2013 Subaru Legacy and Outback recalled

Subaru is recalling 5,379 units of the 2013 Legacy sedan and Outback wagon in the United States. The affected vehicles were manufactured from February 15, 2012 through June 15, 2012.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, "the inner and outer shafts of the steering column assembly may become disengaged from one another" in these vehicles. "If the shafts become disengaged, the driver would lose the ability to steer the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash."

The recall is expected to begin today and dealers will replace the steering column assembly with a new one, free of charge. Owners can contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 or NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236.

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Subaru recalls 10,137 2014 Forester crossovers in America

Subaru is recalling 10,137 units of the 2014 Forester in the United States due to a problem with the carpeted floor mats which was not manufactured to specification. As a result, the floor mats may curl when exposed to heat.

"Curling of the driver side floor mat could distract the driver and/or interfere with proper operation of one or a combination of, the vehicle's clutch, brake, and accelerator pedals. Brake or accelerator pedal interference may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop the vehicle, which could cause a crash," NHTSA said in its summary of the problem.

The affected vehicles were manufactured from January 2013 through March 2013. Subaru will issue an interim notification by the end of this month and dealers will replace each of the vehicle's four (4) carpeted floor mats with new ones, free of charge. Owners can call Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 or NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236.

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2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid to debut in New York

Following a late January report, Subaru has just confirmed plans to introduce the XV Crosstrek Hybrid, the brand's first production hybrid vehicle, at the 2013 New York Auto Show next week.

Accordingly, the hybrid version of the popular XV Crosstrek will use an engineered hybrid system and Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. The Japanese carmaker will also take the wraps off "an all-new performance concept car" which could preview the next generation WRX.

Both cars will make their world premiere on March 27. Stay tuned!!!

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Subaru recalls 47,419 vehicles in the United States

Subaru is recalling 47,419 cars in the United States due to a problem with the remote engine starter (RES) which could malfunction and start the vehicle without warning.

The affected vehicles include the 2010-2013 Legacy and Outback equipped with an automatic or CVT transmission and an Audiovox RES accessory, the 2012-2013 Impreza equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox RES accessory, and the 2013 XV Crosstrek equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox RES accessory.

"If the RES fob is dropped, the fob may malfunction and randomly transmit an engine start request without pressing the button," said NHTSA in its summary of the problem. "The engine may inadvertently start and run for up to fifteen minutes. The engine may continue to start and stop until the fob battery is depleted, or until the vehicle runs out of fuel. If the vehicle is parked in an enclosed area, there is a risk of carbon monoxide build-up which may cause asphyxiation."

The recall is expected to begin by the end of April and dealers will replace the RES key fobs, free of charge. For more information, owners can call Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 or NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236.

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Subaru BRZ RA Racing announced

Japanese carmaker Subaru has recently introduced a Gazoo Racing RA performance package for the BRZ.

Set to compete with the Gazoo Racing Toyota 86 in a one-make race series, the sports car has been equipped with high-performance brakes, a new engine oil cooler and a Torsen limited-slip differential. There's also front and rear tow hooks, a six-point roll cage, special floor mats and sport seats with a FIA-spec four-point harnesses.

Power comes from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine which develops 200 hp and 205 Nm of torque. It is mated exclusively to a six-speed manual transmission.

The BRZ RA Racing is being offered for the Japanese domestic market and pre-tax pricing starts at ¥2,731,429 ($30,120 or €22,390).

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Subaru recalls 633,842 vehicles in the U.S.

Subaru is recalling 633,842 cars in the United States due to a faulty puddle light that could short-circuit and possibly lead to smoke and/or fire.

The affected vehicles include the 2009 through 2012 Forester, 2006 through 2012 Tribeca and the 2010 through 2011 Legacy and Outback. All models are equipped with an optional accessory light.

"A short circuit can develop when either the puddle light or connector are exposed to an electrolytic moisture source (such as road spray that has road salt in it) and it penetrates the circuit board of the puddle light or the pins of the puddle light connector," said NHTSA in its summary of the problem.

"Over time, migration of the moisture into the circuit board and/or into the connector cavity, may result in a short circuit of the puddle light system. This may generate heat which may melt the plastic resulting in smoke or fire."

There have been no reports of accidents or injuries related to the issue, but there was one report of smoke, a Subaru spokesman said.

The recall is expected to begin on February 2013 and dealers will install an additional fused-harness, free of charge. For more information, owners can contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 or NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236.

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2013 Subaru Stella facelift officially revealed

Japanese carmaker Subaru has just introduced a facelifted version for the Stella kei-car.

Set to go on sale in Japan on January 5, 2013, the updated model measures 3,395 mm long, 1,475 mm wide, 1,620 mm tall and with a 2,455 mm wheelbase. It features a mild exterior body refresh, LED tail lights and an updated instrument panel. There's also a front MacPherson strut, a rear torsion bar and a re-tuned suspension.

Under the hood, the Stella facelift is offered with a naturally aspirated 0.66-liter engine and a turbocharged version of the same engine. Both engines feature a new start/stop system and have an output of 64 hp.

Enhancements include the introduction of a new "Smart Assist Collision" which alerts the driver of an imminent obstacle or pedestrian via visual and audio notifications.

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Subaru announces lineup for 2013 Tokyo Auto Salon

Subaru has officially announced their lineup for the 2013 Tokyo Auto Salon, including several new concepts, production and racing cars.

First up, the BRZ Premium Sport Package concept will feature a carbon fiber roof, 19-inch BBS aluminum wheels, an STI aero kit and a sports exhaust system, along with a customized interior and a sports muffler.

Next up, the Forester Sport concept will come with prototype STI parts, a revised grille and "Akahon" leather seats. There's also a Bilstein suspension, Brembo brakes and 20-inch BBS wheels.

The Japanese carmaker will also display a XV Sport concept which will get a similar set of upgrades as the Forester. Other models include the production Legacy tS, a BRZ race car that was built in collaboration with Gazoo Racing, an Impreza WRX STi race car and the next generation D-4S boxer engine.

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Details of the 2014 Subaru Forester have been revealed

Photos and details have just been released of the latest model of the Subaru Forester, with a sales date yet to be announced. As part of the fourth generation of the Forester, it bears quite a bit of similarity with the third generation, although there have been some subtle yet significant upgrades mentioned in this bit of car news. A roomier size and more extensive infotainment system are just two of the new features to take note of, bringing the Forester in line with rival crossovers.

Exterior Improvements

The Forester has always received positive reviews when it comes to its size, being one of the more spacious options on the road from Subaru. It manages to be compact enough for use in the city yet offers enough storage and leg room for longer road trips or country use. The 2014 model will offer an even roomier interior with a greater focus on rear seat legroom. There is also a larger cargo area for storage. The actual dimensions of the vehicle have been enlarged, with a new length of 180.9 inches, a height of 70.7 inches, and a width of 66.7 inches. Although these numbers are only slightly larger than the old ones, they are enough to give an airier, more luxurious feel to the Forester.

Upgraded Infotainment System

The greatest changes to the current Subaru Forester that are seen in this 2014 upgrade seem to be in its information and entertainment systems. In any Subaru Forester review for the current model, features such as a touchscreen CD/DVD player, 6-speaker SRS stereo system with subwoofer, and satellite navigation are usually mentioned. Premium models of the current Forester also include leather seating and an electric sunroof. The new model will include a revamped infotainment system, with the same satellite navigation and an additional rear view camera. It will offer full smartphone integration and fully amplified speakers with greater power. A sleek, user-friendly touchscreen offers dashboard navigation for this system as it does in the current model.

Powertrain Options

Although the specifications for the Australian market have not yet been announced, the recent press release from Subaru mentioned engine specifications for the Japanese and North American markets. In Japan, consumers can choose from a 146hp 2.0-litre flat four engine or a 276hp 2.0 turbocharged boxer unit. In North America, a 2.0-litre direct-injection turbocharged flat-four producing 250 horsepower engine will be available, as well as a 170hp 2.5-litre boxer unit. These are available in manual or automatic transmission models, depending on the engine type, which isn't too different from the engine options available in earlier models of the Subaru Forester.

Overall, this should be a slight yet intriguing upgrade to one of Subaru's most popular vehicles. The 2014 Forester will make its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in late 2012, although no sales dates in North America or Australia have been set at this time.

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Subaru developing BRZ Turbo

According to new reports from Automotive News, Subaru is currently developing a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine for the BRZ.

The engine uses a single twin-scroll turbocharger and straight direct-injection developed in-house. This could enable it to produce 280 hp and more than 339 Nm of torque. For comparison, the naturally-aspired 2.0-liter engine develops 200 hp and 205 Nm of torque.

Additional information is limited, but the turbocharged variant of the BRZ is slated to be launched later this year as a 2014 model.

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