October 23, 2014
Subaru's Vision 2016
Subaru is preparing for a new wave of models starting in 2016 and will move to a new platform for all its vehicles, from the compact Impreza to an all-new, full-sizeseven seat crossover. This will cut costs and development time.
Subaru is riding on the success of its strategy to redesign all of its vehicles primarily for the United States and equip them with competitive features. These vehicles will have new generation of engine technology including direct injection, cylinder deactivation and lean-burn technology.
Subaru will get its first plug-in hybrid engine in 2017. Subaru has said the hybrid will be a variant of an existing nameplate. Subaru executives have said a second generation of the BRZ, launched in 2012 is in the works. The new car could come in 2018.
The redesigned four- and five-door Subaru Impreza compact will go on sale in late 2016 or early 2017. It will be produced at Subaru’s factory in Indiana, where expansion for an additional 100,000 vehicles is underway.
The fifth-generation Legacy went on sale this month. The new Legacy 2.5i has a four-cylinder Boxer engine with 175 hp which is nearly the same as the current model. A six-cylinder Boxer engine is available with 256 hp. All models come standard with a continuously variable transmission.
Satellite radio is standard on all models except the base. The car has Bluetooth connectivity for phones and gadgets. The new audio system has a 6.2-inch touch screen. The optional navigation system uses a 7-inch touch screen.
Safety features include a rear view camera, a rollover sensor, and an optional rear radar system that has blind-spot detection, a lane-change assist feature and a rear cross-traffic alert. Inside, Subaru said, the Legacy has increased passenger and cargo room even though it has not grown in size.
