Press briefing with FHI President & CEO Ikuo Mori is scheduled today!

[West]

A press briefing with FHI President & CEO Ikuo Mori is scheduled for Wednesday, November 17 at 12:20 (PST) at the Subaru booth at LA auto show 2010.

Stay tuned for details! It will either be very good (Subaru FT-86 Variant) news or totally non related

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

SUBARU DEBUTS IMPREZA DESIGN CONCEPT AT LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW
* Design concept hints at future model.
* Interior integrates latest in infotainment and safety technology.
* New-generation Subaru Boxer engine and CVT.

LOS ANGELES, November xx, 2010 – Subaru of America, Inc. today unveiled the Impreza Design Concept, which previews the carmaker's new "Confidence in Motion" design and brand strategy. The Impreza Design Concept will remain on display throughout the show, which runs November 19-28 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The Impreza has been Subaru's global compact car since 1992.

Built to express possible future Subaru design elements, the Impreza Design Concept conveys a sporty and lively "four-door coupe" style. The Impreza Concept combines environmental compatibility and comfortable ride of the Impreza with the trusted performance that Subaru's Symmetrical All Wheel Drive provides. The designers blended two ideas – "dynamic flow and confident stance" – to showcase Subaru's engineering core values of dynamic performance, safety, driving enjoyment and quality. The Impreza Design Concept features a roomy four-passenger interior.

From the front, the Impreza Design Concept is clearly recognizable as a Subaru, with a hexagonal grille with spread wings in the center and hawk eye-style headlights. At the same time, the front view previews a new direction for the brand's design, with the hood, grille and headlights designed to project three-dimensional character.

Fin-shaped fog lamps, which follow the wing motif, emphasize a fresh expression of Subaru identity. The car's low-and-wide stance is meant to convey reliability, security, and safety. The design of the prominent wheel arches echo that message while also emphasizing the vehicle's All-Wheel Drive technology. The new-generation Legacy debuted this design feature.

In profile, the Impreza Design Concept shows a sleek, continuous line from the A-pillar, along the roof and through the C-pillar. The design yields both a roomy cabin and excellent aerodynamic performance. Subaru designers applied simple and clean lines and surfaces rather than complicated forms. This produces a contrast with the powerful fender design and results in a lean side view, accented by satin silver window frames. The wedge-shaped side rear-view cameras sit along the sharp line of the A-pillar.

At the rear, the hexagonal theme repeats with a garnish that radiates outward from the center. The rear lights also follow a sharp-edged theme, and are stretched into the body sides to join the character line along the car's flanks. The taillamp design features a unique layering and gradation to create the impression of depth.

The front and rear bumper corners, shaped in the wind tunnel, contribute to the car's overall aerodynamic efficiency. Diffusers on the underside of the rear bumper and the rear deck emphasize sportiness and also do their part for aerodynamics, contributing to vehicle fuel efficiency. The Sky Silver exterior color underscores the Impreza Design Concept's stylish and dynamic silhouette, and suggests a silver tone to be used on the next generation of Subaru vehicles. The high-luster silver aluminum wheels, with their five-twin-spoke design, convey vehicle lightness and agility. Carbon fins garnish the spokes, aiding brake cooling.

"Dynamic, Enticing, Secure" Interior
For the Impreza Design Concept's interior, the designers followed a theme of "Dynamic, Enticing, Secure." The smooth integration of the instrument panel with the door trim and armrests suggests sporty yet comfortable driving. The roomy platinum-leather four-seat layout envelops occupants. Dark blue piping and double stitching accent the leather. A "layered" approach to color, with the upper part light platinum and the lower part a shade darker, gives the interior a feeling of spaciousness and sophistication.

A large display in the center dash combines functions for navigation, vehicle information and audio. The touch panel technology provides ease of use, seamlessly melding information and entertainment features.
The platinum leather-wrapped steering wheel features D-shaped spokes set off by piano-black center sections. The wheel innovatively incorporates its own touch panels, giving the driver easy access to various vehicle functions.

New Safety and Performance
Subaru's own advanced driving-assist EyeSight system is installed along the front edge of the roof. The images the camera takes can be viewed on a monitor in the center of the gauge cluster, positioned for easy visibility. EyeSight is also networked with the latest in collision-prevention technology, underscoring the safety that customers expect from Subaru.

The combination of the 2.0-liter naturally aspirated Boxer engine with a Lineartronic™ Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) represents Subaru's next-generation powertrain. A 2.5-liter version of this engine powers the 2011 Forester.

So... is this the FT-86 Variant, or just the new Impreza refresh? the world may never know...

Subaru Impreza Design Concept has us hating on current model — Autoblog



We've often found ourselves in the apologist camp when it came to the latest design of the current Subaru Impreza. The company has a long and storied history of producing vehicles with faces only a mother could love, so we just assumed that the squinty visage of the latest model was just an homage to homely rides of the past. Well, you can go ahead and forget all that. Subaru just dropped details on its new Impreza Design Concept, and the car is the kind of beautiful worth writing home about.

The design retains the mammoth wheel arches of the current Impreza, but blends in more subdued Legacy styling for a much more mature, handsome face. The fascia is dominated by two aggressive air intakes that are large enough to swallow small livestock. Those holes are framed by the new trapezoidal grille and furrowed headlamps. Interestingly enough, the fins that spread across the air inlets are actually functional fog lights.

Under the hood, the design study makes use of the company's new 2.0-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine bolted to a CVT gearbox. Subaru, if you're listening, build this sucker. Hit the jump to check out the full press release, and stay tuned for more as the details unfold live at the LA Auto Show.

[Source: Subaru, AutoWeek]

One more, in living color.

LA 2010: Subaru Impreza Concept caught in living color — Autoblog

One of the biggest surprises (so far...) of the 2010 LA Auto Show has to be the Subaru Impreza Design Concept that snuck up on us just a few hours ago. Some thought it might be the long-awaited Subota coupe (a close cousin of the Toyobaru, of course), but in reality what we have here is a conceptual sedan that the Japanese automaker claims will heavily influence future models... namely the Impreza, we'd wager.

Yes, there's a working 2.0-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine bolted to a CVT gearbox behind that shapely new front grille and its massive side vents, but it's the styling we're really intrigued by. To that end, be sure to take a good, hard look at the live shots in our high-res gallery below. If you need all the details, follow the jump for the press release.

[ej25ti]

Ahhh so excited lol!

[Terrari]

Wow! Won't the Scion FRS be a hoot with CVT!

[ej25ti]

All that excitement for just the next gen Impreza... ughhh
and CVT? UGHHHH

it really looked like a coupe in the pic too...
grrrr

[ej25ti]

look they used your word west!!! lol

Subaru Impreza Design Concept First Look - 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show - Motor Trend

[West]

Bastids!

Havent been able to follow this as much as Id like to today. Is it safe to state that this ISNT the Toyobaru and simply a concept of the Impreza? If so, I cant wait to see Subaru's version of the FT-86 / 216a. OMNOMNOM

[G4BROKE]

Oh...my....

An Impreza did it with a Legacy!

[ej25ti]

Oh...my....

An Impreza did it with a Legacy!

HAHA yes!!
and yes west I think it's pretty safe to say that
I cant wait to see what an STi version of this would look like!
the only thing i didnt really like about the concept about the wheels which are easily changeable so
im sure they will offer a six speed manual along with the CVT... but if they dont ill prob burn down FHI hq!

[HyperFX]

Looks very well designed as all Subarus. Nutz,all future vehicles are looking too good. If they come out with the coupe version i may do some comparison shopping with the toyabaru.

[justanotherflip]

coming from an inside source that works for subaru.
there will be a 2 door coupe STi version. It will be based off the current concept of the 08-11 Impreza STi's.

in other words. Think of the new 4 door sedan 2011 STi, make it a 2 door model with a hatchback rear. This model will be branching off of the Impreza Line.

Or look at the test mules that have been spotted. the design will be very close to that.

as far as the FT86-216A variants of the Subaru, they look to just be an "idea".

[G4BROKE]

I like the fact that there are no side mirrors but side cameras, thus side views are internal via the rearview mirror, or something as such? That would be great though, wish I had that on my STI instead of having to add a 400mm broadway rearview mirror. lol.

[Jason]

That's a Subaru I'd actually buy!

I could see the Subie Variant as a Impreza spin off, but I doubt it's using the 8-11 Impreza chassis. They already developed the FT86 chassis so why bother?

[mick5994]

Volvo S60 springs to mind, with a slightly different front end.........not sure whether I like it or not to tell the truth, but I am test driving the current Subaru Sedan a week on Tuesday, the WRX STI in European 300Bhp spec.....will give a full write up on it if anyone is interested.

[ProZach626]

Pardon my slowness, but I'm a little confused. So this is for sure the new impreza for 2011? Will there be base WRX models?

[ej25ti]

there will be a 2 door coupe STi version. It will be based off the current concept of the 08-11 Impreza STi's.

.

... what do u mean the 08-11 concepts? If this is the impreza platform...?

I like the fact that there are no side mirrors but side cameras, thus side views are internal via the rearview mirror, or something as such? That would be great though, wish I had that on my STI instead of having to add a 400mm broadway rearview mirror. lol.

I disagree, it looks likes something is just missing without the side mirrors.
broadway mirror ftw though! :P

Pardon my slowness, but I'm a little confused. So this is for sure the new impreza for 2011? Will there be base WRX models?

This is just a CONCEPT for the 2011 Impreza, nothing definite yet about base or WRX models or anything yet. Im sure that's still on the drawing board.

[G4BROKE]

I disagree, it looks likes something is just missing without the side mirrors.
broadway mirror ftw though! :P

Then you could also say that about the missing door handles too! haha.

*** The wrx/sti hatches have a nasty blind spot, a camera, as such, would definately help rid that totally. I may look into getting a rearview camera, but not for backing up. The broadway helps, but does not eliminate, but is pretty psycho. Maybe i'll post a pic of what is seen in the rearview.

[justanotherflip]

[QUOTE=ej25ti;4282]... what do u mean the 08-11 concepts? If this is the impreza platform...?



if you've seen the test mules videos on the FT86 or 216A the ones that have been spotted on the nurjemburg and southwest desert areas, that vehicle will be the upcoming model. I dont know if it will be the exact "subaru version of the FT86" but i know it'll be the next vehicle for the subaru line up. Hence if this car is released, the concept on the 216A is out the door because why would subaru come up with 2 different models of a 2 door coupe with almost the same specs. I was told that it'd be offered as a "2 door coupe Impreza WRX STI".

[mick5994]

[QUOTE=justanotherflip;4284]

... what do u mean the 08-11 concepts? If this is the impreza platform...?



if you've seen the test mules videos on the FT86 or 216A the ones that have been spotted on the nurjemburg and southwest desert areas, that vehicle will be the upcoming model. I dont know if it will be the exact "subaru version of the FT86" but i know it'll be the next vehicle for the subaru line up. Hence if this car is released, the concept on the 216A is out the door because why would subaru come up with 2 different models of a 2 door coupe with almost the same specs. I was told that it'd be offered as a "2 door coupe Impreza WRX STI".

I honestly dont understand what you are saying? The test mules that have been seen at the Nurburgring and Southwest desert areas are heavily disguised so it could be springing off either the 2011 saloon look or the hatchback look, but this doesnt mean its the finished item in the looks department and that they could simply be testing the underpinnings. The car in this topic is a 4 door saloon not a 2 door coupe so why if they released this would the 216A be out of the door?

It just doesnt make sense, this topic relates to the 4 door replacement of the current Impreza, the 216a has always related to the 2 door coupe which has no current car, why would one cancel out the other!?! Where are you getting this information from as you are contradicting yourself all the time?

[G4BROKE]

Theses comments are going to get interesting (not in a negative way I hope).

Thus far, I tend to believe that Justanotherflip comments are fairly close to what I will/have believed about Subaru - though I do not work for Subaru. I only just own one and have been following the FT-86 news for years now. That is all.

[ej25ti]

[QUOTE=mick5994;4285]

I honestly dont understand what you are saying? The test mules that have been seen at the Nurburgring and Southwest desert areas are heavily disguised so it could be springing off either the 2011 saloon look or the hatchback look, but this doesnt mean its the finished item in the looks department and that they could simply be testing the underpinnings. The car in this topic is a 4 door saloon not a 2 door coupe so why if they released this would the 216A be out of the door?

It just doesnt make sense, this topic relates to the 4 door replacement of the current Impreza, the 216a has always related to the 2 door coupe which has no current car, why would one cancel out the other!?! Where are you getting this information from as you are contradicting yourself all the time?

Exactly! That's what I'm trying to say, it's a test mule and they always throw fake body parts on to throw everyone off. I actually highly doubt the coupe they release will look anything like the test mule. Why would they release a new car with styling that theyre about to get rid of? That's what didnt make sense to me.

[justanotherflip]

[QUOTE=mick5994;4285]

I honestly dont understand what you are saying? The test mules that have been seen at the Nurburgring and Southwest desert areas are heavily disguised so it could be springing off either the 2011 saloon look or the hatchback look, but this doesnt mean its the finished item in the looks department and that they could simply be testing the underpinnings. The car in this topic is a 4 door saloon not a 2 door coupe so why if they released this would the 216A be out of the door?

It just doesnt make sense, this topic relates to the 4 door replacement of the current Impreza, the 216a has always related to the 2 door coupe which has no current car, why would one cancel out the other!?! Where are you getting this information from as you are contradicting yourself all the time?

read my post before. i never stated it had anything to do with this new "impreza concept" they released at the auto show and will be replacing the 4 door impreza. anyways this is my opinion based on an insider's source:

We will see the 2012 impreza's or possibly 2013's released in a 3 door version being a hatchback. As for the 216A.... it might not come out to the U.S. atleast not for quite some time because of this reason. releasing a 3 door impreza vs 216A. im 99% sure that would just be irrelevant.

The test mules you see on youtube at the southwest desert etc. will be the closest thing if not, towards that direction of the new 3 door version impreza. The mule looks like an impreza cut down to 2 doors and added the "hatchback rear".... People have the perception that just because they're test mules, it doesnt mean they're not close to being the real deal.

this is a description by a fellow board member on another forum about the pictures to this link:
Toyota News: 2012/2013 Toyota/Subaru Sports Coupe Spy Photos

"I dont think thats a 0846 or a Rwd that looks like a STi coupe if you look closely it has the same wing head and tail lights door handles hood-scoop roof mounted radio antenna wide body and some of the black covers are in the right spot to be covering the STi emblems on the bumper and on the bottom picture you'll notice the front and rear wheels are spinning indicating that it's awd not Rwd and if you look closely at the second photo you notice the pink STi logo on the same black racing seats as used in the STi"

[justanotherflip]

[QUOTE=ej25ti;4287]

Exactly! That's what I'm trying to say, it's a test mule and they always throw fake body parts on to throw everyone off. I actually highly doubt the coupe they release will look anything like the test mule. Why would they release a new car with styling that theyre about to get rid of? That's what didnt make sense to me.

the "new impreza concept" is a "concept" hence will not be released for another couple of years!! that is something of the future.

What I'm discussing is what we will be expecting in the next year or two. As far as the variant designs or pictures of a 216a.... i highly doubt we are going to see one especially if Toyota releases a FT-86 next year.

[ej25ti]

[QUOTE=justanotherflip;4288]

this is a description by a fellow board member on another forum about the pictures to this link:
Toyota News: 2012/2013 Toyota/Subaru Sports Coupe Spy Photos

"I dont think thats a 0846 or a Rwd that looks like a STi coupe if you look closely it has the same wing head and tail lights door handles hood-scoop roof mounted radio antenna wide body and some of the black covers are in the right spot to be covering the STi emblems on the bumper and on the bottom picture you'll notice the front and rear wheels are spinning indicating that it's awd not Rwd and if you look closely at the second photo you notice the pink STi logo on the same black racing seats as used in the STi"

1. The hood scoop is closed off, which means that it's probably not a top mount like today's STi, or even turbo for that matter. Also in the article they mention an FMIC... but after looking at the pics all I see is what looks like a radiator...
2. I doubt they would bother putting stickers on any model at this early stage in development.
3. It's not clear that the wheels are spinning either, the car is just moving forward, just because there is dust behind the front wheel doesn't mean it's AWD, even though im sure it is
4. If you zoom it's not an STi logo, and if you look in the other pictures, the seats are even fixed head rests, which they only use in base model imprezas

I agree though that the coupe impreza is a good possibility, but it will have to be soon, considering what's been seen at the auto shows
IMO

[just an impreza]

All this speculation. I wish Subaru/Toyota would just let everyone know what is going on for sure.