Nother CarGuy

Subaru has unveiled its first plug-in hybrid, ahead of its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Set to go on sale next year, the 2019 Crosstrek Hybrid features an all-new “StarDrive” powertrain which consists of a 2.0-liter boxer engine, two electric motors, a symmetrical all-wheel drive system and a Lineartronic continuously variable transmission. One of the electric motors functions as an engine starter, but it can also be used to as a generator to produce electricity for the 8.8 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The second electric motor powers the car while also recharging the battery via regenerative braking. This setup enables the Crosstrek Hybrid to have a combined maximum output of approximately 148 hp (110 kW / 150 PS). While that doesn’t sound like much, the car can accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) one second faster than the standard Crosstrek which has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 152 hp (113 kW / 154 PS) and 145 lb-ft (196 Nm) of torque. Im...

Subaru has just released a teaser image of the second-generation XV Crosstrek ahead of the vehicle’s world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show on March 7. The Japanese company markets the  XV  as a Sports Utility Vehicle but in reality, it is an Impreza hatchback with some off-road prowess and a reasonable ride-height. Nevertheless, it has proven popular enough since its 2011 debut to warrant a second iteration. Based on the teaser provided, it is immediately apparent that Subaru has drawn on the  XV Concept of last year  in designing the new model. As such, a new pair of taillights are immediately visible and appear slightly larger and more pointed than those of the outgoing XV.  Further styling upgrades include more pronounced body lines and curves running along both sides, a new set of wheels, updated taillights and an overall sportier profile. Despite these changes, the new XV will be very similar to the outgoing model. As a matter of fact, a manager from F...

Just as it did with the  Impreza sedan  and  five-door hatchback concepts  before, Subaru is handing us an exaggerated preview of their next XV or Crosstrek in North America, with a new study in Geneva. The XV Concept dresses the hatchback body of the regular Impreza hatch with more rugged and muscular looking elements that include matt black body cladding, new front and rear bumpers with aluminum skid plates, roof rails, and a modified grille.  The taller ride height and chunky 19-inch wheels do their part to further separate and justify the XV’s existence in the Impreza range. Subaru also produced a new paint finish for the XV called ‘Glacier Khaki Silica’ and added orange accents on the body trim.  At least in concept form, the XV is 70mm longer  than the current car  at 4,520mm, 140mm wider at 1,920mm, and 45mm lower, while riding on a 35mm extended wheelbase.  A…toned down production version of the XV will follow within the next year....