Subaru's New BRZ Is the Speediest Seller in May

" In its first full month of sales in May, the all-new 2013 Subaru BRZ sports car leaped out of the gates as the fastest-selling vehicle in the United States. According to Edmunds.com, Subaru BRZ models stayed on dealer lots for an average of just four days last month, the quickest turnaround in the country.

On average industry-wide, new vehicles took 53 days to sell in May, but the new Subaru BRZ has been boosted by positive reviews and an affordable price aimed at younger buyers. As Subaru's first rear-wheel-drive car since the 1950s, the BRZ is slated for conservative production initially, a fact that has driven up demand even more.

"Subaru fans have been waiting for the BRZ to arrive for years, and we're seeing the result of that pent up demand with an incredibly quick sales pace," said Lonnie Poffenberger, Sales Manager of Gentile Subaru, a Racine, Wisconsin Subaru dealer. "The BRZ is a game-changer for the sports car segment; its lightweight design allows for accessible, engaging performance without a highly inflated price."

With a lightweight chassis and an all-new 200-horsepower 2.0-liter engine, the 2013 Subaru BRZ has an impressive power to weight ratio of 13.7 pounds per horsepower. Meanwhile, the choice of a standard six-speed transmission or an optional six-speed automatic with paddle shifters coupled with a limited-slip rear differential ensures that the vehicle's power is smoothly shifted to the ground.

The new Subaru BRZ may be affordable, coming in at well under $30,000, but that doesn't mean that it skimps on interior features. A standard touchscreen GPS navigation system features Bluetooth connectivity, while a tilting and telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel will make finding a comfortable driving position easy in all BRZ models. Proving that the new Subaru is a sports car inside and out, the BRZ also comes with heavily bolstered front seats that will keep passengers in place through tight corners." [Read more]

Subaru Eyesight™

Subaru's EyeSight Offers Accident Avoidance

"Most accident avoidance systems use a combination of optical and radar sensors to recognize cars and pedestrians, but Subaru's new EyeSight system is simpler: using two CCD cameras mounted on either side of the rearview mirror, the arrangement processes stereoscopic images and uses shape recognition software to perceive potential impact, applying brakes when necessary.

Our nighttime test drive through North Carolina's Outer Banks picked up on cyclists and drunk teenage pedestrians, with the system warning of their presence on the dashboard; though radar-based systems work over longer distances, EyeSight's 80 meter (262 foot) range served our purposes fine. And while some drivers might prefer to switch the accident detection system off if they enjoy aggressively approaching slow moving traffic, our 2013 Subaru Outback tester proved the system's effectiveness when it came to a screeching halt just short of a car mockup." [Read more]

Subaru BRZ Leads List of Fastest-Selling Cars

 

"Subaru and Scion dealers are having no trouble finding homes for BRZ and FR-S models. The sport coupes are ranked one and two on the list of cars that spend the fewest days on dealer lots. According to Edmunds, the BRZ takes just four days to turn, followed by the FR-S at five days. On average, it takes dealers 53 days to move new models. Both machines are surrounded by a halo of buzz and plenty of pent-up demand. Subaru began selling the BRZ in the U.S. at the end of April, while Scion gave the first 86 FR-S buyers the chance to come to California for a little track time in their new purchases." [Read more]

Inside the Action with Subaru PUMA Rallycross Team at GRC Texas 2012

Adventure Seekers Drive into Summer with "Subaru Guide to Everything"

"Subaru of America has announced the launch of its social guidebook, "Subaru Guide to Everything."  The "Subaru Guide to Everything" will serve as a place where owners can share their favorite sites and activities with the world.  Owners and Subaru fans can add and browse their favorite hikes, campgrounds, dog parks, sites, bike trails and restaurants.

"Subaru owners are adventurers.  So we are asking them to help write the greatest social guidebook ever written," said Subaru of America Chief Marketing Officer, Dean Evans.

Subaru, the manufacturer of popular all-wheel drive vehicles, has partnered with Lonely Planet to produce a pre-populated guide with 250 Subaru-exclusive reviews.  Subaru owners and fans can learn of new adventures and share their own personal stories and reviews with a worldwide social community.  The Guide will be updated in real time as owners add their experiential contributions. The campaign is being produced for Subaru by Carmichael Lynch, creative agency of record for the automaker." [Read more]

What to do if Your Engine Overheats

Subaru Legacy that spent 3 months at bottom of Finnish lake starts on first try

 

""Ja, that ice'll hold ya." Until it didn't, and suddenly a man's 1996 Legacy wagon was at the bottom of a shallow lake in Finland. Three months later, the Subaru wagon was dragged from its freshwater slumber, and while most people would just write the car off or at most turn it into a parts donor, curiosity got the better of the rescue squad.

Would it run? Just how bad was the damage? Before plunging below the surface, the owner did have time to shut the engine down and get his dogs out, so the boxer four didn't aspirate any water and electrons weren't coursing through the various circuits, two details that likely saved a bunch of damage. After removing a live fish from the engine bay, draining a lot of water from the fuel tank and crankcase, and a fresh fill of fluids and spark plugs, lo and behold, the SCUBA-ru chugged to life on the first try." [Read more]

Subaru BRZ vs Ford Mustang! - Head 2 Head

High-speed ride with Subaru Rally Team USA's David Higgins at STPR 2012

Subaru of America, Inc. Breaks May Sales Record

"Subaru of America, Inc. today reported record sales for May 2012 of 29,724 vehicles, a 48 percent gain over May 2011.  The company also reported year-to-date sales of 136,602, a 22 percent gain over prior year.

The all-new Impreza continues to achieve triple-digit sales gains.  May Impreza sales are up more than 235 percent over May 2011; year-to-date sales represent a 170 percent gain over 2011.

"Strong demand and a great product lineup are driving record sales for Subaru," said Thomas J. Doll, executive vice president and COO, Subaru of America, Inc.  "Demand for the newly-introduced Impreza has far exceeded expectations.  With new product launches just around the corner, we know the upward sales trend will continue throughout the year." [Read more]