Building a Better Boxer Inside the Heart of the 2015 Subaru Legacy

By Neil M. Szigethy

The many enhancements that help the SUBARU BOXER engine run more efficiently often involve relatively subtle modifications. These changes help reduce friction, ensure that every drop of fuel is ignited, and generally make it easier for the engine to operate. Here’s a look at the details.

MORE COMPLETE COMBUSTION

The Tumble Generator Valves (TGVs) are positioned just above the intake ports of the engine. They’re partially closed at low engine speeds in order to create greater swirl or “tumble” in the air/fuel mixture that’s entering the engine. This swirling helps ensure an even distribution of the fuel within the mixture for easier ignition and more complete combustion. At higher engine speeds and loads (greater throttle opening), the valves are wide open to let in as much air as possible.

MORE DURABLE FOR LONG LIFE

Over the years, the metals used in modern spark plugs have gone from nickel and copper to platinum and iridium, all to help provide a more durable spark plug. The use of this very hard and long-lasting metal, along with other design changes, allows iridium-tipped spark plugs to more easily ignite the air/fuel mixture under a wide variety of conditions, and do so over tens of thousands of miles. 

MORE POWER

The high compression ratio in the SUBARU BOXER engine compares the volume of an individual cylinder with the piston at the bottom of its stroke to the volume of the cylinder when the piston is at its highest point, called Top Dead Center. Just a few years ago, the typical compression ratio in a Subaru engine would have been 8.4:1. The SUBARU BOXER engine has a compression ratio of 10.3:1, which helps the engine extract more energy from the air/fuel mixture, resulting in more power and better fuel economy. Even with this high compression ratio, the engine uses advanced intake and ignition controls to allow the engine to run on regular unleaded gasoline. 

LESS FRICTION = LONGER ENGINE LIFE

If you held a piston in your hands, you easily could see the crown, or the top of the piston, the grooves for the piston rings, and then the area below that, which is called the piston skirt. In the SUBARU BOXER engine this area is coated with a special low-friction, anti-wear substance. While the piston skirt may come in contact with the cylinder walls only under rare circumstances, whenever it does, this coating will help minimize wear. In addition, the overall design of the piston rings and piston skirts helps cut friction, which helps increase fuel efficiency.

LOWER EMISSIONS AND GREATER FUEL EFFICIENCY

Of the three regulated exhaust emissions – carbon monoxide (CO), unburned hydrocarbons (HC), and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) – the latter is the hardest exhaust gas to control. A solution that most automakers have adopted, including Subaru, is exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), which takes the exhaust gases and directs them back into the intake tracts. EGR lowers combustion temperatures, which helps reduce NOx. Cooling the EGR gases, however, is new, and has been shown to not only reduce NOx emissions, but also help increase fuel efficiency. In the 2015 Legacy, the EGR system has a dedicated cooling system just for this purpose.

While some of these individual adjustments and improvements to the SUBARU BOXER engine may be small, they all come together to create a Subaru Legacy that is more reliable, lasts longer than ever, and uses less gas. 

BETTER ENGINE “BREATHING” BOOSTS MPG

An automotive engineer would tell you that the Boxer 4 engine in the 2015 Legacy has better “volumetric efficiency.” It’s easiest to think of this in terms of the Boxer 4 engine’s ability to breathe more freely – getting the air/fuel mixture into the cylinders more readily, and then helping the exhaust gases exit the engine more quickly.

So follow along as we join some air molecules as they make their way into the engine of a 2015 Legacy 2.5i model.

Into the Combustion Chambers

After zipping through the air filter and past the throttle plate and airflow sensor, our unsuspecting air molecules tumble down the intake manifold where they come across ... the TGV. If the engine is operating at lower speeds, the TGV is partially closed, but in this new 2015 Legacy, the pathway leading up to and around the TGV is much smoother and easier to navigate now. Next, a concentrated spray of gasoline from the fuel injectors joins the air molecules, and as the larger-for-2015 intake valves open, this new party of gasoline and air tumbles into the combustion chamber.

Greater Force

Once the intake valves close, our intrepid mix of molecules is squeezed together. They’re more densely packed for 2015 because the engine’s compression ratio is higher. There’s a lot of potential energy here, so when the iridium-tipped spark plugs fire, the mixture ignites and pushes the piston with greater force. 

Since the piston skirts have been treated to a special coating and the more wear-resistant piston rings have less friction, it’s easier than ever for the ignited air/fuel molecules to push the pistons, applying more torque to the crankshaft and ultimately to the wheels.

After doing this yeoman’s job, our spent molecules exit the combustion chambers and flow out of the engine more freely because of larger-diameter exhaust manifold tubes. And the process continues with fresh air/fuel molecules doing the same job.

Additional Efficiencies

Now that you’ve followed the complete cycle of engine operation, let’s consider one more 2015 change that makes the SUBARU BOXER 4 more efficient. 

A small amount of exhaust gases is diverted back into the intake manifold (EGR). The main goal of EGR is to lower certain exhaust emissions, but for the 2015 Legacy 2.5i, these diverted exhaust gases are cooled by a special radiator before going back into the engine. This lowers the temperature inside the combustion chamber, which helps the engine run on regular gas without engine “knock,” even with such a high 10.3:1 compression ratio.

It All Adds Up

All of these relatively small changes add up to make a big difference. The 2015 Subaru Legacy 2.5i with Lineartronic CVT has an EPA Combined estimate of 30 mpg. That’s 3 mpg higher than the 2014 Legacy 2.5i with the same drivetrain. It’s just another example of the ongoing efforts to lower the total cost of operating a Subaru Legacy.

Buy or Lease Any New Subaru And Get Two Sierra-at-Tahoe Season Passes!

Lay the freshest tracks and tackle the terrain. This year, Subaru wants to help you conquer winter with two Sierra-at-Tahoe season passes. 

Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive will get you up to the mountain so you can spend the day shredding your way back down. It's why Subaru is the vehicle for serious skiers and riders. And, it's why Subaru is the Official Vehicle of Sierra-at-Tahoe.

And Subaru wants to make sure you get plenty of time on the mountain with two Sierra-at-Tahoe Season Passes when you buy or lease any new Subaru by January 4th, 2016. 

Escape to Sierra-at-Tahoe for wind-protected, powder-stashed tree shredding and catch gold medalist freeskier Maddie Bowman in one of their nationally recognized terrain parks. On top of all that, the resort receives more than 400 inches of annual snowfall and boasts 2,000 acres and 2,212 vertical feet of dynamic terrain - and your Sierra-at-Tahoe Season Pass and Subaru will help you enjoy every inch.  

With a new Subaru, you'll have the confidence to get to the mountain in any weather and with your two Sierra-at-Tahoe Season Passes you'll conquer winter like a pro. Contact us today and schedule your test drive.
 

Details:

• Promotional time period: You must buy or lease any new Subaru between October 15, 2015 and January 4th, 2016 at a participating Subaru dealer in order to qualify.
• Season Pass details: The (2) Sierra-at-Tahoe Season Passes are valid from your date of purchase, within the promotional time period, through the end of the winter season, weather permitting. The passes are only valid for Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort and do not include any privileges or discounts at any other resorts.
• Season passes provided courtesy of Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort when you buy or lease any new Subaru by January 4th, 2016. Negotiate your best deal, then receive the season passes.
• Who may use the passes: The (2) Sierra-at-Tahoe Season Passes may only be issued to the purchaser or an immediate family member of the purchaser which includes the following: spouse, domestic partner, mother, stepmother, father, stepfather, sister, stepsister, brother, stepbrother, son, stepson, daughter, stepdaughter.
• How to claim your passes: Your Subaru salesperson will assist you by entering your information into our web database and the system will send both the purchaser and passholders an email confirmation. YOU MUST bring this confirmation along with a valid photo ID when you visit Sierra at-Tahoe Resort to receive your passes. Passes are not redeemable for cash.

Subaru Will Team Up with Brand USA for National Parks Adventure Film

The film, “National Parks Adventure,” will celebrate the centennial of the National Parks Service

Originally posted to http://thenewswheel.com by author John Adams

Subaru will partner with Brand USA to launch a giant screen/IMAX documentary called National Parks Adventure

Subaru has been working with our nation’s park services in preparation for the National Parks Service centennial in 2016. As part of the partnership, Subaru donated several Outbacks for use at various national parks and promoted a “fee-free” day at the parks on National Public Lands Day. The environmentally-aware automaker also shared its zero landfill knowledge with the National Park Service earlier this year.

The latest news on the project comes out of a partnership between Subaru and Brand USA, which is the destination-marketing organization of the United States. Together, the duo will be working on a 3D documentary destined for the big screen called National Parks Adventure.

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Already on the Screen: Watch Subaru’s moving commercial about a dog and his bucket list

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National Parks Adventure will premiere on February 10th and hit theaters around the world on the 12th

National Parks Adventure will hit giant screen and IMAX® theaters in February 2016 to celebrate America’s Great Outdoors, as well as the upcoming centennial of the National Parks Service. The film will be produced by MacGillivray Freeman Films, Academy Award®-nominated filmmakers.

Christopher L. Thompson, president and CEO at Brand USA, remarked, “As we bring this majestic film to giant screens around the world and showcase our national parks–true American treasures–to international audiences, we’re proud to have Subaru as a major partner. Subaru has established itself as a corporate leader in advocating for the environment and the parks. They’re a perfect fit for us.”

Subaru was a “perfect fit” for this documentary, according to Brand USA president and CEO, Christopher L. Thompson

As part of the partnership, Subaru will put together a short opening piece for the film to highlight our nation’s national parks, why we have them, and why it is imperative we conserve them.

The first screening of the film will be held at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History in Washington DC on February 10th of next year. The film will then hit theaters throughout the US and in 15 international markets.

The film will debut at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC, on February 10, 2016

Of Subaru’s involvement, Shaun MacGillivray, the film’s producer, said, “[Subaru’s] support will help us carry the film’s message about the importance of the national parks to an even greater audience.”

It is hoped that Subaru’s involvement will “carry the film’s message about the importance of the national parks”

Subaru’s commitment to the environment is apparent. Just last month, the automaker announced it was partnering with Google for a project called Google Expeditions, and in 2003, the automaker was the very first to have an assembly plant in the US designated as a Backyard Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation.

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Read More: Subaru and Google bring virtual reality field trips to classrooms through Expeditions

Get A Grip Choose the Right Tire for Your Subaru

By Scott Heidbrink
Your tires are quite literally where the rubber meets the road, and yet, as important as they are, they’re one of the most underappreciated parts of your Subaru. For optimal performance, comfort, and safety, it’s vital that you have not only a high-quality tire, but one that is engineered to the exact specifications of your Subaru. Modern tires are developed using state-of-the-art computer-aided design technology, which simulates and evaluates every aspect of how the tire will perform. Once produced, tires undergo rigorous quality control testing, as well as actual on-the-road testing to evaluate traction, handling, and long-term durability.

Did You Know?

The earliest tires were wooden wheels held together with “tyres,” bands of leather wrapped around iron that “tied” the parts of the wheel together.

So Which Tire is best for You?

There is no “Goldilocks” tire that is perfect for every vehicle and every driver under every type of condition. A tire that is designed and constructed to maneuver in snow and ice is less than ideal for off-roading in hot, dry conditions. Similarly, a high-performance tire that enhances cornering and responsiveness also can result in a sportier, and sometimes noisier, ride than a touring tire that is built to emphasize a smoother, softer, quieter driving experience. It’s a science of trade-offs, and your Subaru was fitted with tires that offer a careful balance of exceptional handling, traction, performance, comfort, low noise, and – above all – safety, in a wide variety of driving environments.

Did You Know?

For more than a quarter of a century, automobile tires were white. Carbon black was added to tires to improve durability, turning them black.

Stand by the Standard

There are a ton of choices out there when it comes to tire options, but the good news is that Subaru engineers have already done all the legwork for you. Subaru engineers spend countless hours choosing the ideal tire to complement the characteristics of your Subaru and give you the best combination of running performance, ride comfort, and service life. 

Check the Pressure

Once you’ve chosen the proper tires, it’s important to maintain them so they can function optimally. Maintaining the proper tire pressure enhances your vehicle’s traction and performance, which improves your ability to control the vehicle, as well as help to prevent unnecessary damage to the differential. Another plus: proper inflation also can improve your gas mileage by up to 3.3 percent.1  

Did You Know?

The first practical pneumatic tire was made in 1888 – for a tricycle.

Time for a Change?

Periodically examining your tires can not only tell you about their relative health and current life expectancy, but also provide clues as to improper maintenance, and possibly reveal underlying issues with other aspects of your vehicle. Tread depth is a good basic indicator of whether you need to replace your tires. To test your tread depth, one tried-and-true method is to use the penny test. Insert a penny into the groove of the tread with the head of Lincoln pointed down. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, then it’s time for new tires. If you’re in doubt (or fresh out of pennies), you can always visit Maita Subaru Tire Store for a tire evaluation. Go to MaitaSubaru.com for a tire evaluation.

Trust the Experts

The main thing you need to remember is that your tires are a vital part of your Subaru that affects gas mileage, performance, ride comfort, and safety. Your Subaru retailer is there to help, and carries all of the recommended tires for your vehicle to help ensure that you get the right tires for you, when you need them.

REMEMBER

• Use a tire gauge to check tire pressure at least once a month.  
• Check pressures when the tires are cold (not right after driving) to ensure an accurate reading.
• On Subaru AWD models, the tire pressures vary front to rear.
• The number on the sidewall of your tire indicates the maximum pressure for your tire, so be sure to keep tire inflation at the recommended tire pressure for your vehicle, which you can find located on the placard mounted on the driver-side B-pillar, as well as in your Owner’s Manual.
• When seasonal temperatures rise and fall, so does the pressure in your tires, so always check inflation and adjust the pressure as needed when the weather changes.
• To help ensure even tread wear, rotate your tires according to the maintenance schedule listed in your Owner’s Manual. (Depending on your own driving habits, you may need to do this more frequently.)

SUBARU OF AMERICA AND CENTER FOR PET SAFETY STUDIES SHOWCASE PROMISING AND SHOCKING CRASH TEST RESULTS OF PET CRATES AND CARRIERS

• The 2015 Crate and Carrier Crashworthiness Studies highlight the top pet safety products and bring awareness to vital pet safety measures

CHERRY HILL, NJ – July 24, 2015 – Subaru of America, Inc. and Center for Pet Safety (CPS), a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit research and consumer advocacy organization, announced today the results of the 2015 Crate and Carrier Crashworthiness Studies - a collaborative initiative to examine the effectiveness and safety of pet crates and carriers in the event of a crash. After several eye-opening and informative tests - including instances of complete failure -three top products emerged; CPS has selected the Gunner Kennels G1 Intermediate with 8’ Tie Down Straps as the 2015 Top Performing Crate and both the PetEgo Forma Frame Jet Set Carrier with ISOFIX-Latch Connection and Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed with PPRS Handilock as the 2015 Top Performing Carriers.

The top performers surpassed all competing products in the CPS-designed studies, which included testing of crate connections and rigorous crash testing to examine crate and carrier structural integrity. In the event of a crash, it is important for pet crates and carriers to contain the dog and prevent the animal from becoming a projectile. It is also important for the containment device to remain fully secured at the connection points. If a pet is unrestrained, or the structural integrity should fail, the dog can potentially strike and injure a human passenger.

“We at Subaru recognize the importance of keeping the entire family safe on the road, including our beloved pets,” said Michael McHale, Subaru's director of corporate communications.

“Alongside Center for Pet Safety, we are proud to help lead the charge in identifying the best crates and carriers for pet lovers everywhere, while, more importantly, making pet parents aware of the safety measures they can take and the dangers that can occur if they don’t. We recommend that owners choose the right sized crate for their dog, which is generally six inches longer than the body of the dog. We are also pleased that our crossover vehicles, which are award winners themselves for safety, accept most crate and carrier sizes.”

While many crate and carrier manufacturers claim their products are crash-tested and safe for use in a vehicle, there are currently no test protocols or performance standards in the U.S. to substantiate these claims. The data gathered from these studies will assist CPS in formulating these much needed crate and carrier testing and performance standards.

Far and away the most impressive crate tested was the Gunner Kennels G1 Intermediate with 8’ Tie Down Straps, a sturdy travel device that was able to withstand the most significant forces generated in CPS testing with a combination of strong structural support and integrity. On the carrier side, the Pet Ego Forma Frame Jet Set Carrier used an innovative ISOFIX-Latch connection, to snap the carrier firmly into place and fully contain the test dog throughout the crash test. Lastly, 2013 CPS Harness Crashworthiness Study honoree, Sleepypod, was also recognized in the carrier category for the Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed with PPRS Handilock, a product that snugly straps into the seat and showed no evidence of damage after crash testing. The full product performance report studies can be found at CenterforPetSafety.org.

“After our findings in 2013, we were eager to continue working to bring accountability to the petproducts industry, while highlighting the products that will help improve safety for the entire family during their travels together,” said Lindsey Wolko, Founder and CEO of Center for Pet Safety. “In partnership with Subaru, the 2015 studies were truly eye-opening and will once again help bring pet safety awareness to millions of pet parents around the globe.”

Subaru and CPS again worked with MGA Research Corporation, an independent National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) contracted testing laboratory, to conduct rigorous crash testing on leading pet crates and carriers that claimed to be ”Tested”, “Crash Tested,” offer “Crash Protection” or claim they are for use in a vehicle. The 2015 Crate and Carrier Crashworthiness Studies were performed using specially-designed crash test dogs, designed to approximate the size and weight of real dogs while providing vital baseline performance data. The partnership continues the work that began in 2013 with CPS’ testing of pet harnesses. The resulting Harness Crashworthiness Study uncovered major differences in performance of popular pet restraints, with many resulting in catastrophic failure that could cause serious injury to both the pet and vehicle passengers.

Based on findings from both the Harness Crashworthiness Study in 2013 and this year’s Crate and Carrier Crashworthiness Studies, Subaru and CPS can offer practical safety tips for pet parents traveling with their four-legged friends. Proper crate sizing is vitally important to ensuring safe travels, as pets should always fit snugly in their crate with just enough room to be comfortable. This will help minimize the risk of pet injury in the case of a sudden stop or accident. It is also imperative that pet owners secure crates and carriers for travel using strength-rated cargo area anchor straps and not elastic or rubber bungee cords. Pets come in all shapes, sizes and personalities, any of which may dictate whether to use a crate, carrier or harness when traveling.

To view the full study results or for more information on how to keep pets safe in vehicles, including best practices and travel tips, please visit CenterforPetSafety.org. The Center for Pet Safety is not affiliated with the pet product industry. The organization uses scientific testing and references Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards to study pet productsand establish criteria and test protocols to measure whether pet safety products provide the protection claimed by advocates and intended by the manufacturer.

About the Center for Pet Safety

The Center for Pet Safety (CPS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit research and consumer advocacy organization dedicated to consumer and companion animal safety. Based in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area, the Center for Pet Safety’s mission is to have an enduring, positive impact on the survivability, health, safety and well-being of companion animals and the consumer through scientific research and product testing. For additional information visit www.CenterforPetSafety.org.

SUBARU TO OFFER LIMITED EDITION SERIES.HYPERBLUE BRZ AND WRX STI MODELS

• Limited to 700 WRX STI & 500 BRZ
• BRZ receives upgraded SUBARU STARLINK® Multimedia
•  Rear Vision Camera now standard on BRZ
•  Exclusive Hyper Blue exterior paint and interior trims

CHERRY HILL, N.J., July 1, 2015 – Subaru of America, Inc. has announced the 2016 Series.HyperBlue limited edition available exclusively on BRZ and WRX STI models. As a follow up to the 2015 Series.Blue BRZ, the 2016 Series.HyperBlue cars feature exterior paint in Subaru’s exclusive Hyper Blue with matching interior trim.  Production will be limited to 700 WRX STI and 500 BRZ cars for the United States. Vehicles will go on sale this Fall.

Series.Hyper.Blue WRX STI

Powered by the legendary 305-horsepower 2.5-liter turbocharged/intercooled BOXER engine, the WRX STI helped to pioneer the sport compact segment with a rally-bred drivetrain and Multi-Mode Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. Standard handling technologies include Active Torque Vectoring, Multi-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control and a Brembo® Performance Brake System with Super Sport ABS.

The Series.HyperBlue trim brings exclusive blue stitching to the standard Alcantara® seats, leather wrapped steering wheel, manual transmission shifter boot, console as well as carpeted floor mats with the traditional Cherry Red STI logo. Series.HyperBlue WRX STI wears 18-inch BBS® Black Alloy wheels and black badging with black painted exterior mirrors. SUBARU STARLINK 7.0” Multimedia Navigation System comes standard on this trim with 9 Harman/Kardon® speakers and 440-watt amplifier.

The WRX STI is equipped exclusively with a specially reinforced 6-speed manual transmission. A flat-bottom, leather-wrapped tilt/telescoping steering wheel integrates switches for audio and Bluetooth. The STI Design electroluminescent gauge panel integrates a 3.5-in. central LCD screen that displays various functions such as windshield washer fluid and the selected gear.

The Series.HyperBlue models come standard with Keyless Access with Push-Button Start and PIN Code Access. Standard Welcome Lighting automatically turns on interior illumination and exterior lights as the driver approaches or departs the car.

Series.HyperBlue BRZ

The Subaru BRZ marked a return to the fundamentals of sports car design, emphasizing low vehicle weight, an ultra-low center of gravity and precision steering. A 200-horsepower 2.0-liter BOXER engine powers all BRZ models.

For 2016, the BRZ receives the STARLINK 6.2” Multimedia System with a 6.2-in. single-touch gesture display, AM/FM stereo with HD Radio®, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Radio Data Broadcast System, single-disc CD player, Bluetooth® hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming, iPod® control, iTunes® Tagging, a USB port and an auxiliary input jack. Smartphone integration features Aha™ and Pandora®, along with STARLINK cloud applications iHeartRadio®, Stitcher, Calendar, Music Player, News and Weather. New for 2016, the BRZ receives standard rear vision camera.

The Series.HyperBlue BRZ cabin features an exclusive design scheme. The leather and Alcantara upholstery includes Hyper blue leather seat bolsters and head restraints. Blue stitching accents the seats and the blue and black leather-wrapped steering wheel, as well as the shift lever boot and leather-wrapped parking brake handle. The blue motif carries to the center console kneepads and door trim, accented by an embroidered silver BRZ logo on the front seatbacks. Carpeted floor mats also pick up the BRZ logo and blue stitching.

The exterior continues the Series.HyperBlue theme with 17-inch black alloy wheels, black glossy badging and painted black finish exterior mirrors. A frameless day/night rear-view mirror and simulated carbon fiber center dash panel add a high-tech look, and the finishing touch is an illuminated engine start / stop button.

Pricing on these models will be announced this Fall.

No Time to Waste: Partnering to Help Protect the Parks

When it comes to birthdays, some people are just plain hard to shop for.

Take our great National Park Service (NPS). In 2016, it will celebrate 100 years of proud stewardship of our natural treasures, which include 58 national parks and a whopping 407 areas in all. So what do you give for a birthday present when the guest of honor darn near literally has, well – everything? Luckily, Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. (SIA) had a gift to give that we knew the NPS would be delighted to receive; a deep understanding of sustainable practices that can help ensure that the parks are around to celebrate another hundred birthdays. And we were only too eager to share it with them. Teddy Roosevelt once called the national parks:

“… assets which we must turn over to the next generation increased, and not impaired, in value”

We couldn’t agree more, so for NPS’ 100th birthday, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is coming to the party with a present that the original Rough Rider would have loved: SOA (a premier-level sponsor of the National Park Service Centennial Celebration) is creating a historic initiative with the national parks that will help improve and sustain the parks, not merely for the next generation, but for the next 100 years. We’re excited. In fact, we’ve already started. Because there’s no time to waste.

WASTING AWAY

Currently the NPS is working to manage and reduce a mountain of waste. Most of it is brought in by well-meaning visitors, but a majority of what those visitors leave behind goes straight to landfills that are often more than 100 miles away. Subaru approached the NPS and proposed a centennial celebration of stewardship to help the national parks reduce their reliance on landfills – and potentially eliminate it altogether.

SHARING SOLUTIONS

The NPS enthusiastically agreed, so SOA reached out to the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) to help them identify three pilot parks to use as test cases for the implementation of SIA zero-landfill methodologies. Management from the SIA plant, which has been operating as a zero-landfill facility since 2004, will be working shoulder to shoulder with representatives from three national parks over the next year to help them devise new strategies to do more to protect this precious natural inheritance for the continued enjoyment of all.

Yosemite National Park. Photo: Andrew Peacock / Tandem Stills + Motion

BEHIND THE SCENES

In February, NPCA and NPS representatives from the partnership's three pilot parks – Yosemite, Grand Teton, and Denali – toured the SIA plant and discussed strategies with Subaru management to help the pilot parks in beginning their journey to achieve zero-landfill status. (Read more about the SIA plant in “Sharing Zero.”)

WHO WE ARE

During the tour, Tim Tagye, promotions and sponsorship manager of SOA, discussed the goals of the Subaru partnership with the NPCA. “Who we are is what we leave behind,” he says, explaining how the Subaru Love Promise initiative guides that idea. “It's a pledge centered on doing the right thing and giving back to your local community.”

Denise Coogan, the safety and environmental compliance manager at the SIA plant, shared the strategies that allow Subaru to achieve zero-landfill status, and discussed how they could be applied to the national parks. She stressed that while the parks may face different challenges than an automotive manufacturer, the same basic principles apply. “You might have some unique issues,” she says, “but the underlying principles are all the same.”

MAKING THE CONNECTION

Following the presentations, park representatives broke up into small groups to brainstorm ideas for reducing landfill use in their respective parks. In one group, participants discussed a strategy they’d seen on the plant tour that would allow them to get a better idea of where the landfill waste in Yosemite National Park was being generated. The Yosemite representatives were interested in adopting the same strategy; here was a good tool that they could start using right away to help improve and maintain their beloved park. The new partnership was well under way.

It's a great feeling when you give a gift that really makes a difference.

2016 WRX: Have Your Cake and Eat It Too

Especially when equipped with the optional Sport Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) and EyeSight Driver Assist Technology¹, the 2016 Subaru WRX offers the best of both performance and safety in everyday driving as well as more spirited runs.

Frankly speaking, the Subaru WRX has always had a reputation as a bit of a bad boy. Since its 2002 introduction in the U.S., the WRX has been the rally-bred sports sedan that can take on much bigger contenders. Given how successful the WRX has been as a performance car, you might be surprised to learn that it can also be a great daily driver.

My teenage son plays electric guitar and his best friend and fellow band member plays an extended-neck bass guitar. If the three of us, their instruments and practice amps can fit comfortably in the WRX, I’d say it’s also a great family car.

The 2016 WRX has plenty of mojo, and while most versions are equipped with a slick-shifting six-speed manual transmission, the WRX Limited with available Sport Lineartronic CVT and EyeSight Driver Assist Technology now possesses a very well-rounded personality.

SPIRITED AUTOMATIC ACCELERATION

Ask enthusiasts about the WRX, and they're sure to mention its 2.0-liter turbocharged SUBARU BOXER engine, 268 peak horsepower, and 258 lb-ft of torque. For day-to-day driving, that amazing amount of torque, which is available at low engine speeds, means the WRX can jump off the line quickly. But you don’t need a clutch pedal to enjoy WRX performance.

The Sport Lineartronic CVT, which is available on both WRX Premium and WRX Limited models, brings driving ease together with high performance. CVT-equipped models include Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE), a driver-selectable performance management system. Select Intelligent Mode for relaxed commuting. Switch to Sport or Sport Sharp when you want to amp up the fun. Standard paddle shifters along with a manual mode let you dip more deeply into the car's performance potential on your command.

NEW SAFETY AND CONVENIENCE FEATURES

For 2016, the latest Subaru safety features are now available on the WRX Limited. An optional package includes the Subaru Blind Spot Detection (BSD)/Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) system and EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. BSD/RCTA includes Blind Spot Detection,² Lane Change Assist,² and Rear Cross Traffic Alert,²all designed to help you “see” beyond the rearview mirrors and rear-vision camera by using rear-mounted radar. 

The EyeSight system provides an array of features, including pre-collision braking and adaptive cruise control, to provide a safer and more comfortable driving experience. This optional package also includes Steering Responsive Fog Lights, which help increase visibility in the direction the vehicle is turning. Once you’ve experienced it, you'll never want to be without it.

ROOMIER AND MORE REFINED

Upgraded in 2015, the new WRX Sedan offers a roomier passenger compartment with a notably upgraded interior. The WRX Limited in particular provides a more refined driving experience, with standard leather-trimmed upholstery and an eight-way power driver’s seat. Its heated front seats (part of the All-Weather Package), automatic climate control, and power moonroof can make the miles fly by in complete comfort. And the new SUBARU STARLINK 6.2" multimedia audio system can play your favorite tunes at a reasonable volume as well as blast your teenage son’s progressive metal music way too loud.

THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

The 2016 WRX, when equipped with the Sport Lineartronic CVT and EyeSight system, is more refined than ever before, perfect for the discerning owner who wants to have his or her cake and eat it too. And when you’re not hauling around 2/5 of your son’s band, it’s an awesome machine for the occasional 0-60 mph sprint.

1 EyeSight is a Driver Assist System which may not operate optimally under all driving conditions. The driver is always responsible for safe and attentive driving. Technology effectiveness depends on many factors such as vehicle maintenance, weather and road conditions. See Owner’s Manual for complete details on system operation and limitations. Please remember to turn off EyeSight when going through a car wash.
2 Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert are systems designed to assist the driver by monitoring the rear and side areas of the vehicle during a lane change or reversing and are not a substitute for safe and attentive driving.