2005 Subaru Forester (natl) Xt on 2040-cars

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Subaru Viziv Future Concept conceptualizes the future

Well, here's a rugged little thing. It's the latest in Subaru's Viziv series of concepts, unimaginatively called the Viziv Future Concept. But never mind the name, what we have here is a forward-thinking SUV that packs a new hybrid powertrain, downsized turbo engine, and reworked version of Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. That said, there's little to learn about these reworked systems, with Subaru's own press blast saying a whole lot of nothing about the new technologies found within the Viziv. Only the updated AWD system gets an explanation, with Subaru saying the "propeller shaft has been eliminated by mounting the single motor concentrically on the rear axle in a compact layout. In addition to AWD capabilities, a flat floor is realized for an expansive, comfortable interior space." What does the Viziv mean for Subaru? It's hard to say. Initially, this concept looks like a neat take on a next-generation Forester, but let's also remember that Subaru plans to re-join the three-row SUV segment soon with a proper replacement for the Tribeca. In any case, it's a tough-looking thing, and something we could easily see fitting in with Subaru's range of rugged all-rounders. Related Video: Subaru VIZIV Future Concept (world premiere) Subaru VIZIV Future Concept is a SUV-type concept model embodying the future vision of car development for "enjoyment and peace of mind" that Subaru wants to provide to customers. Along with a package of design features that motivate the owner to get out and get active, this car gives a look at next-generation technologies that will further enhance the reputation of Subaru for "enjoyment and peace of mind" in driving. Among them are the automatic driving technology resulting from the ongoing evolution of EyeSight, and the power unit combining a downsized turbo engine with a hybrid system. Subaru remains focused on providing cars that enrich the lives of customers, as the start of an exciting new chapter. The Subaru VIZIV Future Concept gives a glimpse at the future Subaru has in mind for the brand. 1. Design The design concept is "Subaru & Active Life". Giving concrete form to the Subaru Dynamic & Solid design theme, the design clearly shows the value of "enjoyment and peace of mind", while generating the urge to go out and actively discover the wide world. Exterior The body as a three-dimensional solid form is given a clear polished surface enhancing the impression of high density and sturdiness.

Autoblog Podcast #384

Episode #384 of the Autoblog podcast is here, and this week, Dan Roth, Steven Ewing and Chris Paukert talk about rumors that the Subaru WRX Concept styling may influence the next production model, the 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06, and Chris' time with the 2015 Lincoln MKC. We start with what's in the garage and finish up with some of your questions, and for those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. Check out the new rundown below with times for topics, and you can follow along down below with our Q&A. Thanks for listening! Autoblog Podcast #384: Topics: Long-term 2015 Subaru WRX introduction Subaru WRX Concept styling may see production 2015 Lincoln MKC 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 In the Autoblog Garage: 2014 Mercedes-Benz E550 Cabriolet 2014 Volkswagen Jetta SEL 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Hosts: Dan Roth, Steven Ewing, Chris Paukert Runtime: 01:34:21 Rundown: Intro and Garage - 00:00 Long-term WRX intro - 27:20 WRX Concept - 37:10 Lincoln MKC - 47:49 Corvette Z06 - 01:07:18 Q&A - 01:16:18 Get the podcast: [UStream] Listen live on Mondays at 10 PM Eastern at UStream [iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes [RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator [MP3] Download the MP3 directly Feedback: Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com Review the show in iTunes Podcasts Rumormill Chevrolet Lincoln Mercedes-Benz Subaru subaru wrx concept

Automotive April Fools' joke roundup [w/videos]

Happy April, everyone. And we all know what this first day of the month means: April Fools' Day. Today is a national holiday for pranksters with the Internet acting as a serious enabler, and it's always fun to see what kind of vivid imaginations exist out there in the automotive world. The abundance of fake news gets a little old as the day rolls on, but we did manage to get in a few chuckles thanks to a handful of major automakers and automotive news outlets that got into the pranking spirit this year
Some of our favorites this year includes Subaru showing what happens when you combine a bunch of rumors, a Corvette some may have already thought was a joke or Honda providing some in-car innovation circa the late 1980s. Honestly, we're still waiting for official confirmation from Mitsubishi that the recently introduced 2014 Mirage is an elaborate April Fools' joke using a failed design intended for the 1995 Geo Metro. We dug up as much "official" OEM foolishness we could find, as well as some of our other favorites, and posted them all below.