Subaru to Debut New Rallycross Fighter for 2015 at New York International Auto Show

After a year of secret development, the cover comes off Subaru Rally Team USA’s new 2015 WRX STI rallycross car at the 2015 New York Auto Show, set to compete in Red Bull Global Rallycross and X Games Rallycross. 

Dubbed VT15x, this is the third evolution of an STI-based Rallycross car for Subaru in four years built by technical partner Vermont SportsCar. “We made huge strides in durability and competitiveness last season,” stated Vermont SportsCar Team Principal Lance Smith. “The VT15x is almost entirely-new technology. This car is a revolution, not just an evolution.” 
Debuting in Bucky Lasek’s new livery, the VT15x features a 580 Horsepower 2.0L Subaru Boxer engine, a 6-speed SADEV® sequential gearbox and all-wheel drive. Other features include a rallycross-spec widebody, and METHOD® Race Wheels. The VT15x is capable of 0-60 in just two seconds. The new car will meet GRC and FIA Rallycross homologation standards.

Updates and revisions to the VT15x are widespread compared to the VT14x version ran by Subaru Rally Team USA last year. Optimizing weight balance, center-of-gravity, suspension geometry, and aerodynamics were key focuses to improve handling; while increased engine power and response led to gains in overall speed and launching capability at the start. “The foundation of every great race car is the chassis you start with. Using the 2015 WRX STI, we have seen gains in handling and cornering in both our stage rally and rallycross cars; which is a testament to advancements in design from the factory” stated Smith.  

Subaru Tecnica International (STI), the performance company for the brand, has stepped up their technical support of rallycross development with Vermont SportsCar; bringing their WRC and circuit racing expertise to the Subaru rallycross program. “STI is increasing their support of our U.S. based efforts in rallycross. Their expertise and development resources will take our program to an even more competitive level,” stated Rob Weir, Subaru Motorsports Marketing Manager.
Subaru Rally Team USA showed a steady rise in performance last season, claiming five Red Bull GRC podiums including a Silver Medal at X Games, and victory for Sverre Isachsen at the GRC Seattle round. Bucky Lasek and Sverre Isachsen will again lead the factory race effort with Travis Pastrana joining them at X Games, and select rounds to be announced soon. “Confidence is high within the Subaru camp that we have a winning package of driver talent driving faster cars for this season,” said Weir. “Our goal in 2014 was getting to the front row of every final and being on the podium. This year, our only goal is winning.” 

Subaru Rally Team USA will begin their 2015 rallycross season at the first Red Bull Global Rallycross round May 31 in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Immediately followed by X Games June 5 in Austin, TX. For more details visit subaru.com/rally. 
Full coverage of Subaru Rally Team USA is available on the Subaru Motorsports App. To download from the iTunes App store, click here, for Android App on Google Play store, click here. Follow the team on Instagram @srtusa and Twitter @srtusa. 

SUBARU SEVENTH ANNUAL “SHARE THE LOVE” CHARITY EVENT TO SET NEW DONATION RECORD

National Charities Include: ASPCA®, Make-A-Wish®, Meals On Wheels®, and National Park Foundation

Subaru of America, Inc. has announced it will donate $15 million to charitable partners during its seventh annual “Share the Love” event. In 2013, Subaru donated $10 million to “Share the Love” charities and over the course of the six year program, Subaru has donated a total of $35 million. In the Bismarck-Mandan area last year, Kupper Subaru was able to donate nearly $4,000 to the Central Dakota Humane Society. 

From November 20, 2014 to January 2, 2015, Subaru will donate $250 for every new Subaru vehicle sold or leased to the customer's choice of the following charities: ASPCA®, Make-A-Wish, Meals On Wheels Association of America®, and National Park Foundation. 

In addition to the four national organizations, Subaru retailers once again have the opportunity to add a local charity for their customers to support. This year, 608 hometown charities have been selected by Subaru retailers. With Subaru retailers also making their own donations to local charities, total donations will be well in excess of the $15 million committed by Subaru of America. At Kupper Subaru, we have once again chosen the Central Dakota Humane Society to be our local charity. 

The sales growth experienced by the brand in recent years means that by continuing to donate $250 per vehicle sold during the program, total charitable contributions will likewise increase, this year to $15 million. 

“We are thrilled to continue the Share the Love program. It is part of our culture as an organization to support causes important to our customers,” said Alan Bethke, vice president of marketing, Subaru of America, Inc. “By the end of this year, Subaru will have donated $50 million to worthy causes.”

• Follow Subaru on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/subaruofamerica
• Join the dialog: http://www.twitter.com/subaru_usa #sharethelove

Central Dakota Humane Society

Our main goals fall in line with our mission statement. Our first mission is to provide for, house, rehabilitate and relocate lost, strayed or homeless animals. Another important mission is to promote spaying and neutering of pets in order to cut down the number of the area's unwanted litters of puppies and kittens. We are proud to say that since January 1998 we have helped spay and neuter more than 7,500 cats and dogs.

We ARE a vital partner and a needed asset in our community. Please help us continue our mission. We challenge every pet lover in the Central Dakota area to show your love for your own animals by giving back to those less fortunate - the stray, abandoned and abused creatures who find their way to our doorstep and who are eventually adopted into wonderful, forever homes.
ASPCA®
The ASPCA® has been the voice for animals for 148 years, providing relief, care, and service to those in need. Whether it’s rescuing animals from abuse, introducing and enforcing more humane legislation or supporting shelter communities, each donation furthers efforts to help animals live better lives. 

Make-A-Wish®
When kids with life-threatening medical conditions are granted their one true wish, they get the strength to keep fighting. Their families come together. And lives get better for everyone involved. Help Make-A-Wish grant wishes for kids in your community. 

Meals On Wheels Association of America®
The Meals On Wheels Association of America provides national leadership to support local, community-based senior nutrition programs to ensure that no senior is hungry or alone. Each donation helps to deliver the nutritious meals, friendly visits, and safety checks that enable America’s seniors to live nourished lives with independence and dignity. 

National Park Foundation
The National Park Foundation, in partnership with the National Park Service, enriches America’s national parks and programs through private support, protecting America’s special places, connecting people to parks, and inspiring the next generation of park stewards. 

2015 SUBARU IMPREZA® GETS NEW LOOK, NEW REFINEMENTS AND NOW OFFERS EYESIGHT® DRIVER ASSIST TECHNOLOGY

• Revised front styling with new headlights, grille and bumper
• Rear Vision Camera standard across line
• Award-Winning EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology now available
• Lineartronic® CVT now standard on 2.0i Premium
• Enhancements make cabin quieter
• New infotainment systems and features
• Upgraded interior trim
• Improved mileage - continues to deliver best fuel economy of any gasoline all-wheel drive passenger car available: now 28 mpg city / 37 mpg highway / 31 mpg combined

Subaru of America, Inc., which has posted record-breaking sales every year for the past six years, has introduced a comprehensively upgraded Impreza® line of compact 4-door and 5-door models for 2015. The Impreza joins the Legacy®, Outback® and Forester® lines in offering the brand’s innovative, award-winning EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, which includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking and Vehicle Lane Departure Warning.

All Impreza models are powered by a 148-hp 2.0-liter Subaru BOXER engine and feature standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. For 2015, the Lineartronic CVT is now standard for the Premium and Limited trims and it has been tuned to provide a more natural stepped shift pattern. A 5-speed manual continues as standard in the base 2.0i and the Sport Premium trims.

The 2015 Impreza offers improved fuel economy, strengthening its position as offering the highest fuel economy of any gasoline All-Wheel Drive car offered in the United States. Its EPA estimated ratings of up to 28 mpg city / 37 mpg highway and 31 mpg combined for models with the Lineartronic® continuously variable transmission (CVT) are comparable with front-wheel drive cars.

New Look, New ValueThe 2015 Impreza debuts revised front styling with a new front bumper, grille and headlights that give it a closer kinship to the all-new 2015 Legacy®. A new exterior mirror enhances aerodynamics, as does a low-profile trunk spoiler on 4-door models. The sedans also feature LEDs (light emitting diodes) for the center high mounted stoplight.

Impreza’s updated design includes new measures to make the ride quieter, including additional sound deadening and thicker side glass windows with improved sealing. A quick-ratio electric power assisted steering, standard on all models, enhances handling agility.

Already one of the best-equipped models in its segment, the Impreza gains additional standard features to enhance value for 2015. The base 2.0i model gains standard cruise control and a touch-screen infotainment system, and all trims now have a standard Rear Vision Camera and one-touch lane changer feature for the turn signals.

On Limited, Sport Premium and Sport Limited trims, exterior mirrors feature integrated turn signals. The Limited and Sport Limited trims also have new “welcome” lighting and an upgraded instrument cluster with center-mounted LCD color display and a steering wheel mounted control switch. Keyless Access with Push-Button Start system and PIN code access are new options on the 4-door Limited and Sport Limited.

EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is available for 2.0i Limited 4-door and 2.0i Sport Limited; models equipped with EyeSight also come with new Steering-Responsive Fog Lights. This feature, which works only when the fog lights are turned off, activates the left or right fog light independently, depending on vehicle speed and steering angle, to provide enhanced illumination in the direction of the turn. The fog lights are pre-aimed for maximum coverage in corners.

New Infotainment and Rear Vision Camera
For 2015, Subaru has significantly upgraded 2015 Impreza’s infotainment capability. A new standard 6.2 infotainment system in the Impreza 2.0i provides a multitude of music and information sources, all through a 6.2-in. multi-function touch screen display with single-touch gesture control. The display also functions for the newly standard Rear Vision Camera.

The system integrates AM/FM stereo and HD Radio®; Radio Data Broadcast System; single-disc in-dash CD player; Subaru STARLINK smartphone integration with Aha™ Infotainment, Pandora® and iHeart® Radio; Bluetooth® hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming; iPod® control capability and iTunes® Tagging capability, a USB port and aux. input jack, and four speakers. The Impreza 2.0i Premium features the same system, but with six speakers.

The upgrade infotainment system is standard for the Impreza 2.0i Limited trims and works through 7-inch touch screen display with multi-touch control that offers swipe and scrolling gesture control. This system offers six-speaker audio and all of the features of the base system plus voice-activated controls; SiriusXM® Satellite Radio (subscription required); a vehicle information display; SMS text messaging, iTunes® Tagging capability and dual USB ports.

The top infotainment system, optional for the 4-door Limited and Sport Limited trims, adds a navigation system that can be controlled with voice commands. This option expands information content with SiriusXM NavTraffic® and NavWeather® services (subscriptions required) and more.

Fun for the Driver, Comfort for the Passengers
Built on a 104.1-inch wheelbase, the Impreza offers one of the roomiest cabins in its segment. Rear seat passengers have 35.4 inches of legroom. Five-door models offer an impressive 22.5 cu. ft. of space behind the rear seat that expands to 52.4 cu. ft. with the standard 60/40 split rear seatbacks folded to create a flat load floor.

Liquid (hydraulic) engine mounts on models with the CVT help to dampen vibration. The double-wishbone rear suspension features pillow ball bushings for exemplary ride comfort, straight-line stability and handling agility.

The Impreza’s 2.0-liter 4-cyl. BOXER engine produces 148 hp at 6,200 rpm and 145 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,200 rpm. The long-stroke configuration (84mm bore and 90mm stroke) emphasizes low and mid-range torque. The camshafts are chain driven, reducing long-term servicing costs. Dual Active Valve Control System (AVCS) variable valve timing optimizes torque performance and emissions.

The responsive BOXER engine can be matched to a 5-speed manual transmission or the lighter, more compact second-generation version of the Lineartronic CVT that is now also offered in all 2015 Subaru models except the BRZ sports car. All Impreza models (5-speed and CVT) feature Incline Start Assist, which helps prevent the vehicle from rolling back when moving away from a stop on an incline.

All Imprezas with the CVT, except the base 2.0i, feature a 6-speed manual mode with steering wheel paddle shifters that allow the driver to control the transmission. In the base 2.0 models with the CVT, a driver-selectable Low shift mode can provide additional engine braking when traveling down a grade, to enhance vehicle control.

Other technologies that help boost fuel efficiency in the Impreza include electric power assist steering (now with a quicker ratio for 2015), along with low rolling resistance tires. An ECO gauge in the instrument panel encourages economical driving.

Proven Subaru Quality and Value 
In addition to its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, the 2015 Subaru Impreza delivers exceptional value throughout. Rich looking appointments and details abound, including soft-touch materials for the dashboard, door trim and center console armrest. Roomy door pockets can hold plastic drink bottles and large maps. Numerous compartments located in and around the center console hold all manner of today’s personal items, such as phones, USB drives and MP3 players.

The 2015 Impreza 2.0i offers one

of the best values in the compact class. Its lengthy list of standard amenities includes a tilt/telescoping steering wheel; Rear Vision Camera, cruise control; power windows, door locks and side mirrors; 60/40-split fold-down rear seat backs; outside temperature gauge; a multi-function display with fuel economy information; steering wheel audio and Bluetooth® control switches; remote keyless entry system; security system with engine immobilizer; variable intermittent windshield wipers and a low windshield washer fluid warning light. Carpeted floor mats, an extra-cost option in many cars, are standard in all Impreza models.

The 2.0i Premium increases handling agility with standard 16-inch alloy wheels and a rear suspension stabilizer bar. For 2015, the 2.0i Premium gains the Lineartronic CVT as standard. The All-Weather Package, which includes 2-stage heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors and a windshield wiper de-icer, is also standard. The 2.0i Premium 4-door offers an Alloy Wheel Package that, in addition to 17-inch alloy wheels, also includes a power moonroof, fog lights and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with silver stitching, plus other trim upgrades.

For an even sportier driving experience and appearance, the 2015 Impreza 2.0i Sport Premium is a 5-door model with a more aggressive stance from body-color rocker panel spoilers and standard 17-inch alloy wheels to further enhance agility. This trim also brings fog lights, turn-signal mirrors, roof rails, unique seat fabric and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. A power moonroof is available as a standalone option.

Topping the 2015 Impreza range, the Limited and Sport Limited (5-door only) trims deliver the highest level of comfort and convenience offered in the Impreza line. Leather seating is standard, along with the new upgraded infotainment system, turn signal exterior mirrors, a color LCD in the gauge cluster, Welcome Lighting and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with silver stitching. Additional exterior chrome trim also distinguishes the Limited trims.

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive: Two Different Types
Subaru offers two different versions of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive in the 2015 Impreza, each tailored to the type of transmission. In models equipped with the 5-speed manual transmission, the Continuous AWD system uses a viscous-coupling locking center differential to distribute torque a nominal 50:50 front to rear. Slippage at either the front or rear wheels will cause the system to send more torque to the opposite wheels.

Models equipped with the Lineartronic CVT use Active Torque Split AWD. An electronically managed continuously variable transfer clutch actively controls power distribution in response to driver input, driving conditions and wheel slippage.

The Subaru Safety Standard
The Impreza is built around the brand’s proven Ring-shaped Reinforcement Frame body structure for exemplary collision protection. All models are equipped with a standard 4-wheel disc Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and the Brake Assist safety system. The Brake Override system ensures that the engine power will be cut when both the brake and accelerator are pressed simultaneously. Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) combines stability and traction control functions.

The Impreza’s roster of safety features includes a driver’s knee airbag, front side pelvis/torso airbags and side curtain airbags that offer front and rear outboard seat coverage. The passenger-seat front airbag features a shell-type design with a center groove, thus exposing the passenger to less impact force upon deployment.

Subaru produces a full line of All-Wheel Drive sedans, crossovers and SUVs, along with the rear-wheel drive BRZ sports car. Give us a call at Kupper Subaru in Mandan at 888-274-4916 or visit us at 805 E Main Street to learn more about the 2015 Impreza. 

SUBARU RELEASES VIDEO OF ISLE OF MAN TT COURSE RECORD LAP IN THE NEW 2015 WRX STI

Subaru of America, Inc. has released the first video from its record setting lap of the Isle of Man TT Course. Mark Higgins broke the lap record two weeks ago driving a new 2015 Subaru WRX STI on the treacherous 37-mile course with an average lap speed of 117.510 MPH and a time of 19 minutes and 15 seconds. 

This new lap record breaks the previous record of 115.36 MPH that was set in 2011 in a 2011 WRX STI. The run was completed in a U.S.-spec 2015 Subaru WRX STI. 

“Watching the new video provides an insight into what it is like to drive this course flat out,” said Mark Higgins. “The build up to the lap is very intense and it is a fight the whole way around. I learn more every lap I take. The final run I was able to do a much cleaner lap. Just an amazing experience and I hope everyone enjoys the video.”

The video can be found on Subaru of America’s YouTube channel at http://youtu.be/scHb4TD5160. A new video was released yesterday, showing a full, unedited in-car driver point of view of the entire record lap with commentary.

The car Higgins drove is a stock U.S.-spec 2015 WRX STI, with the exception of an FIA-spec roll-cage, racing seat and harness, fire suppression system and modified springs and dampers to handle the sustained high speeds and changing conditions of the course. The Subaru WRX STI also featured Dunlop Direzza tires and a high decibel straight exhaust for crowd safety. The speed limiter was also removed from the car. 

The event, which has been comprehensively risk assessed by both Subaru and the ACU, including consultation with all relevant parties, took place under full, closed road race conditions.

In his previous attempt on the course, Higgins created one of the most memorable race videos when he had a self-described “moment” at the bottom of Bray Hill at 150 MPH. The video has received almost 4 million views. After setting the record Higgins stated, "Setting the record was both the most exhilarating and the most frightening thing I have ever done." 

Subaru Announces Pricing on All-New 2015 Legacy Models

• Well-equipped 2.5i models begin at $21,695
• 3.6R Limited models offer High Torque CVT starting at $29,595
• Roomiest Legacy ever with largest passenger cabin in the midsize segment
• Higher level of comfort, quiet and refinement
• New safety and infotainment technology

Subaru of America, Inc. today announced pricing on the all-new 2015 Subaru Legacy models. The Legacy has been completely redesigned and offers a compelling blend of standout design, interior refinement, safety technology and higher fuel efficiency.

The 2015 Subaru Legacy 2.5i comes standard with Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with manual mode and paddle shift control switches and Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with a starting price of $21,695. This is less than a 2-percent cost increase compared to the outgoing model and the 2015 model comes with additional standard equipment and safety features. The 2.5 liter Boxer engine has increased to 175 horsepower and delivers impressive fuel economy of 26 city/36 highway MPG. Active Torque Vectoring, an enhancement of the Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) stability and traction control system contributes to more neutral cornering is now standard on all Legacy trim levels. The Active Grille Shutter system that helps to improve fuel economy by reducing wind resistance is standard on 4-cylinder models.





Active and passive safety features have been increased for the new Legacy with the inclusion of driver and front passenger seat cushion airbags designed to retain the occupant’s seating position and hold the occupant in place in an accident. LED clearance lights and tail light elements, a Welcome Lighting feature is also new on all trim levels.

Notably, the Legacy 2.5i also includes an improved Infotainment System that includes a 6.2” single-touch gesture and high resolution display, Subaru STARLINK, AM/FM Stereo HD Radio with single-disc
CD Player, Aha and Pandora, Bluetooth audio-streaming and hands-free phone connectivity, Radio Broadcast Data System (RBDS), iPod Control and iTunes Tagging capabilities, USB Port, Auxiliary Input Jack, 4-speakers, and a Rear Glass Audio Antenna.

The 2015 Legacy 2.5i Premium has an MSRP of $23,495 – only $200 more (less than 1%) than the comparable outgoing model. The Premium trim level adds All-Weather Package, Dual Zone Automatic Climate Control System, 10-way power driver’s seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift handle, and an illuminated overhead console and front door pull handles.

An upgraded Infotainment System includes a 7” multi-touch gesture and high resolution display, Bluetooth hands-free SMS text messaging connectivity, SiriusXM Satellite Radio (available with a subscription), dual USB ports, 6-speakers, roof mounted satellite radio, and a vehicle information display. 
A moonroof package can be added to the 2.5i Premium for $1,195 and includes a power moonroof and auto-dimming rear view compass mirror with Homelink. Navigation can be added with the Power Moonroof Package for only an additional $500 ($1,695 in total). The Navigation System adds SiriumXM NavTraffic and NavWeather with a subscription, map information via an updatable SD card, and improved navigation voice-activated controls.

The Legacy 2.5i Premium offers the industry’s leading driver assist technology, Subaru Eyesight®, and also adds Blind Spot Detection (BSD) with Lane Change Assist (LCA.) It uses radar detection to assist the driver by detecting vehicles on either side of the vehicle that may be in the driver’s blind spots and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) notifies the driver when in reverse of a possible collision danger if a vehicle is detected approaching from a perpendicular angle. Steering Responsive Fog Lights are added to all Eyesight- equipped models and provide increased visibility in the direction of a turn. All of these industry-leading safety features are included together as an option package for only $1,195.

The Legacy 2.5i Premium is available with three option packages (Moonroof Package, Navigation, EyeSight/SRVD Safety Package) bundled together for $2,890.
The Legacy 2.5i Limited provides an impressive list of features and content at a starting MSRP of $26,495. The Limited adds Perforated Leather-Trimmed Upholstery, stylish 18-inch Alloy Wheels, Harman/Kardon® Surround 12-speaker system and 576-watt Amplifier, 10-way power driver’s seat with two-position memory, dual-mode heated rear seat backs and cushions, Subaru Rear Vehicle Detection System, exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals, fog lights, woodgrain-pattern accent trim, and center console rear A/C outlets. 

Option Packages for the 2.5i Limited include the Moonroof Package, Keyless Access & Push-Button Start, and Navigation that are available individually or bundled for $2,195.

EyeSight can be added to this group for $795 ($2,990 total package MSRP). These packages are also available on the Legacy 3.6R Limited. 

The flagship of the sedan line-up, the Legacy 3.6R Limited, has a starting MSRP of $29,595. It now includes a new, High-Torque Continuously Variable Transmission for the 256-horsepower 3.6 liter, 6-cylinder Boxer engine that improves its estimated gas mileage to 20 city/29 highway/23 combined MPG. HID low beam headlights with automatic height adjustment control, dual/stainless tips exhaust are also standard on the 3.6R Limited. 

The new Legacy is built at Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA). SIA this year celebrates ten years as a Zero Landfill Facility and continues to be the only U.S. automotive plant designated as a Backyard Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation.

2015 Legacy models will arrive into dealerships this summer.

2015 SUBARU LEGACY
Model/Trim	Transmission	MSRP	MSRP + destination and delivery
2.5i	CVT	$21,695	$22,490
2.5i Premium	CVT	$23,495	$24,290
2.5i Limited	CVT	$26,495	$27,290
3.6R Limited	CVT	$29,595	$30,390
2015 SUBARU LEGACY OPTION PACKAGES Moonroof Package $1,195 Moonroof Package + Navigation System $1,695 EyeSight + Blind Spot Detection & Rear Cross Traffic Alert $1,195 Moonroof Package + Navigation System + EyeSight +Blind Spot Detection & Rear Cross Traffic Alert $2,890 Moonroof Package +Keyless Access & Start + Navigation System $2,195 Moonroof Pkg + Keyless Access & Start + Navigation System + EyeSight $2,990 Destination & Delivery is $795 and may vary in the following states: CT, HI, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI and VT. D&D is $945 for dealers in Alaska. Partial Zero Emission Vehicles (PZEV) on 2.5i models adds $300.

2015 SUBARU WRX AND WRX STI EARN IIHS 2014 TOP SAFETY PICK

Subaru of America, Inc. announced that  the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) announced the all-new 2015 Subaru WRX and WRX STI will earn the IIHS 2014 TOP SAFETY PICK award for good performance in each of the Institute’s crashworthiness evaluations, including the small overlap front test. This is the first time IIHS has rated the WRX and WRX STI, which was completely redesigned for 2015. 

With the addition to the 2015 WRX, Subaru now has six models that have earned 2014 safety awards from IIHS – three with TOP SAFETY PICK and three with TOP SAFETY PICK+ including its Legacy sedan and Outback models with optional EyeSight™. Subaru has more 2014 IIHS Top Safety Picks than any other brand. 
The Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive Subaru WRX is one of the brand’s performance models and comes standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder 268 horsepower engine, mated to a six-speed manual transmission, and is priced at $26,295. The higher-performance WRX STI model is priced at $34,495 and features a turbocharged, 2.5-liter boxer four cylinder engine that produces 305 hp.

In addition to the standard model, the WRX STI is offered in Launch Edition. Limited to just 1,000 units over the first three months of production, and offered exclusively in WR Blue with gold BBS® alloy wheels and blue trim throughout the interior. All WRX STI models feature Alcantara seating surfaces and standard LED exterior lighting, and the Limited trim adds leather, a power driver's seat, a moonroof and a premium Harman/Kardon audio system. Navigation and higher-end audio are optional on other models.

"Safety is one of our brand tenets and so we are extremely proud to have earned a TSP rating for our performance models" said Thomas J. Doll, president and chief operating officer, Subaru of America, Inc. “we are committed to providing engaging driving together with safety and this award is testament to that commitment.”

About IIHS
The Institute's frontal crashworthiness evaluations are based on results of a moderate overlap frontal and small overlap crash test. Each vehicle's overall evaluation is based on measurements of intrusion into the occupant compartment, injury measures recorded on a 50th percentile male Hybrid III dummy in the driver seat, and analysis of slow-motion film to assess how well the restraint system controlled dummy movement during the test.

Building on its long-running vehicle ratings program for consumer information, IIHS introduced the small overlap test in 2012 to further improve occupant protection in frontal crashes. Most automakers design their vehicles for good performance in the IIHS moderate overlap frontal test and the federal government’s full-width frontal test, but many haven’t addressed the problem of small overlap crashes. In a 2009 IIHS study of vehicles with good ratings for frontal crash protection, small overlap crashes accounted for nearly a quarter of the frontal crashes involving serious or fatal injury to front seat occupants. 

The small overlap test is a demanding crash that replicates what happens when the front corner of a car collides with another vehicle or an object like a tree or utility pole. In the test, 25 percent of a car’s front end on the driver side strikes a 5-foot-tall rigid barrier at 40 mph. 

Side evaluations are based on performance in a crash test in which the side of a vehicle is struck by a barrier moving at 31 mph. The barrier represents the front end of a pickup or SUV. Ratings reflect injury measures recorded on 2-instrumented SID-IIs dummies representing a small (5th percentile) woman, assessment of head protection countermeasures, and the vehicle's structural performance during the impact.

Rear crash protection is rated according to a two-step procedure. Starting points for the ratings are measurements of head restraint geometry -- the height of a restraint and its horizontal distance behind the back of the head of an average size man. Seat/head restraints with good or acceptable geometry are tested dynamically using a dummy that measures forces on the neck. This test simulates a collision in which a stationary vehicle is struck in the rear at 20 mph. Seats without good or acceptable geometry are rated poor overall because they can't be positioned to protect many people.

In the roof strength test, a metal plate is pushed against 1 side of a roof at a constant speed. To earn a good rating for rollover protection, the roof must withstand a force of 4 times the vehicle's weight before reaching 5 inches of crush. This is called a strength-to-weight ratio. For an acceptable rating, the minimum required strength-to-weight ratio is 3.25. A marginal rating value is 2.5. Anything lower than that is rated poor.