Skoda Superb

 The Skoda Superb | super speed cars 123bhp 1.4 TSI petrol engine isn’t as slovenly as it sounds, but it will struggle to pull a heavy load. The pokier 158bhp 1.8 TSI is better. Don’t go near the thirsty 256bhp 3.6 V6. The diesels will be popular, but we’d avoid the rattly 104bhp 1.9. The 138bhp 2.0 has punch, but delivers it in one ungainly lump. The 168bhp version is more linear with its delivery of power, but more expensive.

 The Superb Estate has a soft suspension that makes it comfortable over poor road surfaces. It stays settled on the motorway, too, so it’s a great cruiser. The soft ride means it feels a little wallowy through bends, but there’s plenty of grip to make you feel secure in corners.

The Superb isolates wind- and road noise really well, and the suspension stays quiet over bumps. Choose your engine carefully, though. Only the range-topping diesel is the latest generation common-rail diesel engine, so the other two units are older and noisier – particularly the 1.9. The petrols are smooth and quiet, but you’ll have to push hard with the 1.4.

Subaru EXIGA

 Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the maker of Subaru | super speed cars automobiles, today announced the major highlights that will be displayed at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show 2009. On the theme of ‘Take a Moment to Free Your Mind”, FHI will showcase Subaru’s efforts to integrate enjoyable and dependable driving with the global environment.
FHI will present the “ SUBARU HYBRID TOURER CONCEPT ”, a new proposal for the future of grand touring car that integrates environmental friendliness, driving performance, and safety at a high level.

In addition, FHI will unveil the “Plug-in STELLA feat. BEAMS”. Designed in collaboration with the renowned specialty store BEAMS, the fully electric car is based on the Plug-in STELLA launched this summer in Japan. The company will also showcase a special version of Impreza WRX STI exclusively tuned for further enhancement of its sporty performance, as well as other production models such as the new Legacy. Besides showcasing these models, FHI will exhibit

 Subaru at 2009 Tokyo Auto Show Gallery: Subaru at 2009 Tokyo Auto Show
Subaru’s latest safety technologies, such as the “EyeSight”, an advanced driving assist system with pre-collision control using stereo camera technology.

A press conference by President Ikuo Mori is scheduled on Wednesday, October 21, at 12:10, at the Subaru booth (Center Hall).

EXIGA 2.0GT tuned by STI (Scheduled for market launch in Japan)

SUBARU TECNICA INTERNATIONAL inc. (STI), which manages Subaru motor sports activities, offers its latest proposal for a new seven-seater sports concept based on the multi-passenger Subaru EXIGA 2.0GT turbo model. The finely-tuned body and chassis elements ensure responsive and sporty handling for all drivers. In addition, the basic black sporty interior has a luxurious texture.

This model integrates distinctive driving performance proposed by STI with the EXIGA’s touring seven-seater concept, and is a proposal for new value in the minivan market.

A list of exhibits

1. SUBARU HYBRID TOURER CONCEPT (Concept car)
2. Plug-in STELLA feat. BEAMS (Display model)
3. IMPREZA WRX STI CARBON (Display model)
4. LEGACY B4 GT300 (Display model)
5. EXIGA 2.0GT tuned by STI (Display model / Scheduled for market launch in Japan)
6. LEGACY TOURING WAGON 2.5i S Package (Production model)
7. LEGACY B4 2.5GT SI-Cruise (Production model)
8. LEGACY OUTBACK 2.5i L Package (Production model)
9. FORESTER 2.0XS BLACK LEATHER SELECTION (Production model)
10. Lineartronic (CVT) cutaway model (Technology exhibit)
11. EyeSight featured in EXIGA 2.0GT EyeSight model (Technology exhibit)

Subaru Impreza

STI to introduce the Subaru Impreza “R205″
Tokyo, January 7, 2010 – Subaru Tecnica International Inc. (STI)* is pleased to announce the launch of the Subaru Impreza “R205″, a special performance version. The model will go on sale today through Subaru dealerships in Japan.
Based on the Impreza WRX STI, the R205 enhanced the sheer driving performance it shares with former special performance models, such as the “S203″ and the “S204″, developed by STI. The R205 is the top performance model of the WRX STI. It features new and exclusive equipment and makes full use of specially designed features and performance parts of the “WRX STI spec C” model, the sporty performance model launched 2009. The “R” of R205 stands for “Road Sport”.
Most efforts focused on refining handling performance by adopting STI tuned dampers, coil springs, flexible type strut tower bar, flexible type lower arm stiffener of front suspension, and Bridgestone’s specially designed RE070 tyres. Thus the R205 ideally balances agile driving and confident driveability by enhancing a linear steering response and excellent road-holding capability. This is exactly the distinctive ride quality that STI is pursuing as its vehicle development theme, “strength and nimbleness” driving. The R205 offers enhanced total driving control not only in city driving on the road or winding road but also in sporty driving at the circuit.
In addition, STI carried out verification tests of selected performance parts of the R205 through the participation of the 2009 Nurburgring 24-hour race with an Impreza WRX STI. Making full use of this precious race-track experience at Nurburgring – in which any road condition is condensed – STI successfully completed the model in order to offer sheer excitement and unique driving feeling as a distinctive “Road Sport Model”.
The R205 delivers an increased 235kW (320PS) of maximum output, and 431N.m (44.0kg.m) by adopting the exclusively designed turbocharger with ball bearings for the turbine axle bearing, specially tuned ECU (Engine Control Unit), and the sport muffler with lowered back pressure exhaust. SI-DRIVE (SUBARU Intelligent Drive) is also available to neatly suit driving style in any driving situation at driver’s command.
The front under spoiler, newly developed rear under spoiler, and the black rear spoiler improve aerodynamics. Exclusively designed 18-inch alloy wheels, specially colored front grille and side STI garnish accentuate its uniqueness.
Subaru Impreza R205
Major equipment of Subaru Impreza R205
Mechanism:
* STI tuned inverted strut and coil springs for front suspension
* STI tuned damper and coil springs for rear suspension
* “Brembo” 6-pot brake caliper with STI silver logo and 18-inch grooved rotors for front brake
* “Brembo” 4-pot brake caliper with STI silver logo and 18-inch grooved rotors for rear brake
* STI designed 18-inch cast aluminum wheels
* Bridgestone specially designed “POTENZA RE070″ (245/40R18) tyres
* STI designed flexible type front strut tower bar
* STI designed flexible type lower arm stiffener of front suspension
* R205 ECU (Engine Control Unit)
* R205 exhaust pipe
* R205 twin scroll turbocharger with flexible type ball bearings for the turbine axle bearing
* R205 sport muffler with lowered back pressure exhaust
* R205 front stabilizer
Interior:
* R205 side sill plate
* R205 serial number plate
Exterior:
* R205 front grille (black)
* STI designed front under spoiler
* STI designed side STI garnish (black metallic)
* STI designed rear under spoiler
* STI designed rear spoiler (black)
* R205 badges on front grille and rear gate
Others:
* The planed production is limited to 400 units
* MSRP; 4,510,000 JP Yen (without tax)
Major specifications:
Engine type; Horizontally-Opposed 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve turbocharged engine
Displacement; 1,994 cc
Transmission; 6 speed manual transmission
Maximum output; 235kW (320PS)/6,400 rpm
Maximum torque; 431Nm (44.0kg.m)/4,000 rpm -Overall length X width X height; 4,415 X 1,795 X 1,465 mm