News: Let’s see if Subaru makes a difference in Saudi Arabia

Usually my blog consists of racing, Subaru Performance, and Subaru Icons but this time, we gotta dim the lights and talk about something that is a little more serious and may potentially change history. My friend Mike from SubieTech sent me this article via email from the non profit organization Change.org. Now from my understanding and from what I’ve gathered, women are still not allowed to drive automobiles in Saudi Arabia (or even ride a bike for that matter) and recently there was a woman who made a viral video who was driving. She was promptly arrested.

Now where does Subaru fit in all this? Well, Subaru’s marketing campaigns heavily towards families and women. Subaru also sells vehicles in Saudi Arabia. So if women aren’t allowed to drive (for now) in Saudi Arabia then why bother marketing towards women? This progressive thinking is right up Subaru’s alley and let’s see if they do something about it.

Although there are many women now taking a stand and making good points about why they should be able to drive (well, I know many) the traditions and beliefs of that region still stand strong. Many politicians have stepped up including Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

So if you believe strongly on this (which you should) and think that Subaru can make a difference by pulling out of Saudi Arabia until the government has lifted the ban, sign the petition and help the women in Saudi Arabia!

Sign the Petition HERE 

 

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Subaru predicts a 50% increase in sales of the 2012 Impreza

Couple of weeks ago, the 2012 Subaru Impreza was released to the masses at the New York Auto Show. Although the “performance” community of Subaru fans jeered at the new looks (hey, at least it comes with fender flares!) however the general population was jubilant about the 36mpg with symmetrical all wheel drive standard. According to Autoblog Subaru of America is predicting over 60,000 units sold held against the current 40,000 units sold.

This is a bold statement from Subaru but we hopefully will see the increase and being one of few manufacturers that has not suffered a loss, this should be an impressive outlook!

Video Highlights of Dave Mirra and the Subaru Rally Team at GRC!

Dave Mirra had an interesting weekend. Seemingly driving his 2011 Subaru STi like a pissed off teenager and being as aggressive as he could. It was amazing to see how hard he was driving and how he was able to really battle it out with the others. Subaru has released this video of his performance and you can see how close some of these battles really were.

Photo by Kyle Lewis

2012 hatch at NY auto show

A pic shared on Car and Driver’s blog of the new 2012 hatch at the NY auto show.

Subaru of America releases multiple images of the 2012 Impreza

Check out what Subaru of America put on their facebook fan page! I think we can dig it!

Subaru of America teases the official debut of the new Impreza for New York Auto Show

This is what Subaruof America posted on their Facebook Fan page. They’re teasing us. We can’t wait to see these cars in the flesh.

Subaru is sponsoring a Mud Run in LA!

Not quite Subaru-automotive related but my friend Charles from Subaru of America sent me this info. If you guys are interested in this and you’re in the LA Area, Check it out!

I personally love running and outdoor activities but I (Yukes) will be in Seattle for a different event. I hope this goes well if any of our readers are at this, post up your pictures for us! We’d love to see them!

 

UK only STI 320R

News from Car and Driver about a UK only Subaru with a power boost and navigation called the STI 320R, it’s name spawning from it’s power in PS and torque. But like most enhancing goodies, emission standards keep us from it.
http://blog.caranddriver.com/subaru-impreza-wrx-sti-gets-power-bump-and-navigation-for-uk-market-for-free/
-Adam A. (Gatchaponkei)

Subaru of America teases the 2012 Impreza!

This morning, Subaru of America teased the new 2012 Impreza on their Facebook Fan page. We’re digging the looks. What do you guys think?

A behind the scenes look at Stephan Verdier’s Rally Cross STi

Ahh yes, Stephan Verdier. He’s been a really cool guy with us, taking time to talk to us and showing us great photos of his car and sharing his stories with us. Our friends at MotoIQ had an exclusive look at Stephan’s Rally Cross STi that was a former drift car. This car has seen a lot of action in the past few years but it looks like it’s going to stay as a Rally Cross car and we can’t be more excited for him!

Here are some images of the build:

The front end is business. Well, most of the car is business but it’s got a Crawford Performance built motor and also the entire front end is built for crash protection. Hence the whole entire front end is pretty much a bar. Of course it will covered by a bumper but this is pretty nice looking.

According to MotoIQ, Stephan had the whole entire chassis acid dipped to remove excess gunk, insulation, and debris to have a clean chassis. This actually lightens the chassis and you can see how “new” the car looks!

Suspension is vital in Rally Cross. Hence, Stephan went with the WRC Spec Tein Suspension. This is no ordinary coilover system too.

So what is this? Looks like an air conditioning unit? Maybe a tumble dryer? Nope! It’s the rear mounted radiator so it keep it from harm like some love taps that the cars get when they’re door to door against each other.

Want to see a super expensive transmission? Here it is. Dog engagement / sequential shifter keeps Stephan going around the track.

The cage is different from a standard roll cage. It doesn’t utilize a main hoop but it’s more of a enclosed cage. It’s supposed to disperse crash loads. Interesting since rally cars do roll intensely during competition.

Read more about it on MotoIQ HERE!