Friday, 12 April 2013 07:11
Is Subaru's WRX Concept closer to production than we think?
Words by Ferman Lao | Photos courtesy of Subaru of America, Inc.
By now, you should have seen photos of Subaru's new WRX Concept that was unveiled at the 2013 New York International Auto Show. If you still haven't, we've got a bunch of them for you to enjoy, so scroll down first and take a good look before coming back here. Now that we're all on the same page, I think we all will agree in no uncertain terms that it is indeed a stunner. Right?
But however the information presented, or rather, the lack thereof, it seems to indicate that Subaru is keeping a lid on things. Other than stating that the next-generation WRX will be heavily influenced by the design direction taken by the Concept, Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan is tight lipped. They did however say that it “will focus on sharp handling, AWD grip, and turbo power.” This leaves us guessing that it will quite possibly have it's own distinct model instead of being part of the Impreza lineup. So, will the WRX Concept ever hit production?
Published in
Concept
Friday, 10 August 2012 11:07
2012 Subaru Impreza Challenge Manila Leg moved to September 8
Once again, the time has come for 200 of our countrymen to try and outlast, outwit, and outplay each other for a chance to win a brand-new 2012 Subaru Impreza 2.0i 6-speed MT sedan. No, this is not the TV reality show Survivor; this is the 5th Subaru Impreza Challenge Manila Leg.
If you haven't submitted your entry form yet, well, tough luck because registration closed last August 3, 2012. But if you're one of the lucky 200 who qualified, you ought to know that Motor Image Pilipinas has moved the date of the Impreza Challenge because of the non-stop downpour that plagued Central Luzon for the past several days. Here's the official statement from Motor Image:
Published in
Upcoming Events
Friday, 27 July 2012 07:56
Motor Image Pilipinas gives all-new 2012 Subaru Impreza a soft debut
Words by Hans Gerald Chua | Photos courtesy of Subaru of America, Inc.
When Subaru unveiled their all-new 2012 Impreza to the world at last year's New York International Auto Show, we couldn't help but get excited, knowing that something this handsome will ultimately hit our streets sometime in the near future. Fast forward a year later, Motor Image Pilipinas gave us what is technically a jacked-up Impreza at the 8th Manila International Auto Show, otherwise known as the all-new XV.
The XV is Subaru's very first compact crossover that addresses the market's demand for “practical functionality, fashionable stylishness, and better fuel economy.” Though these are traits that anyone should be looking for in a car, the XV isn't exactly that “car-like” and left some of us wanting for more. Well, I'm glad to tell you that the wait is finally over.
Instead of spending a month's-worth of their marketing budget on an extravagant party, Motor Image Pilipinas opted to invite their closest friends, clients, and club members on a small intimate gathering to unveil the all-new 2012 Subaru Impreza. Thankfully, we were there to get a close look.
Published in
Newly Launched
Thursday, 01 December 2011 10:42
Subaru boxes souped-up Impreza WRX STI S206
Words by Christopher Kho | Photos courtesy of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd.
Let me assure you that no one, absolutely no one, buys a Subaru Impreza WRX STI and keeps it stock. Instead of buying a Porsche or Ferrari, gearheads get a thrill out of tuning these rally-bred machines to reach supercar speeds. That's why Subaru's performance arm, Subaru Technical International (STI), created a special performance edition of the Impreza so that bolt-on bonkers will have their work cut out. Enter, the Subaru Impreza WRX STI S206.
The S206 is not a mere full-option upgrade with parts from the catalogue, but is also stuffed with exclusive parts inside and out. It's fitted with Bilstein shock absorbers, STI coil springs, a flexible front tower bar, and a flexible front draw stiffener to name a few. In the looks department, there's a specially-designed front spoiler, fender grill outlet, and trunk spoiler that are only available with the S206. Even the 19-inch BBS aluminum wheels are made just for this model. Along with a new turbocharger, larger intercooler, remapped ECU, and a sports muffler, the Japan-spec 2.0-liter boxer engine achieves 315 horsepower - 11 more than standard.
Published in
Newly Launched
Thursday, 07 July 2011 10:13
Mark Higgins sets record run on the Isle of Man TT in a "stock" Impreza STI (w/ video)
Words by Jade Lu | Video courtesy of Subaru of America Inc.
It seems like we’re on a roll for breaking records in the motorsports world. On the 10th of June 2011, rally driver Mark Higgins set an all-time lap record on the famed Isle of Man TT Mountain Course. With an average speed of 185.63 km/h (peaking 260 km/h!), Higgins completed the 59.5-kilometer course in 19 minutes and 37 seconds driving a “stock” US spec 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI. Albeit being a “production US spec” unit, some modifications were made for safety purposes, which includes a Hockley Motorsports roll cage, Motordrive competition seats, Mintex brake pads, and Tein springs and dampers. Nonetheless, the WRX STI was powered the standard 305hp turbocharged boxer engine and ran on street-legal Pirelli P Zero Trofeo Tires making it technically “stock”.
Published in
Motorsports
Thursday, 02 June 2011 15:30
Subaru offers the Legacy, Forester, and Impreza STi with a different kind of AWD
Motor Image Pilipinas, the exclusive distributor of Subaru in the Philippines, is bundling the Legacy, Forester, and Impreza STi Hatchback with a different kind of AWD for the month of June. Through the Subaru All-Winning Deals (AWD), clients get this special opportunity to bring home a brand-new Subaru through special low down payment schemes, zero-interest plans, and all-in packages.
Published in
Contest and Promos
Tuesday, 26 April 2011 10:58
Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger: The 2012 Subaru Impreza
Words by Christopher Kho | Photos courtesy of Subaru of America, Inc.
Only three years have passed since Subaru gave birth to the current generation Impreza, but at the 2011 New York International Auto Show, it looks like they're flaunting a new baby bump. The expectant mother gave a rare glimpse to its 2012 Subaru Impreza, which promises to be harder, better, faster, and stronger than its older brother. Although it’s already due in the US in five months, it won't be making its way into the Philippines until late next year. Still, we already have the details, so you can start planning ahead.
Published in
Newly Launched
Saturday, 24 July 2010 09:40
The Evil Twin | 2010 Subaru Impreza 2.5L WRX Sedan
Words and photos by Christopher Kho
Back in January, we were given the privilege to test the Subaru Impreza Sedan. With it came a 2.0 liter 148 horsepower boxer engine, a four-speed automatic transmission, and a 1.2 million-peso price tag. It proved to be a practical four-door sedan that possesses killer good looks and a rally-bred drive train. We had endless hours of fun sitting behind the wheel. It drives smoothly, runs fast, and handles exceptionally well. In short, we were impressed.
By the day’s end, its sporty muscular looks and pin-point accurate handling got our hearts racing. But we felt that there was something missing from this great package. We were left itching for a bit more power and a proper manual transmission to get every single drop of excitement out of it.
Published in
Sportscar
Monday, 04 January 2010 09:33
Dressed to Impress | 2010 Subaru Impreza Sedan 2.0L RS A/T
Words and photos by Christopher Kho
Ever since its debut onto rally racing 16 years ago, the Subaru Impreza was a born winner. It helped propel infamous names such as McRae, Burns, and Solberg to win championships on the world rally scene conquering tarmac, gravel, and snow. Officially introduced back in early 2008, the Subaru Impreza landed on the Philippine shores to conquer yet another challenge - making a mark onto the local subcompact car market. In its five-door trim, the Subaru Impreza hatchback already built a strong foundation for the Impreza’s namesake and has been doing so for the past year. To keep the fire burning, on April of 2009, Motor Image Philippines launched the hatchback’s twin brother, the Subaru Impreza sedan.
Published in
Compact
