Toyota Sales Plunge More than 33% in May, Chrysler Group up by 10%

The numbers for U.S. auto sales for the month of May are out and as expected, Japanese automakers continue to be hit hard by the ongoing production disruptions caused by the March 11 earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster in their home market. As a result, Toyota’s sales plunged 33.4% over the year-ago month to 108,387 units, while rivaling Honda saw its sales fall 22.5% to 90,773 vehicles, Nissan recorded a 9.1% drop to 76,148 units and Mazda 17,875 vehicles, down 20.9%.

General Motors dealers in the United States delivered 221,192 vehicles in May posting a decline of 1%, while the Ford Motor Co. said its sales decreased by 0.1% to 192,253 cars, trucks and SUVs.

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More Screaming Passengers from the 2011 Red Bull Car Drift Event in Lebanon

We don’t know about you, but we certainly enjoyed watching the video of a male passenger freaking out during a ride around a drift course, so we decided to do a little bit of online research to find out what it was all about. We discovered that the joy ride was part of the Red Bull Car Park Drift 2011 event and it took place in Lebanon.

The man behind the steering wheel of the Subaru Impreza WRX STI is 34-year-old Abdo Feghali from Lebanon. He is a professional rally driver who also participates in drift contests and events such as the one organized by Red Bull.

If you liked the first video we showed you, then follow the jump to watch the reactions of the same male passenger, this time sitting at the back between two women (oddly enough no one was wearing seat belts…), as well as some new footage of other people that took a ride including the beautiful lady you see pictured above.

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Subaru Targets Young Asian American Buyers with New Sweet Tomorrow Campaign

Subaru’s American division is taking audience segmentation a step further with the release of a new advertising campaign for the 2011 Legacy that specifically targets the Chinese-American market. The campaign has been produced in Cantonese, Mandarin and English, and can be seen across a wide variety of media placements including TV, print, online and out-of-home running.

The television spot is called “Sweet Tomorrow” and it shows a young Chinese American couple preparing for the birth of their first child. The advert is scheduled to air through October 2011.

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Mazda6 and Subaru Tribeca to be Axed, According to Report from Japan

Mazda and Subaru may soon be forced to axe two of their models in the US market, the Mazda6 mid-size vehicle and the Subaru Tribeca SUV, due to low volumes that undermine the efficiency of the U.S. plants that they are built in, according to a newspaper report from Japan’s business daily Nikkan Kogyo. It should be noted though that spokesmen for both companies declined to comment on the report.

Nikkan Kogyo wrote that Mazda is planning to discontinue production of the Mazda6 at the Flat Rock, Michigan plant, which it operates as a joint venture together with Ford Motor Co., as sales missed expectations. When Mazda introduce the latest generation of the mid-size model in 2008, the company expected an annual production of around 100,000 units, but last year, the plant churned out just 45,168 Mazda6s. In April, Mazda6 posted an increase of 7.8 percent but sales reached just 2,734 vehicles.

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Toyota Confirms 2.0-liter Boxer Engine, Six-Speed Gearboxes and LSD for 2012 FT-86

In keeping enthusiasts on their toes, Toyota’s European division came out with a new release today on its upcoming FT-86 sports coupe. The Japanese automaker confirmed that the production version will go on sale in 2012 with power coming from by Subaru's new 2.0-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine fitted with Toyota's D-4S technology. The latter consists of direct injection combined with port injection.

We still don’t get any output numbers although Toyota says the D4-S technology “results in increased horsepower and torque without sacrificing fuel consumption and environmental performance.” Subaru's latest 2.0-liter horizontally opposed gasoline engine, which is offered on the all-new Impreza, develops 148 horsepower and 145 lb-ft (197 Nm) of torque, but in the case of the FT-86, output is expected to increase significantly.

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VIDEO: 2012 Subaru Impreza Sedan and Hatchback on the Road

Yesterday, we brought you a first look at the redevelopment of Subaru’s Impreza Sedan and Hatchback from its world premiere at the 2011 New York International Auto Show. Today we have the first videos of the redesigned compact model in both four-door saloon and five-door hatchback guises, thanks to the official B-roll footage from Subaru.

Bypassing the somewhat disappointing styling as the visual impact of last year’s LA Show Impreza Concept was lost in the translation from concept to production car reality, Subaru’s Honda Civic rival boasts a roomier passenger area despite the fact that exterior dimensions remain the same.

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All-New 2012 Subaru Impreza Brings Smaller Engine with less Horsepower but Promises for 36 MPG

The New York auto show hosts the world premiere of the fourth generation Subaru Impreza, showcased in both 4-door and 5-door body styles. Developed under the Subaru’s concept of “Redefining Value, Redefining Class”, the new Impreza is allegedly more fuel-efficient and fun to drive, while offerings better interior space, despite having the same exterior dimensions as the outgoing model.

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Subaru XV Concept is a High-Riding Impreza Crossover

We’re going to see both the four- and five-door versions of the all-new 2012 Impreza at the New York Auto Show this week, but at the Shanghai motor show, Subaru lifted the wraps off a concept version of the hatchback model in a crossover guise. Named the XV Concept, the study essentially offers us our first glimpse at the successor of the North American market Impreza Outback Sport as well as the Impreza XV that is offered in Japan.

The lime-green XV Concept combines Subaru’s all-wheel drive system with a jacked up suspension and an array of SUV-like styling cues. The five-door model measures 4,450mm in length, 1,800mm in width and 1,620 mm in height sporting a 2,635mm long wheelbase. It is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine linked to a CVT.

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ISIS AM01 is a Subaru STI-Powered Coachbuilt Sports Car [with Videos]

This odd-looking creation is the AM01 and it’s the work of a Dutch company named Isis Cars that is led by Anton van Nunen and Max Alting Siberg. In an even stranger twist, the AM01 is based on another coachbuilt sports car from the Netherlands called the Saker.

Underneath the composite body shell lies a 2.0-liter turbocharged boxer engine sourced from a Subaru Impreza WRX STI. The four-cylinder unit churns out 275HP and a peak torque of 350 Nm (258 lb-ft), with power being transferred to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox.

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New Subaru XV Concept Teased Ahead of 2011 Shanghai Auto Show

In the run-up to the Auto Shanghai 2011 that takes place in China from April 21 through 28, Subaru has released the first official photo of a brand-new crossover study called the XV Concept. The Japanese company did not give out many details on the concept simply stating that the XV is a stylish proposal for a crossover model. Read more »

All-New 2012 Subaru Impreza: First Official Photo of the Production Version of the LA Show Concept

At last year’s LA Auto Show, Subaru unveiled an impressive concept for the new Impreza hinting at the production model that would follow. Now it’s time for the Japanese company to give us our first glimpse of the all-new 2012 Impreza, which will receive its world premiere in both 4-door sedan and 5-door hatchback version at the 2011 New York International Auto Show (April 22- May 1).

For now, all we get is a single view of the 2012 Impreza sedan’s side and the promise from Subaru that the new design will provide “a roomier interior and improved levels of comfort and refinement” with the company adding that it will deliver up to 36mph on the highway (equal to 6.5 lt/100km).

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Power Boost and Standard Sat Nav for UK Market Subaru Impreza WRZ STI

Subaru has a treat in store for its UK buyers as the Japanese company is offering its Impreza WRX STI with a power upgrade and a satellite navigation system as standard with no increase to the on-the-road price of £32,995, albeit for a limited period only. Read more »

Subaru Also Extends Production Halt at all Car Plants in Japan

The situation in Japan for the country’s automobile industry appears to be much worse than originally believed with many carmakers struggling to resume domestic output following the magnitude-9 earthquake and tsunami on March 11 that killed thousands of people and damaged factories as well as infrastructure.

Following yesterday’s announcement from Toyota, Subaru said today that it will extend closures at all five of its automobile assembly plants in Japan until Monday, March 28. The automaker’s parent company Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI) had previously announced its production suspension until March 24.

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Honda, Nissan and Toyota Donate $3.75 Million Each for Earthquake Relief in Japan

The massive earthquake followed by the even more devastating tsunami that struck the north-east coasts of Japan last week has brought together the country’s biggest automakers including Honda, Nissan and Toyota, which announced today that they will donate $3.75 million each for relief and recovery efforts in communities affected by the disaster.

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How Not To Customize: New Hampshire’s Subaru Impreza WRX STi Cabriolet

There was a special guest at Manchester Subaru in New Hampshire last week, and it wasn’t some B-list celebrity slumming it for a free car. No sir, it was a one of a kind 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STi convertible. You read that correctly, and we have the gallery to back it up.

And all I can say is wow. Remember when the boys over at Top Gear UK converted an old Renault Espace into a convertible? This is like that, but better. It’s somewhere between the ASC Helios (nee Chrysler 300C) and the Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet in the, “so crazy it’s just might be cool” category.

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Geneva 2011: Subaru Brings its Trezia Toyota Clone to Europe

Daihatsu isn't the only Japanese brand to add a rebadged Toyota model to its European lineup as Subaru did the same with the Trezia which is nothing more than a Toyota Verso-S with different logos. With a length of just under four meters, the small MPV is Subaru's newest proposal in the European minivan B-segment.

Subaru's designers only made a few changes to the front of the car, adding the brand's signature grille, a revised bumper and rounding up the headlights. As for the rest, it is virtually identical to Toyota's Verso-S. On the inside, changes are hard to spot too, with only the logos differentiating the two models.

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XPLORE ADVENTURE SERIES VEHICLES SUPPORT OUR NATIONAL PARKS

The first XPLORE Toyota FJ Cruiser will be auctioned with the proceeds donated to the National Parks Foundation.
XPLORE Special Edition packages will be available through participating new car dealerships nationwide in January 2011.



Press Release

Adrian, MI (December 20, 2010) – The National Parks are one of America's greatest treasures and a new line of adventure vehicles now gives you and your family another reason to support and enjoy a vacation this year to your favorite National Parks.

XPLORE Adventure Series vehicles will be available at your local new car dealers beginning in January 2011 and each one sold delivers a donation to the National Park Foundation for our National Parks. The first XLPLORE Toyota FJ Cruiser will be auctioned in the Spring of 2011 with the proceeds donated to the National Park Foundation.

"Venchurs is pleased to introduce the XPLORE Adventure Series line of specialty vehicles for all major brands of vehicles", states Jeff Wyatt, CEO of Venchurs. "It is a privilege to be able to support our National Parks and the automotive new car and Aftermarket communities, with a program that serves America's need for exciting vehicles."

XPLORE Adventure Series vehicles are available in four packages featuring increasing levels of equipment and capability. XPLORE Stage 1 Vehicle Packages featuring Katzkin leather interiors are available for Toyota, Jeep, Ford, Ram, Chevrolet, GMC, Nissan, Honda, Subaru, Hyundai and Kia vehicles.

XPLORE Stage 2 Vehicle Packages for select SUVs and trucks include, BFG off-road tires, Method aluminum wheels, Bilstein 5100 Series shocks, Magnaflow stainless steel cat-back exhaust and optional XPLORE/Katzkin leather and suede seats.

XPLORE Stage 3 gets serious; ARB winches, racks, rock-rails, suspension, roof-top tents, Warn winches and IPF lighting are all available as mix-and-match accessories.

XPLORE has partnered with TLC to offer Build-To-Order Stage 4 Toyotas and Jeeps with a multitude of custom personalized options including special paint, electronics and expedition-grade upfits.

Each XPLORE vehicle comes with a free, one-year Annual Pass to over 52 National Parks and other Federal lands. New owners receive a one-year membership in XPLORE CLUB and a subscription to XPLORE Lifestyle Journal; a high-quality quarterly featuring amazing places to go, fun things to do and interesting people.

"XPLORE vehicles are designed to deliver adventure for enthusiasts and families" quotes Ron Flint, XPLORE Program Director. "You can't have one of these in your driveway and not be inspired to get out into the Great American Outdoors!"

For more information, please visit www.xplorevehicles.com

LA 2010: Subaru Impreza Concept【Video】

Subaru has unveiled its new Impreza Design Concept at this week's LA Auto Show, which previews the carmaker's new "Confidence in Motion" design and brand strategy. The Impreza has been Subaru's global compact car since 1992.

A four-door coupe, the Impreza Concept features a wing motif, part of what Subaru is calling a "fresh expression" of identity for the brand. All-wheel drive is tucked under the broad fenders, and the engine is a 2.0-liter naturally-aspirated Boxer engine paired with a CVT.

The exterior features a hexagonal grille with spread wings in the center and hawk eye-style headlights. The hood, grille, and headlights were designed to project three-dimensional character. The rear gets a garnish that radiates outward from the center, sharp-edged rear lights, and new taillamp.

Inside, designers integrated the instrument panel with the door trim. Dark-blue piping and double stitching accent the four leather seats. A screen in the center dash combines navigation, vehicle information and audio. The steering wheel gets redundant controls.




Press Release

SUBARU DEBUTS IMPREZA DESIGN CONCEPT AT LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW

• Design concept hints at future model.

• Interior integrates latest in infotainment and safety technology.

• New-generation Subaru Boxer engine and CVT.

LOS ANGELES, November xx, 2010 - Subaru of America, Inc. today unveiled the Impreza Design Concept, which previews the carmaker's new "Confidence in Motion" design and brand strategy. The Impreza Design Concept will remain on display throughout the show, which runs November 19-28 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The Impreza has been Subaru's global compact car since 1992.

Built to express possible future Subaru design elements, the Impreza Design Concept conveys a sporty and lively "four-door coupe" style. The Impreza Concept combines environmental compatibility and comfortable ride of the Impreza with the trusted performance that Subaru's Symmetrical All Wheel Drive provides. The designers blended two ideas - "dynamic flow and confident stance" - to showcase Subaru's engineering core values of dynamic performance, safety, driving enjoyment and quality. The Impreza Design Concept features a roomy four-passenger interior.

From the front, the Impreza Design Concept is clearly recognizable as a Subaru, with a hexagonal grille with spread wings in the center and hawk eye-style headlights. At the same time, the front view previews a new direction for the brand's design, with the hood, grille and headlights designed to project three-dimensional character.

Fin-shaped fog lamps, which follow the wing motif, emphasize a fresh expression of Subaru identity. The car's low-and-wide stance is meant to convey reliability, security, and safety. The design of the prominent wheel arches echo that message while also emphasizing the vehicle's All-Wheel Drive technology. The new-generation Legacy debuted this design feature.

In profile, the Impreza Design Concept shows a sleek, continuous line from the A-pillar, along the roof and through the C-pillar. The design yields both a roomy cabin and excellent aerodynamic performance. Subaru designers applied simple and clean lines and surfaces rather than complicated forms. This produces a contrast with the powerful fender design and results in a lean side view, accented by satin silver window frames. The wedge-shaped side rear-view cameras sit along the sharp line of the A-pillar.

At the rear, the hexagonal theme repeats with a garnish that radiates outward from the center. The rear lights also follow a sharp-edged theme, and are stretched into the body sides to join the character line along the car's flanks. The taillamp design features a unique layering and gradation to create the impression of depth.

The front and rear bumper corners, shaped in the wind tunnel, contribute to the car's overall aerodynamic efficiency. Diffusers on the underside of the rear bumper and the rear deck emphasize sportiness and also do their part for aerodynamics, contributing to vehicle fuel efficiency. The Sky Silver exterior color underscores the Impreza Design Concept's stylish and dynamic silhouette, and suggests a silver tone to be used on the next generation of Subaru vehicles. The high-luster silver aluminum wheels, with their five-twin-spoke design, convey vehicle lightness and agility. Carbon fins garnish the spokes, aiding brake cooling.

"Dynamic, Enticing, Secure" Interior
For the Impreza Design Concept's interior, the designers followed a theme of "Dynamic, Enticing, Secure." The smooth integration of the instrument panel with the door trim and armrests suggests sporty yet comfortable driving. The roomy platinum-leather four-seat layout envelops occupants. Dark blue piping and double stitching accent the leather. A "layered" approach to color, with the upper part light platinum and the lower part a shade darker, gives the interior a feeling of spaciousness and sophistication.

A large display in the center dash combines functions for navigation, vehicle information and audio. The touch panel technology provides ease of use, seamlessly melding information and entertainment features.
The platinum leather-wrapped steering wheel features D-shaped spokes set off by piano-black center sections. The wheel innovatively incorporates its own touch panels, giving the driver easy access to various vehicle functions.

New Safety and Performance
Subaru's own advanced driving-assist EyeSight system is installed along the front edge of the roof. The images the camera takes can be viewed on a monitor in the center of the gauge cluster, positioned for easy visibility. EyeSight is also networked with the latest in collision-prevention technology, underscoring the safety that customers expect from Subaru.

The combination of the 2.0-liter naturally aspirated Boxer engine with a LineartronicTM Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) represents Subaru's next-generation powertrain. A 2.5-liter version of this engine powers the 2011 Forester.