Subaru: Wrx on 2040-cars

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Subaru planning modular platform, seven-seat SUV, plug-in hybrid

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles isn't the only big name in the auto industry releasing details on its future plans. Subaru, and its parent company Fuji Heavy Industries, is aiming to bump its North American sales up from 478,000 to 600,000 by 2020. Now, that seems pretty reasonable, especially in the face of FCA's hugely ambitious goals for Alfa Romeo and Maserati. It's how Subaru will go about increasing the sales, though, that has us intrigued.
A focus on more fuel-efficient, direct-injection engines will complement a new platform, while the company is contemplating expanding capacity at its Indiana factory, which will now have more room since Toyota Camry production will be ending there.
As for that new platform, it's called the Subaru Global Platform. Original, we know. It's a modular deal and will eventually underpin a vast range of future Subies following its debut in 2016. The new platform may also end up underpinning a seven-seat SUV, which would serve as the successor to the Tribeca and debut between 2016 and 2020, according to Automotive News.

Toyota tops Consumer Reports best, worst used car values

We often mock Toyota for building boring, soulless cars, but a new study by Consumer Reports suggests that regardless of whether that's true, the company has some of the best used cars on the market. In its report on used cars from 2004-2013, the Japanese automaker had 11 vehicles among its brands on the list - more than any other automaker.
CR breaks the list down by cost and vehicle size, and Toyota has at least one entry at every price point and in nearly every segment. To score a recommendation, a vehicle had to perform well in the magazine's initial tests and score above-average reliability results. It also tried to only suggest cars with electronic stability control. Of the 28 recommended vehicles, Honda/Acura had the second most mentions at six, and Ford, Hyundai and Subaru managed two each.
The Detroit brands also made it to the list, but not in a positive way. Consumer Reports compiled a list of 22 vehicles it wouldn't recommend because "they have multiple years of much-worse-than-average overall reliability." General Motors had the most unrecommended models on the list at six, but Chrysler and Ford weren't far behind, with five cars each from their brands not making the grade. The full list of recommendations is available on CR's website.

Subaru previews Viziv Performance Concept and 2 tuned STIs for Tokyo

Subaru will be rolling deep at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show next month. The Japanese automaker has announced a number of different models that it will bring to the show, including three concepts, and limited editions of two different STI models. At the top of the list, teased above, is the Subaru Viziv Performance Concept. This car sounds like it could be a sneak preview of a next-generation WRX, as Subaru describes it as a sport sedan that combines "enjoyment and peace of mind." The very nature of the model encourages active engagement, but Viziv Performance uses Subaru's EyeSight tech to provide advanced driver assistance. The teaser images don't give us much else to go on, but we'll keep our ear to the ground in case Subaru drops any more information ahead of the show on Oct. 25. View 2 Photos Also coming to Tokyo will be to Japan-only limited edition versions of two STI models. The first is the Subaru S208, based on the WRX STI. A successor to the S207, the S208 is limited to just 450 units. It's quicker and more powerful than the S207, and features a carbon fiber roof to help lower the center of gravity. Engine output isn't given, but the S207 made 323 horsepower and 318 pound-feet of torque. The S208 also has an upgraded suspension and exclusive interior and exterior styling upgrades. View 5 Photos The other special edition is the Subaru BRZ STI Sport. It doesn't get more power, but Subaru did work to improve ride and handling. The BRZ STI Sport has a stiffer body and a specially tuned suspension to improve dynamic performance. It also gets its own interior and exterior touches, and a special Cool Grey Khaki paint color. Like the S208, it will be available only through lottery, but will be even more exclusive, at just 100 units. View 4 Photos Subaru is bringing two yellow concepts to the show, the XV Fun Adventure Concept and the Impreza Future Sport Concept. The XV Fun Adventure gets off-road tires and updated body cladding. The Impreza Future Sport gets revised front and rear bumpers, a low center of gravity, and a central exhaust. Last, and probably least, Subaru will display the Outback Limited Smart Edition, with a few design touches like an exclusive grille and wheels, microfiber seats, plus navigation and a Harman/Kardon sound system. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.