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.

Modes of Operation: SUBARU STARLINK: Safety and Security

SUBARU STARLINK¹, the versatile and powerful in-vehicle technology that provides a new level of connectivity and multimedia variety, putting music, news, weather, dining, podcasts, audiobooks, and other content right at your fingertips. This cutting-edge technology is continuing to evolve, however, and we’re proud to introduce new safety features that are coming to SUBARU STARLINK for select 2016 models.

CONNECTED TO YOUR LIFE

Safety has always been a hallmark for Subaru, and STARLINK will soon have additional features to provide you even more peace of mind. The added features include personal safety and security services, such as Automatic Collision Notification, SOS Emergency Assistance, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Remote Services, Maintenance Notification, Diagnostic Alerts, Stolen Vehicle Recovery, Vehicle Security Alarm Notification, and Monthly Vehicle Health Reports.

SOS Emergency Assistance: Press the red SOS button on the overhead console to be promptly connected to a SUBARU STARLINK advisor from anywhere in the U.S. and Canada.

Automatic Collision Notification: Automatic Collision Notification alerts a SUBARU STARLINK advisor 24/7/365 when an airbag² is deployed in your vehicle, so they can send the appropriate first responder to the scene.

Enhanced Roadside Assistance: In the past, if you required roadside assistance, you had to use your mobile phone to call for help. With STARLINK, however, simply press the blue “i” button on the overhead console to be connected to a STARLINK advisor, who can quickly dispatch roadside assistance to come to your aid, with STARLINK providing your exact GPS coordinates to responders.

Monthly Vehicle Health Report and Diagnostics: STARLINK also provides you with a Monthly Vehicle Health Report and Diagnostic Alerts. The monthly vehicle health report gives you the status of key systems, oil life, and more. In addition, SUBARU STARLINK automatically runs a diagnosis of critical vehicle systems. If a warning light pops up, you’ll receive an email explaining how to resolve the issue.

Stolen Vehicle Recovery: Worst-case scenario, someone steals your Subaru. Get extra peace of mind knowing that a SUBARU STARLINK advisor will work with police to help recover your vehicle if it is ever stolen. Check with your insurance company for available policy discounts for this service.

Remote Services: Forget where you parked? Lose your key or fob? SUBARU STARLINK subscribers can activate a number of features remotely from their mobile device or desktop, including Remote Lock/Unlock, Remote Horn & Lights, and Remote Vehicle Locator.

THE SUBARU STARLINK APP

For hands-free music, calendar, and news selection, you can download the SUBARU STARLINK app from the Apple^® App store or via Google Play™. This system is compatible with both iOS and Android™ devices via either the standard Bluetooth or USB interface.

Once your smartphone is connected to the vehicle’s audio system, content is automatically pushed to your car, and you can access apps like iHeartRadio and Stitcher Radio safely and effortlessly while keeping your hands on the wheel and your attention on the road. And more apps – with more choices, and even greater variety – are on the way.

THE MYSUBARU APP AND MYSUBARU.COM

MySubaru is your portal for information and remote services. Accessible via a desktop computer, or via the MySubaru app that is downloadable for iOS and Android-compatible phones, MySubaru allows you to easily access remote services, adjust user preferences, get diagnostic alerts, and stay in touch with Subaru at the same time.

STARLINK: INTELLIGENTLY DESIGNED FOR TODAY’S DRIVERS

With STARLINK features offering safety, security, and peace of mind, and a steadily growing number of entertainment options such as Stitcher, Pandora, Aha,™³ iHeartRadio, and SiriusXM, STARLINK now provides Subaru owners greater access to music and information than ever before. Go to subaru.com to learn more and for updates on STARLINK safety and security technology featured in select 2016 Subaru models. SUBARU STARLINK is just one more example of the Confidence in Motion you feel when you drive a Subaru.

1 Compatible smartphone and application required. For applications to operate, latest version of each application and optional integrated audio and navigation system unit required. Data provided by smartphone is displayed on navigation screen. Some state laws prohibit the operation of handheld electronic devices while operating a vehicle. Smartphone apps should only be launched when vehicle is safely parked. Your wireless carrier rates may apply.
2 Always wear seatbelts. Children should be properly restrained in the back seat.
3 Compatible smartphone and free Aha app required. For Aha to operate, latest version of Aha application and optional integrated audio and navigation system unit required. Data provided by smartphone is displayed on navigation screen. Some state laws prohibit the operation of handheld electronic devices while operating a vehicle. Smartphone apps should only be launched when vehicle is safely parked. Aha is a trademark of HARMAN International Industries, Incorporated. Your wireless carrier's rates may app

In the Community: Teach Your Children Well – Friends of Children and Families, Inc. is a Friend Indeed

A 14-year-old Central Florida child's missteps could have easily ended in tragedy, but thanks to the mentoring program at Friends of Children and Families, she was pulled back from the edge, and her young life is now happily back on track.

With her father in jail and her mother working and attending school, the restless and alienated child, unable to find the love and direction she needed at home, naively looked for it in all the wrong places – and with the worst sort of people. She eventually landed in juvenile court, which then steered her to a private agency called Friends of Children and Families, who enrolled her in their mentoring program.

Friends Residence Foster Home Girls participating in a Therapeutic Art Project painting and decorating their initials. They loved using their creativity and creating a new item to decorate their room.

Friends Who Mentor

Paired with a mature, professional woman, the troubled child got the attention and guidance she needed. That counseling quickly sparked a new self-respect and determination in the child. "After about five or six visits, this little girl said, ‘I'm not going to court anymore,'" says Gloria Esteban, director of the mentoring program.

Such stories help drive Friends of Children and Families. The Orlando, Florida, nonprofit's mission is to provide troubled children and their families, whether in foster care or at home, "the opportunity to have the resources and tools every other child would have to reach their full potential," says clinical director Donna Berry. Friends of Children and Families also provides in-home counseling, operates foster care group homes, and conducts psychological assessments of children in the child welfare system. The mentoring program, begun in 2011, currently provides mentors 85 children.

For the last three years, a Subaru of America Foundation grant has helped support the program, touching the lives of 700 children over that time, says Friends of Children and Families executive director Desmond Taylor. Mentors help teen foster children learn skills they'll need at 18 when they leave the system: how to find a job, education and a place to live, and how to navigate future life choices.

Mentors are diverse – many speak Spanish or Haitian Creole or other languages in addition to English – and commit to at least a year of spending time with the children in their charge. "We don't want a situation where someone says they want to be a mentor for three months and then they're out of that child's life," Berry notes. They don't undermine parents, but instead work as a team.

Friends Who Tutor

The grant also helps support a Friends of Children and Families tutoring program. Because they often are moved from one home to another, "many of the children in foster care have fallen behind academically," Berry explains. "They have sometimes had to change schools several times in the school year. As a result, their math and reading levels are often below grade level."

Education is a core commitment for the organization – "the key that unlocks the door to opportunity," she says. "We want to ensure that children in foster care, despite disadvantages that they may have encountered earlier in life, are given a fair chance." Tutoring, she adds, helps teach them "the value of education and builds their self-confidence."

Begun in 2012, the tutoring program aided more than 40 foster kids in grades K-12 last year. The organization reports that 77 percent of the children who have taken part in the last couple of years have improved school attendance, 86 percent have improved in at least one school subject, and 93 percent have developed a more positive attitude about school.

"Some of our successes have included having children make the honor roll for the first time and for many of them to realize that attending college is a possibility," Berry says.

Seminole County Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) which FRIENDS has an active club that participates in activities that educate teens on the dangers of smoking.

Friends Who Care

And they forge strong bonds. A 16-year-old child, no longer in the program, still kept in touch with her mentor 75 miles away. About to run away from her foster home, she first called her mentor, who listened and helped redirect the child to a better outcome.

As for the 14-year-old child from Central Florida, Esteban reports that her mentor's patience and commitment continue to pay off. The mentor recently took her on a college tour and got her to think of her future. "She's not in trouble now," says Esteban, "and she's starting to do better in school."

Learn more about the good work of Friends of Children and Families, Inc. and how you, too, can make a difference.