First Official Photo Released Ahead of LA Show Debut

It's one of the most highly anticipated models of the year and today, we finally get our first official look at the new Subaru BRZ Concept a couple of weeks before it makes its world premiere at the 2011 edition of the Los Angeles Auto Show on November 16.

The STI-badged Subaru study is a thinly disguised concept version of the upcoming production BRZ coupe that will be unwrapped alongside its sister model, the Toyota FT-86, at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show in the beginning of December.

"Built with Subaru’s core technology of the Horizontally-Opposed Boxer engine, this model has a low center of gravity that realizes a “Pure Handling Delight” driving experience," Subaru said in a short statement.

"Combined with motifs of Subaru’s iconic performance brand “STI”, the concept car embodies an ultimate handling performance," the company added.

The Japanese carmaker did not release any further information on its concept model.

The rear-wheel drive BRZ is the result of an ongoing joint-project between Subaru and Toyota Motor Corporation. It shares its platform, drivetrain and as we can see from the single picture, its body shell as well with the Toyota FT-86.

The only noteworthy styling differences between the Toyota and the Subaru that we can see from this angle aside from the aero kit, carbon fiber roof and STI alloy wheels, are the tail lamp, boot lid and rear bumper/diffuser designs.

We're not sure if Subaru will market the BRZ (which stands for “Boxer engine”, “Rear-wheel drive” and “Zenith”) with the STI moniker or if the company will offer an STI derivative based on this study.

Concepts, Frankfurt Motor Show, Reports, Scion FR-S, Subaru, Subaru BRZ, Subaru Concepts, Toyota FT-86

The wait for the unveiling of Subaru's version of the Toyota FT-86 (and let's not forget, the Scion FR-S) continues but the Japanese company has at least given us a name for the car and more importantly, a launch date.

Subaru’s new rear-wheel drive sports coupe, which is still currently under joint development with Toyota, will be named BRZ. According to the automaker, the name stands for “Boxer engine”, “Rear-wheel drive” and “Zenith”.

The Japanese company also revealed that the start of production for the BRZ is planned for spring 2012, but before that, it will show a second technology concept of the coupe named “SUBARU BRZ PROLOGUE - BOXER Sports Car Architecture II - ” at the 64th Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2011.

We'll remind you that Subaru displayed a see-through concept study of the coupe to exhibit the car's mechanical hardware at this year's Geneva Salon.

PHOTO GALLERY

New Subaru XV Concept Teased Ahead of 2011 Shanghai Auto Show

Monday, April 11, 2011 | Categories | China, Concepts, Shanghai Auto Show, Subaru, Subaru Concepts, Subaru Impreza |

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In the run-up to the Auto Shanghai 2011 that takes place in China from April 21 through 28, Subaru has released the first official photo of a brand-new crossover study called the XV Concept. The Japanese company did not give out many details on the concept simply stating that the XV is a stylish proposal for a crossover model.

More specifically, here’s how Subaru described the concept in the press release: “The Subaru XV Concept is a design concept car that defines a new generation of crossover vehicle, blending exceptional SUV practicality with a fashionable form. It was specifically designed for customers who are looking for a vehicle offering looks, benefits and a packaging that stretch beyond those from the populated crowd of existing crossover models,”

Judging by the name, size and shape of the concept, and the similarities (A-column, hood lines etc) to the 2012 Impreza Sedan, we’d say the XV is most likely a thinly disguised concept for a successor to the current Impreza XV, which is a high-riding version of the five-door hatchback with beefier wheel arches and thick roof rails. That said, the XV Concept should also provide our first look at the standard five-door hatchback version of the new Impreza.

We’ll remind you that Subaru will debut the sedan version of the all-new 2012 Impreza at the New York International Auto Show (April 22- May 1).

SUBARU XV CONCEPT

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2012 SUBARU IMPREZA SEDAN

Toyota FT-86 RWD Coupe, which is a joint project from the two companies, at the upcoming Geneva Salon in March. The somewhat blandly named “Subaru Rea

Subaru to Finally Present its RWD Coupe Concept at Geneva Motor Show

Friday, January 14, 2011 | Categories | Concepts, Geneva Motor Show, New Cars, Reports, Subaru, Subaru Concepts, Toyota, Toyota FT-86, Toyota Verso |

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It's been a long time in the making but we're finally going to get our first glimpse of Subaru's version of the Toyota FT-86 RWD Coupe, which is a joint project from the two companies, at the upcoming Geneva Salon in March. The somewhat blandly named “Subaru Rear Wheel Drive Sports Car Technology Concept” will share the spotlight with the Impreza Concept (pictured above) and the Trezio mini MPV, both of which will receive their European premiere at the Swiss motorshow.

Despite rumors suggesting that Subaru may present an all-wheel drive version of the coupe project, the Japanese carmaker is keeping the rear-wheel drive setup, at least for now.

Not surprisingly, the Subaru coupe will be powered by a boxer engine, possibly the same four-cylinder unit lent to Toyota for the FT-86. Subaru did not release any photos nor any additional information on the Coupe concept model.

As for the company's two European premieres, the Impreza Concept was first shown in LA last November and previews a new design direction for the production model, while the Trezio is a re-badged version of the Toyota Verso-S mini MPV, which will be offered in Europe with a 1.3-liter gasoline and 1.4-liter turbo diesel engines.

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Subaru Teases Mystery Concept Model Model Ahead of LA Show

At this month's Los Angeles Auto Show (November 19 -28), Subaru will lift the wraps off a never-before seen concept model that is claimed to embody the firm's new global brand statement, called "Confidence in Motion". Aside from the single teaser image, we don't have anything else on the concept model as the press release concentrates on explaining the new slogan. So until we get more info and/or a better picture of the study, follow the jump to check out Suabru's P.R. and why not, speculate on the type of car that the company is preparing for the LA Show.

Subaru Press Release:
"Confidence in Motion"
- To Showcase a Concept Car Embodying the Brand Statement at the LA Auto Show -
Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the maker of Subaru automobiles, announced today the establishment of a new global brand statement, "Confidence in Motion", as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance the Subaru brand.
"Confidence" reflects Subaru's attitude toward engineering excellence and the trust generated among drivers by following through on its commitment to provide both enjoyment and peace of mind. "in Motion" expresses Subaru's resolve to continue innovating to meet customer expectations in a world of constant change.
Subaru will proactively address global environmental issues and the demands of ever-maturing automobile use. Subaru believes automobiles should be more than just a means of simple transportations. They should also be a source of enjoyment, and enjoyment rests on a foundation of peace of mind. These two inseparable values are central to the Subaru experience. As customer expectations are diversifying, Subaru will foresee these needs with independent thinking and continue to offer enjoyment and peace of mind without losing sight of the essence of what an automobile should be.
"Confidence in Motion" expresses Subaru's aim to continue evolving in order to offer even more customers new ways to enrich their lives through a uniquely satisfying Subaru experience.
From now on, "Confidence in Motion" will be at the center of all Subaru activities. As the first step, FHI will exhibit a concept car embodying the new brand statement at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show in Los Angeles, California, USA (press days on November 17 and 18, open to the public from November 19 to 28). A press briefing with FHI President & CEO Ikuo Mori is scheduled for Wednesday, November 17 at 12:20 (PST) at the Subaru booth.

Sydney Show Subaru Forester S-Edition Study Hints at Sportier Production Model

At the 2010 Australian International Motor Show in Sydney, Subaru unveiled the Forester S-Edition, a concept study that points to a new Forester variant for 2011. Built on the existing turbocharged Forester XT, the S-Edition produces an additional 32 hp and 20 lb ft (24 kw and 27 Nm) over the Australian market XT's 227 hp and 236 lb ft (169 kw and 320 Nm) lifting the 2.5-liter boxer engine's output to 259-horsepower.

A flappy-paddle 5sp automatic gearbox, revised sports suspension and Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) all-wheel drive round out the mechanical package, whilst new styling and comfort features including STI sourced 17-inch alloys, Alcantara interior trim and drilled alloy pedals help further differentiate the S-Edition from the XT.

Subaru Australia's Managing Director is quite pleased with the Forester S-Edition concept: "We're delighted and honoured that Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI) have chosen Sydney for the worldwide unveil of this Forester concept. It points towards an exciting development in our Forester range early next year." he said.

At the time of writing, the Forester is Australia's best selling compact sports utility vehicle, with its major rival - Toyota's RAV4 - trailing close behind. Carscoop will have more information on the possible production model variant of the S-Edition study as we get it.

By Tristan Hankins

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