Subaru’s 36 mpg AWD Wonder Car At the 2011 NYIAS

Wayne Gerdes - CleanMPG - April 21, 2011 The 2012 Subaru Impreza – Pricing TBA and a 27/36 mpgUS city/highway rating. Subaru introduced its all-new fourth-generation 2012 Impreza four-door and five-door compacts last week at the 2011 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS). Sporting an all-new 2.0L powertrain, the 2012 Impreza offers an incredible 30-percent improvement in fuel economy over the outgoing versions without hybridization or adding a diesel… In addition, more room, better handling, improved interior and new infotainment technology provides more choice in the hotly contested C-Segment. Exterior Numerous exterior and interior design elements combine to give the Impreza a sportier stance while also offering the driver and passengers a more commanding, confident view of the road. The windshield is more raked and the bottom of the A-pillar moved 7.9 inches forward. This allows for a front door opening that is nearly five inches longer for easier entry/exit, abetted by doorsills that are 0.8-inch lower than before. Rear doors are also larger on both body styles. To maximize driver visibility in corners, the Impreza features thinner A-pillars. Exterior side view mirrors with 23-percent more surface area enhances visibility and driving safety, and relocating the mirrors from the A-pillars to the doors contributes to improved sight lines. Interior The combination of a longer wheelbase and redesigned door and roof trim and front seats provides increased passenger and cargo room. Vehicle length and width remain the same as before for both sedan and five-door models, yet, thanks to redesigned door panels, the 2012 Impreza offers increased hip and shoulder room. Rear seat passengers gain nearly two inches of legroom, thanks to the longer wheelbase and a new, scalloped-style front seat backrest design. Sedan trunk room and five-door cargo room are both increased, and the five-door now provides a completely flat load floor with the standard 60/40 split rear seatbacks folded. Relocating the car’s electronic control units (ECU’s), power window motors and fuel vapor charcoal canister are “behind the scenes” details that helped make the new gains possible within the same exterior package as the outgoing model. The 2012 Impreza interior incorporates a more modern instrument panel and a multi-function display with trip computer located in the center of the dashboard. Richer looking appointments including soft-touch materials for the dashboard, door trim and center console armrest are included. In the higher trim models, the armrest features a slide adjustment for greater comfort and versatility. In the sedan, trunk functionality is improved with support arms that are reshaped and enclosed within the trunk interior trim, ensuring that they do not make contact with stored items when the trunk is closed. When the trunk release is activated, from within the car or via the remote control, the trunk lid opens wider than before. Larger 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. For those who still prefer to listen to music on CD, the console compartments provide ample storage for jewel cases. New front seats are designed with long-distance comfort in mind and feature higher seatbacks, increased lumbar support and cushions that more effectively distribute pressure. A tilt/telescoping steering wheel is standard on all 2012 Impreza models. The entry level 2012 Impreza lineup features power windows, door locks and side mirrors, a 60/40-split fold-down rear seat, outside temperature gauge, a mutli-function display with fuel economy information, remote keyless entry system,


security system with engine immobilizer, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, variable intermittent windshield wipers and a low windshield washer fluid warning light. Even carpeted floormats, often an option in many cars, are standard equipment in all 2012 Impreza models. Impreza Premium models add 16-inch alloy wheels, steering wheel audio and Bluetooth control switches, a rear stabilizer bar for crisper handling, adjustable console armrest, body-color exterior mirrors and chrome interior door handles. The Premium models also cater to the latest demand for versatile and easy-to-use infotainment technology. The standard audio system in the Premium models features Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming, Radio Data Broadcast System (RDBS), iPod control capability, USB port, 3.5mm aux. input jack and six speakers. The Premium models can be equipped with an optional All-Weather Package (heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors and windshield wiper de-icer). An available Alloy Wheel Package adds 17-inch alloy wheels, single tailpipe outlet with stainless steel tip for sedan model, plus a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter handle. When equipped with the optional Lineartronic CVT, the Impreza Premium, Limited and Sport models also feature a 6-speed manual mode function with steering wheel paddle shifters. A power moonroof and a navigation system are available as separate options for the 2012 Impreza Premium models. The new navigation system includes a 6.1-inch touch screen LCD display, voice control, iTunes tagging, SMS text messaging capability, XM Satellite Radio and XM NavTraffic (both XM services require subscriptions). Updated map data can be downloaded to a personal computer and then transferred into the system via secure digital (SD) card. The Impreza Sport Premium is a five-door model that combines standard 17-inch alloy wheels and the All-Weather Package with fog lights, roof rails, and unique seat fabric and rocker panel spoilers. At the top of the Impreza range for 2012, the Limited and Sport Limited (five-door only) models deliver the highest level of comfort and convenience. In addition to the Premium content, the Limited and Sport Limited add the Alloy Wheel Package and All-Weather Package, plus the luxury of leather upholstery, automatic climate control, upgraded instrumentation, chrome exterior door handles (the Limited four-door and five-door models), fog lights and auto on-off headlights. A further audio upgrade (above the Premium) features a 4.3-inch display screen and standard HD Radio. The power moonroof and navigation system are separate options on the Limited, as well. The 2.0L with the Lineartronic CVT The 2012 Impreza is powered by an all-new 2.0L I4 Boxer engine mated to a five-speed MT or the available new Lineartronic CVT (standard on Limited and Sport Limited). With either transmission, the 2012 Impreza delivers significantly higher fuel economy than the car it replaces. The new 2.0L produces 148 HP and 145 lb.-ft. of peak torque. Thanks to a double overhead-cam design. The Dual Active Valve Control System (DAVCS) controls valve timing on both the intake and exhaust valves to optimize performance, fuel efficiency, and emissions. The 2012 Impreza employs a more efficient exhaust system that allows an optimized catalyst placement for faster heat-up to reduce emissions immediately after engine startup. Subaru first introduced its Lineartronic CVT in the 2010 Legacy and Outback models, and now the 2012 Impreza debuts a lighter, quieter and more compact version that delivers improved performance. Unlike a conventional AT, which uses fixed gear ratios, a CVT provides infinite variability between the highest and lowest available ratios with no discernable steps or shifts. The CVT continuously and smoothly adapts to performance demand, helping to keep the engine in its most efficient operating range. Compared to CVT’s used in other brands, the Impreza CVT provides wider ratio coverage, due to a larger difference between the largest and smaller pulley diameters. Subaru refined the CVT in the 2012 Impreza to deliver smooth, linear acceleration, closer to a conventional automatic transmission while still delivering the efficiency benefits of a CVT. Low-speed acceleration in particular feels even stronger than a comparison of performance figures alone might suggest. The engine now also supports standing-starts in the pre-selected “second gear” ratio to reduce the likelihood of wheel spin on slippery surfaces. Impreza Premium, Sport and Limited models with the CVT also feature a 6-speed manual mode with steering wheel paddle shifters, which allow the driver to control the transmission via six pre-set ratios. The driver can engage manual mode with the floor shift lever or, when in “D” mode, temporarily access manual mode by operating an up- or downshift shift paddle. In that case, the transmission will return to automatic mode once the vehicle is traveling at a constant speed. Improved Fuel Economy In addition to the new engine’s greater efficiency, the Impreza adopts additional technologies to maximize fuel economy. Among these is the new electric power steering system, which by itself contributes a 2-percent efficiency increase. The tires, in 15, 16- or 17-inch sizes, exhibit lower rolling resistance for better fuel economy without compromising braking distance or other performance parameters. A further efficiency gain comes from reducing disc brake drag by using a spring-type pad return mechanism. Because the 2012 Impreza offers such a significant increase in fuel economy over the outgoing vehicle, Subaru was able to use a smaller-capacity fuel tank (now 14.6 gallons compared to 16.9 before) while also increasing driving range. The

smaller fuel tank, in turn, enabled Subaru to relocate the charcoal vapor canister, which helped increase cargo room. Ride and Handling Strengthened suspension components in front and rear enhance handling while new liquid (hydraulic) engine mounts help to damp out vibration. A new front support connecting the front crossmember and rear bushing section of the front arm enhances stability, agility and ride quality. The double-wishbone rear suspension features new, strengthened components and pillow ball bushings for improved ride, straight-line stability, handling and vehicle response. Highline models add special rebound springs in the front dampers, as well as a rear stabilizer bar, for even more responsive handling. The enhancement of body rigidity and the new suspension design help to reduce levels of noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH). The stiffened rear subframe ensures greater resistance to twisting, also contributing to enhanced stability and handling. New sound insulators in the toe board and around the floor tunnel also contribute to interior quietness. Safety Subaru’s Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frame safety structure provides crash protection and occupant safety. Building on Subaru’s safety prowess (all 2011 Subaru model lines are IIHS “Top Safety Picks”), the 2012 Impreza was designed to excel under the more stringent 2011 NHTSA testing regimen. The new body structure makes greater use of high-tensile strength steel and features special stiffening elements at key locations. The 2012 Impreza includes as standard equipment front seat side impact air bags and side curtain air bags that offer additional head protection for front and rear occupants. The new driver’s front airbag offers added protection for drivers who position themselves close to the steering wheel. Immediately after deployment, the driver’s airbag spreads thin and wide, then thickens as deployment reaches completion. The passenger-seat front airbag, features a shell-type design with a center groove, thus exposing the passenger to less impact force upon deployment. All 2012 Impreza models add a new driver’s knee airbag to the roster of safety features. All Impreza models for 2012 are equipped as standard with Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) (it is federally mandated and that is why its included), which combines stability and traction control functions. Likewise, all 2012 Impreza 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. Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive Subaru offers two different Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive systems in the 2012 Impreza. In models equipped with the five-speed manual transmission, the Continuous AWD system uses a viscous-coupling locking center differential to distribute power 50/50 front to rear. Slippage at either set of wheels will send more power (up to 100 percent) to the opposite set. Impreza models equipped with the Lineartronic CVT feature the Active Torque Split AWD version that uses an electronically managed continuously variable transfer clutch to actively control power distribution in response to driving conditions. This system can transfer more power to the rear wheels under acceleration and can transfer up to 100 percent of available torque to the rear wheels in response to road conditions. All told, 36 hwy from a C-Segment anything with 4WD is as impressive as the … Well, the Impreza!

Jeep® Wrangler “Mojave” Special-edition Model

by Gary Becker - Sports Car Illustrated

When most people think of the Mojave Desert they think of Death Valley, mule teams and heat. The folks at Jeep® want to change all that and make you think of yet another special edition Wrangler.
The Jeep® Wrangler “Mojave” Special-edition pays tribute to renowned, rugged Mojave Trail and features a desert-themed exterior and interior design. This newest version of the Wrangler is expected to arrive in Jeep showrooms in June, just in time for those 120 degree Mojave lazy days of summer.
“The Mojave Trail is known for expeditions, exploration and a rugged environment that features elevation, sand, canyons, a river crossing and hill climbs – the perfect landscape for the Jeep Wrangler,” said Mike Manley, President and CEO — Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “By creating the Jeep Wrangler Mojave, we are able to deliver another specialized vehicle that Jeep enthusiasts will love, while drawing new customers into Jeep showrooms.”
Using the Wrangler Sport model as a base, the Mojave Special Edition is designed to create a unique desert theme that conveys off-road desert fun. Hopefully, the folks at Jeep® know what “desert fun” is and will share that with those of us who live in more habitable climates.
From the sidewalk, exterior features include a body-color hardtop and fender flares, “Mojave” and lizard decals on the hood and rear, and the Sahara model’s side steps. Jeep Wrangler Mojave also offers Wrangler's Rubicon tire and wheel package, with mineral gray 17-inch wheels shod with 32-inch tires. Finishing touches on the exterior include a black fuel filler door and tail lamp guards.
From the driver’s seat you'll notice the Mojave’s seats are dark saddle leather with a lizard logo embossed on the front seats. Driftwood surrounds the vents, front-passenger grab handle, steering-wheel spokes and door-handle inserts. Mopar® tread pattern slush mats and overhead grab handles complete the Mojave package.
The new 2011 Jeep Wrangler Mojave is available in Sahara Tan, Bright White and Black, a color not recommended for desert trail expeditions.
The Jeep Wrangler Mojave option is available at a U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $29,195, excluding $750 destination
When most people think of the Mojave Desert they think of Death Valley, mule teams and heat. The folks at Jeep® want to change all that and make you think of yet another special edition Wrangler.
The Jeep® Wrangler “Mojave” Special-edition pays tribute to renowned, rugged Mojave Trail and features a desert-themed exterior and interior design. This newest version of the Wrangler is expected to arrive in Jeep showrooms in June, just in time for those 120 degree Mojave lazy days of summer.
“The Mojave Trail is known for expeditions, exploration and a rugged environment that features elevation, sand, canyons, a river crossing and hill climbs – the perfect landscape for the Jeep Wrangler,” said Mike Manley, President and CEO — Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “By creating the Jeep Wrangler Mojave, we are able to deliver another specialized vehicle that Jeep enthusiasts will love, while drawing new customers into Jeep showrooms.”
Using the Wrangler Sport model as a base, the Mojave Special Edition is designed to create a unique desert theme that conveys off-road desert fun. Hopefully, the folks at Jeep® know what “desert fun” is and will share that with those of us who live in more habitable climates.
From the sidewalk, exterior features include a body-color hardtop and fender flares, “Mojave” and lizard decals on the hood and rear, and the Sahara model’s side steps. Jeep Wrangler Mojave also offers Wrangler's Rubicon tire and wheel package, with mineral gray 17-inch wheels shod with 32-inch tires. Finishing touches on the exterior include a black fuel filler door and tail lamp guards.
From the driver’s seat you'll notice the Mojave’s seats are dark saddle leather with a lizard logo embossed on the front seats. Driftwood surrounds the vents, front-passenger grab handle, steering-wheel spokes and door-handle inserts. Mopar® tread pattern slush mats and overhead grab handles complete the Mojave package.
The new 2011 Jeep Wrangler Mojave is available in Sahara Tan, Bright White and Black, a color not recommended for desert trail expeditions.
The Jeep Wrangler Mojave option is available at a U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $29,195, excluding $750 destination.

Quick-Lube Primer: Stop! Don't Go For Your Next Oil Change Before Reading This

Some services are unnecessary, or better left to dealers and
more sophisticated repair shops.

Have you ever gone to a quick-lube place for an oil change and, while you're waiting in the lobby for your car, the service bay/sales person informs you that a certain service(s) "must" be performed on the vehicle immediately to avert a disaster of immense proportion?

It's a high-pressure moment. You think: I can get this done now, and not have to make an appointment at the dealership. I can save money here, too. And I want to take care of my car, which I rely on.
But here is the problem: Most of us do not know much about these products or services before being confronted with the questions and offers. And we hate to come across as ignorant about our car. Many of us can relate to this scenario.
The "recommended service" they advise usually includes one or more of the following:
-High mileage oil
-Fuel system cleaning
-Brake fluid flush
-Transmission flush
-Transfer case or differential fluid change

Knowledge is power. So let's look at each service, the validity of the claim, and whether or not you should follow the advice.

Does Your Vehicle Need "High Mileage" Oil?

High mileage oils supposedly are formulated with more robust additive packages for better lubrication and rust inhibition, along with a nourishing agent to bring old, hardened oil seals back to life. Well, if that's true, why didn't the company initially give me its best formulation so that my car would get more mileage out of the engine in the first place? I consulted an expert in the industry to gather more information. Dan Watson, a Certified Lubrication Specialist (STLE) and publisher of www.lubedepot.com and www.maxtorque.com (an E-Zine about diesel power) sent me some bullet points to consider when offered "high mileage oil."

-High mileage oils are fortified with additional additives for improving the ability of the oil to deal with byproducts of combustion (otherwise known as "crud.") and enhance engine cleanliness.
-The age of the engine has nothing to do with the protection needed to maintain the engine and prevent wear.
-The best procedure is to start out with oil that doesn't break down and leave sludge and varnish in the engine in the first place.
-Start the engine out from day-one using high quality synthetic engine oil and you will have superior protection and cleanliness from the start. You will never need a "better oil" when you get to a higher mileage.
-It is important to note all synthetic oils are not the same. Look for synthetic oils like AMSOIL or Mobil One; these oils have extremely robust additive packages designed for longer oil-change intervals. This insures you are getting maximum protection and superior cleanliness regardless of vehicle mileage.
Bottom-Line: Use high-quality synthetic oil from the start in a new car. If you are driving a used car that you purchased, start using these same sorts of synthetic oils for maximum protection. Don't pay for something the attendant is calling "high mileage" oil, which could mean any number of things.

Does Your Vehicle Need a Fuel System Cleaning?
Maybe. But I can't recommend getting it done at a quick-lube outlet.
Over time, fuel injectors get clogged with varnish deposits and dirt that's picked up in the fuel. When this happens, the injectors dribble fuel into the combustion chamber rather than deliver a fine mist of air/fuel mixture for perfect combustion.
I have seen many cylinder heads and pistons loaded with carbon buildup from inefficient combustion that resulted in inefficient and/or damaged engines. In addition, I can tell you that fuel additives to the fuel tank alone cannot keep a fuel system clean.
Fuel systems do need to be cleaned. During the fuel delivery system cleaning process, industrial strength carbon and varnish cleaners are injected directly into the fuel delivery system while the engine is running.
The problem I have with having this service done at a quick-lube is that they "recommend" the service almost every time you stop in for an oil change. Also, I question the quality of the fuel system service they offer. In order for this service to work effectively, they must use a special machine and a specific set of tools, as well as an industrial grade carbon and varnish cleaner. Such equipment, found in high quality repair facilities or dealerships, is often not available at quick lubes.
Don't get me wrong. Quick lubes have their place in automotive service. However, I think they are out of their league in this area of service.
Bottom Line: This is not a diagnosis or service I would entrust to a quick-lube station.

Does Your Vehicle Need a Brake Fluid Flush?
Brake fluid flushing is a viable service that should be done if there is rust and sediment in the brake master cylinder. After researching several year, make, and model vehicles in the ALLDATA database, I realized that this is not a recommended service from the manufacturer.
At best, carmakers suggest an inspection of the braking system at regular intervals (every 6K miles or so) that includes inspection of the brake fluid along with the rest of the system. The hydraulic braking system is designed as a closed and sealed system. When it is exposed to the atmosphere because of a broken seal or hydraulic cup, the system will draw moisture into itself because of the hydroscopic (moisture absorbing) nature of the brake fluid.
So a simple inspection of the brake fluid is all that is required. When checking brake fluid, look for proper level, color, and smell. Brake fluid that is clear/translucent in color, at the proper level, and has no evidence of a burnt smell indicates a healthy braking system. If the color is black or rust-colored, there is a problem. Simple flushing will not repair the root cause of the condition.
A dark or black color accompanied by a burnt smell is indication that the system has overheated. There are three causes of overheating: A stuck brake caliper, a seized emergency brake, or a contaminated wheel cylinder that causes a brake shoe to stick in the applied position. A rust-colored fluid indicates that moisture has entered the system, and therefore the system should be checked for a leaking component, a compromised line, or a torn master cylinder gasket. Brake fluid flushing alone without an inspection and/or repair of the root cause of the discolored fluid is not a repair. It is like a band-aid on a compound fracture.
Bottom Line: I do not recommend regular brake fluid flushing. It is simply not necessary unless a problem with color, level, or smell of the brake fluid is observed.

Does Your Vehicle Need a Transmission Fluid Flush?
As a regular maintenance practice (every 35 – 40K miles) transmission flushing can ensure proper operation and longevity of the transmission. More often than that is overkill.
Some carmakers suggest this service every 100K miles or more. However, I don't agree with this time frame because transmission fluid is oil, and oil breaks down over time (especially when the unit is worked hard). In addition, I don't agree with just flushing the fluid without replacing the transmission filter. During the flush procedure, if the old filter is left in place, dirt and wear material will be dislodged and go back into the transmission. Dirt will then be flowing through the unit and contaminating it again. In addition, a worn, dirty filter is expected to do the job it once did when it was new! So when flushing transmission fluid, always replace the filter. Period.
On transmissions with high mileage that have a history of being neglected (have not been serviced for many thousands of miles and the fluid is dark and smells burnt -- evidence of overheating), I do not recommend a transmission flush. On a transmission that has been overheated, internal damage might have occurred. If this is the case, when the transmission is subjected to a complete bath of fresh high-detergency transmission fluid, the transmission will fail internally.
Bottom Line: If you have a high mileage vehicle and the quick lube shop has recommended a fluid flush, get a second opinion from a drivetrain expert before proceeding... or pay the consequences.

Does Your Vehicle Need a Transfer Case or Differential Fluid Change?
Transfer cases are very quirky units. When the differential fluid is compromised in any way from overheating or moisture contamination they can malfunction. Symptoms of a malfunction include chatter, engaging and disengaging rapidly while in gear, slowness to engage from low to high range, and a host of other strange maladies.
Different carmakers use different fluids for their respective transfer cases. Each fluid is uniquely formulated for the respective transfer case application.
Bottom Line: This is an area of service that I would never leave to a quick lube, but rather to a drivetrain specialist or a dealership.

There is simply too much room for error when it comes to filling the unit with the wrong fluid.

I hope this clarifies any concerns or questions you might have before heading out to your local quick lube.
Remember, knowledge is empowering, and in this case, can save you a lot of time and money (and that's probably why you are going to the quick lube in the first place).


by
Tom Bjorenson
AOL AUTOS