OK, the Impreza and Trezia concepts are European premieres, but the “Subaru Rear-Wheel Drive Sports Car Technology Concept,” making its world premiere, is going to be the one generating all of the attention. It is being called a Toyobaru because it is a joint-development concept with Toyota. Based on an all-new platform, the vehicle will offer Subaru’s trademark and core technology: the “Horizontally-Opposed Subaru Boxer engine,” according to Subaru’s global media site. It shows how Subaru proposes to integrate its boxer-powered passenger cars expertise into a rear-wheel drive car to offer a new Subaru-like driving experience. The technology concept will demonstrate how the all-new car platform makes full use of Subaru’s engineering and Boxer technology.
The Subaru Impreza Concept (pictured with this article) is the first concept model to be released under Subaru’s new brand strategy (and was well received at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show). It has the new generation Subaru Boxer engine (2.0-liter 4-cylinder Horizontally-Opposed engine) plus lineartronic (CVT). It is designed to show a possible direction for future Impreza models and also embodies Subaru’s new brand statement “Confidence in Motion.”
Subaru has been showing a lot of confidence lately as one person associated with the company pointed out in a private conversation, it’s had a better 2010 in the U.S. than VW, which is seeking world domination by 2018. Another Toyota exec also pointed out somewhat smugly about VW: “How can they be number one in the U.S. when Subaru sells more cars?” Its sales for 2010 were up 21 percent from 216,652 to 263,830 –trumping VW’s total of 256,830. It’s the second year in a row Subaru beat Volkswagen.
The Subaru Trezia will be Subaru’s answer to the need for smaller and more environmentally friendly cars in Europe. Subaru is describing it as a compact, smart wagon. Subaru says it has a roomy and quality interior as well as easy-to-use utility space.
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