The National Association of Automobile Dealers survey was released today, revealing that Subaru, Lexus and Hyundai have the most satisfied dealers.

Twelve bits of data have been complied over three categories that include automaker policy decisions that affect the dealership, franchise value, and automaker field staff who visit the dealership. The resulting information gauges how satisfied new-car dealers are with each of their automakers.

Hyundai has been holding the top spot for the third consecutive survey period, and Subaru made the top three five consecutive periods, with Lexus holding the number three slot, dropping form second place on the previous survey.

The top 10 include Volkswagen, Porsche, Audi, Toyota, and Mercedes-Benz, and Honda and Cadillac are together in the number 10 spot.

Lexus scored highest on the section of the survey that indicates how dealers feel towards their manufacturers’ policy and the effect they have on their franchises. Toyota and Hyundai followed in this category.

Dealers who feel their automakers value them more start with Hyundai, then Kia, with Lexus being third.

Some dealers feel that their automakers don’t value their input on decisions that impact their stores, with Suzuki, BMW and Mini scoring the lowest here, and Toyota, Lexus and Subaru doing the best. All of these positions remain the same from this time last year.

As for how dealers feel about the field representatives from their manufacturers, Infiniti showed the greatest improvement in this category from winter 2011, up from sixth place, with Acura and Toyota following. The fourth spot in the segment is also held by a Japanese automaker.

In total, 14,700 dealer franchises were surveyed throughout the U.S., with just over half responding.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Source: AutoNews

Considering that Toyota’s latest collaboration with Subaru, the FT-86 (also coined Toyobaru), is upping the ante in the market of affordable sports cars, it’s not unreasonable to think that aftermarket-tuning companies are hard at work to prepare for the FT-86 tuning crowd.

And to pose as a small teaser for their work in progress, aftermarket tuner HKS has just released a video of the first attempt at putting the new Toyobaru on a dynamometer to see how powerful the car really is from the factory.

The result: 170 rear-wheel horsepower. Sure, that’s not the 200 crank horsepower that Toyota and Subaru announced at the unveiling of the FT-86, and the brands themselves recognize that themselves. They announced that there’s roughly a 15% drivetrain loss.

Check out the video after the jump.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: FT-86 Club

At the Tokyo Auto Salon 2012, Subaru will show up wit ha total of nine vehicles with a theme of ‘Proud of Boxer.’ The unique Subaru display will show the company’s efforts to “integrate enjoyable and reliable driving provided by the Horizontally-Opposed Boxer Engine.”

The new Subaru BRZ and Impreza will be the star of the brand’s display with the BRZ STI Cocnept, BRZ Black Edition by Prova and the BRZ GT300 showing up to please the crowd. Also joining the display will be the Subaru Impreza G4 STI Concept, Impreza Sport Custom,  Impreza WRX STI,  Impreza WRX STI Group R4, Legacy B4 GT300.

Click here for our original post on the Subaru BRZ.

The company will also show its BOXER plus next generation D4-S Engine.

Hit the jump for the complete list of exhibits.

Refresher: Weighing in at just 2,689 pounds, the Subaru BRZ is powered a 2.0 liter 4-clyinder boxer engine making 197-hp at 7,000 rpm with a maximum torque of 151 lb-ft at 6,600 rpm. The engine is mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. Prices will start around $24,000.

List of Exhibits:

1. SUBARU BRZ STI CONCEPT
2. SUBARU IMPREZA G4 STI CONCEPT
3. SUBARU BRZ Black Edition by PROVA
4. SUBARU IMPREZA SPORT CUSTOM
5. SUBARU IMPREZA WRX STI (scheduled participation in the 2012 24 Hours Nürburgring endurance race)
6. SUBARU IMPREZA WRX STI Group R4
7. SUBARU LEGACY B4 GT300 (participated in the 2011 Super GT race)
8. SUBARU BRZ GT300 (scheduled participation in the 2012 Super GT race)
9. SUBARU BOXER plus Next generation D4-S Engine technology exhibit

- By: Omar Rana

The 2013 Subaru WRX will drop displacement and up its mpg rating for the 2013 model year, according to one of the brand’s spokespersons.

First time at egmCarTech? Visit our home page for the latest news.

When the WRX originally hit American soil it came powered by a 2.0-liter flat-four, which was later replaced with a 2.5-liter that produced 265hp. Subaru has decided that for 2013 the model will be getting a FA20 variant, which currently powers the new BRZ, along with a turbocharger. The square bore 2.0-liter engine is also expected to kick out 5 more horses than the current model’s, giving it a total output of 270hp.

EPA ratings should see an improvement as well, although it’s unclear how much. The naturally aspirated version of the FA20 is expected to hit 30mpg on the highway, which is great compared to the current WRX’s 25 highway mpg, but this figure does not take the new model’s turbo into account.

Subaru has previously mentioned that it was seeking to make a greater distinction between its WRX and Impreza models, so it seems this engine is a big part of that. A 2.0-liter flat four moves the present generation for the Impreza from the FB line of motors that don’t share the same engineering advancements as the FA20.

The automaker hasn’t provided a release date for the next generation WRX yet, although it is likely that it will hit markets late 2012.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Source: WOT

As Subaru suggested at the LA Auto Show, there is room in this world for a even quicker version of the sub-3,000 lb rear-wheel-drive Subaru/Toyota sportscar and Toyota has announced that it plans on making even quicker versions of the GT 86.

Toyota’s chief engineer, Tetsuo Tada suggested some supercharging may happen, which makes sense if we look at the traditional Toyota Racing Development (TRD) parts bin. In the past TRD has thrown superchargers at the Tacoma/Hilux and Tundra, so it makes sense for this new sports car to get a supercharger. No official word is out on power upgrades, but speculation suggests 50 horses added to the existing 197 bhp mill from Subaru.

Toyota has suggested though that they are significantly beefing up the suspension of the GT 86, which means that a bigger upgrade could be in the works. In the past, the 233 bhp motor in the Tacoma has been cranked up to 301bhp, so this means that the quick version of the Scion FR-S, as it’s known in the ‘states, could fight the Nissan 370Z with 60 coming in under five seconds and a top speed of over 150 miles per hour. This might not be the next Supra, but Toyota, have made sure that the car drifts properly, a first for the company.

Click here for our original post on the Toyota GT 86.

As with the Subaru version, there is no word on when the quick version will happen. In Toyota’s case, it is unclear whether the TRD version will be its own trim level or available as an aftermarket package.

Refresher: Power for the Toyota GT 86 comes from a 2.0 liter 4-clyinder boxer engine making 197-hp at 7,000 rpm with a maximum torque of 151 lb-ft at 6,600 rpm. The engine is mated standard to a 6-speed manual transmission with an available 6-speed automatic. The Toyota GT 86 will go on sale in the United States next year as the Scion FR-S.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoCar

According to a short snippet by MotorTrend, the 2013 Subaru BRZ will cost around $24,000 when it hits markets next year.

That will be the starting price for the 2013 Subaru BRZ Premium, which will get you all the necessary things including a Torsen limited-slip differential, 17-inch alloy wheels, tilt-telescope leather steering wheel, leather shift knob and hand-brake, a 6-speed manual, aluminum pedals,  an 8-speaker sound system and standard Navigation.

Click here for our original post on the Subaru BRZ.

The Subaru BRZ Limited is expected to start at $27,000 and will add an Alcantara upholstery, a rear spoiler, foglights and some other touches.

It’s been previously reported that the Toyota GT 86 / Scion FR-S will start around $20,000 when they hit dealers.

Let us know your thoughts on that estimated figure after the jump.

Refresher: Weighing in at just 2,689 pounds, the Subaru BRZ is powered a 2.0 liter 4-clyinder boxer engine making 197-hp at 7,000 rpm with a maximum torque of 151 lb-ft at 6,600 rpm. The engine is mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: WOT

What you’re looking at here is the first unofficial artist rendering of what a convertible Subaru BRZ could look like.

Toyota and Subaru both unveiled their rear-wheel-drive sports coupe (the GT 86 and BRZ GT, respectively) at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show this past week. Scion also released its version, known as the FR-S, which will go on sale in the United States next year.

Neither Subaru or Toyota have confirmed a convertible version of their sports cars.

Click here for our original post on the Subaru BRZ.

Refresher: Weighing in at just 2,689 pounds, the Subaru BRZ is powered a 2.0 liter 4-clyinder boxer engine making 197-hp at 7,000 rpm with a maximum torque of 151 lb-ft at 6,600 rpm. The engine is mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: theophiluschin.com (via WCF)

Following the public debut of the road-going Subaru BRZ, the company has dropped a video of its new Subaru BRZ GT300, which will compete in the GT300 Class and will replace the STI Legacy B4. The model will represent the company at the 2012 Super GT Championship in Japan.

Check out the video after the jump.

Click here for our original post on the Subaru BRZ.

Refresher: Weighing in at just 2,689 pounds, the Subaru BRZ is powered a 2.0 liter 4-clyinder boxer engine making 197-hp at 7,000 rpm with a maximum torque of 151 lb-ft at 6,600 rpm. The engine is mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission.

- By: Omar Rana

Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd., the maker of Subaru says that it forecasts an increase in sales in the United States in 2012.

“Sales next year will definitely top this year’s and reach about 300,000 units,” President Yasuyuki Yoshinaga told Automotive News in an interview at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show. “Sales in the U.S. may beat last year’s as early as this year.”

Through October, Subaru sold a total of 215,631 units in the United States, down a bit from the same period in 2010.

Subaru plans on introducing a hybrid vehicle next year along with the new BRZ rear-wheel-drive coupe.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Automotive News

Following its world debut at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, Subaru has dropped new images and a video of the new BRZ rear-wheel-drive sports coupe in action.

Click here for our original post on the Subaru BRZ.

Refresher: Weighing in at just 2,689 pounds, the Subaru BRZ is powered a 2.0 liter 4-clyinder boxer engine making 197-hp at 7,000 rpm with a maximum torque of 151 lb-ft at 6,600 rpm. The engine is mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission.

- By: Omar Rana

“This C-segment class car was developed as a new-generation sports wagon providing both superior driving performance and utility,” Subaru said in a statement. “It features an innovative exterior design not found in conventional wagon models and expert wagon utility Subaru has cultivated over the years.”

Power comes from a 1.6 liter turbo Horizontally-Opposed Subaru Boxer engine mated to the company’s original hybrid system and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) technology. Subaru says the system has an Electric Vehicle (EV) mode which allows AWD motion using only the motor at start-ups and low-speed drives.

Subaru Advanced Tourer Concept Specs:

Length x Width x Height: 4,580 x 1,840 x 1,430mm
Engine type: 1.6 liter Horizontally-Opposed direct fuel injection turbo engine
Transmission type: High torque compatible Lineartronic
Drive train: Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with hybrid system
Battery type: Lithium-ion battery

- By: Omar Rana

“The Subaru Boxer engine in the BRZ was positioned even lower than other Subaru models so that the BRZ has one of the lowest possible centers of gravity on the market today,” Subaru said in a statement. “This low center of gravity produces astonishing handling character and combined with a light-weight chassis BRZ realizes Subaru’s aim for “Pure Handling Delight” — the driving experience taken to a new level.”

The Subaru BRZ stands 170 inches in length, 70 inches in width and 52 inches in height. It sits on a wheelbase that measures 101 inches.

Click here for more news on the Subaru BRZ.

Weighing in at just 2,689 pounds, the Subaru BRZ is also powered by the same 2.0 liter 4-clyinder boxer engine in the Toyota GT 86. It makes 197-hp at 7,000 rpm with a maximum torque of 151 lb-ft at 6,600 rpm. The engine is mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Sales of the Subaru BRZ will start in Japan and the UK early next year. No word on whether the model will come to the United States as of yet. The Toyota GT 86 will come to the United States as the Scion FR-S.

- By: Omar Rana

The Subaru Impreza WRX STI S206 is the latest model in the STI’s ‘S’ series and features a ball bearing turbocharger, ECU (Engine Control Unit) with STI tuning, a sports muffler with lowered back pressure exhaust – all of which help the engine deliver 315-hp with a peak torque 318 lb-ft. Subaru also optimized the weight balance between piston, connecting rod, and crankshaft to enhance the rev feel.

The Subaru Impreza WRX STI S206 is also available with the NBR Challenge Package, which celebrates the car’s win at the 24 Hour Nurburgring Endurance Race in its class (held in June). The package adds a carbon roof and original dry carbon rear spoiler. The exterior also gets racing car touches, giving it an enhanced sporty feel.

Only 300 units of the Subaru Impreza WRX STI 206 will be made – with 100 of those being offered with the NBR Challenge Package. In fact, Subaru says that the NBR Challenge Package has already sold out so you can forget about ordering that.

Check out the specs after the jump.

-Mechanism-

STI tuned Bilstein upside down strut and STI coil springs for front suspension
STI tuned Bilstein damper and STI coil springs for rear suspension
S206 BBS designed 19-inch x 8 1/2J forged aluminum wheels (silver)
Michelin Pilot Super Sports 245/35ZR19(93Y) tires
Brembo 6-pot silver colored brake caliper with STI logo and 18-inch 2piece type drilled disk rotors for front brake
Brembo 4-pot silver colored brake caliper with STI logo and 18-inch drilled disk rotors for rear brake
STI designed flexible front strut tower brace
STI designed flexible draw stiffener, front
STI designed flexible support, rear
STI designed support, front kit
STI designed lateral rink with pillow ball bush (front inside, rear inside)
S206 engine balanced with STI
STI designed S206 ECU (Engine Control Unit)
S206 twin scroll ball bearing turbocharger
STI designed S206 sport muffler with lowered back pressure exhaust
Large intercooler with S206 logo
STI designed strengthened silicon intake duct
STI designed air cleaner element
S206 multi mode VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control)

-Interior-

S206 RECARO designed front bucket seat
S206 seat fabric, ALCANTARA® with black punching / red base, leather seat support (dark gray) with silver stitch
S206 door trim & centered arm rest (black ALCANTARA® with silver stitch)
S206 dark red colored seat belt
S206 silver side sill plate with S206 logo (front)
S206 leather lapped steering wheel with STI logo and silver stitch
STI designed leather shift knob with STI logo and leather shift boot
S206 leather side brake boot
STI designed push engine start switch (red with STI logo)
S206 serial number plate (console, engine compartment)

-Exterior-

S206 large front under spoiler
S206 front fender outlet grille
Aluminum front hood
STI designed trunk lip spoiler
S206 badges on front grille and rear gate
STI designed side garnish with STI logo (black metallic)

-Exclusive for NBR CHALLENGE PACKAGE
Carbon roof
S206 dry carbon rear spoiler (2 angle adjustable with S206 logo)
BBS designed 19-inch x 8 1/2J cast aluminum wheels (black)
S206 Nürburgring Challenge sticker (rear)
S206 red side sill plate with S206 logo (front)

- By: Omar Rana

So you’re in the market to purchase a new vehicle and are wondering which vehicles out their hold their value over time. ALG, a subsidiary of TrueCar, has released their 13th Annual Residual Value Awards and its seems like Subaru and Lexus take the award for top mainstream and luxury brands, respectively.

ALG honors vehicles in each segment that are expected to retain the highest percentage off their original MSRP after a 3-year period.

“Residual value is a great indicator of brand strength which in turn contributes to greater sales and profitability,” said Raj Sundaram for ALG. “We have seen a strong focus this year on producing high-quality products with great pricing and packaging delivering real value for vehicle buyers.”

This year’s list is based on 2012 model year vehicles and with the winners chosen after an evaluation of vehicle criteria, including segment competition, historical vehicle performance and industry trends.

“The consistently high quality of Subaru products, and the brand’s ability to remain progressive and practical in their redesigns, continue to draw fiercely loyal customers,” said Sundaram . “With high sales, Subaru consistently has low incentives and fleet sales, which have enhanced the brand’s used value and helped it hold on to the top spot among mainstream brands again this year.”

“Lexus has fully bounced back from its recent challenges, proving that it is one of the strongest brands,” said Sundaram. “The brand is extending its reach with exciting and affordable new models like the CT 200h, while continuing to provide great luxury and value across the lineup. Lexus’ reputation for value and customer service is also key to its dominance among luxury brands.”

Summary of 2012 Residual Value Award Winners:

Segment Winners

Sub Compact Car Honda Fit
Compact Car Hyundai Elantra
Midsize Car Subaru Legacy
Fullsize Car Nissan Maxima
Sporty Car Mazdaspeed3
Alternative Powertrain Volkswagen Golf TDI
MPV Honda Odyssey
Compact Utility Jeep Wrangler
Midsize Utility Subaru Outback
Fullsize Utility GMC Acadia
Midsize Pickup Toyota Tacoma
Fullsize Pickup Toyota Tundra
Near Luxury Car Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Luxury Car Audi A6
Luxury Sportscar Audi S5
Luxury Alt-Fuel Lexus CT 200h
Luxury Compact Utility Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
Luxury Midsize Utility Land Rover Ranger Rover Sport
Luxury Fullsize Utility Audi Q7

- By: Omar Rana

Source: ALG

The company confirmed that when the XV comes to the stateside, it will carry the XV Crosstrek nameplate. The model will replace the Impreza Outback and will sit below the Forester in Subaru’s American lineup.

Click here for our original post on the Subaru XV.

In the United States, the Subaru XV Crosstrek will be powered by a 2.0L boxer flat-four.

Sales of the model will start in the U.S. in 2012.

- By: Omar Rana

For the upcoming Impreza WRX and its STI variant, Subaru says it is keeping its focus on performance. Subaru is giving the next Impreza WRX a turbo four-cylinder engine, while the STI will be powered by a performance engine that produces over 300hp, in line with the current generation.

“It’s the car that appeals to the youthful generation,” said Tom Doll, Subaru of America Executive VP told AutoWeek at the 2011 LA Auto Show. “It’s just a performance driving machine.”

The two-door BRZ production model will debut at the Tokyo Motor Show, and Doll adds that once it is released the brand will continue to make cars for enthusiasts with more upcoming models.

As a couple of brands have shifted away from enthusiast appeal, its refreshing to see Subaru maintaining its enthusiasts approach to building cars.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Source: AutoWeek

Subaru’s upcoming BRZ model has an STI variant concept that has been revealed at today’s Los Angeles International Auto Show. The BRZ Concept-STI is the brand’s latest representation of its lightweight performance sports car models.

This concept is a good preview for what’s to come for production, as Subaru is updating its style but still keeping its distinctive details.

Power for the concept comes from a front mounted, completely new horizontally-opposed Subaru FA Boxer engine crafted specifically for the RWD BRZ model. The motor is a naturally-aspirated four-cylinder displaced at 2.0-liters, with a square bore and stroke at 86 x 86 mm. Subaru opted for direct fuel injection to stay up to environmental standards, and keep the engine running smoother at higher rpms.

Stiff tuned suspension, rear-wheel drive, a low, rearward mounted motor, and a set of Brembo breaks with 215/45R18 (front) and 225/45R15 (rear) tires, combine for balanced weight distribution and STI level performance. In comparison to the Subaru Impreza model the STI engine sits 4.7 inches lower and 9.4 inches closer to the chassis’ center. The body of the car is sized 166.7 x 70.9 x 50.4 inches, with a 101.2 inch wheelbase.

Subaru’s BRZ model will be the only of its kind when prodction kicks off in spring 2012, as the only front-engine boxer with rear-wheel drive to be mass produced.

- By: Alexandra Koken

At the 2011 LA Auto Show later this week, we will see the Subaru BRZ Concept, the company’s version of the Toyota FT-86, in full detail.

Click here for the first look at the Subaru BRZ Concept.

While we wait on further details, Subaru is announcing on its website that the production BRZ will represent the company at the 2012 Super GT Championship in Japan. The model will compete in the GT300 Class and will replace the STI Legacy B4.

Click here for more news on the Subaru BRZ.

Power for the production road-going Subaru BRZ will come from 2.0 liter naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder boxer engine that has been designed with a square bore and stroke of 86 x 86 mm. It should produce somewhere close to 200-hp.

- By: Omar Rana