When you get behind the wheel of your SUV you don’t think about how it corners or why it gets you through snow or ice. You only care that your all-wheel-drive Subaru Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, Ascent, or another model works when you need it. You should feel more confident driving one after reading this.
When Subaru developed the WRX and WRX STI for its motorsports activities, they had their eye on winning, but they also knew the information gained would be used in the new 2020 Subaru Outback, Forester, Crosstrek and other models you drive today. It’s why the brand’s all-wheel-drive vehicles are fun-to-drive and they have road-hugging driving dynamics. Subaru will take the WRX STI to the upcoming Nurburgring 24-hour race that’s usually run in May but has been postponed until September 24-27 because of the COVID-19 health crisis.
How do motorsports influence the new Forester, Outback and Crosstrek?
The new 2020 Subaru Outback, Forester, Crosstrek and other models that now ride on the Subaru Global Platform was first developed in the WRX STI NBR race car. It makes handling more precise and enhances the vehicle’s agility, especially in the corners.
All of Subaru’s all-wheel-drive SUVs get Active Torque Vectoring (ATV), first introduced on the WRX and WRX STI performance cars. ATV allows the driver to push the driving envelope farther and gives the driver a greater sense of control in extreme situations like ice, snow and loose gravel and dirt surfaces.
Customers benefit every time you get behind the wheel
The ATV yaw-control system uses the vehicle’s brakes to apportion greater torque to the outside of the car, reducing understeer and oversteer to allow a more predictable and controlled course through corners.
The Japanese automaker has taken its extensive rally heritage and learned how to build a better all-wheel-drive system that will get you through the snow, ice, and extreme weather conditions. Subaru also uses its motorsports division STI to improve their unique brand of Boxer engines not used in any other automaker’s complete lineup. The Boxer engine sits lower in the chassis than a traditional in-line or V6 engine, giving their SUVs a lower center of gravity, offering improved driving dynamics even with 8.7 inches of ground clearance. You will notice this with less body lean when making a tight turn.
The 2020 Subaru Outback rides on the new Subaru Global Platform
The information Subaru Corporation gleans from its motorsport involvement is invaluable for learning how to build vehicles like the 2020 Subaru Outback, Forester, Crosstrek, and other all-wheel-drive models people will enjoy driving. They will also keep you safe and get you through extreme weather you could encounter this spring.
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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. All of his reports are archived on our Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Subaru Report. Check back tomorrow for more Subaru news and updates at Torque News!
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Photo credit: Subaru
Comments
I bought my first Suburu this
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I bought my first Suburu this year (based on research and reviews from Suburu friends and family). Confidence is the last thing I feel. I have had nothing but weird electrical issues and I've never had a car use so much oil! Very disappointed.
If Subaru can deliver
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If Subaru can deliver reliability and durability of Toyota, then I will feel more confident about driving another Subaru. I have owned 2 Outbacks since 2000, and both of them had excessive maintenance costs after 50k miles.
If Subaru can deliver
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If Subaru can deliver reliability and durability of Toyota, then I will feel more confident about driving another Subaru. I have owned 2 Outbacks since 2000, and both of them had excessive maintenance costs after 50k miles.
We were amazed by our new
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We were amazed by our new Outback. We live in the mountains and bought it for its AWD. Then we find Subaru put the most pathetic Bridgestone all season tires in the world on it at the factory. The tires had no bite and were worthless and the first snow we were stuck.
If Subaru were well-managed they would offer more aggressive tires as an option in snow areas.
So, why has Subaru eliminated
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So, why has Subaru eliminated the Boxer engine in favor of a noisy in line four cylinder? Now they are common, instead of outstanding.
Who told you that? They kept
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In reply to So, why has Subaru eliminated by Daniel R. Urban (not verified)
Who told you that? They kept the boxer and added a turbocharger. Is that what you meant?
We've owned 3 Outbacks. They
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We've owned 3 Outbacks. They've all been a joy to own. They always get us where we need to go safely and the service has been outstanding. Looking forward to the next one with new features.
I both my 1st. Subaru BRZ
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I both my 1st. Subaru BRZ 2015 for my birthday when I turned 57. Beautiful line and shape but no balls.
I went for a service I had a look of the Outback 2017, instantly I fell in love with it. I love it more than my 2008 BMW 550I.
I'm conside6to buy the 2020 ForesterTouring and get rid of the beemer.
I have 2009 Forester, and I
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I have 2009 Forester, and I couldn’t be happier. I’ve always been a Toyota customer but decided to take a chance on Subaru. It paid off, my Subaru has been absolutely reliable and a real treat to drive. I love awd and the boxer engine. My wife loves it too, she feels much more confidant driving the Forester. I like that she is in a car that has such a great safety record. Go Subaru!