Gray 07 Subaru Impreza Sedan 2.5i Manual Trans All Wheel Drive Miles K119 on 2040-cars

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Will more efficient tech mean higher prices for Subaru?

If the latest ruling by the California Air Resources Board holds, then Subaru at least must build a plug-in hybrid in the coming years to comply with the Golden State's regulations. Fuel economy looks to improve across the board for the brand, though, thanks to $780 million going into the development of cleaner powertrains for this fiscal year alone. However, buyers might have to pay more for a Subie in the future after this boost in green spending. "Related costs are going up more than expected, bringing the profit margin downward," Fuji Heavy Industries President Yasuyuki Yoshinaga said to the Nihon Keizai newspaper in Japan, according to Automotive News. "We are a small company. We do not benefit as much from economy of scale as bigger companies, so we will have to make up for the increased costs by raising our brand value." At the moment, Subaru's electrified lineup in the US comprises just the XV Crosstrek Hybrid, but the company is reportedly planning to add more. Plus, Subie also wants to make its internal combustion engines more efficient. According to Automotive News, all of the brand's mills are getting direct injection by 2016, and cylinder deactivation and lean combustion cycles are on track for 2020. Earlier rumors also suggested that the automaker might bring the turbocharged four-cylinder boxer to more products, as well. While these more efficient models might cost more, Subaru must carefully maintain the balancing act of introducing the technology and keeping sales growing. As of May 2015, the brand had 42 straight months of year-over-year growth in the US and had record sales in the country last year. The company has already decided to significantly boost production capacity at its Indiana factory in hopes of keeping the good times rolling.

Subaru issues recall over cars that may start themselves

Subaru has issued one of the strangest recalls we've come across in some time. As it turns out, certain Subaru models may randomly start their own engines. The issue is confined to select models equipped with an automatic or CVT and the company's optional Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory. If the RES key fob is dropped, it could "randomly transmit an engine start request without pressing the button."
Vehicles affected include the 2010-2012 Legacy and Outback with an automatic or CVT, 2012-2013 Impreza with the CVT, and 2013 XV Crosstrek with CVT (shown), all equipped with the Audiovox RES accessory. Likewise, certain 2013 Legacy and Outbacks may have received replacement RES fobs that could be affected. All told, 47,419 vehicles are included in the recall.
Should one of these cars start on their own, Subaru says they will run up to 15 minutes, but the vehicle may also continue to start and stop until either the battery in the fob dies or the car runs out of fuel. Of course, if one of these cars is parked in an enclosed area, that means harmful gasses could build up, which could be dangerous if inhaled.

You can own this legendary Subaru rally car

Why would you want to buy a 19-year old Subaru? Because racecar. The '90s was the heyday of Subaru and Mitsubishi rally cars, a heritage the WRX and Evo still carry. A matching '97 WRC car cost $123,000 back in 2009, but this new listing does not name a price. If ex-Colin McRae cars are any yardstick, expect to write a check for more than $200,000 to get this in your garage. A competition-built car lives a hard life from the moment it's unleashed on its first rally stage. The fate of this Subaru is no exception, as the 1997 Monte Carlo Rally, its first outing, was cut short due to an accident. McRae, known for his vigorous driving style, slid the Impreza into the woods in a right-hand corner of the wintery stage and mangled the right rear corner: the rear wheel wouldn't even turn as he limped the car back to the pits. Subaru did claim a win from Monte Carlo thanks to Pedro Liatti's efforts, beating Carlos Sainz's Ford Escort WRC by nearly a minute. The next year, the repaired Impreza saw use by the Polish rally driver Krzysztof Holowczyc in a handful of WRC events. During the following decade the car went from one private team to another and ended up being completely restored between 2008 and 2009 – probably a well-deserved overhaul at that point. It hasn't seen a rally stage since, as it's been in collector hands and remains in perfect technical condition. For anyone who grew up either watching Subarus like this conquering rally stage after another, or having wrestled them on virtual gravel with video game controller in hand, this car is one of the essential 1990s motorsport machines. It would serve it right to be bought by someone who used to have a Subaru WRC poster on their bedroom wall 20 years ago. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.