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Subaru WRX hatchback mule spotted

Despite on-again, off-again rumors, this latest set of spy shots seems to indicate that yes, a five-door Subaru WRX is indeed in the works. Subtlety is key with this test mule, but there are clear bits of evidence that indicate a hotter hatchback is what's being developed here.
First, notice the WRX-spec front fascia grafted onto this ordinary-looking Impreza hatch. From there, we can clearly see the tiny bit of added width - most obvious on the roof and at the rear, near the fuel door and taillamps. And of course, let's not forget about that bulge in the hood, consisting of a metal panel that covers the hood scoop and can apparently be removed thanks to a series of screws, according to our spies. The WRX's more robust exhaust and larger wheel/tire package have not been added to this mule, though we're told that this is commonplace for Subaru prototypes - those bits should be added on as the car's development progresses.
We fully expect a WRX hatchback to be, well, just that - mechanically, it should be identical to the sedan brethren, though our spies indicate that Subaru could be testing an updated version of the WRX-spec boxer engine. Of course, there's always a chance that this could be something else entirely, given the on-and-off reports of the five-door 'Rex's existence in the first place...

Subaru confirms it's found a new HQ location in Camden, NJ

Subaru is packing up shop and making a big move, announcing that it will be relocating its Cherry Hill, NJ headquarters. Is the company pulling a Toyota and moving across the country, or perhaps following the example set by Cadillac and relocating to a major metropolis? Nope. The all-wheel-drive aficionados are going just four miles down the road, to Camden, NJ. We suppose that is one way to celebrate all of the company's sales successes. The move hasn't been confirmed through the New Jersey government just yet – it needs to be approved by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority – but if it gets the green light, it will see the company relocate to a new, 250,000-square-foot facility that's twice the size of its current headquarters. The land the company will be developing on is currently owned by Campbell Soup Company. Provided the NJEDA approves the plan, Subaru will work things out with its developers, and is hoping to be up and running at the new facility by 2016 or early 2017. Take a look below for the company's announcement. December 5, 2014 SUBARU OF AMERICA CONFIRMS APPLICATION FOR NEW HQ LOCATION IN CAMDEN, N.J. Cherry Hill, N.J. - Subaru of America, Inc. has confirmed that it has identified the preferred location of its new corporate headquarters as an all-new development in Camden, N.J. The new site is approximately four miles from the company's current location in Cherry Hill, N.J. The confirmation comes as Subaru celebrates six successive annual sales records and the new building is planned to bring on to one campus various functions of the company including Sales, Marketing, Service and Administration that are presently housed across three separate sites in southern New Jersey. The new site is adjacent to the Campbell Gateway District and is currently owned by Campbell Soup Company. Subaru of America will house more than 500 employees and contractors in the new facility that at 250,000 square feet will be double the size of the current HQ building. Subaru of America's application is now subject to New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) approval, followed by negotiations with the developer Brandywine Realty Trust and then a concluding internal cost approval process. Final decision is expected by April 2015 and subject to this approval, Subaru plans to complete the project by fourth quarter, 2016 or early 2017.

Subaru partners with Magellan for smartphone-based navigation

With tech in the air this week at the Consumer Electronics Show, Subaru announced that it named Magellan SmartGPS as its mapping partner in future Subaru vehicles – without putting an exact date on when that "future" will be. The appointment means that Magellan's smartphone-based cloud navigation, which works on both Apple iOS and Android, will port fully voice-guided navigation using constantly updated maps to the head unit in the car. Magellan already sells a standalone SmartGPS unit that you can buy from major retailers, and it can communicate with other wireless devices to find destinations and transfer directions. However, with the rise of smartphones and with major tech players becoming baked-in fixtures inside vehicles, the sales of portable navigation devices have gone into freefall - from 15.1 million units in 2008 to around 4.3 million units in 2019. The deal with Subaru helps Magellan continue to focus on its core strength. The caveat is that your car will need to have the Subaru Starlink system. It is included in some of the brand's vehicles, like the Impreza and the Crosstrek. On others it is a cost option - it's part of a $1,795 package on the Legacy, a $2,295 package on the Outback. The press release below can tell you more. Subaru Names Magellan Its Smartphone-based Cloud Navigation Partner Magellan SmartGPS Navigation to Power Future Subaru Vehicles Equipped with the SUBARU STARLINK Platform Powered by Clarion's Smart Access System Las Vegas, NV – January 4, 2016 – Magellan's SmartGPS navigation has been selected to be included with Subaru vehicles featuring the SUBARU STARLINK platform. The SUBARU STARLINK infotainment systems, available in Subaru vehicles, utilize Clarion's advanced Smart Access™ cloud connectivity platform to seamlessly sync and control cloud-based applications directly through the infotainment system's screen, providing immediate access to Magellan's SmartGPS navigation. Designed to support both Apple iOS and Android smartphones, the SUBARU STARLINK app brings continuously updated cloud applications to the vehicle's center stack display. Drivers can then access all STARLINK approved apps and services effortlessly, including Magellan's SmartGPS, allowing for safe access and display on the vehicle's touch panel. Magellan SmartGPS navigation will be available on future Subaru models.