Autoblog Green

Rumormill: Subaru planning to revive SVX with coupe version of Hybrid Tourer

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 08:06:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Subaru, Tokyo Motor Show

Subaru Hybrid Tourer Concept - click above for high-res image gallery

Might Subaru's Hybrid Tourer concept point the way forward to a revival of the iconoclastic SVX from the Nineties? According to AutoExpress, that's a definite maybe. The British motoring mag suggests that the conceptual Hybrid Tourer that's just about to get its debut at the Tokyo Motor Show is a harbinger for a range-topping luxury performance coupe from the Japanese automaker.

If true (and we're not exactly holding our breath), the new coupe would slot well above the expected rear-wheel drive coupe that will share its underpinnings with the upcoming Toyota FT-86, possibly selling for twice the price of its lesser sibling. A turbocharged 2.5-liter boxer four-cylinder engine would provide motivation, though a hybrid model with a drivetrain similar to that of the Tokyo-bound concept may also be possible.

Gallery: Subaru Hybrid Tourer concept

[Source: AutoExpress]

Rumormill: Subaru planning to revive SVX with coupe version of Hybrid Tourer originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 08:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo Preview: Subaru releases more pics of Hybrid Tourer Concept

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 13:02:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Subaru, Tokyo Motor Show

Subaru Hybrid Tourer Concept - click above for high-res image gallery

Subaru has just released a bunch of new images of its Hybrid Tourer concept that will debut next week at the Tokyo Motor Show. The gull-wing wagon/hatch/shooting brake thingy is Subaru's first major cut at a hybrid and the first from anyone using a boxer four cylinder engine. A pair of electric motors provide regenerative braking, pure electric drive and blended electric boost. A lithium ion battery pack provides the energy storage.

Subaru has been working with their partners at Toyota to produce this new hybrid architecture and it will likely appear in production vehicles in the next few years. Besides the hybrid system, the concept also includes a new direct injected version of its 2.0-liter turbo boxer engine that will also probably appear in production vehicles before long.

Gallery: Subaru Hybrid Tourer concept

[Source: Subaru]

Tokyo Preview: Subaru releases more pics of Hybrid Tourer Concept originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo Preview: Subaru Hybrid Tourer looks ready to take flight

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 01:39:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Subaru, Tokyo Motor Show

Subaru Hybrid Tourer Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Subaru is adding a green tint to its renowned all-wheel drive technical know-how at the Tokyo Motor Show next month with the Hybrid Tourer Concept. Three separate power sources will share the duties of propelling this concept, depending on the specific set of circumstances.

Naturally, a horizontally-opposed "Boxer" engine - in this case displacing two liters and boasting a turbocharger and direct injection - sits under the hood and sends power to the front wheels when necessary. A Lineartronic CVT transmission is used to promote maximum fuel efficiency.

As is the case with Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive, an electric motor is mated up to that gasoline engine and acts as a 10 kW motor when power is needed and a generator to recharge the lithium ion battery pack the rest of the time. A second electric motor sends 20 kW of power to the rear wheels under low-speed driving conditions and when maximum power is required. Because no driveshaft is required to connect the rear differential to the front-mounted engine, Subaru has managed to keep a flat floor for the rear occupants.

Besides the high-tech powertrain, Subaru's Hybrid Tourer Concept sports concept-appropriate touches such as giant wing-like gullwing doors that offer access for both the front- and rear-seat passengers and a dashboard that moves up and down to offer the driver a perfect view ahead. Want to know more? Check out high-res image gallery below and click past the break for the official press release.

Continue reading Tokyo Preview: Subaru Hybrid Tourer looks ready to take flight

Tokyo Preview: Subaru Hybrid Tourer looks ready to take flight originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 01:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hands on: Japan to get standard charging stations

Xavier Navarro — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 16:10:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., EV/Plug-in, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, Legislation and Policy, Japan

One of the things that can prevent widespread adoption of electric cars is not having a standard charging system. Just ask Betamax or HD DVD how the lack of a standard can hurt.

European EV fans can breathe easy because the authorities have reached an agreement on a model created by a company named Mennekes, which includes communication interfaces to regulate the charge. In the U.S., the J1772 connector will be the new standard for plug-in vehicles. Stlll, despite the large amount of EV projects being undertaken by Japanese companies, it has taken until now for utility Tokyo Electric Power (Tepco) to actually begin developing a standard with those manufacturers. Nissan, Mitsubishi Motors, Fuji Heavy Industries (Subaru) and Tepco have announced a commission to create standard charging station for the new array of EVs that will run on Japanese roads in the coming years.

Gallery: Mitsubishi iMiEV production model

[Source: Le Blog Auto]

Hands on: Japan to get standard charging stations originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 14 Aug 2009 16:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hybrid sales up despite another down month overall, Prius leads charge

Sebastian Blanco — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 11:02:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Ford, Honda, Subaru, Toyota, Volvo, Green Daily, USA

2010 Honda Insight - Click above for high-res image gallery

Initial strong sales of the 2010 Honda Insight slowed last month, but new models of the Toyota Prius and Ford Fusion helped give hybrids car sales in June 2009 a nine percent increase over last June. In the U.S., dealers sold 26,205 new hybrids in June, 49.6 of which (12,998 units) were Priuses. Compared to May, hybird sales were up two percent, according to data released by the automakers and complied by Green Car Advisor. This was the sixth month where hybrid increased in sales volumes. Potential reasons for the increase include the new models as well as rising gas prices (and the expectation thereof) and some uncommon hybrid sales incentives. Overall, sales were down for everyone but Subaru and Volvo compared to June 2008.

Gallery: Ford Fusion hybrid

[Source: Green Car Advisor]

Hybrid sales up despite another down month overall, Prius leads charge originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 04 Jul 2009 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EPA rates new CVT-equipped Subaru Legacy at 23 mpg city, 31 mpg highway

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 15:39:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, Subaru

2010 Subaru Legacy - Click above for high-res image gallery

The EPA has finished its work on the new 2010 Subaru Legacy and, in spite of growing in size, the mid-sized sedan now sports better fuel economy numbers. In its efforts to capture a unique niche of the car market, Subaru still makes all-wheel-drive standard on all its U.S.-market cars. Nonetheless, the Legacy, equipped with a 2.5-liter flat-4 engine and Subaru's new continuously variable transmission, scores 23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. The best numbers for the 2009 model were 20/27 mpg for the sedan with a 5-speed manual transmission. The top end 6-cylinder Legacy also improved from 17/24 mpg to 18/25 mpg in spite of the engine growing from 3.0-liter to 3.6-liters. The mid-level turbocharged Legacy GT is unchanged at 18/25 mpg, while the base four cylinder with a 6-speed manual gearbox actually dropped 1 mpg from 20 to 19 mpg in the city. The highway mileage for the base manual car stayed at 27 mpg.

[Source: Subaru]

Continue reading EPA rates new CVT-equipped Subaru Legacy at 23 mpg city, 31 mpg highway

EPA rates new CVT-equipped Subaru Legacy at 23 mpg city, 31 mpg highway originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 19 Jun 2009 15:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Edmunds drives the Subaru Stella electric car

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 15:27:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Subaru

Subaru Stella EV - Click above for gallery

In spite of Tesla's claims that the Model S will be the "world's first mass produced EV", the Subara Stella EV is going on sale to retail customers in Japan this summer. Subaru started production of 170 Stella EVs recently, within days of Mitsubishi launching the iMiEV.

None of us here at ABG have had the chance yet to try Subaru's new EV, but Inside Line sampled it this week. Unfortunately, the tiny Stella has a similar price tag to the iMiEV at $47,900, but that drops down to $29,000 after a wide array of subsidies.

The Subaru has a smaller battery at 9.2 kWh which yields a nominal range of just 55 miles. The Stella's interior is snug but the torquey electric motor means that it accelerates off the line quickly, getting to 40 mph in just four seconds. The top speed is limited to 60 mph to keep the batteries from overheating. The car can be quick charged to 80 percent in 15 minutes at special high power charging stations. Edmunds concludes that cost and range remain big issues, but the age of the EV is most certainly beginning.

Gallery: Subaru Stella EV

[Source: Inside Line]

Edmunds drives the Subaru Stella electric car originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 18 Jun 2009 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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On your mark... Subaru starts up Stella EV production

Sebastian Blanco — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 19:18:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Subaru, Japan

Subaru Stella EV - Click above for gallery

Mitsubishi made history this past week by being the first major automaker to begin series production of an electric car, the i MiEV. Subaru didn't want its rival to get all the media love, and it immediately announced that it, too, had begun making the Stella EV. While the production numbers for the Stella are not as high as for the i MiEV - Subaru will only make 170 - it's safe to say that the electric car race has now been joined. Deliveries for the Stella EV will start in Japan next month.

The Stella EV uses a 47 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that can charge in five hours from a 220-volt plug (or from 110V). A quick-charge system can fill the battery 80 percent in just 15 minutes. The car can go about 55 miles on a charge and has a top speed of 62 mph. Not great for the highway, but just about perfect for city use. Interested? The Stella will cost more than the i MiEV, ¥4,700,000 ($47,600 U.S.) to ¥4,380,000 ($45,500). Buyers of both cars can get up to ¥1.38 million back from the Japanese government.

Gallery: Subaru Stella EV

[Source: Green Car Advisor]

On your mark... Subaru starts up Stella EV production originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 06 Jun 2009 19:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Subaru to launch diesel cars in Japan in 2011

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 31 May 2009 11:15:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, Subaru, Japan

The Japanese market has never been particularly fond of diesel cars, but Subaru is getting ready to try anyway. Subaru launched its first diesel boxer engine in Europe in 2008 and so far has sold over 30,000 examples. The diesel accounts for 54.1 percent of Legacy sales in Europe right now. With new emissions regulations set to take effect in Japan in 2010, Subaru is working on improving its diesel before offering it in the home market. At theNew York Auto Show we spoke to Subaru spokesman Dominic Infante who re-affirmed that Subaru still has plans to offer its diesel in the U.S. sometime in the next decade.

Subaru also plans to start leasing of its electric Stella mini car this summer in Japan for commercial fleet customers. At some point in the coming decade, Subaru also plans to offer hybrid vehicles based on Toyota technology.

[Source: Nikkei via Green Car Congress]

REPORT: Subaru to launch diesel cars in Japan in 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 31 May 2009 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Subaru may bring gasoline-hybrid to the U.S. in 2012

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 21 May 2009 09:32:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Subaru, Green Daily

Subaru's been hyping its future green technology for years, but despite promises of diesels and hybrids, those of us in the States have yet to sample any alt-fuel, boxer-powered Imprezas, Legacys or Foresters. But according to Subie's president Ikuo Mori, in addition to bringing a new diesel powerplant to the U.S. in 2011 or 2012, Subaru, "hopes to introduce a hybrid around the same time."

As previously reported, Subaru will license and adapt Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive system to its current drivetrains, which has proved difficult and, apparently, time consuming (Autoblog first reported on Subaru's hybrid plans back in 2005). However, with this week's new CAFE announcement that requires automakers' products to average 35.5 mpg by 2016 - with Japan and Europe likely to follow suit - Subaru seems to finally be ready to make good on its promise - seven years later.

[Source: Bloomberg]

REPORT: Subaru may bring gasoline-hybrid to the U.S. in 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 21 May 2009 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20 fuel sipping diesel SUV/CUV/crossovers available in Germany

Xavier Navarro — Thu, 07 May 2009 18:33:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, MPG, BMW, Ford, Hyundai, Jeep, Kia, Mercedes Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, Volkswagen, Renault, Europe/EU, Germany

Modern compact SUVs don't need to drink fuel at quite the rate of their larger, more easily spotted cousins (HUMMER, Range Rover, we're looking at you). Over in Europe, drivers have opened their arms to compact SUVs as an alternative to sedans and mini vans. Current offerings share car platforms and can be found with the decent-mileage diesel engines. How frugal are these mid-size SUVs, really? Follow us after the jump and you will see the 20 most economical compact SUVs available in Germany (check out last year's CO₂-based list here).

Gallery: Toyota Urban Cruiser

[Source: Auto News]

Continue reading 20 fuel sipping diesel SUV/CUV/crossovers available in Germany

20 fuel sipping diesel SUV/CUV/crossovers available in Germany originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 07 May 2009 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru begins testing final-spec Stella electric vehicle in Japan

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Subaru, Green Daily, Japan

Subaru Stella EV - Click above for gallery

Fuji Heavy Industries, parent company and maker of Subaru automobiles, is ready to begin testing prototype versions of the Stella electric vehicle in Japan. The EV is based on the production version of the gas-powered Stella, which is a small kei-sized hatchback that's not available in the U.S. market. The Ministry of the Environment of Japan will get a total of 15 Stella plug-in EVs to test ahead of the model's expected sale date later this summer in Japan.

According to Subaru, it's actually managed to improve on the initial Stella EV prototype by boosting power from 40kW to 47kW. Plus, the automaker has reduced the weight of the vehicle's structure, reduced the dimensions of its battery pack and completely revised the interior. When the Stella EV finally does go on sale, it will use these updated specifications. Full press release after the break.

Gallery: Subaru Stella EV

[Source: Subaru]

Continue reading Subaru begins testing final-spec Stella electric vehicle in Japan

Subaru begins testing final-spec Stella electric vehicle in Japan originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 17 Apr 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru adds racing stripes to frugal Justy

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 11:16:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, Subaru, UK

Click above to enlarge

Note to Subaru UK: a set of racing stripes does not a sporty car make. In any case, here we are with a new Subaru Justy 1.0 Twin Cam Special Edition that features what the Japanese automaker charitably refers to as "viper stripes." Right. Also included in the package are a new set of dual exhaust tips, a roof-mounted rear spoiler, a leather-wrapped alloy shift knob and rear privacy glass. The good news to buyers interested in efficiency is that none of these changes alter the standard Justy's excellent fuel mileage or emissions rating. In the UK, the Justy 1.0 is rated at 64.2 miles per gallon on the Extra Urban cycle, which equates to a meaningless 53 mpg in U.S. gallons, and CO₂ emissions of just 118 grams per kilometer. Want one? Better contact your local dealer soon and be willing to shell out an extra £690. Subaru only plans to build 100 of the SEs, 50 in black and 50 in red.

[Source: Subaru]

Continue reading Subaru adds racing stripes to frugal Justy

Subaru adds racing stripes to frugal Justy originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 23 Feb 2009 11:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Electric Subaru Stella poised to leap over ankle-high sales target

Domenick Yoney — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 11:53:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Subaru, Japan

To paraphrase Pamela Anderson (I believe that's a first for ABG), "It's great being a plug-in Stella - with such low sales expectations it's easy to impress." So, extremely impressed we are that the kei-sized city electric is poised to clobber its underwhelming sales target of 100 units set for it by Fuji Heavy Industries, parent company of Subaru. The early interest is pouring in from fleet customers like Takeda Pharmaceuticals, who have ordered up 50 copies for themselves.

Who else is interested in a lithium battery-powered car, capable of recharging 85 percent of its 50-mile range in 15 minutes? The Japanese Post office is mulling adding more to their current fleet of one and Car Sharing Japan Co. has shown interest. There are also regional government entities eager to show off their "environmental friendliness" in queue alongside members of the public. The car should go on sale in Japan this summer.

[Source: Green Car Congress]

Electric Subaru Stella poised to leap over ankle-high sales target originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 17 Feb 2009 11:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ireland gets Subaru Impreza diesel?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 18:22:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, Subaru, Europe/EU, UK

Click above for a gallery of the Subaru Impreza diesel

Apparently, Ireland will be getting a diesel version of the Subaru Impreza. We're were a little surprised to see the press release, which is pasted after the break, considering that it was just last week that we heard the model was being indefinitely delayed in the UK. Of course, only a fifth or so of Ireland is part of the United Kingdom, but we find it odd nonetheless. No matter, the oil-burner was slated to go on sale starting yesterday for a base price of €21,495 excluding dealer charges.

Standard equipment includes a 6-speed manual transmission, which is, as always, hooked up to the Impreza's standard all-wheel drive system. Three trim lines will be offered, starting with the base model, to which up-level S and loaded RS levels are added. Fuel consumption stands at 6.8 L/100 km (42 mpg imperial or 35 mpg US) and carbon emissions come in at 152 g/km in the combined cycle.

Gallery: Subaru Impreza diesel

[Source: Subaru of Ireland]

Continue reading Ireland gets Subaru Impreza diesel?

Ireland gets Subaru Impreza diesel? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 02 Jan 2009 18:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru indefinitely delays diesel Impreza launch in UK

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 17:24:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, Subaru, UK

The Japanese yen is currently causing lots of problems for Japanese automakers. When the yen is weak, profits go up for Japanese companies that make most of their money by exporting vehicles to other countries. Conversely, when the yen is strong - as it is right now, having hit its highest valuation in 13 years - profits diminish. Subaru is just one of the automakers that's finding it tough to make a buck (or a yen) these days, and it has responded by indefinitely delaying the launch of its oil-burning engine option in the Impreza for the UK market. This news likely comes as a major blow to European dealers, considering that diesel engines handily outsell their gasoline siblings when they do manage to go head-to-head. Still, it's just as well that it'll be delayed as it would be priced out of the market if launched on schedule. Japanese officials have already called on the government to intervene by lowering the value of the yen, and if that happens, Europeans will finally get their diesel Subarus.

[Source: Autocar]

Subaru indefinitely delays diesel Impreza launch in UK originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 25 Dec 2008 17:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Future Subaru's to vie for Biggest Loser title

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 15:08:00 EST

Filed under: Subaru, Lightweight

Click above for a gallery of the Subaru R1e in New York

Future fuel economy and emissions regulations are going to make sweeping changes to the way our cars are designed. While many of the best innovations will be made to the powertrain - whether its electric, diesel, gasoline-powered or a combination thereof - there are plenty more ways to increase overall vehicle efficiency than just modifying what goes under the hood. To that end, Subaru looks to be investing heavily in technologies to reduce the overall weight of its vehicles.

New materials like high-tensile strength steel and new types of plastic will be used where standard stamped sheet steel had been specified in the past. The goal? By 2012, Subaru hopes to have shed an average of 10-percent of weight from its line, with another 5-percent coming by the 2015 model year. When combined with Subaru's newest engine technology, the Japanese automaker plans to decrease the fuel consumption of its cars by 40-percent before 2014.

Gallery: Subaru R1e in NYC

[Source: NASIOC]

Future Subaru's to vie for Biggest Loser title originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 17 Dec 2008 15:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Better Place: more partnerships in Japan; electric car parking lot opens in Israel

Sebastian Blanco — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:56:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Subaru, Green Daily, Japan, Middle East, Better Place

A few bits of news from the Better Place electric vehicle juggernaut today.

One, Israel's first electric parking lot has opened at Cinema City in Pi-Glilot. Pictured above is Better Place Israel CEO Moshe Kaplinsky with one of the Renault vehicles plugged into the station. So, how does the Better Place battery-swap idea fit in with these charging stations? There is an interesting tidbit in this Guardian article that says that Better Place "expects a lithium-ion car battery to last for 106 miles. Given Israel's small size, the company expects relatively little need for changing batteries." Let's just note for the record that Better Place is OK with not swapping the packs. (The Guardian says the first charging station in Israel is located by a shopping center in Ramat Hasharon, near Tel Aviv.)

The second announcement is that Better Place will join with Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd., (i.e., Subaru) and "other Japanese carmakers" for a electric vehicle project in Japan (guess the rumors were true). For now, Better Place is building a battery exchange station in the city of Kanagawa for the Ministry of Environment. The government project will start in January and last "three to six months."

Gallery: Better Place Charging Station

[Source: Better Place]

Better Place: more partnerships in Japan; electric car parking lot opens in Israel originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris preview: Diesel Subaru Impreza and Forester

Xavier Navarro — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 18:26:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, Subaru, Europe/EU, Paris Motor Show

Subaru is slowly expanding his diesel availability in Europe. Fitted with the marque's signature boxer diesel cylinder (the only I can think of in a modern production vehicle), this diesel powertrain has been already available for a few months for the Legacy and Outback models. Following the Paris Motor Show, the engine will also be found under the hoods of Impreza and Forester models. The diesel Impreza gets 150hp and has CO₂ emission levels of 152 g/km, while the Forester develops 147hp and has CO₂ emission levels of 167 g/km. Both cars get new 6-speed gearboxes as well as Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF) fitted as standard. Subaru will also showcase two additional models in Paris, the G4e and R1e, which we've already seen at other motor shows.

[Source: Le Blog Auto]

Paris preview: Diesel Subaru Impreza and Forester originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 06 Sep 2008 18:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Is Japan ready for the EV revolution? Sure looks like it

Xavier Navarro — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 08:05:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota, Japan

According to a Financial Times online article, the answer to the question in the headline is yes. The EV revolution will require a lot of participants, and editor J. Soble summarizes the recent efforts from four Japanese automakers, the postal service, a utility company and the Japanese government, which are all working towards a future with a lot of electric cars on the road.

First, we have the expectations that Mitsubishi MiEV, Subaru R1e, Nissan-Renault will continue their EV projects in Japan (not just in Europe and Israel). Of course, we also await the plug-in version of the Toyota Prius. As for Japan's postal service, the company announced it will convert its 21,000 vehicle fleet to run on electrons. Utility Tokyo Electric Power (Tepco) has announced the development of new electric stations that could charge an EV enough to run for 40 km (26 miles) in five minutes, or up to 60 km (40 miles) in ten minutes. The company sees them in, for instance, supermarkets. The government is helping build the infrastructure as well: The Kanagawa prefecture, the region adjoining Tokyo, is providing 150 recharging stations in an effor to fulfil the Japanese Government's announcement that half of the new cars sold in 2020 will be electric. Thanks to Mark for the tip.

Gallery: Mitsubishi i MiEV - LIVE

[Source: FT]

Is Japan ready for the EV revolution? Sure looks like it originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 27 Aug 2008 08:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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