NEWS: Subaru 'Levorg' Tourer Concept Debut @ Tokyo

Subaru has teased us with some images of a concept tourer – the strangely-named Levorg – which it will showcase at the forthcoming Tokyo Motor Show, November 20th.
The 'cross sport' design and 7-seater SUV, Crossover 7 concepts will also go on display at the Subaru stand at the 43rd Tokyo Motors Show, along with an exhibition of the new 1.6-litre Boxer engine with direct injection and turbo technology.
Subaru say: "The Levorg concept hints at a new vehicle currently under development for market launch in Japan in 2014. The name ‘Levorg’ comes from a combination of the words ‘Legacy’, ‘Revolution’ and ‘Touring’, and the concept will blend the practicality of a tourer and the stylish design and feel of a sports car. The Levorg will also feature an all-new 1.6-litre horizontally-opposed Boxer engine with direct injection turbo (DIT) technology. The Subaru-developed engine is designed to offer smooth performance and greater environmental efficiency. The new engine will also be on show on the Subaru motor show stand as a technology exhibit."
The Subaru press conference at the Tokyo Motor Show is scheduled to start at 08.30 JST on Wednesday 20 November (23.30 GMT on Tuesday 19 November). Further information about Subaru’s stand is available at www.subaru.jp/tms2013/.
To find out more about the Subaru UK model range and Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, visit www.subaru.co.uk.
Interesting times for one of the most interesting car manufacturers in our view... we wish them luck!
See the teaser images here.

NEWS: Subaru Launch Limited Edition XV 'Black'

One of the most over-looked cars in recent years has got to be Subaru's super XV, which we loved in our test in the last Subaru special of Road Magazine.
Maybe this limited run edition of the XV – a Black Edition – will help make people give it the attention it deserves...? It certainly looks great!
The limited run model with a choice of 2.0-litre Boxer diesel engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission, or the 2.0-litre Boxer petrol unit and a Lineartronic automatic transmission, has "visual changes to boost the XV’s rugged, go-anywhere appeal" and still offers the XV's statute as the highest Euro NCAP safety rating in its class, with an attractive price from £24,495 (OTR).

The special is exclusively finished in Crystal Black Silica paint, and offers front, rear and side silver-resin underguards, front and rear mudflaps, a cargo step panel and a foldable cargo tray. Whilst inside, the Black model is fitted with heavy-duty rubber floor mats.
The All-Wheel-Drive XV Black is priced at £24,495 (on-the-road) for the 2.0i Lineartronic and £24,995 for the 2.0 Boxer diesel, and is based on the existing SE model. Motorists will pay just £1,000 for all the extras fitted as standard to the XV Black, which – if fitted separately as options to other models in the range – would total over £1,600, meaning the new Limited Edition model offers both exclusivity and value for money.
Subaru say: "The XV enjoys a class-leading five-star Euro NCAP crash safety rating and at 90%, one of the highest scores for child occupant protection ever recorded, making it ideal for young families.
Perfectly suited to everyday use in an urban or out of town environment, the ‘go anywhere’ XV combines the highest ground clearance of any vehicle in its segment with the lowest centre of gravity.  Efficient engines and lightweight body mean the XV is able to return a 50.4mpg on the combined cycle and emits only 146 g/km CO₂ (2.0-litre diesel models).
"The new XV Black Limited Edition features Subaru’s typically generous standard equipment levels, including Subaru’s standard-fit Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system, providing world-class hazard avoidance capabilities. Other standard features include front, side, curtain and knee airbags, 17-inch alloy wheels, daytime running lights, heated front seats, wiper de-icers, cruise control, folding door mirrors, dual-zone air-conditioning, rear view safety camera, Bluetooth, HID headlamps, and rear privacy glass."
Check it out! And see more pictures on our Facebook page.

Subaru XV Black Limited Edition

Model	Price OTR (£)	CO2 g/km	VED band
XV 2.0i Black Lineartronic	£24,495	153	G
XV 2.0D Black manual	£24,995	146	F

NEWS: Subaru Forester SUV Award

Subaru’s best-selling model and a personal favourite of Road Magazine, the Forester compact SUV, has won the coveted 2014 Sport / Utility of the Year award from the USA’s influential Motor Trend magazine.
The Forester’s latest accolade makes Subaru the first and only brand to have won three Sport / Utility of the Year awards from Motor Trend, which is read by over 1.1 million people every month. The previous-generation Forester picked up the award in 2009, and the Subaru Outback was also crowned winner in 2010.
The Subaru Forester beat 21 other SUVs to take first place during Motor Trend’s exhaustive testing process, with models graded according to six criteria: Design Advancement, Engineering Excellence, Intended Function, Efficiency, Safety and Value. The new Forester scored highly in all categories.
Motor Trend Editor-in-chief Ed Loh commented: “Smart design, thoughtful engineering, and a compelling performance on-road and off were the keys to the Forester’s win. Our editors were particularly impressed by the powerful yet efficient turbocharged engines, the intelligent and sporty CVT transmission, and the excellent visibility and interior package.  Practical, affordable, efficient and fun-to-drive – the Forester truly ticked every box.”
The new Forester went on sale in the UK in May 2013, and builds upon the model’s reputation as a modern, rugged SUV with improved performance, safety and efficiency and a more spacious and better appointed cabin.
Since the UK launch, sales of the new model have been strong, with particularly high demand for the XT Turbo model which is bucking the market trend for diesel SUV sales, equipped as it is with a 240ps 2.0-litre turbocharged direct injection petrol engine delivering smooth and strong pulling power both on and off-road.
To find out more about the new Subaru Forester and the rest of Subaru’s range of All-Wheel Drive models, visit www.subaru.co.uk.
Or you can wait for our review of the petrol turbo Forester coming here soon!

NEWS: New Upgraded Subaru Outback Launched

One of the most under-rated cars ever made and the vehicle that began the 'crossover' concept back in 1996 – Subaru's Outback – has been upgraded for 2014.
We drove the outgoing model on a 1,500 Alpine road trip earlier this year (read that here), and it was faultless, so expectations for the re-vamped model (which we are testing here very soon) are extremely high.
The already infamous world's only 2.0-litre Boxer Diesel is now mated to Subaru's smooth Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) for the first time, helping the beefy Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive Subaru return 44.8mpg and just 166/km CO2. Although a six-speed manual is still also available.
It's also had a visual refresh, inside and out – which goes some way to improve perhaps its worst asset, looks. And Subaru engineers promise "improved ride and handling through chassis upgrades" – which is amazing, as it was already nigh-on perfect!
The fresh faced model goes on sale November 1st OTR from £29,995, including the new model added to range: 2.0D SX Lineartronic.

You can see some more pics on Facebook and here's some more detail from Subaru:
Visual refresh The Outback line-up has received a visual upgrade, refreshing the vehicle’s looks. Emphasising the Outback’s sense of toughness and its ability to tackle all roads and conditions, the latest model features body-coloured cladding in place of the previous iteration’s black plastic.
Buyers now have a wider range of colours to choose from – including two new colours: Deep Sea Blue Pearl and Dark Grey Metallic – while larger fog lamps and the addition of a gloss black finish to the front headlamps give the car greater road presence than before. The alloy wheels now have a gunmetal finish as standard.
The upgraded cabin of the latest Outback features clearer and more modern instrumentation – including the addition of a liquid crystal instrument cluster display and new materials for a number of dashboard elements. Black metallic panels bring about a more modern and premium appearance and feel, while instruments within the cockpit have been moved to improve user-friendliness.

Engaging handlingSubaru engineers have worked hard to further improve the Outback’s ride and handling, notably through alterations to the car’s front and rear suspension. The result is a more stable ride and increased comfort for occupants.
The engine and front and rear suspension systems – the latter with a self-levelling feature as standard – are mounted on their own sub-frames, bringing about reduced vibration and noise. The fourth-generation Outback’s double-wishbone rear suspension is compact enough to give buyers a 526-litre luggage area (with the rear seats upright).
The Outback continues to offer a significant 200mm of ground clearance, while the placement of the compact, horizontally-opposed engine and transmission afford a typically Subaru-like low centre of gravity, endowing the Outback with high levels of cornering stability.
Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system features on all Outback models. For those equipped with a manual transmission, the AWD technology is accompanied by Active Torque Split, and for those with the Lineartronic CVT it is coupled with a centre differential with viscous limited slip differential. Both drivetrain layouts deliver reassuring driving dynamics in all conditions, both on- and off-road.

High levels of standard equipment
The 2014 MY Subaru Outback 2.0D Lineartronic variant will feature a new trim level, the SX. High levels of standard equipment are featured inside and out.
For the exterior there are new 17-inch gunmetal alloy wheels, along with body-coloured bumpers, body-coloured power folding door mirrors (with integrated LED indicator repeaters), and matching colour-coded door handles. Silver roof rails and a roof spoiler are other exterior accents, while a power-sliding glass sunroof (with sunshade) and UV protected front, side and rear glass also feature. Self-levelling automatic HID headlamps and rain sensing wipers add convenience for the driver.
Further highlights include front fog lights, pop-up headlight washers, heated mirrors, rear window defogger with timer, front and side window defrosters, and a windscreen wiper de-icer function.
Inside, the new SX model provides the Outback with a wealth of useful equipment. Audio and cruise control functions are present on the leather-trimmed steering wheel, while new sports seats at the front are heated to provide extra comfort when the weather turns cold.
For further comfort and convenience of driver and passengers, dual-zone automatic air-conditioning, Bluetooth® hands-free system, audio system with USB connectivity and a VGA centre display with rear vision camera are all present.
New speedometer and rev counter dials feature in the Outback’s upgraded instrument binnacle, while a one-touch lane change facility has also been added which activates the indicators to flash three times.
Additional features of leather interior and satellite navigation are available as dealer fit options if the customers wish to upgrade.

Pricing for the new 2014 Subaru Outback 2.0D SX

Model	Price OTR (£)	CO2 g/km	VED Band	Insurance
2.0D SX Lineartronic	£31,495	166	H	TBC
2.0D SX manual	£29,995	155	G	TBC

NEWS: Porsche Carrera Cup Scholarship Launch

Porsche have launched their Porsche GB-supported Scholarship initiative to nurture next generation of GT racers – giving hot shoe young drivers aged 17-22 the chance to compete to win funding worth £80,000 per year for 2014-2015, offering an opportunity to follow in footsteps of 2012-13 Scholar, Dan Lloyd, in Porsche Carrera Cup GB (pictured). 

The 2014 Carrera Cup GB season will mark the next exciting chapter in the Carrera Cup story when the latest 460 hp ‘Type 991’ 911 GT3 Cup is introduced to the Championship. The all-new car will further raise the standard for single marque racing in the UK, and offer drivers the perfect opportunity to participate at the very start of a new era for the Carrera Cup GB.
In 2014, the Carrera Cup GB will offer competitors a sensational bonus with a support race to the 24 Hours of Le Mans. A couple of hours before Porsche returns to the marathon race with a factory-entered LMP1 car, drivers in the Carrera Cup GB will race on the famous French track in a special tie-up with Carrera Cup France.
To enter the Scholarship, drivers must be aged between 17 and 22 years on 1 January 2014, already have a National A race licence and have not previously registered as a competitor in the Carrera Cup GB. They must also be able to demonstrate that they can secure the balance of the required budget for a full season of racing.
Four finalists will be selected for assessment at Silverstone, including evaluation at the Porsche Experience Centre and track tests in a 911 GT3 Cup car. The winner will be the driver who shows the best mix of natural talent, potential and presentation combined with people skills, overall drive and commitment.
Any driver wishing to apply for the 2014 Carrera Cup GB Scholarship Programme should send a CV to: carreracupgb@porsche.co.uk, along with the reasons why they think they should be selected. There is no charge to enter the Scholarship. Applications are now open and will close on 30 September 2013. The four finalists will be evaluated at Silverstone during October 2013, and the 2014 Carrera Cup GB Scholar will be announced in early November 2013.

Get involved!

VIDEO: Nürburgring Road-Legal Subaru Lap Record

A 400bhp, tuned but road-legal Subaru Impreza built by Revolution Motorsport in the UK has set a new lap record at the Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit, of 7m53.08s, on off-the-shelf Yokohama ADVAN rubber – beating Tommi Makinen's previous road-legal Subaru lap of 7:55, set in April 2010 (although it must be said that record in worse weather has stood for two years and was set in a bog-stock, 300bhp WRX STi Sedan, on much less sticky rubber, with 100+bhp less and standard brakes/suspension/aero (see that classic rally slag Green Hell lap here). Revolution's PR men say: "The concept behind the car was to set the fastest lap for a road-legal Subaru Impreza. While the car was highly modified, it was driven directly to the circuit, completed its record lap and was then driven back to the UK, all on the same tyres, fuel and brake pads. A handful of tools and spares travelled in the car but it was a genuine road-going car." The aero-kitted Subaru was modified with the 255/40x17 ADVAN A048R tyres, suspension, wheel and brake tuning and a stronger engine with Cosworth internal components, a Turbo Technics modified turbocharger and fuel additives. It knocked out 420bhp for the lap, despite being tuned to achieve 500bhp. The driver for this lap was Fredy Lienhard, proprietor of Nordschleife specialists Rent4Ring, with an estimated 20,000Km of experience under his belt. He set the new record on his first attempt in the car – despite the car's wanton desire to understeer. How he got it turned in on some bends is beyond me! Check out the full video with telemetry above. Revolution Motorsport's Glenn Campbell said: "We are very happy with the new record. We built the car to celebrate our 15th anniversary and did that in style. We have a very long-standing relationship with Yokohama and always use their products on extreme projects such as this one. We built the car from scratch specifically for this project and I am delighted that we were successful." Managing Director of Yokohama HPT Ltd, David Seward, said: "I would like to offer our congratulations to Glenn and the rest of the Revolution team for an amazing achievement. We have worked with Revolution for many years and in that time, have come to understand that when they say they are going to do something, they do it and I am delighted that Yokohama was able to be part of their success." Fair play to Revolution, who are a great bunch of car (especially Subaru!) enthusiasts and run a good company. And good driving Fredy! Anyone out there with a road-legal Subaru think they can better it?

MAGAZINE: Latest Issue Of Road Magazine: Subaru II

Open publication - Free publishing - More cars

This month's Road Magazine is our second Subaru special. We say a fond farewell to the last of the UK WRX STi legends, the punchy 340R, with a road trip to the Lakes. Hopefully, this is NOT the last we see of this amazing rally-bred turbo nutter; but it is, for now, here in the UK. Sad sign of the times. We also have a sneak preview of the brand new Forester GenIV, which is looking like picking up where the last fabulous model took off. Good news, at last! And we take the most under-rated Subaru of them all – the dependable Outback – on a 1,555-mile road trip to Meribel in the Alps, to really stretch its legs. Finally, we look at Subaru's class-winning SUV, the XV. Subaru had a record breaking year in 2012, globally, but needs our support here in the UK. Why, we just do not know. Their cars are brilliant, reliable, affordable, practical, fun and different. And we've not even mentioned the epic BRZ. Try one today and be prepared to be impressed. And do please share our humble publication with your mates – Subaru fans or not! And enjoy some Subaru videos on our Facebook page.

NEWS: Subaru Forester Gen IV Pricing

Just in advance of our forthcoming second Subaru special of Road Magazine out later this month, Subaru has announced the pricing for one of their most popular models (and a personal favourite of the magazine), the Fourth generation Forester – which features a whole host of improvements and new technologies. The new car will start at £24,995 for the 2.0D X, rising to £30,995 for the range topping 2.0i XT. The all-new, fourth-generation Forester goes on sale across the network in May and "will build upon the model’s reputation as a go-anywhere, user-friendly SUV with improved performance, safety and efficiency and a more spacious and better appointed cabin."
Naturally, Subaru’s unique Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system remains at the heart of the Forester, while a low centre of gravity and improved body rigidity contribute to improved refinement and a typically engaging drive on the road.
The engine line-up will include 2.0-litre Boxer diesel and petrol units, while Subaru will return to its Forester roots with the introduction of a new 2.0-litre direct injection turbocharged petrol engine (hooray!), producing 240PS. All the engines have significantly improved CO2 and economy figures over the outgoing model.
Full pricing for the new Forester by model is as follows:

Petrol models

2.0i XE 2.0i XE CVT 2.0i XE Premium 2.0i XE Premium CVT 2.0i XT CVT

£25,495 £26,995 £27,495 £28,995 £30,995

Diesel models

2.0D X 2.0D X 2.0D X Premium

£24,995 £26,995 £28,995

A full press kit on the new Forester, including technical specifications and comprehensive details of equipment will be released on April 15, so stay tuned here for more details soon.

NEWS: Subaru Outback Alpine Road Trip

It's all going to go quiet for a week here on the blog, Facebook & Twitter for a week – sorry! The reason? Editor, Phil Royle is off on a 1,700-mile road trip to the French and Italian Alps, in one of the world's most under-rated cars – Subaru's superb Outback. The jacked-up Legacy-based model should be perfect for all the Alpine snow with its symmetrical four-wheel-drive and especially as its wearing Winter rubber – so we're looking forward to the hairpins especially. And the economical, but powerful Boxer diesel engine should prove perfect for the long road trip. As will the superbly comfortable and well-equipped interior. And we'll also be testing out Garmin's new Nuvi 3590 LMT sat-nav unit. Read all about the road trip in the next issue of Road, another cracking Subaru special, out later this month. And if you can't wait until then, did you catch the last Subaru special here? A bientot!

VIDEO: Subaru BRZ Milk Gymkhana

Hilarious! Watch this Spanish TV advert by Subaru and I defy you not to want to own a Subaru BRZ! Genius! Our kind of morning milk run! And enjoy our test of the Subaru BRZ, by Travis drummer and Road race ace, Neil Primrose here.

VIDEO: Colin McRae's Garage

Following last night's amazing BBC2 'Racing Legends' program by Sir Chris Hoy – which did such a fabulous job of documenting his incredible life and some of the cars he drove, we take a look back around Colin's amazing garage, back in 2006, with Jon Desborough. Poignant reminders again, but so nice to hear the great man chatting with Jon about some of the cars that he enjoyed keeping, and competing in. We miss you Colin!

NEWS: New 4th Gen Subaru Forester Unveiled: With 280PS Hot Petrol Version

Subaru's already excellent all-rounder, the fabulous Forester (read all about it here: http://issuu.com/roadonlinemagazine/docs/road_23_subaruspecial), is all set for a brand new, forth generation vehicle – including a new 280PS petrol Boxer version. Yay! The performance Forester is back, as we hoped it would be.

The great-looking new car will be on sale in the UK from summer 2013, with three 2.0-litre Boxer engines available, improved performance and fuel economy over the outgoing model and being "larger, more refined and more efficient," according to Subaru sources.

They add: "The new Forester builds upon the outgoing model’s credentials as a go-anywhere, user-friendly SUV, with improved performance, safety and efficiency and a larger, more practical cabin. Subaru’s unique Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system remains at the heart of the vehicle, while a low centre of gravity and improved body rigidity contribute to improved refinement and a typically engaging drive on the road."
Confirming the UK launch of the Forester, Subaru has also announced outline details of the engine line-up, which will include 150PS 2.0-litre Boxer diesel and petrol units, as well as – best of all – a return of the potent Forester, with a new 2.0-litre direct injection turbocharged petrol engine, producing 280PS. Yes!
Both of the naturally-aspirated engines will feature a six-speed manual transmission as standard, while Subaru’s Lineartronic (CVT) transmission is available on both petrol engines. The Lineartronic transmission has been modified to manage the increased power while also providing improved fuel efficiency, and ensures that both CVT-equipped petrol engines achieve the 2015 Japanese fuel economy standard.
Haydn Davies, Marketing Director, Subaru UK, commented: "Since the Forester’s launch in 1997, it has gained a loyal following across the UK for its rugged, go anywhere abilities and these developments will ensure it remains a firm SUV favourite. The fourth-generation Forester will feature the latest All-Wheel Drive system and Boxer engines, while a lot of work has gone into improving refinement, ride quality and safety."
Further details of the new Subaru Forester will be announced in the new year and we can not wait. BIG Forester fans here at Road.