Just Revealed: Subaru BRZ STI Concept - 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show
MCF Member's, Do you like it ? or not ?
Please post & let us all know `OK

Subaru’s rear-drive BRZ takes shape with this STI, but it may not have a turbo.

By Shaun Bailey / Photos by John Lamm
November 16, 2011
<!-- auto show is false why is this showing --><!-- use auto show template in this case -->Photos »Videos »


<!-- test output end: --><!-- the article, at a glance, downloads, top competitors, from buying guide --><!-- left column -->It’s about time Subaru started revealing some BRZ sheet metal, as we’ve been watching Toyota hog the limelight for over a year with the FT-86 and Scion FR-S concept cars. All the while, Subaru showed us only engine and suspension mockups. Although the BRZ STI is technically a concept, the production BRZ won’t look much different when it makes its debut soon at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show. Of all the concepts shown thus far, I like the original Toyota FT-86 concept and this BRZ STI the best.



Video window may take a few moments to load...<CENTER><!-- Start of Brightcove Player -->
<!--By use of this code snippet, I agree to the Brightcove Publisher T and C found at https://accounts.brightcove.com/en/t...nd-conditions/. --><SCRIPT type=text/javascript src="http://admin.brightcove.com/js/BrightcoveExperiences.js"></SCRIPT><OBJECT id=myExperience1281348617001 class=BrightcoveExperience title="Big Grin" border=0 codeBase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,28,0" alt="" classid="clsid</OBJECT></CENTER>
At 166.7 inches long with a 101.2-in.wheelbase, the BRZ competes with the VW Golf and Honda Civic in overall size, but is rear drive. What’s more the 2+2 seating arrangement means the weekend racer can put an extra set of wheels in the back.

Subaru BRZ STI Concept




The base Subaru is expected to be equipped with a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter flat-4, perhaps with as much as 200 bhp. Subaru says the STI won’t have a turbocharger, but we have our doubts. The concept shown here at Los Angles features a staggered tire setup with 215/45R-18s in front and 225/45R-18s out back. Autocrossers hope that a 255/40-17 can fit without needing to roll a fender, as is the case on the Honda S2000.

Subaru BRZ STI Concept




The quad exhaust tips seem like overkill for a naturally aspirated engine, and may be proof that Subaru is pulling our leg about the STI being naturally aspirated. Let’s hope so. If the car has about 200 bhp, that drag-inducing wing and diffuser won’t make much sense. The weight reducing carbon-fiber roof helps reduce the car’s center of gravity, but engineers say the BRZ’s CG is already lower than a Porsche Boxster’s.

Subaru BRZ STI Concept




If Subaru is not going to squeeze the engine with turbo boost, I hope the production BRZ weighs less than a Miata. We eagerly await the news.

Subaru BRZ STI Concept

 

Subaru BRZ STI Concept - 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show Preview

Subaru offers us a brief peek at the BRZ sports coupe.

By Nick Kurczewski
November 1, 2011
<!-- auto show is false why is this showing --><!-- use auto show template in this case -->Photos »Videos »


<!-- test output end: --><!-- the article, at a glance, downloads, top competitors, from buying guide --><!-- left column -->Subaru has offered a brief peek at the BRZ sports coupe, equipped in STI specification, ahead of the car’s debut later this month during the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show. Technically this car is still being labeled a concept, though Subaru is continuing a slow drip feed of information when it comes to the BRZ’s engineering details.
STI Specs
Set to go on sale in mid-2012, the BRZ is a rear-wheel-drive 2+2 sports coupe developed in cooperation with Toyota. Stretching 166.7 inches long and 70.9 inches high, the BRZ is sized to compete with the Honda Civic Si, Scion tC and Volkswagen GTI 3-door. The BRZ’s 101.2-inch wheelbase is almost identical to the roomy VW – a fact we hope bodes well for rear seat room.





Subaru confirms the STI Concept has a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated, horizontally opposed flat-4 cylinder engine under the hood. That might surprise anyone hoping the high performance STI model would be fitted with a turbocharged powerplant. Putting power to the pavement is a set of 215/45R18 (front) and 225/45R18 (rear) tires, riding on multi-spoke alloys that will be unique to the STI.
From the images, Subaru has adopted a chunky and aggressive front and rear-end treatment for the BRZ STI Concept. Tapering headlights and large intakes for the engine and brakes leave you in no doubt the BRZ means business. If that wasn’t enough, the rear features a towering wing, along with a four exhaust pipes set into a large rear diffuser.
Special STI equipment includes the sportier body-kit, a firmer suspension setup, and a lightweight carbon-fiber roof to lower the BRZ’s center of gravity.

^^^^^Source^^^^^^

 

2012 Buick Regal GS vs. 2011 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT - Comparison Test

Buick vs. Subaru—a fair fight?

By Shaun Bailey / Photos by Barry Hathaway
October 10, 2011

Slideshow >>
More New Cars from 2011 >>

<!--/photos-video-wrapper-->
<!-- /Main photo wrapper --><!-- test output end: --><!-- the article, at a glance, downloads, top competitors, from buying guide --><!-- left column -->Rather than just drive Buick’s new Regal GS, we thought we’d stack it against a Subaru Legacy 2.5GT—a car that’s similarly powered, comes only with a 6-speed manual, has all-wheel drive and sporting aspirations. A jaunt up Mt. Baldy in Southern California showed us where to put our money.

2012 Buick Regal GS




Although producing similar numbers, Buick’s Ecotec turbo initially won us over, as this is a sublime powerplant. Revised for the GS, it packs a walloping 295 lb.-ft. of torque. You’d think that would be excessive for this front-wheel-drive Regal and that torque steer would be substantial—but it’s not. Fitted with unique HiPer strut front suspension and optional super-sticky 255/35ZR-20 Pirelli P Zero summer tires, the GS overcomes the typical faults found with high-horsepower front-drive sports sedans. Only when charging hard out of a tight corner does the open differential let the inside tire spin and cause a slight steering wheel twitch.

2011 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT




By contrast, that’s where Subaru’s Legacy GT shines. Its steering is heavy around town and its suspension surprisingly soft, but toss it into a corner and it comes alive. It’s light on its feet with imperturbable grip allowing power to be put down far earlier than with the Buick. The GS uses its Interactive Drive Control adaptive suspension well, allowing both nimble corner entry and a compliant ride. Its control inputs of steering, brake and stick shift are light and equitably weighted.

2012 Buick Regal GS




On the way up the mountain road, the GS could almost hang with the Legacy GT, gaining on the straights and dropping back in the tight switchbacks. All was well until the GS began beeping feverishly and warning of elevated temperatures, at which point the Subaru disappeared and the GS found some shade to cool off. The 4000 ft. climb and 100 degree heat weren’t making life easy for the GS, but the Subaru didn’t mind at all. Too bad, because I was having fun engaging the no-lift shift feature and working my right foot on corner exit. In fact, I forgot I was driving a Buick—a well-bolstered black leather seat and a thick-rim flat-bottom steering wheel have that effect. The 6-speed manual is delightful and far smoother than the notchy long-throw Subaru unit.

2011 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT




The two cars offer such different experiences, but similar performance. The awd Subaru is lighter and slightly larger, giving it the practicality advantage. The Buick, however, is nicer to drive and gives better fuel economy. I suspect the Legacy GT was a little under-tired in this company, riding on 225/45R-18 Bridgestone RE050a summer tires. Its suspension gives up precision for comfort, but it works. Flinging the Legacy through our slalom, it nearly kept up with the GS, whose grip advantage is revealed on the skidpad and in braking. Although both were equipped with navigation, the Subaru unit is a little dated in comparison. On the other hand, the Subaru’s interior seems more robust.
I kept thinking the Subaru was taking the show as we headed back down the mountain. Then, about where the GS got hot on the way up, the Subie’s little brakes got soft, releasing that putrid smell of cooked pads. In a reversal of fortune, the GS disappeared this time. Ah, the downhill, where the Buick shines and its wheel-filling Brembo brakes prove its stopping stamina in some very hard driving. Although not a clear win, it’s the first time we’ve considered a Buick anything but comfortable.

 

2012 Buick Regal GS - Driving Impressions

A Buick sports sedan? The new GS proves that it’s possible.

By Calvin Kim
August 4, 2011

Slideshow >>
New Cars for 2012 >>

<!--/photos-video-wrapper-->
<!-- /Main photo wrapper --><!-- test output end: --><!-- the article, at a glance, downloads, top competitors, from buying guide --><!-- left column -->Buick is experiencing a renaissance of sorts. Case in point: I’m at GM’s Milford Proving Grounds, informally known as the Lutz-ring, about 30 minutes out of Detroit. It’s a sinewy track made of turns copied from famous race tracks around the world. With its high speeds, long turns and quick elevation changes, MPG tests vehicle durability.
And I’m slithering a Buick Regal GS toward the apex of one of the many blind turns, heel-and-toe downshifting and patiently waiting to get back on throttle, all the while pinned to the side of the GS’s bolstered leather seats.
Yes, this is a Buick. To say that Buick’s globally bred, Epsilon-based Regal is a complete redefinition of what a Regal used to be is an understatement. And thankfully for the motoring world, it’s for the better. When we tested the Regal CXL Turbo last year, we were impressed. We loved its 200-bhp inline-4, its state-of-the-art interior and clean styling. But we couldn’t wait for the top-line GS.

Now that it’s here though, we have some good news and bad news.
First, the good: It’s finally here! It goes on sale in the fall, with prices that start at $35,310 (with destination). The bad: While it was originally targeted to have a Haldex-based all-wheel-drive system (other Epsilon based cars from Saab and Opel feature the system), the 2012 Buick GS will be offered only in front-drive form, for efficiency (weight and fuel) and pricing reasons.
The GS’s turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 is far more powerful than the CXL’s, producing 270 bhp at 5300 rpm and 295 lb.-ft. of torque at 2400 rpm. It’s basically the Ecotec Cobalt SS engine that we’ve all grown to love. Along with the turbo, it uses variable valve timing, 3-in.exhaust and direct injection. At peak, the CXL has 15 psi of boost, whereas the GS has 20.

Equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission (an automatic will be available later this model year), the GS features a three-mode (standard, Sport and GS) adjustable damper and hydraulic steering system that Buick calls the Interactive Drive Control System. This system changes the algorithm of the damper-mounted blow-off valves, and changes steering effort by altering the amount of fluid that flows through the pump and rack. Computers dictate the opening and closing points of the blow-off valves, based on a suite of G-sensors and accelerometers. Steering and throttle sensors determine what the driver is doing. All told, the system works to keep the GS cornering flat, with excellent damping control on Milford’s long turns and elevation changes.

As we’ve previously shown, Buick employs the sporty HiPer Strut front suspension in the GS. Put simply, it allows for a more upright king-pin inclination and shorter spindle length. This minimizes torque steer and improves steering feel. It works great. You can feel some steering kickback over sharp bumps and the like, but remarkably little torque steer could be felt, even with the steering wheel cranked over and the throttle pinned. Of course, as HiPer Strut worked well fine in the V-6 LaCrosse, it’s no surprise that it works as well in the new GS. Interestingly, the lower aluminum strut mount is the same piece as the one on the LaCrosse.
Up front, the GS has aluminum 4-piston Brembo fixed calipers and 14-in. rotors. In back, aluminum single-piston calipers work with 12.4-in. discs. It’s a good braking system, tested for durability on the Lutz-ring. During my limited lapping session, stopping power was never an issue. Some notable cars in this class would not do so well.
Our test car was fitted with the optional 20-in. sport tire package, which comes with Pirelli P Zero 255/35-ZR20 summer tires. Standard rubber is Goodyear Eagle RSA, size 245/40ZR-19.

The springs, of note, are 20 percent stiffer than the CXL’s (at all four corners) and the bushings and anti-roll bars have also been firmed. The rear suspension and its geometry remains the same.
The GS also gets an appearance upgrade. The front and rear fascias are inspired by those of the Opel Insignia OPC. They make the GS look much more aggressive than the CXL, while satin-finish chrome pieces help further differentiate this Regal from less sporty models. On the inside, Buick has replaced the standard Regal’s bright and airy look with dark leather and trim.
Yes, the 2012 Buick Regal GS is not an all-wheel-drive car as we had hoped, but it’s still fast, and Buick has taken good steps to mitigate torque steer. The brakes are sturdy, the suspension is well damped, and upgrades for the GS are clearly noticeable. Although the sportiest among us might say the GS needs a mechanical limited-slip differential (even as an option), the Regal GS is impressive, with its modern styling, clean interior, excellent power and great handling. You might even call it a renaissance of sorts, a far cry from any Buick of the last decade.

 

I would to have a 2 seater for fun. It would have to be a stick tho. The new Buick look pretty nice too. I have always liked Buick's. Maybe GM should do a re make of the Grand National. I mean the 25th anniversary of the last year they were made is coming up.

 

I like the BRZ looks like it be fun to drive

 

Hi `Mike, I think it's gona be a fun little package & I'm sure they will put the `Turbo on it....I hope they keep the price reasonable 4-Sure
=============================================
Subaru BRZ STI Concept Live Photos: 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show

<!-- start comment box -->
By Smok'in ~>Nelson IresonEditorBIONelson is an Editor at High Gear Media focusing on reviewing cars and covering the hottest topics in luxury and performance cars, car culture, and... More


LATEST ARTICLE
2013 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Convertible Live Photos: 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show
Like its tin-top sister, the 2013 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Convertible is one potent muscle car--even... Read More

• November 16, 2011

Subaru BRZ STI Concept live photo

<!-- social -->
<!-- start signup_box -->Subaru's long-awaited rear-drive sports coupe is nearing its final stages before entering production, with the BRZ STI Concept at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show all but revealing the car that'll be menacing streets near you in just a few months. These live images show the car up close and personal, as it sits on the Subaru stand right now.

Painted in World Rally Blue (but without gold BBS wheels as you might expect) the BRZ STI Concept is perhaps a bit bawdier than the standard BRZ will be when it does go to retail; the big wing, however, is likely to stick around, at least as an option--it's a design feature Subaru's never shied away from.

The aggressive front end, slightly protruding front fenders, and low-slung look all combine to taunt us with its likely driving dynamics, which should be sporty and fun if not outright powerful; the 2.0-liter boxer engine under the hood will generate something in the neighborhood of 200 horsepower. That's plenty of oomph for fun in its roughly 2,700-pound frame, but not so much as to be intimidating.

For the full details on the new BRZ STI Concept, check out our preview here. <!-- rendering content took 3.8719177246094ms -->
HI-RES GALLERY: Subaru BRZ STI Concept live photos

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

 

You Can't Say that we don't give you enough to see & read on the MCF We just have to keep up with everything that's out there ~>



^^^^I like it cause it looks like it's from `Space ~> LOL ^^^
2011 Toyota FT-86 II Concept
Related Articles

• Subaru Plans To Enter Its BRZ In Japan's Super GT Series
• Subaru BRZ STI Concept, 2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo: Car News Headlines
• Toyota FT-86 Specs Leaked: 200 HP, 2,700 LB
• Subaru BRZ Gets More Power, 5-Series GT M Sport, SEMA 2011: Today's Car News

 

I really like the looks of both the BRZ and the FT-86 II

 

im a big fan of Subaru. that car looks like it would be fun to drive...i really want a WRX STi still