2011 Subaru Impreza - see videos below

Subaru has just released test footage of its soon-to-be-launched 2011 Impreza WRX STI sedan from the Nurburgring race track. Described by the Japanese automaker as the firm’s “fastest WRX STI ever”, the 2011MY turned the Nurburgring race track in an impressive 7 minutes and 55 seconds in the hands of four-time World Rally Champion, Tommi Mäkinen.

For those keeping track, rally legend and Porsche test driver, Walter Röhrl, lapped the ‘Ring with the 500HP Panamera Turbo in an unofficial time of 7 minutes and 56 seconds, while Cadillac’s 556HP CTS-V clocked a 7:59.32 lap in 2008.

But there’s a catch; the 2011 STI that lapped the ‘Ring was in Subaru’s own words, a prototype model. According to the company, the test car combined a series of production performance upgrades from the JDM-only R205 and C-Spec STIs including a larger turbocharger with some additional mods such as under body aero parts and aluminum fenders.

That means you can’t actually compare this Subaru’s lap time with that of other unaltered production models.

You can however compare it with similar, previous generation prototypes of the Impreza that Subaru has tested over the years at the Nurburgring. The first Impreza prototype to be clocked at the Nurburgring was a non-STI WRX model in 1992 that marked a lap time of 8:28.93.

After the first introduction of WRX STI version in 1994, a WRX STI version III prototype was raced at the course in 1996, recording a lap time of 8:10.75, or 18 seconds faster than the 1992 model.

The second generation WRX STI, introduced in 2000, was tested at the ‘Ring, but according to Subaru, safety measures added weight to the car and the lap time of this model did not meet the company’s expectations. In other words, it was most likely slower than the 1996 model. Not surprisingly, Subaru did not release a lap time for the 2000 STI.

The facelifted 2002 Impreza WRX STI test car recorded a lap time of 8:06.59 while the updated 2004 model broke the 8-minute barrier at 7:59.41. That was the most recent Nurburgring lap time as the company claims that even though it lapped the third generation Impreza STI in 2008, “rainy conditions made the tests incomplete for the lap time comparable to the previous records.”

So there you have it. Enjoy the videos and the gallery below.

MAJOR SPECIFICATIONS OF 2011MY WRX STI TEST VEHICLE:

- Overall length X width X height; 4,580 X 1,795 X 1,470 mm
- Wheelbase; 2,625 mm
- Engine type; Horizontally-Opposed 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve turbocharged engine
- Displacement; 1,994 cc
- Transmission; 6 speed manual transmission
- Tyres; 245/40 R18

MAJOR ADDED FEATURES TO THE TEST VEHICLE

<R205* model items> *R205 is a special edition for Japan
market.
- Bigger turbocharger
- 6-pot brake calipers
- Flexible tower bar
- Front lip spoiler

<spec C* model items> *spec C is a special edition for Japan market.
- Bridgestone Potenza RE070 tyres
- Aluminum hood

<Safety equipment>
- Full-bucket seat
- Roll cage
- 5-point safety belts

<Advanced items>
- Under cover
- Aluminum fenders

Via | Carscoop

Future Hybrid Subaru

Subaru has announced that they want to enter the hybrid market and electric cars, but this step will not be made until 2013.

Subaru officials announced that they are considering entering the hybrids market and electric cars, but no sooner than 2013. Nick Senior, one of the Subaru executives said that the Japanese firm is working in collaboration with Toyota to produce a hybrid Subaru based on the concept FT-86, but it is not ready to be presented.

Regarding to cars that use alternative fuel, senior Nick believes that the market for these models will increase next year, but it is the subject to government subsidies. The latest prototype of a hybrid Subaru is the Tourer Concept that was unveiled last year at the Tokyo Motor Show and has a particular chassis. It has two electric engines, one in front and the other one in the rear of the car, having extra energy with the regeneration system from braking and the start-stop system.

In normal mode, the main source of power is a four cylinder boxer engine, which is helped during acceleration by the electric engines that develop 27 HP (the rear one) and 13 HP (in front). Although the solutions presented on the hybrid Subaru Tourer concept are very interesting, it is just a prototype and will not be produced too soon. However, some items that have debuted on this car will be implemented on future Subaru models.

Surprisingly, Subaru will apparently be making a 2 liter and a 2.5 liter engine for this car. The 2.0 liter is reported to be the more powerful of the two, developing a healthy 308ps and 421N/m of twist – the 2.5 not far behind with figures of 300ps and 350N/m. Fuel economy, never the EJ series engines strong point, sits at a sightly improved 10.0 (6.2 miles)/ 10.4 (6.4 miles) kms per liter.

What surprises the most though is the torque figure. It baffles that the 2.5 liter engine, with its larger capacity, isn’t able to make an equal or even greater amount of torque.

Probably the biggest question lingers over why Subaru is considering the option of two engines for the platform. Having owned a 2.5 liter EJ25 for the last 2 years, I can tell you that it is different in character to the 2.0 liter twinscroll version but is it so different that both engines have to be offered as an option? Time will tell.

Keep an eye out for pricing too. The recently added STi Spec C 5 door retails for 3.15 million yen in Japan. Fuji Heavy Industries needs to make sure the new sedan doesn’t step on any feet or burn any bridges.

As for me, I just can’t wait to get my hands on one and see practicality hurl itself out the window!

Words: Adam Zillin

Photos: Subaru Japan

Via | 7Tune

The Japanese automaker did not release any more details on the JDM-spec Imprezas, but we suspect that the WRX STI sedan will get the same 2.0-liter turbocharged boxer engine as the Japanese-market five-door hatchback model, while the XV appears to have no visible differences with the Euro-spec version.

Via | Carscoop

Starting with the Impreza STI’s 2.5-liter boxer unit, Cosworth’s engineers installed new high-performance pistons, connecting rods, head gasket and bearings. The tune-up also includes a remapped ECU, modified turbocharger and wastegate, and a custom exhaust system.

The result is an impressive output of 400PS (395bhp) at 5,750rpm, sufficient to dispatch the Cosworth Impreza STI CS400 from zero to 62mph (100km/h) in a mere 3.7 seconds. In comparison, the standard 300PS (296bhp) Impreza WRX STI completes the 0-62mph sprint in 5.2 seconds.

Subaru reports that the Cosworth Impreza STI CS400 also gets a revamped suspension with new coil springs and a 10mm lower ride-height as well as a bespoke brake package with six-pot callipers and 355mm discs at the front that was developed in partnership with AP Racing.

In the styling department, the changes are extremely subtle consisting of a redesigned front bumper with an integrated lower spoiler and a mesh grille, Cosworth logos, a different rear spoiler and specific 18-inch alloy wheels.

Finally, the limited edition Impreza STI CS400 gets a pair of Recaro bucket seats, glossy black dashboard trim and Cosworth badges.

Via | Carscoop

Looking back, the year 2000 was a pretty special time. The world had survived the Y2K fiasco with nary a scratch… other than having a pile of soon-to-be obsolete VCRs that were suddenly even more difficult to program than they had been before.

On this side of the pond, it looked as if the human race was fresh with optimism, and 9/11 was still nothing more than what you called when the garage caught fire. Or was that just us? But for the UK, 2000 was special for an entirely different reason. It was the year Subaru  brought the infamous Impreza  P1 to the empire.

Conservatively described as one of the best production Impreza models ever sold, the car was built by Prodrive in the image of the already legendary rally racers beating up on the WRC at the time. With 280 horsepower pushing a mere 2,850 pounds via Subaru’s all-wheel drive wizardry, it boasted STI performance when the company’s performance arm was still a twinkle in the Fuji Heavy Industries eye.

Last weekend marked the 10th anniversary of the introduction of the car, and as such, 100 Imperza P1s descended on the Prodrive headquarters in Branbury to mark the occasion. In addition, another 300 Scoobies and 1,000 fans of both Subaru and Prodrive showed up to participate. Hit the jump for the press release.

[Source: Prodrive]

Via | AutoBlog

Press Release

IMPREZA P1S TURN PRODRIVE BLUE

100 Impreza P1s descended on Prodrive at Banbury today, Sunday 9 May, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the car, which hit Britain’s roads in 2000.

A further 300 Subaru Imprezas and 1000 fans also joined in the commemorative event.

The car was one of the most iconic in a range of limited edition Subaru Imprezas which were produced by Prodrive during the late 1990s and early 2000s. It was also the only road car to bear the Prodrive name.

The car was unveiled by England’s only World Rally Champion, the late Richard Burns, at the UK motorshow in 1999, but went on sale in 2000. Only a 1000 were produced, all in the same unique blue colour. The car was based on two door Japanese specification Impreza, but had significant modifications engineered by Prodrive to the suspension, drivetrain, trim and aerodynamics to make it one of the best point-to-point cars on British roads.

I have driven so many cars trying to find the one for me. I started with Vauxhall Novas and Peugeots, then moved onto Astra GSIs and Honda Type Rs as I got older. But they just weren’t enough. Then I found it – the Subaru Impreza!

Nothing I have ever driven matches the performance, handling and speed of the Subaru. I can easily say it is the best car on the road! A used Subaru is even better than a brand new one (yes, really), because it’s been ‘broken in’. Just be careful who you buy from – Impreza enthusiasts like me will treat them nicely, but a boy racer might not… If you’re lucky like I was, get one with a superchip already in place to increase the speed!

The body of an Impreza is just like a woman; sexy, sleek and curvaceous with all the right bits in the right places! The interior is just as good with comfy seats and a streamlined dash. With a used Subaru, watch out for tell-tale signs of wear – you don’t want stains or tears in the fabric, as little things like that can dent your pride when you have passengers! However, remember that ultimately it’s the driving experience that’s important and nothing can compare to the Subaru.

To top it all off, I am of course the envy of all of my friends who drive the usual Picassos, Kias and Vectras because they’re ‘practical’. Who says the Impreza isn’t practical?! I’ve never struggled getting about with the wife and kids in tow. The wife even wants to take it out on her own – not sure about that though…

The Impreza is my pride and joy and when I let her fly she really flies, holding on to the road as if on rails. It’s perfect to match my need for speed. On a more serious note, the Impreza was specifically designed to handle high speeds – which makes it so much more safe to drive. Definitely a step up from some of the modified Novas I had in the past!

About the Author

By: ArticleAndy

(ArticlesBase SC #2236887)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ – Subaru Impreza – Best used car on the road

Welcome to the Armchair guide to round 3 of the 2010 World Rally Championship, Jordan Rally. The event takes place from Wednesday 31st March to Saturday 3rd of April.

Based around the Dead Sea, 420 metres below sea level the rally is gravel but a large chunk of the event route is held on purpose-built stages blasted into the desert rock, the hard road surface is more akin to a sharp marble edge, unlike the gravel and boulder-strewn tracks found on most loose-surface events on the WRC calendar

Jordan Rally enjoys enthusiastic support from the Jordanian royal family, led by HRH Prince Feisal, who was a driving force behind the event becoming a round of the WRC.

Crews will have to compete in ambient temperatures approaching 30 degrees centigrade, which tests the crews fitness and car reliability. The high temperatures will also compromise outright engine performance and require drivers to conserve their tyres, particularly when stages are repeated, due to the likelihood of increased wear as they pass over the demanding terrain.

Apart from the new Rumman Forest stage and a ceremonial start in the remains of the former Roman city of Jerash north of the rally’s hub, few changes have been made to the largely compact route, although the Baptism Site and Suwayma stages have been shortened slightly due to damage caused by heavy rain in the Hashemite Kingdom earlier this year. Indeed, the fact that the stages – and permanent service park at the Dead Sea – are still usable is down to the efforts of the Kingdom’s army, who helped to rebuild the damaged roads following the storms.

The Jordan Rally breaks the mould in that it will finish on Saturday – rather than Sunday, as is tradition – to take into account the Islamic weekend. It means the pre-event shakedown will take place on Wednesday with the competitive action getting underway on Thursday morning, before the finish on Saturday afternoon.

In total, the event features 21 stages over a competitive distance of 339.48 kilometres. Among the highlights will be the Baptism Site stage, and the Jordan River stage, which runs alongside Jordan’s border with Palestine. At 41.45-kilometres, it’s the longest of the rally and the second pass will take place during the heat of the afternoon sun on Friday. Several drivers and teams believe it could have a major bearing on the outcome of the rally.

Who’s going to win?

Mikko Hirvonen triumphed on Jordan’s first world championship rally back in 2008 although he is the first to concede he would have found it hard to catch Sebastien Loeb had the French ace not hit trouble.

The six-time world champion was leading by more than 30 seconds on the second day of the event when he collided with Conrad Rautenbach on a road section. Loeb was forced to retire while Hirvonen went on to claim what was his first win of the season.

After winning the WRC season-opener in Sweden in February, Hirvonen was out of sorts in Mexico and struggled to the finish in fourth overall in his works Ford Focus, which has dropped him six points and one place behind Loeb in the championship standings. The Finn is determined to get his season back on track and appears to be full of confidence following a pre-event test in Sardinia recently.

Loeb’s disappointment of two years ago won’t be lost on the factory Citroen driver, who will be determined to make amends and extend his advantage at the top of the drivers’ table in his quest for a seventh world title.

Dani Sordo, in the second works Citroen C4, was rapid on his last visit to Jordan, leading into the final day of the event before finishing second. After crashing in Mexico, Sordo will be keen to leave the Middle East with a strong haul of points.

Like Spaniard Sordo, Ford’s Jari-Matti Latvala also enjoyed spells out in front in Jordan two years ago but ultimately retired when he damaged his car’s rear suspension on a rock on the final day of the rally. Young Frenchman Sebastien Ogier, who partners ex-Formula One world champion Kimi Raikkonen in the Citroen Junior Team, has fond memories of competing in Jordan after winning the Junior world championship section of the event in 2008. He also starts the rally on a high after finishing third in Mexico.

Norway’s Petter Solberg will be another driver capable for challenging for a podium finish. Confidence restored after finishing second in Mexico, Solberg has an upgraded engine at his disposal in his privately-run C4.

Raikkonen, meanwhile, is returning to the WRC after rolling into retirement in Mexico. The Finn enjoyed a two-day test in the south of France recently where he reported no repeat of the back pains that prevented him from testing prior to Mexico.

Tyres
All 34 crews scheduled to take part on the main Jordan Rally (a separate event will also be run for the FIA Middle East Rally Championship) will use Pirelli’s Scorpion gravel tyre. Available in a hard compound only, 36 tyres will be allocated to each car including six for shakedown.

Event Information
Date: April 1-3, 2010
Shakedown: Wednesday 31st April
Round: 3 of 13 FIA World Rally Championship
Based: Dead Sea, Jordan
Stage surface: Gravel
Total stage distance: 339.48kms
Number of stages: 21
Longest stage: 41.45km Jordan River (SS10/SS13)
Service Park: Dead Sea Centre, Jordan
TimeZone: GMT+2
Sunrise / Sunset: On the first day of the rally, Thursday 1st April, sunrise is at 6h25 and sunset at 18h56.
Temperature: varies between 10°C and 21°C with dry weather.

Technical info
The engines used in Jordan have already been used in Sweden. Spare parts (gearboxes, differentials, front and rear cradles, steering rack and pinions and turbos) have to be shared with Rally New Zealand.

Itinerary
All times are local.

Day 1 – Thursday 1st April: 292,42 km including 95,70 km timed (7 SS, 4 different).
11:28 – SS1: ‘Rumman Forest’ (15,34 km)
12:26 – SS2: ‘Wadi Shueib 1’ (8,65 km)
12:54 – SS3: ‘Mahes 1’ (20,44 km)
13:37 – SS4: ‘Mount Nebo 1’ (11,09 km)
– Service A (14h32 / 30 min)
15:50 – SS5: ‘Wadi Shueib 2’ (8,65 km)
16:13 – SS6: ‘Mahes 2’ (20,44 km)
16:56 – SS7: ‘Mount Nebo 2’ (11,09 km)
– Service B (17h34 / 45 min) – Last car in parc fermé at 21h30.

Day 2 – Friday 2nd April: 331,24 km including 141,76 km times (6 SS, 3 different).
Service C (8h00 / 15 min)
08:38 – SS8: ‘Suwayma 1’ (12,23 km)
09:21 – SS9: ‘Kafrain 1’ (17,20 km)
10:19 – SS10: ‘Jordan River 1’ (41,45 km)
– Service D (11h54 / 30 min)
12:47 – SS11: ‘Suwayma 2’ (12,23 km)
13:30 – SS12: ‘Kafrain 2’ (17,20 km)
14:28 – SS13: ‘Jordan River 2’ (41,45 km)
– Service E (15h46 / 45 min) – Last car in parc fermé at 20h00.

Day 3 – Saturday 3rd April: 263,12 km including 108,70 km timed (8 SS, 4 different SS).
– Service F (7h30 / 15 min)
08:20 – SS14: ‘Yakrut 1’ (14,16 km)
08:50 – SS15: ‘Bahath 1’ (12,53 km)
09:33 – SS16:‘Shuna 1’ (15,23 km)
10:16 – SS17: ‘Baptism Site 1’ (12,43 km)
– Service G (11h06 / 30 min)
12:11 – SS18: ‘Yakrut 2’ (14,16 km)
12:41 – SS19: ‘Bahath 2’ (12,53 km)
13:24 – SS20: ‘Shuna 2’ (15,23 km)
14:07 – SS21: ‘Baptism Site 2’ (12,43 km)
– Service H (14h40 / 10 min) – Finish at 14h50.

Podium: Saturday 3rd April at 15h30.

For more information visit www.wrc.com

Photo: worldrallypics.com

Via | RallyBuzz

The special edition model is called the Cosworth Impreza STI CS400 and it will go on sale in the UK (or Europe, Subaru didn’t clarify) this June in a limited run of just 75 examples.
The Japanese automaker said that Cosworth has fine-tuned the standard Impreza WRX STI’s 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, boosting output from 300HP at 6,000 rpm to 400HP at 5,750 rpm.

The result is a supercar-like 0 to 100km/h (62mp) sprint time of just 3.7 seconds. That’s compared to the stock Impreza WRX STI’s time of 5.2 seconds.

Engine-mods aside, Subaru reported that the Cosworth Impreza STI CS400 will feature a bespoke brake package with six-pot callipers and 355mm discs at the front developed in partnership with AP Racing, an upgraded suspension and a new sport exhaust system.

The automaker added that the Cosworth edition of the Impreza STI also benefits from bespoke interior and exterior styling treats, without getting into any more details.

Subaru said that it will release full technical specs, photos and information on pricing closer to the car’s on-sale date.

Via | Carscoop

The Japanese automaker accompanied the statement with a single photo of a covered-up Impreza WRX STI with a jumbo-size rear wing.

We assume that the forthcoming Cosworth-prepped Impreza WRX STI is out of the question since this special edition model is being prepared in cooperation with Subaru’s UK division, so what’s the deal with the New York Auto Show model? Well, guess we’ll have to wait a couple of days to find out.