Confirmed: No Scion FR-S Turbo, Subaru BRZ Maybe Eventually

Neither of the jointly developed Subaru-Toyota sports cars will be turbocharged, at least in the near future. Sources we’ve spoken with at both companies have confirmed that for the time being, both the Subaru BRZ and the Scion FR-S will come with only the naturally aspirated, 2.0-liter inline four; it’s rated at 200 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque.

The news gets worse, we’re afraid. Although the door is open to a possible turbocharged BRZ in the future, we’ve been told it’s unlikely we’ll ever see a factory-built Scion FR-S with forced induction in the U.S. It’s possible that Toyota still could offer a turbocharged car in other markets, though, where the car runs with 86 and GT86 badging.

“What the Hell?” You Ask

A big part of the issue here is pricing. Starting at $24,930 with a manual transmission ($26,030 with an automatic) and no factory options available, the FR-S should be a decent seller. Were Scion to add a turbocharger or any other kit, shoppers would be looking at a price tag much closer to $30,000. That’s when people start sentences with “Well, for that much money, I could just get a…” and Scion loses sales. Subaru has a bit more flexibility in pricing because, versus Scion, the brand isn’t so downmarket and has better-off customers. Even still, a turbo version of the BRZ isn’t a guarantee. A British car magazine recently quoted a Subaru exec as saying the company will never sell a turbocharged BRZ. We haven’t been able to confirm whether this was an accurate quote, but even if “never” is an exaggeration, it’s a grim situation.

Read More: http://blog.caranddriver.com/confirmed-no-scion-fr-s-turbo-subaru-brz-maybe-eventually/

Subaru Goes Live With New iPad® Apps

CHERRY HILL, N.J., April 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Subaru of America, Inc. announced the release of Dynamic Brochure iPad® apps for the 2012 Subaru Impreza, Impreza WRX/STI, Outback, Legacy and Forester. Fun and interactive consumer tools, the apps showcase the confidence and capabilities of these models.


The iPad® apps feature new, fully photographic exterior and interior 360-degree views that allow viewers to experiment with paint colors and interior trims. The apps also include interactive feature demos, videos and comprehensive specifications.

The all-new Subaru Impreza 4-Door, 5-Door and Impreza Sport, rally-bred Impreza WRX/STI, rugged Outback, intelligent Legacy and the versatile Forester, all come standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a balanced SUBARU BOXER® engine for exceptional handling and capability to match their accommodating interior versatility and comfort.  Users can see, hear and explore the Subaru models and the technology right from the interactive iPad® apps.

The 2012 Subaru model iPad® apps build on the success of the industry-leading Dynamic Brochure program, which Subaru debuted in 2011, to give audiences more content and more engaging choices for information, comparison and sharing. The program also supports Subaru commitment to environmentally-friendly practices; the digital brochure platform helps to reduce paper usage, energy consumption, inks, and production waste.

"Subaru is excited to roll out the next generation of our leading-edge, environmentally-friendly Subaru model iPad® apps for 2012. These model app launches will be followed closely by the all-new Subaru Life Book featuring our full line of vehicles in a single app," said Sondra Shiffer, brochures manager, Subaru of America, Inc.

These iPad® apps can be downloaded for free at:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/subaru-of-america/id390914873

Read More: http://media.subaru.com/index.php?s=43&item=314

Chicago Used Subaru

Subaru Prices 2013 BRZ Coupe From $26,245 With Six-Speed Manual [New York Auto Show]

Subaru has finally revealed pricing for the rear-wheel-drive 2013 BRZ: The sporty coupe will start at $26,245 for the entry-level Premium model with a six-speed manual transmission. The BRZ’s price of entry is slightly higher than that of its near-twin, the 2013 Scion FR-S, which starts at $24,930. Of course, any dealer markups could push the BRZ’s actual price even higher, given that Subaru has allocated a relatively small number of cars for the U.S. market.

The Subaru’s price premium over the Scion is more than made up for by the BRZ’s higher level of standard content. Touch-screen navigation and HID headlights are two key features absent from the FR-S’s list of standard equipment; in fact, both are missing from that car’s options sheet, as well. The even-fancier BRZ Limited starts at $28,245 and adds leather and Alcantara seating surfaces, heated seats, dual-zone climate control, fog lights, keyless access with push-button start, and a rear spoiler. Just like the FR-S, a six-speed automatic with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters is available; it will set you back $1100 on both the Premium and the Limited.

We suggest that any enthusiast with roughly $26K burning a hole in his or her pocket strongly consider plunking that sum down on a BRZ—the car is that good. Even if you don’t snag one of the limited number of BRZs in time, there’s always the Scion FR-S.

Read More: http://blog.caranddriver.com/subaru-prices-2013-brz-coupe-from-26245-with-six-speed-manual-new-york-auto-show/