Wednesday 15 November 2006

Subaru is currently on track to produce a total of 600,000 vehicles for 2006, but is still considered small by global car manufacturer standards. The company’s mid to long-term goal is to lift this figure to 800,000 models, and to do this Subaru plans to release updated versions of its Impreza, Forester and Legacy models.

The all-new Impreza hatch and sedan are due in the second half of next year, followed by the next-generation Forrester in 2008 and Legacy in 2009. To help its standing in Europe, Subaru will be launching a new range of turbo-diesel engines that will most likely coincide with the launch of the new Impreza. There will be both 2.0L four-cylinder boxer versions as well as a 3.0L six-cylinder variant.

To compete in the power stakes, Subaru is also rumoured to be working on a new 3.6L gasoline engine as well as new turbo charging technology. Further, a newly formed alliance with Toyota will provide Subaru with the latest in hybrid technology. However, the immediate goal is still to promote its new range of diesel powerplants.