2014 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited on 2040-cars

Auto blog

New Subaru Legacy may be getting smaller six-cylinder and sport models

Subaru gave the next-generation, 2015 Legacy a brand new, more sophisticated platform and improved interior at the Chicago Auto Show, but the engines were carried over barely changed from the previous gen. However, if a rumor from Car and Driver turns out to be true, then the power trains may be getting upgraded as well.
A source within Subaru indicates that the aging 3.6-liter flat-six might finally be getting a replacement in favor of a smaller, more powerful six-cylinder engine, and the four-cylinder may get direct injection. Both of them would be ready for the new Legacy's mid-cycle refresh in about three years, and they would likely be shared by new Outback too.
The turbocharged, GT trim has been absent from the US-market Legacy for the last few model years, but the insider hinted that it might make a return in the coming years. The new version would use the 2.0-liter turbocharged flat-four found in the Forester and the WRX. Though like the Forester, a turbocharged Legacy would likely only be available with the CVT.

Is Subaru close to ditching 6-cylinder engines?

Despite niche outliers like the 6.2-liter supercharged Hellcat V8 and 7.0-liter V8 in the Chevrolet Camaro Z/28, we live in an era where small-displacement, turbocharged engines are becoming the norm. In many model lineups, a boosted four-cylinder now holds the place that a six might have just a few short years ago. At least in some markets, Subaru could be the next automaker to follow this path by axing its 3.6-liter boxer six-cylinder. Granted, that's not as much of a leap for Subie as some other automakers because the Japanese brand is already closely associated with turbocharged four-cylinder engines. The company's six-pot boxer is currently only offered in the Legacy and Outback in the US. Australian website CarAdvice spoke with Subaru deputy general manager of engineering Yoichi Hori about the company's future powertrain plans at least for Down Under. "Our research said the six-cylinder model is decreasing in the world. So that's why probably the future, many companies take the smaller displacement with a turbocharger, or diesel, or hybrid," said Hori to CarAdvice. He was also specific about which engine he had in mind. "In terms of the body size, a 2.0-liter with a turbocharger is enough, I think," he said. Hori said that the automaker stuck with the boxer-six for so long because of the turbocharged four-cylinder's higher maintenance costs. Slotting Subaru's 2.0-liter turbocharged boxer four-cylinder into the Legacy and Outback seems easy to imagine. After all, the mill already does duty in different tunes in the Forester and WRX in the US. Keep in mind, though, that Hori's words are aimed at the Aussie market. A rumor from earlier this year speculated the company's midsize models might get a smaller displacement six and the turbo four for some trims. Featured Gallery 2015 Subaru Legacy: First Drive View 35 Photos News Source: CarAdviceImage Credit: Copyright 2014 Jeremy Korzeniewski / AOL Green Subaru Wagon Sedan turbocharging

New Subaru Impreza coming for 2017, previewed by this concept

There's a new Subaru Impreza coming in late 2016, as a 2017 model. And while we don't know any specifics about Fuji Heavy's new compact, we know it'll look something like the concept seen here. Simply called the Impreza 5-Door Concept, this slick hatch makes its debut at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show, and we're crossing our fingers that the next-generation production car shares a lot of this hatchback's design. Subaru says this concept hints at "the design direction not only of the new Impreza but of Subaru's future models as a whole." That's easy to see – the fascia wears an more heavily sculpted version of the brand's current design language. Slim taillights accent a petite rump, though we'll of course be interested to see how this design language translates to a four-door Impreza sedan, as well. That said, Subaru sort of has a habit of letting us down in the transition from showcar to production model. This is one company that creates gorgeous concepts, but then the final designs often leave us feeling a little flat. We'll have to wait until next year to know if that's the case with this slick new Impreza. For now, fingers crossed. Subaru "Impreza 5-Door Concept" Makes World Debut at Tokyo Motor Show 2015 Tokyo, October 28, 2015 – Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the manufacturer of Subaru automobiles, today unveiled the "Impreza 5-Door Concept" at the 44th Tokyo Motor Show 2015. The Impreza 5-Door Concept is a design concept car previewing the next-generation Impreza which is to be the first one of Subaru's next-generation strategic vehicles envisioned in FHI's Mid-Term Management Vision "Prominence 2020? announced in May 2014. While positioned as an entry model in the Subaru lineup, its compact body features a blend of bold expressions of Subaru's Dynamic & Solid design elements and a quality feel beyond its class – hinting at the design direction not only of the new Impreza but of Subaru's future models as a whole. Main Features of Impreza 5-Door Concept The front, sides, and rear are seamlessly joined in the Dynamic & Solid surface structure, creating a three-dimensional and solid body that is a feature of Subaru styling. The dynamism is enhanced by well-placed character lines on the 5-door style compact body shape. The design expression of "Enjoyment and Peace of Mind", the value that Subaru provides to its customers, is fully pursued within the limits of the C-segment body size.