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Spy photos show 2017 Subaru BRZ facelift

As it transitions to the Toyota 86, the Scion FR-S isn't the only version of the joint Toyota/Subaru sports car that's getting a facelift. The BRZ is getting a nip and tuck, and here's our first look. Posted on the FT86Club forum are pictures of what appears to be the 2017 Subaru BRZ, hot on the heels of the recently-revised Toyota 86. The changes look rather subtle, but stand at least to keep the Subaru model up to pace with its Toyota counterpart. And for those less than enamored of the new curves applied to the 86, these updates may just be enough to tip the balance in Fuji Heavy's favor. The front end appears to keep the same grille shape as the existing model, but the vents on either side of it have changed, with little winglets bisecting. Gone are the auxiliary lights, apparently integrated into the new headlights that pack fresh elements. The taillights appear to be updated in similar fashion as well. Inside more auxiliary controls are now integrated into the steering wheel in front of the instrument binnacle with a new set of gauges. There's seems to be a new infotainment head unit in the dashboard and some updated interior trim as well. Of course the big question will be whether the refreshed BRZ will get any boost in power or other mechanical upgrades like Toyota's given the new 86, but for that we'll just have to stay patient for the time being as look forward to seeing the Toyota version in the metal at the New York Auto Show this week. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2017 Subaru BRZ facelift View 9 Photos News Source: FT86Club Spy Photos Subaru Coupe Performance facelift

2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid finally adds gas-electric option to the brand [w/video]

For a company that does a pretty great job of tying its vehicles to the environment - or, better said, to people who like to actually get out into the environment - Subaru hasn't exactly been a leader in green vehicle production. In fact, it's 2013 and the company is finally releasing its first-ever production hybrid, the XV Crosstrek Hybrid. Tom Doll, Subaru's executive vice president, admitted as much at the unveiling today at the New York Auto Show: "We at Subaru were not the first to market with a hybrid, but we sure made sure we did it right."
That may be, but for now the automaker doesn't want to tell us all the details of how right it is. We do know that the powertrain takes Subaru's 2.0-liter boxer engine and adds in a 13.4-horsepower electric motor and continuously variable transmission. All-wheel drive will be, of course, standard, and Subaru promises the XV Crosstrek Hybrid will offer the "same utility and versatility as the gasoline model," including 8.7 inches of ground clearance. The hybrid does weigh 300 pounds more, though, which required a re-engineered chassis.
The motor can move the lifted Impreza in all-electric mode up to 25 miles an hour (distance not specified). Subaru isn't talking precise fuel economy numbers, either, just that it will be the "most fuel-efficient all-wheel-drive crossover in America" and will unsurprisingly have start-stop functionality. We do hear, though, that the hybrid will get around 10-percent better fuel economy than the standard gas-only XV Crosstrek. The most efficient version of that car, the one with the CVT, gets 25 miles per gallon in the city, 33 highway and 28 combined. Whatever this hybrid XV Crosstrek gets, we expect Subaru'll sell a million in Portlandia. For more, scroll down to watch an official video and read the press release.

Subaru's first hybrid drawing close

In 2011 Subaru parent company Fuji Heavy Industries confirmed that a hybrid Subaru would debut this year. Ever since, there's been speculation about what kind of technology the gasoline-electric hybrid would use - Subaru's own or some version of the Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive, which car would debut the new system - Forester, Legacy, or Outback - and whether it would come to America or be a Japan-only model.
A report in The Detroit Bureau says that whatever that first model is, it could be shown as soon as the New York Auto Show, and while the company feels it's a must-have offering for the Japanese market it will also come to the US. It will have a Subaru-developed mild hybrid system that could have been previewed by the Hybrid Tourer concept shown at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, and is not expected to be able to drive on electric power alone. The Hybrid Tourer used a direct-injected, 2.0-liter boxer engine connected to a CVT and assisted by an electric motor rated at 13 horsepower. Subaru has yet to give anything away about the details of its hybrid plans, so we'll look to New York for the long-awaited unveil.