little secrets” from the STI race car, which they are preparing for a second Nurburgring 24-hour challenge in 2012.

 

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“It’s not just the flexible tower brace and Bilsteins that create this ride,” Tatsumi said. “I have brought over a flexible draw stiffener, several other nifty support braces, and special lateral links with pillow ball bushes in addition to a couple of race car inspired chassis revisions. Oh yeah, and one addition that even surprised us was the carbon-fiber roof, which not only improves upper body rigidity while reducing weight, but helps to improve the overall ride quality.” 

A carbon roof that improves ride quality? OK. We can’t argue with that because the ride quality is exceptional — firm but compliant – for a hard-core sports model like this with low profile 19-inch tires.

The combination of suspension upgrades and high-grip Michelin tires also meant Tatsumi’s team was able to dial back the steering gear ratio from 13:1 to 15:1, which makes the S206 turn in at speed as predictably as the actual race car, with logarithmic loads of grip and more steering feel and feedback than any STI before it.

This car simply begs you to push it harder each lap. Your insides just about reach their lateral limits before the tires reach theirs. There’s almost no understeer and the rears won’t let go either. The engine, chassis, steering, and brakes are so communicative and responsive, they almost feel like an extension of your body. The car goes exactly where you want it to, when you want it to.

Tatsumi tells us that he wanted his team to build a car that wasn’t just the best STI so far, but create a car that communicates so well with drivers that it makes them better drivers, or at least feel as though they are better drivers. Can’t argue with that theory either. As I honed in on a tight corner at over 110 mph, crunched on the Brembos, changed down and got back on the gas as my brain tried to dislodge itself from my skull and fly toward the scrub, I have never felt more like seven-time World Rally champ Sebastian Loeb.

Not quite satisfied with the explanation as to why the car corners so well, I found myself asking Tatsumi “just how much of that race car is in the S206?” He just nodded and said cryptically, “It’s still ongoing. We want to win our class again in 2012 in the 24-hour race and slice several more seconds off our lap time. So there’s a little more still to do under there.”

Inside, the lucky 300 S206 buyers get Recaro sport seats wrapped in leather and Alcantara, and plenty of S206 badging to remind them not to worry when an ordinary STI pulls alongside them at a traffic light.

So it begs the question: Why doesn’t STI offer an export model, even a very limited edition run, for the U.S. market? According to Tatsumi, there are two reasons. First, even with two catalyzers fitted to reduce CO2 and NOx gases, the S206’s emissions won’t meet current international standards. But more to the point, the ballistically strong Japanese Yen means that this car, which costs roughly the equivalent of $77,000 in Japan, would cost somewhere around $85,000 if (and when) they ever made a left-hand drive version. And that kind of pricing would put it in Nissan GT-R territory, making it hard to justify.

But then again, even if you did have the cash and wherewithal, and even if you were happy with a right-hand-drive version, you still can’t have one because the full lot of 300 (200 stock and 100 NBR editions) has already sold out. As Tatsumi points out, “if you want to drive this car, you’ll have to come to Japan.” Makes sense. If you want to eat the best, most authentic sushi, you have to come to Japan anyway, right?

 

2012 Subaru Impreza WRX STI S206
BASE PRICE	$76,000 (est)
VEHICLE LAYOUT	Front-engine, 4WD, 5-pass, 4-door, sedan
ENGINE ENGINES	2.0L/316-hp /318-lb-ft, turbocharged, DOHC, flat-4
MOTOR MOTORS	N/A
TRANSMISSION TRANSMISSIONS	6-speed, manual
CURB WEIGHT	3285 lb
WHEELBASE	103.3 in
LENGTH X WIDTH X HEIGHT	180.3 x 70.7 x 57.9 in
0-60 MPH	4.5 sec (MT est)
EPA CITY/HWY FUEL ECON	24.5 mpg (Japan est)
ENERGY CONSUMPTION, CITY/HWY	N/A
CO2 EMISSIONS	N/A
ON SALE IN U.S.	Japan domestic market only (unfortunately)

Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/1112_2012_subaru_impreza_wrx_sti_s206_first_drive/#ixzz1jHQNCa00

2012 Subaru Impreza – Mid Hudson Subaru

By Zach BowmanRSS feed

Posted Dec 15th 2011 11:57AM

Vital Stats

Engine:

2.0L Boxer-Four

Power:

148 HP / 145 LB-FT

Transmission:

CVT

Drivetrain:

All-Wheel Drive

Curb Weight:

3,099 LBS

Seating:

2+3

Cargo:

12.0 CU-FT

MPG:

27 City / 36 HWY

MSRP:

$19,545 as tested

Research This Car

We’ve been quick to rail on the Japanese automaker for building interiors well behind the curve in the past, and it appears Subaru has finally moved to cure that ail. The 2012 Impreza now features a vastly improved material selection inside. The driver gets to enjoy a three-spoke, multi-function steering wheel, and our 2.0 Premium tester came equipped with a very attractive two-tone interior. The dash is covered in squeak-fighting soft-touch materials, and while the center stack isn’t anything we’d consider beautiful, the controls are logically organized and easy to manipulate. Perhaps the best place to see an improvement is the vehicle’s front door panels. These pieces have been a wasteland of hard plastic in the past, but with soft touch uppers, well-grained plastics and cloth inserts, the panels now use a multitude of materials to improve the overall feel of the cabin. On the whole, the interior is a massive improvement, though it’s a bit sober and lacks cutting-edge infotainment options.

Rear passengers are now treated to two-inches of additional leg room over the outgoing model.

Fortunately, Subaru has also worked to make the 2012 Impreza more accommodating inside. Engineers have stretched the vehicle’s wheelbase by a full inch, and thanks to some clever packaging, rear passengers are now treated to two-inches of additional leg room over the outgoing model. That’s partially due to new scalloped front seatbacks that provide space for knobby knees.

Speaking of those front seats, Subaru redesigned the buckets for long-term comfort, and there’s more lumbar support available than in the past. Even the base Impreza is now packed with convenience features, including power windows, locks and side-view mirrors as well as keyless entry.

But if there’s a reason to get excited about the 2012 Subaru Impreza, it’s under the vehicle’s hood. The four-door packs an all-new, dual-overhead cam naturally-aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder good for up to 36 mpg according to the Environmental Protection Agency. If that seems a shade low for the compact segment, it pays to keep in mind that this is the only vehicle in the class that comes with all-wheel drive as standard equipment.

But that was then. Now, the 2012 Impreza is good for 27 mpg city by the EPA’s reckoning. That’s a massive step up, and during our time with the vehicle, we saw an honest 31.5 mpg combined. We know previous-generation Impreza owners who would perform all sorts of sinister acts to milk that kind of fuel economy from their thirsty boxer fours. Of course, those numbers come with a sacrifice. At 148 horsepower, the new 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produces 22 less horsepower than the old 2.5-liter single-overhead cam lump. The story isn’t much better when it comes to torque, with the 2012 model delivering 145 pound-feet to the 2011 version’s 170 pound-feet.

So, how does it drive? Subaru says that it has worked to improve the vehicle’s noise, vibration and harshness with tricks like hydraulic engine mounts, and it’s true that this is probably the quietest boxer from Subaru we’ve had the pleasure of not hearing for years. That’s particularly impressive given that the company abandoned the typical quiet timing belt in favor of a more durable, but characteristically louder timing chain. By and large, the whole cabin does seem quieter, but the company’s engineers seem to have created a much softer suspension to go along with the decrease in decibels. Interestingly enough, our Premium 2.0 came loaded with a larger rear stabilizer bar than the base model, so we can only assume that our tester should be sharper than the entry-level four-door.

Subaru Top Automaker on Insurance Safety List – IIHS – Mid Hudson Subaru

Subaru emerged among the top automakers in crash tests of model-year 2012 cars and trucks conducted by a U.S. insurance industry group.

Subaru, a unit of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd., is the sole maker to have all of its 2012 models earn the grade, the institute said in an e-mailed statement today.

More vehicles won the ranking this year after manufacturers redesigned roofs to make them stronger in rollovers, the Arlington, Virginia-based insurance group said. Sixty-nine cars, 38 SUVs, 5 minivans and 3 pickups made the list after tests evaluating passenger safety in front, side and rear crashes, as well as rollovers.

“Commitment to protecting people in crashes is evident in the fast pace of design improvements automakers have made during the past year,” the institute said in the statement.

A record number of models qualified for a second consecutive year, Adrian Lund, president of the group, said in the statement. One hundred 2011 model-year vehicles received the top rating, according to the statement.

Kelley Blue Book 2012 KBB Best Resale Value Awards: Wagon – 2012 Subaru Outback – Mid Hudson Subaru

Best Wagon:
2012 Subaru Outback

An ideal midsize alternative to a conventional SUV, the 2012 Subaru Outback matches a refined driving feel with room for five and the security of standard all-wheel drive. Now in its fourth and by far roomiest generation, this rugged, go-almost-anywhere wonder wagon continues to win new fans for Subaru on the strength of its well-rounded personality and impressive fuel economy. There still aren’t a whole lot of wagons to choose from the U.S., and the Subaru Outback stands out as the best wagon in terms of resale value.

Motivation for the 2012 Outback comes from two well-proven engines, both featuring Subaru’s signature horizontally-opposed design that lowers the center of gravity to help improve handling. Outback 2.5i models are fitted with a 170-horsepower/2.5-liter four-cylinder that returns 29 mpg on the highway when fitted with the available continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). For those needing a bit more muscle, the 3.6-liter flat-six in the Outback 3.6R delivers its 256 horses though a five-speed automatic and still delivers 25 mpg out on the open road.

Even in base form, the Outback’s spacious, well-appointed cabin welcomes all with its user-friendly design and comfortable, supportive seats. While Premium and Limited trims add more luxury and convenience touches to the mix, all versions of this versatile Subaru hauler boast an extensive suite of safety features and the ability to carry 71.3 cu ft of cargo with the rear seat folded.

Complementing its exceptional real-world utility with equally notable affordability, the 2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i starts at just over $24,000 with the 2012 Outback 3.6R opening slightly above $29,000. Those figures are thousands below the price of entry for the Audi A4 2.0T Avant and BMW 3 Series Wagon, the Outback’s prime rivals in this residual-value arena.

Subaru Kicks Off Fourth Annual “Share the Love” Event – Mid Hudson Subaru

This year’s “Share the Love” event to take place in dealerships and on Facebook –* Subaru to donate $250 for every new Subaru vehicle sold or leased between November 19 and January 3; up to $5 million in total support –* Carmaker will also contribute up to $250,000 to designated charities via Facebook community votes –* Subaru has donated nearly $15 million to charitable causes since program inception

 

Subaru will donate $250 for every new Subaru vehicle sold or leased from November 19, 2011 through January 3, 2012 to one of the following five charities: American Forests, the ASPCA®, Make-A-Wish Foundation®, Meals On Wheels Association of America and Special Olympics.

Subaru also is inviting the Facebook community to allocate up to $250,000 in additional support to the five charities. Facebook users can participate by visiting the “Share the Love Charities” tab on the Subaru of America Facebook page. Within the tab, users are able to select one of the five charities participating in the event and submit their vote for that charity to receive a $1 donation from Subaru. Upon submitting their vote, participants may share the experience with friends and view what percentage of votes their charity has received.

“Share the Love is rooted in our commitment to our customers and the causes they care about the most,” said Alan Bethke, director, marketing communications, Subaru of America. “We are pleased to continue the program for a fourth year and are excited about the expansion to the Facebook community.”

2011 “Share the Love” Charitable BeneficiariesFacebook community voters and consumers who purchase or lease a new Subaru vehicle during this year’s event can designate donations to any of the following organizations:

American Forests: restores and protects rural and urban forests worldwide. It is the oldest national conservation nonprofit in the country and the only one focused exclusively on forests.

The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®): works to rescue animals from abuse, pass humane laws and share resources with shelters across the country.

Make-A-Wish Foundation: grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. It has granted more than 212,000 wishes in the United States since 1980.

Meals On Wheels Association of America: provides national leadership to end senior hunger, offering home-delivered-meal services to people in need.

Special Olympics: provides year-round sports and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

American Forests”We’re honored to be part of the Subaru ‘Share the Love’ event,” says Scott Steen, CEO of American Forests. “Forests are not only beautiful, they are also critical for the health of the planet. Subaru customers who care about the environment can offset their vehicle’s lifetime carbon emissions when they choose to support American Forests. For every $250 donation, we will plant 200 trees in restoration projects across the country.”

The ASPCA®”Thanks to programs like this, the ASPCA is able to step in and provide assistance to animal welfare groups across the country when they are in need,” Elysia Howard, ASPCA vice president of Marketing & Licensing. “The holiday season already is a very heartwarming time, but we are truly touched by the generosity of the Subaru customers who’ve helped us continue the life-saving work we do each day.”

Make-A-Wish Foundation®”The Make-A-Wish Foundation is thrilled to be one of the benefitting charities and we are once again looking to our remarkable supporters to help us with this voting campaign,” said David A. Williams, president and chief executive officer of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America. “A wish come true helps children feel stronger, more energetic, more willing and able to battle their life-threatening medical conditions. The ‘Share the Love’ event offers a wonderful way for Subaru and our dedicated supporters to help us achieve our vision to grant every eligible child a wish.”

Meals On Wheels Association of America”We are honored to be selected as one of the ‘Share The Love’ charities for the fourth year in a row. Subaru is a corporate partner that truly understands why ending senior hunger is not only a mission but also a moral imperative for all of us as Americans.” -Enid Borden, President and CEO of Meals On Wheels Association of America.

Special Olympics”We are honored that Subaru of America, Inc. selected Special Olympics to participate in this year’s ‘Share the Love’ event,” said Bob Gobrecht, President & Managing Director, Special Olympics North America. “The ‘Share the Love’ event will help provide our athletes with the continued opportunity to develop their skills on and off the playing field, as they demonstrate courage, joy and foster a community of acceptance for all people.”

Find Subaru at facebook.com/subaruofamerica or twitter.com/Subaru_usa.

2012 Subaru Outback, 2012 Subaru impreza – Kiplinger’s 10 Best All-Wheel Drive Car Values

When you have to drive on the white stuff, you want to feel confident in your ability to get where you’re going.
All-wheel drive can give you that assurance. By powering all four wheels at the same time, all-wheel-drive systems provide better traction than two-wheel-drive ones. Plus, all-wheel drive is always on and adjusts automatically to changing road conditions — unlike four-wheel-drive systems typically found in trucks, which require you to make a selection for the conditions or type of terrain.

In preparation for colder weather, we recommend ten 2012 vehicles that offer a shovelful of value — as measured by our annual rankings — as well as all-wheel drive. Our rankings reflect resale value, fuel economy, safety and more, so these vehicles are well rounded. Eight of the ten were awarded Top Safety Picks by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Subaru Impreza 2.0i Premium hatchback

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Courtesy of Subaru

Sticker price: $20,045

Invoice price: $19,150

MPG: 27 city, 36 highway

Heated front seats: Included in $500 All-Weather option package

The Impreza is one of the least expensive all-wheel-drive vehicles on the market. Redesigned for 2012 to be edgier inside and out, it gets 30% better fuel economy — and it’s an IIHS Top Safety Pick. The Impreza employs two versions of Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive: Manual-transmission models get “Continuous AWD” that initially splits power 50-50 between front and rear wheels, and automatics (which cost an extra $1,000) get “Active AWD,” which sends power to the wheels based on acceleration, deceleration and available traction.

Both systems will transfer power to the wheels with the best grip. The All-Weather package includes heated seats and exterior mirrors, as well as a windshield wiper de-icer.

 

Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited

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Courtesy of Subaru

Sticker price: $29,470

Invoice price: $27,688

MPG: 19 city, 27 highway

Heated front seats: Standard

Kiplinger’s named the Outback Best in Class last year, based on its fuel economy, stellar resale values and bragging rights as an IIHS Top Safety Pick.
Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive comes in three different versions (all standard) on Outback models, depending on the transmission and engine — the 2.5i automatic uses “Active Torque Split AWD,” which distributes power to the wheels depending on acceleration, deceleration and available traction. The Outback also includes as standard equipment a windshield wiper de-icer; remote start costs $424.

Motor Trend – 2012 Subaru Impreza Video – Mid Hudson Subaru

Motor Trend First look 2012 Subaru Impreza Video – Mid Hudson Subaru

Subaru Outback – Chick Magnet! – Motor Trend – Mid Hudson Subaru

Cars That Catch Girls’ Eyes

Is Your Ride a Chick Magnet? Find out in Motor Trend’s Guide to Getting Girls (Written by Actual Girls)

Subaru Outback

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Photography editor Julia LaPalme says, “The price, cargo capacity, and EPA numbers show a guy is practical and financially sensible; the AWD indicates he’s most likely outdoorsy, or at least up for a little adventure.”

With four and six-cylinder offerings, this sleek rig is up for all kinds of adventures. The 2.5-liter boxer four can be paired with either a CVT or a new six-speed manual, and with the CVT, it has an impressive 22/29 city/highway EPA mpg.

Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/features/mt_hot_list/1110_cars_that_catch_girls_eyes/viewall.html#ixzz1be8WDqDi

Consumer Reports video – Loves the new 2012 Subaru Impreza – Mid Hudson Subaru

Subaru has never been afraid to “zig” when the competition “zags.” Many things about Subaru are, well, different. With their “boxer” horizontally-opposed engines, standard all-wheel drive, and lineup of station wagons, they don’t have a history of just copying the competition. This is why it was not such a shock when Subaru first announced their new and improved Impreza with a smaller and less powerful engine, while most manufacturers boast about having more power with each redesign.

That’s right. The new Impreza dropped from 170 to 148 hp for 2012. Fortunately, you may never miss those 22 ponies due to other changes that Subaru made. First, while not any smaller, the new car is lighter. Second, and more importantly, the Impreza finally ditched the old four-speed automatic transmission in favor of a CVT. The greater assortment of gear ratios helps both performance and fuel economy. (See our Impreza preview.)

Another place where Subaru has bucked current trends is actually making the new car better. Sounds strange, but as we’ve seen lately from Honda and Volkswagen, some new models don’t quite measure up to the outgoing designs in terms of fit and finish or handling. Compared to the 2011 Impreza, the 2012 has a nicer interior with soft-touch padding on the dashboard and doors. And while the new model is roomier and boasts better fuel economy, handling actually feels more responsive than the outgoing model. Plus, the excellent ride has been retained.

As for the turbocharged WRX and WRX STi, they will remain on the older platform for a few more years.

First impressions are positive, but we will have to wait until the Impreza goes on sale in November to purchase one for our test program. I have a feeling that is will be a favorite around our Connecticut test facility when the snow comes!

 

—Jake Fisher