WATCH:
Interview with Michael McHale, Director of Corporate
Communications for Subaru of America
(video
below)
LOS ANGELES --
Subaru
of America debuted the Impreza Concept on the first of two press
days at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show. It is equipped with a 2.0-liter
Subaru Boxer engine that is horizontally opposed to allow the vehicle
to sit lower on the ground. The Impreza Concept features all-wheel
drive and it seats four passengers. It is 178 inches long, 72 inches
wide and 56 inches high. The wheelbase is 103.9 inches. The production
version is expected to look very similar to the concept.
"The Impreza
has been a storied vehicle in the U.S.," said Michael McHale,
director of corporate communications for Subaru of America, Inc.
"The WRX and the STI based on it. It's a very popular model.
We're thinking as the all-wheel drive sedan evolves, what might
it evolve into? So we've produced this concept car as a look at
maybe how things will go in the next few years."
The estimated fuel economy
has not yet been announced for the future models of the Impreza
sedan. However, the current model receives 20 mpg in the city and
27 mpg on the highway.
"We've announced
that Subaru will produce a hybrid car in the next couple of years,"
the director of corporate communications explained the possibility
of a hybrid or electric version of the Impreza. "We also have
electric cars on trial in Japan right now. By the time this concept
makes the market, who knows."
The interior of the Impreza
Concept features a large, multifunction display. It provides three
different screens -- one for navigation, car audio and vehicle information.
The driver can switch between the screens with the touch of a button.
In addition, there are touch panels on the steering wheel to switch
between applications. It also features Subaru's "EyeSight"
camera system to prevent crashes and reinforce safe and secure operation
of the vehicle.
"They designed this
car to give a real sense of space," McHale added. "It's
a little bit bigger than the current car, a great interior space.
Plenty of room for four occupants. It's a nice welcoming interior,
touch-screen capability. There are no similar vehicles because it's
a Subaru. With a Subaru, you get a Boxer engine and all-wheel drive
and nobody else does that."
The release of the Impreza
Concept is the automaker's way of celebrating a good year. Subaru
of America has recorded two straight years of all-time sales.
I think the new Subaru
Impreza Concept is eye-catching. It looks very modern with its curves
and clean lines. This vehicle will allow the automaker to continue
increasing it's sales over the next few years when it finally hits
the market.
The
Los Angeles Auto Show has the rare distinction of being
recognized by the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs
d'Automobiles (OICA), one of only two in the U.S.
