NEWS: Subaru Canada Announces Impreza 2.5RS Special Edition Wagon

With Files from Subaru Canada
VANCOUVER, BC – Subaru Canada, Inc. revealed that it is offering Canadian drivers a Special Edition Impreza 2.5RS Wagon. This unique trim level, to be sold only in Canada, will be available in dealerships immediately.

In addition to the normal equipment specified for the Impreza 2.5RS trim level, the Special Edition is fitted with a standard moonroof, WRX-type bucket seats, a rear spoiler, MOMO steering wheel, body-coloured side spoilers and side door mirrors, leather-wrapped brake lever and gear selector, an upgraded stereo system, and alloy pedals for models equipped with manual transmission.

In all, the Special Edition receives over $4,500 worth of enhancements, but the MSRP of the Impreza 2.5RS Special Edition is $24,995 with manual transmission – just $2,000 more than the base model.

Like every Subaru, the Impreza 2.5RS Special Edition is equipped with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive for balanced, nimble performance under all driving conditions. Power is provided by Subaru’s 2.5-litre, SOHC four-cylinder 16-valve engine. Producing 165 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 166 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm, this responsive powerplant is designed to supply excellent low- and mid-range torque for optimum acceleration, engine response and maneuverability in city and highway traffic.

PREVIEW: 2006 Subaru Forester - Redesigned and Refined

With Files from Subaru Canada
VANCOUVER, BC – Subaru Canada, Inc. introduced Canadians to the redesigned Forester for 2006 at the Pacific International Auto Show. Arriving in Subaru dealerships in June, the new Forester has a more refined, yet rugged exterior styling, more powerful engines and a host of enhancements to driving performance, comfort and utility.

New for 2006, Forester debuts an entirely new and more sophisticated front fascia design, including a new grille, four-lamp headlights, bumper, hood and fenders. At the rear, Forester is distinguished by new tail lamps and an aluminum trim panel that prominently displays the Subaru 6-star brand emblem. All models also get new larger body-colour side mirrors with integrated LED turn signals.



More Power Across the Board for 2006

For 2006, all naturally-aspirated Forester models gain active valve lift technology, which helps to boost horsepower to 173 (up from 165 in the 2005 models) and engine responsiveness at all rev ranges. More importantly, it improves real-world drivability and performance while, at the same time, improving fuel economy.

The already powerful turbocharged and intercooled 2.5-litre engine in the Forester 2.5XT gets a serious boost for 2006. It pumps out an extra 20 horsepower (now at 230) as a result of a higher compression ratio and a redesigned intake manifold, yet realizes improved fuel efficiency over last year. The engine now meets the stricter Low Emissions Vehicle II (LEV II) standard while propelling the Forester to 60 mph (96.56 kph) in under six seconds. The 2006 Forester 2.5XT becomes the first Subaru sold in Canada to offer High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps for improved night-time driving visibility.



Revisions to the manual and automatic transmissions help improve performance and responsiveness in all Forester models. Subaru has modified the electronically controlled version of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive on the automatic transmissions to provide both better handling and enhanced traction performance on slippery road surfaces. By more precisely measuring individual wheel speed, it is able to differentiate between low traction conditions. This enables a proactive approach to stability, with Symmetrical AWD holding the transmission up/down shift for smooth cornering stability.

In addition, the 4-speed direct control electronic automatic transmission features an advanced adaptive shift control system. The new system controls transmission shift points based on driver input and vehicle load to optimize engine performance. New gear ratios in both the 2.5XT manual and automatic transmissions help to optimize performance and fuel efficiency.



Revised Lineup Delivers Great Value

The 2006 Forester 2.5X entry-level model starts as one of the safest and best-equipped small SUVs, featuring standard “smart” airbags that detect driver seat position and passenger seat position with 2-stage deployment for optimal protection. This is complemented by front seat belt pretensioners with load limiters that also work in conjunction with front seat head/chest side-impact airbags and the four-wheel/four-channel ABS.

The available 2.5XS and 2.5XS with Premium Package enhance driving comfort and performance with an 8-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats, and leather-wrapped steering wheel, shifter handle and parking brake handle plus rear disc brakes, Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), 8-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels and a viscous limited-slip rear differential.



Sharper Handling and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive

Forester has long set a standard for responsive and comfortable driving performance among small SUVs. For 2006, Subaru has refined the drivetrain, suspension, and braking systems to give Forester models a more engaging driving experience and a more comfortable ride.

A strengthened rear crossmember increases lateral rigidly to help improve handling response. In front, the lower L-arm mounting point has been modified for a smoother ride. The coil spring rates and shock absorber valving have been revised in the front and rear. In all Forester models, changes to the brake booster help improve overall brake feel and response.

NEWS: Dodge Announces Pricing for All-New 2006 Dodge Charger

With Files from DaimlerChrysler Canada
WINDSOR, ON – DaimlerChrysler Canada today announced pricing for the all-new Brampton-built 2006 Dodge Charger.

2006 Dodge Charger SE

The 2006 Dodge Charger SE is equipped with a 2.7-litre V-6 engine, coupled with a four-speed automatic transmission which offers 190 horsepower and 190 lb.-ft of torque. The Dodge Charger SE provides an outstanding blend of performance and fuel economy at an estimated 11.4 L/100 km in the city and 7.7 L/100 km on the highway.

Other standard features on the Dodge Charger SE include air conditioning, 17-inch steel wheels, wheel covers and tires, AM/FM/CD radio system with four speakers, driver and passenger lumbar support seating, electric rear window defroster, manual tilt and telescoping steering column, power mirrors, power windows (driver one-touch) and locks with auto reverse sensing system, power trunklid release, remote keyless/illuminated entry and speed control.

The starting MSRP of the 2006 Dodge Charger SE is $27,495.



2006 Dodge Charger SXT

The 2006 Dodge Charger SXT comes with a standard 3.5-litre High Output V-6 engine that delivers 250 horsepower @ 6400 rpm and 250 lb.-ft of torque @ 3800 rpm. This vehicle comes equipped with a five-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick.

In addition to the Dodge Charger SE standard features, Dodge Charger SXT includes 17-inch aluminum wheels and tires, 60/40 split folding rear seat with centre armrest, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat, fog lamps, illuminated vanity mirrors, chrome grille and Boston Acoustic Sound System with six speakers and 276-watt digital amplifier.

The starting MSRP of the Dodge Charger SXT is $31,385.



2006 Dodge Charger R/T

The 2006 Dodge Charger R/T model is equipped with a 5.7-litre HEMI V-8 engine with MDS, which offers 340 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft of torque. The MDS seamlessly alternates between four cylinder mode when less power is needed and V-8 mode when more power is in demand. This increases fuel economy up to 20 percent depending on driving conditions, without sacrificing vehicle performance.

Standard features on the 2006 Dodge Charger R/T beyond those on the Dodge Charger SXT include performance brakes and suspension with two-piston calipers, 18-inch aluminum wheels and performance touring tires, dual-bright exhaust tips, power heated/folding mirrors, leather–faced seats with heated front seats, power adjustable pedals, satin silver interior accents and tire pressure monitor.

The starting MSRP of the Dodge Charger R/T is $37,550.

NEWS: Subaru Canada Sets New March Sales Record

Courtesy Subaru Canada
MISSISSAUGA, ON – Subaru Canada, Inc. (SCI) announced record March sales of 1,357 units, up 1.2 per cent compared to the same month last year.

A significant contributor to the strong sales was the Subaru Impreza, which also enjoyed a record March. Subaru dealers sold 511 Impreza sedans and wagons during the month.

“The popularity of Impreza during the month of March is partially due to customer demand for the Impreza 2.5RS Special Edition Wagon,” said Norio Osakabe, chairman, president and chief executive officer of SCI. “This model was created specifically for Canadian customers and will be available, only in Canada, for a limited time.”