What Does it Take to be a Subaru Rallycross Driver?

Subaru introducing all-new web series focused on Subaru Motorsports

Subaru has introduced Launch Control, which will feature different episodes throughout the season that are dedicated to race fans and show the behind-the-scenes from the point of view of the racers. Shown below is episode 1, which focuses on Dave Higgins and his training in Wales, as well as the Vermont Sports Car team's preparation of the 2013 Subaru race cars.

It's received great feedback so far! Check out the first episode below, and if you're feeling the race mode - check out our Subaru Impreza WRX page here.



All information, video and image via Torque News

Subaru's Quick Tips to Improve Fuel Economy

What Subaru Drive Magazine says about getting the best MPG in your Subaru

Here are some things to do to make sure you're getting the best fuel economy possible:

• Maintain proper tire pressure
• Replace air filter when dirty
• Use cruise control when possible
• Remove excess weight inside vehicle
• Change engine oil and filter when dirty
• Drive sensibility
• Tighten the gas cap
• Avoid excess vehicle idling

These are also great ways to save yourself from spending extra money and time in service, since they're general maintenance tips that are good for your vehicle.

Subaru is also coming out with the 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid, stay tuned for more updates and check the link to head to our 2014 XV Crosstrek page on our site!

All information and full bullet-pointed list via Subaru Drive Magazine, image via Arizona Foothills Magazine

What Makes a Subaru a Green Vehicle: PZEV

The Subaru PZEV Engine Explained by Subaru Drive Magazine

PZEV, or Partial Zero Emission Vehicle, is a type of vehicle that Subaru has been offering since the 2004 model ear - in 2,000 miles of driving, PZEV vehicles put out less pollution than mowing your lawn with a gas mower. The California Air Resources Board has even noted that the tailpipe emissions of PZEV-certified vehicles can be cleaner than the outside air in smoggy cities - wow!

To reduce the catalytic converter's performance, a PZEV engine has a finer mesh and higher volume of precious metals involved (platinum, palladium and rhodium), alongside double the effective cleaning surface. This reduces gases in the exhaust exiting the tailpipe.

There is also delayed ignition timing, which aids the converter in heating up to operating temperatures more quickly. This reduces cold-start emissions. The engine's fuel injectors are also tighter, which helps prevent emissions from fuel leakage.

"Bottom line: PZEV vehicles produce the lowest amount of tailpipe (greenhouse) emissions of any gasoline-only engines..." wrote Subaru Drive Magazine. "...In summary, PZEV vehicles allow drivers to reduce their impact 
on the environment without sacrificing performance by delivering 
a win-win combination of advantages: no alternative fuels 
required, safety, a relatively low cost, performance, and immediate environmental benefits."

Vermont requires PZEV-certified engines, as does California, New York, Connecticut, Oregon, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maine, Rhode Island, Maryland, Massachusetts, Washington and New Jersey.

Need another reason to get a new Subaru? Check out our Why Subaru page, or take a look at our new Subaru inventory here!

All information and images via Subaru and/or Subaru Drive Magazine

Burlington Subaru Pet Feature: Oscar Bergeron

Oscar Bergeron, closest pal of Jen Bergeron, Subaru Office Manager

When Oscar isn’t chasing chipmunks, he likes to go for walks or sit in the window to keep an eye on the neighborhood. He really prefers human food, but he does enjoy a good Beggin’ Strip too (in Original Bacon Flavor). Oscar absolutely loves his rainbow ring toy, mostly because of its great squeaker inside. When he takes naps, he prefers the couch, Mom’s bed, or wherever there’s a good ray of sunlight. Oscar has been with Jen since he was just eight weeks old, and he celebrated his third birthday on January 4 this year. When driving, Oscar’s gotta have his front seat location with paws secured on the armrest to have the best view possible. He’s particularly special to Jen “because of the joy he brings to my two children, he is always happy to see us, and he changes the dynamics of the house for the better,” she says.

Burlington Subaru Pet Feature: Mya and Anna

Mya and Anna, buddies of Kevin Medow, Subaru Service Manager

Both Mya and Anna love sleeping absolutely anywhere, but they also love going outside for a good hike. They’re not really into toys, but they’ll take any treat they’re given.

Mya is a huge fan of the belly rubs her humans give her, and Anna loves nothing more than good old Wheel of Fortune. They’ll both let you know if anyone’s near the door by barking for you, but it’s really just because they love their humans a ton.

Both Mya and Anna are around the age of seven, and are both a special breed that their humans call “mutt”. They’ve been with Kevin for six years, since he adopted them.

Burlington Subaru Pet Feature: Calli

Calli, long-time friend of John Sorrentino, Subaru Warranty Administrator

Calli likes her dog biscuits, but she really prefers eggs, toast, melon, pizza and cranberry juice from her humans, who she loves unconditionally (even when they dress her up in her football fan jersey). Calli is a 4 year-old Golden Retriever, who will take on any toy she can hold in her teeth. One of her favorite games is rolling around upside down on the couch with a toy underneath her, but she also really likes begging, running, getting attention from Mom and napping on the bed.

Burlington Subaru Pet Feature: Lacy

Lacy, confidante of Jean Harshbarger, Subaru Sales

 

Lacy is a Shi Tzu with an upcoming 8 year-birthday in April. She’s spectacularly cute, but even more unique because she has one blue eye and one brown. Her favorite sleeping spot is “near my human”, and her favorite toy is a stuffed bee she’s had since she’s a puppy, even though it has no wings or arms since she chewed them off. Lacy is Jean’s best buddy, but she does have a habit of waiting ‘til she gets into bed to decide she needs to go out one more time. This 15lb lady is photogenic as ever and a cuddle bug to boot.

Burlington Subaru Pet Feature: Sam

Sam, companion of Jay Jerger, Subaru Service

 

Sam is a 7 year-old black lab who loves mountain biking just as much as he loves sleeping. Sam is constantly wagging his tail and drooling when he’s excited. He’s been with Jay for three years, and loves both life and everybody around him. Sam has his special spot on the couch at home, and also in the back of Jay’s pickup truck when they ride around together. Sam loves any dog treat and any human treat, but his favorite toy is his Nylabone.

Burlington Subaru Pet Feature: Representative Kitty, Mocha Langlois

Mocha Langlois, representative kitty, lives with Diana Langlois, Subaru Title Clerk

 

Mocha is a Calico cat who’s been around for 15 ½ years. She has a tendency to roll onto her back, this is so that she can unveil her enormous, 18lb self for a nice tummy scratch.

Her favorite things to do are sleep and pur on any lap that’s available, but she also enjoys a good nap on Diana’s 8 year-old son Colin’s bed.

A ham fan, Mocha makes do with canned cat food and her cat-shaped catnip toy when her humans aren’t handing out her preferred snack. On the other hand, she is not a fan of car rides, her pink carrier or her pink princess costume with matching pointy princess hat and cape – but she makes do, all for her love of her people.

Mocha is a very special family member to Diana and her family because she once belonged to a beautiful friend of theirs who recently passed away, “she is our hold on our sweet friend, therefore she gets canned cat food often,” Diana says.

Burlington Subaru Pet Feature: Lexie

Lexie, comrade of Chris Congdon, Subaru Parts

 

Lexie is not just a best friend of Chris’; she absolutely loves all other dogs too. When she’s not playing with her treat-holding green ball, she’s trying to get people to play with her.

Even though she weighs 50lbs, Lexie is somewhat of a cuddle bug and self-proclaimed lap dog. She loves to wake Chris up by licking the pillows on his bed, which he says is something she does that’s both cute and well, rather annoying.

She’ll take beef jerky treats for dog treats, but what she’s really into is human garlic bread. Mmm. This 2 ½ year-old Bordernese (Border Collie/Bernese) likes riding in Chris’ car with her front paws on the center console and back paws in the back seat and has been driving around with Chris for two years.

Burlington Subaru Pet Feature: Ginger

Meet Ginger, pal of Chris Cassidy, Subaru Sales

Ginger has been with Chris for 10 months now, almost all of her 14-month life. She enjoys sleeping on her mini dog bed, but when she’s feeling adventurous she enjoys a ride on the lawn mower, snowmobile or 4 Wheeler.

She may be little, but she’s no scaredy pup; she loves barking at cows 100x her weight. She supports Chris as much as possible too; she’s always playing with a Subaru Frisbee and chew toy to help him show off his brand

Ginger is a Chihuahua/Pug/Beagle mix and when she gets it, she enjoys her steak medium rare, please.

Burlington Subaru Pet Feature: Beauregard Grady

Beauregard Grady, best friend of Beth Grady, Subaru Sales

Beauregard is quite possibly one of the most photogenic dogs around – just check his Facebook if you don’t believe us. Bo loves playing with kitties, making snow angles and going for hikes with Beth. When he’s inside, he enjoys a good couch surf as well as shredding paper towels.

His favorite naptime areas are his futon, the snow-covered ground or the entirety of a king-sized bed. He loves decorating, the
backyard that is, with boots, socks, pants, shirts, balls of yarn, wax paper rolls and every single dog toy he’s ever been given.

According to his greatest friend Beth, “Bo is a human with fur, who resembles a polar bear. He is amazing in pictures and videos and is one of the most wonderful dogs on this planet.” Bo is a 1 year-old Great Pyrenees who has lived with Beth since he was a baby.