The new US-built Subaru B9 Tribeca SUVs will come to dealerships in November with on-the-road prices starting from £28,995. Subaru says that, being less pricey than the competing BMW X5 and Volvo XC90 off-roaders, the B9 Tribeca will feature a much more impressive list of equipment levels.
The new B9 Tribeca will be motivated by 3.0-liter horizontally-opposed six-banger, featuring a maximum 245 PS (241.6 hp) of power output and 219 lb-ft (297 Nm) of torque. Together with a five-speed automatic gearbox with 'Sportshift' mode, the engine accelerates the B9 Tribeca from zero to 60 mph in 9.3 seconds, provides it with a top speed of 121 mph and ensures 29.7 mpg of mileage on the Extra Urban Cycle.
See also: 2007 Nissan Armada FFV to be compatible with E85 biodiesel
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Subaru B9 Tribeca pricing announced
Subaru set to unveil its first "boxer" diesel in Geneva
So, it happened. Neglecting dieselists' woes for ages, Japanese all-wheel-drive specialist has eventually embraced the old technology and designed its own version of a turbocharged diesel engine. Subaru is now readying to unveil the world first horizontally opposed oil-burner during the upcoming motor show in Geneva.
The "boxer" scheme provides the engine with a lot of benefits, such as a more compact form, lower center of gravity and reduced body roll. Subaru also promises that the new engine's body will be so rigid and silent it won't actually need a balancer shaft.
In Geneva the engine will be presented as a part of drive-train only but it is expected to be fitted to the new Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles in 2008.
The 2.0-liter four-banger will presumably develop some 165bhp and about 250 lb-ft (339 Nm) of peak torque.
Photos: Subaru
See also: Subaru B9 Tribeca pricing announced
Subaru Impreza GB270 to be limited to 300 + 100 units
Yeah, that's right: British Subaru fans will have to hurry to grab one of 300 Subaru Impreza GB270 saloons or of 100 GB270 Sport Wagons. The very last special edition of the outgoing Impreza will carry £7,000 to £7,600 of additional equipment available at a price, which is only £1,898 and £2,898 more expensive than the standard versions of respective models.
The GB270 means here that Subaru regards WRC Wales Rally GB as its most successful stage in the world rally series and that the cars are equipped with the 270 PS performance pack from Prodrive. With the pack installed, the vehicle's engine gets power boost by 40 PS and a torque increase by 74 lb-ft to 310 lb-ft.
Not that you'll get an asphalt burner from that but Impreza's zero to 60 mph acceleration time is decreased from 5.9 to 5.3 seconds and zero to 100 mph time is slashed by 0.5 seconds to 13.9 sec.
The performance pack is matched with lowered springs, 'quickshift' gear shifter larger-diameter 18x7.5ins GT1 alloy wheels. Special carpet mats, MOMO 'Air-Race' gear knob and GB270 badges and interior plaques with each vehicle's individual number will further increase prospective driver's self esteem
The Subaru Impreza GB270 will also be equipped with a WRC-style rear spoiler, STI front lip spoiler, stainless-steel mesh front grille and silver-finished alloy wheels.
The GB 270 Sports Wagon will also receive an appearance package consisting of a rear waist spoiler, front and rear aero splash guards, rear privacy glass, black stainless-steel mesh front grille and gloss-black alloy wheels.
See also: Subaru B9 Tribeca pricing announced
Friday, October 26, 2007
FHI Introduces All-New Subaru Impreza WRX STI
Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the maker of Subaru automobiles, has announced the introduction of its all-new Subaru Impreza WRX STI in Japan. Advancing FHI’s theme of producing the complete driver’s car and embodying the essence of total driving control, the third-generation Impreza WRX STI has debuted with complete makeovers in its design, engine, chassis and features. Benefiting from Subaru’s signature Symmetrical AWD and the Horizontally-Opposed Boxer engine, the new WRX STI is an innovative AWD sports model that delivers a combination of joy of driving and pride of ownership.
The new five-door model features not only a greatly refined engine and suspension but also new mechanisms such as the multi-mode Driver’s Control Centre Differential (DCCD) and multi-mode Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC). Also, the Subaru Dynamic Chassis Control Concept (Subaru DC3) has been further developed for the WRX STI in order to maximize performance and driving pleasure and to ensure high levels of driver satisfaction through total control of the vehicle.
The vehicle’s interior and exterior design expresses sophistication and refined functionality. The widened body flares give an irresistible presence, integrating function and beauty, while the interior design stresses high quality and a sporty image. In addition, the Impreza WRX STI features advancements in the areas of environment, safety, and comfort, all of which match FHI’s goal of delivering exceptional performance and enjoyable and dependable drivability with environmental considerations in all Subarus.
The first-generation WRX STI model was based on the first Impreza WRX and was developed by Subaru Tecnica International (STI), an FHI subsidiary specialized in motorsports activities. Since its introduction in 1994, the WRX STI has established a solid reputation as a high-performance sports model. In the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) that requires participants to compete with production-based models, Subaru WRX STI models have proven their credentials by bringing Subaru three consecutive Manufacturers’ championship titles from 1995 to 1997. In this context, FHI plans to submit a Group N homologation application effective as of January 1, 2008 for the new WRX STI to FIA.
Source: Subaru
Thursday, October 18, 2007
2008 Subaru WRX STI
By Ben Stewart
Hot on the heels of Mitsu’s Evo, the WRX STI will make its public debut in Tokyo. This is the ultimate-performance Subaru, drawing direct inspiration from Subaru’s long and storied rally heritage. The all-new STI is, for the first time, a five-door hatchback. But the important stuff is all still there—a 2.5-liter, 304-hp inline four routed through a six-speed manual and Subaru’s sophisticated all-wheel drive system with a limited slip differential at each end. Subaru promises more capability in the chassis with improved comfort, too. We’ll find out for ourselves in a few weeks.
New safety and convenience features.
Bodystyles: 4-Dr Sport Utility;
Engines: 3.0L Horizontal 6;
Transmissions: 5 Speed Automatic;
Drivetrains: All Wheel Drive;
TriBeCa is a trendy, upscale neighborhood between New York's Soho and Lower Manhattan districts. It isn't cheap real estate. Nor is the Subaru B9 Tribeca cheap transportation. Tribeca is a mid-size SUV with optional seating for seven. Its overall dimensions put it in the same class as the Toyota Highlander and Nissan Murano; it's nearly as big as a Ford Explorer. Properly equipped, the Tribeca can tow up to 3500 pounds. Tribeca is fully competitive in this class, especially given its lengthy list of standard features.
Subaru is becoming a premium brand. It isn't Mercedes-Benz or BMW, nor does it intend to be, but the technology underneath, the stuff you can't see, is cutting edge, giving drivers the latest in all-weather safety and performance. Last year, Tribeca earned the highest possible rating in NHTSA federal crash tests, with five stars in the frontal and side-impact tests for both the driver and front-seat passenger; and a four-star rating in the tests for rollover resistance. (No SUV to date has earned five stars in the rollover test.)
For 2007, Subaru has built more safety into every Tribeca, adding a rollover sensor that automatically activates the seatbelt pre-tensioners and deploys the standard side-curtain airbags. To help avoid accidents, Brake Assist joins Tribeca's extensive array of dynamic handling technology, which already included four-channel anti-lock brakes, Vehicle Dynamics Control and four-wheel traction control. An ultrasonic reverse-parking assist is now available on all models; and models with navigation now come with a backup camera.
Also for 2007, Tribeca's front and rear suspensions have been revised to deliver a smoother ride. All models are now pre-wired for XM Satellite Radio, and the auxiliary jack for connecting iPods and other MP3 units has been relocated to the center console. Top-of-the-line Limited models add a two-position memory sensor for the front seats. A new remote starter option allows the owner to start the vehicle from up to 800 feet away. A window-shade-type retractable rear cargo cover is now available as well.
In case you haven't noticed, all Subaru models are somewhat pricey, but we think they offer a lot of value in terms of technology, handling, foul-weather capability and dependability. And Tribeca is no exception. Extensive mileage in Northern California revealed the Tribeca to be a joy to drive, comfortable and practical. In short, we'd list it as a buy. It's comparable to the Highlander and Murano, and that's high praise indeed.
