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2015 Subaru Outback

"We like producing cars that are different." That's the company line trumpeted by several Subaru executives during the launch of the 2015 Outback - one of Fuji Heavy's most successful vehicles to date. Managing Editor Jeremy Korzeniewski accurately noted that while Subaru has never really found salvation with its mainstream sedans, it's the higher-riding, butcher offerings like the Outback and the Impreza-based XV Crosstrek that have been sales stars for the Japanese company. In 2013, for example, Subaru sold nearly three Outbacks for every Legacy it moved. And in 2014, the XV is on pace to outsell the Impreza upon which its based.
But Subarus have always been different, catering to unique customers that desire something a bit more special than your run-of-the-mill sedan or crossover. It's clearly worked, with Subaru having posted 30 months of year-over-year sales increases as of this writing. And even as the automaker's portfolio goes more mainstream, smoothing out its serially awkward styling and gunning for a larger market share here in the United States, that intrinsic Subaru differentiation is still baked in to each and every product.
It's that new Outback we're here to talk about today, a vehicle that's been comprehensively redesigned for the 2015 model year while not shaking up the formula that's made it successful since its inception in the mid-1990s, back when it (arguably) launched what we now know as the crossover utility vehicle segment. It's still plenty different - and plenty good, too.

2017 Subaru Impreza starts at $19,215 and comes with a five-speed manual

Subaru released pricing for the all-new 2017 Impreza sedan and hatchback, which were unveiled at this year's New York Auto Show. With the $820 destination and delivery fee, the 2.0i Impreza sedan with a five-speed manual starts at $19,215 (the CVT is an extra $1,000 on both body styles) while the hatchback costs $19,715 – $500 extra regardless of trim. Both the four- and five-door Imprezas represent a price increase of about $100 over the previous model. The range-topping Limited trims, though, are an additional $1,500 from the previous year. The Impreza sedan and hatchback are available in four different trims including 2.0i, 2.0i Premium, 2.0i Sport, and 2.0i Limited. The 2017 Impreza rides on Subaru's new Global Platform, a modular platform that will underpin all of the automaker's future vehicles. Besides the new platform, the new Impreza gets a host of standard features, which include: a 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, power windows, power door locks, and a tilt and telescoping steering column. Subaru's faithful Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive system returns, as does the 2.0-liter Boxer engine. The motor, though, produces 152 horsepower, up from 148 horsepower, thanks to direct injection and other unnamed enhancements. With the release of the Impreza's pricing, Subaru also confirmed a five-speed manual transmission will be offered on the base 2.0i models, as well as the 2.0i Sport trims. The 2.0i Premium and top-of-the-line 2.0i Limited models only come with a CVT. The 2.0i Sport trim, which sounds like the most enthusiast-oriented option, adds sportier suspension tuning, Active Torque Vectoring, and 18-inch wheels. The 2.0i Limited trims, while carrying a substantial increase over last year's model, are much more opulent with LED headlights, a leather-trimmed interior with contrast stitching, automatic climate control, and an optional Harman/Kardon audio system. The 2.0i Sedan with the CVT is the most fuel-efficient model with an EPA-estimated 28 miles per gallon in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. Those figures are a one-mile per gallon increase over the previous 2.0i model. Imprezas with a CVT will be available later this year, while vehicles with the five-speed manual transmission will go on sale early next year. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2017 Subaru Impreza Pricing Subaru Car Buying Hatchback Sedan pricing

Recharge Wrap-up: Mazda, Subaru and Toyota PHEV, Nomadic Power grant

The next generation of the Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid looks to be important for Mazda and Subaru as well. Toyota will likely need to sell more of the new plug-in hybrid to meet stricter ZEV standards in California. That means it will get more extra electric range, as customers have been asking for. Subaru and Mazda will also have to adhere to the California standards beginning in 2018. Those two smaller automakers will likely license a plug-in hybrid powertrain from Toyota in order to fulfill compliance. Read more at Green Car Reports. Tesla is partnering with Dalhousie University to improve battery technology. Tesla signed a five-year research agreement with Dalhousie's Jeff Dahn, a lithium-ion battery researcher. Dahn and the 25 researchers in his lab will work with Tesla's Director of Battery Technology, Kurt Kelty, to increase capacity through improved materials. The collaboration could be important both for Tesla's automotive and stationary batteries. "Our research group's goal is to increase the energy density and lifetime of Li-ion batteries, so we can drive down costs in automotive and grid energy storage applications," says Dahn. Read more from Dalhousie University. Nomadic Power is receiving a European Commission grant worth ˆ2 million (about $2.26 million) for trailer-mounted mobile batteries. Nomadic Power's mobile batteries, called Nomads, have incorporated photovoltaic systems and can be used to extend the electric driving range of a plug-in vehicle, or to provide backup power to a home. The Nomads use an intelligent energy management system to learn and predict user behavior and manage the solar system based on weather forecasts. "We see a strong future in electric-powered mobility and an increasing use of renewable energy, photovoltaic power in particular," says Nomadic Power CEO Dr. Manfred Baumgaertner. "Our mobile batteries have great potential in these markets that recently got a significant shot in the arm by Tesla's announcements." Read more from Nomadic Power, and at Green Car Congress. Related Gallery 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In: First Drive View 24 Photos News Source: Green Car Reports, Dalhousie University, Green Car Congress, Nomadic PowerImage Credit: Nomadic Power Government/Legal Green Mazda Subaru Tesla Toyota Technology Electric recharge wrapup