Photo: Subaru BRZ Concept STI unveiled at Los Angeles Motor Show.

Subaru unveiled a BRZ Concept STI at the Los Angeles Auto Show last Wednesday that left the autopress drooling on their keyboards.

The all-new Subaru BRZ Concept STI has had critics buzzing ever since, and garnered a lot of positive feedback. Perhaps our favorite review of the Subaru BRZ sports car, however, is this one from New York Times reporter Tori Tellem:

Subaru BRZ Concept STI Breaks Loose From All-Wheel-Drive Template

Introduced on Wednesday, Nov. 16: Subaru BRZ Concept STI

What is it? Break out the drool bucket. This is a mash-up of the rear-drive BRZ sports coupe concept and STI performance attributes. A sibling will be sold in the United States as the Scion FR-S, an arrangement that results from Toyota’s part-ownership of Subaru’s parent, Fuji Heavy Industries.

What they said: It’s not far off from the production model. Conversations with company representatives after the official presentation clarified that Subaru’s production model would be somewhat toned down, making room for Scion to do a more radical treatment.

What they didn’t say: If hearing about this kind of car coming from Subaru makes any physical reaction last longer than four hours, consult a doctor.

What makes it tick? Though output specifications have yet to be publicized, at the heart of the BRZ will be a new 2-liter FA Boxer engine. Complementing the power will be a new, lightweight platform, an STI-tuned suspension, Brembo brakes and a carbon-fiber roof to lower curb weight and, Subaru says, the car’s center of gravity. We’ll take that driving dare.

How much, how soon? The production model, the first rear-wheel-drive model for Subaru, will make its debut at the Tokyo auto show, arriving in dealerships in the United States in the spring.

How’s it look? Following hours of ho-hum reveals from other automakers, the BRZ was like oxygen in the room. Sure, at a glance, it resembles the Nissan 370Z — and not, thank goodness, the Subaru SVX of ’90s — but given time to linger, eyes may register why this compelling Subaru may be destined for the catbird seat.

No word yet on when the Subaru BRZ STI will officially hit our Chandler Subaru dealership, but we’ll be holding our drool buckets when it does.

In the meantime, check out these official photos of the Subaru BRZ Concept STI from the Los Angeles Auto Show, courtesy Subaru of America.

Buying a car for the first time is a celebratory moment in anyone’s life, regardless of age, which is why Subaru Superstore is happy to provide this list of 10 Tips for First-Time Car Buyers, compiled by the car experts at Kelley Blue Book’s www.kbb.com.

“The car-buying process is never filled with as much uncertainty as it is for the first time,” said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com.  ”With this advice in mind, Kelley Blue Book hopes to alleviate some of the stress inherent with such a large financial decision.”

From what you should buy to how you should buy it and where, here are the Top 10 Tips for First-Time Car Buyers:

10.  Establish a realistic budget

This figure is generally based on what you can afford per month.  Calculate your cost-of-living in all the more important areas, like shelter, food, health insurance and Happy Hour.  Once you have that total, the remainder could be spent on a car payment, car insurance and, of course, gas for your new ride.

9.  Know what you can spend monthly

While this may look similar to #10, your level of indebtedness is different from your monthly commitment.  If you choose to finance your car, figure $25/month for every thousand dollars that you borrow for 48 months, and $20/month for 60-month financing.

8.  Establish your transportation needs

Make sure to choose a car that best fits your needs.  For instance, if your lifestyle or career requires a car for hauling heavy items, then invest in a larger, heavy-duty vehicle. Given the cost of fuel, insurance and – in many cities – monthly parking, don’t buy what you don’t need.

7.  Identify and prioritize your wants

The first-time purchase doesn’t need to be your be-all/end-all acquisition, but you should still pay attention to your ‘want’ list.  Better to stretch a bit for those features that will bring more satisfaction in your purchase and prevent buyer’s remorse.

6.  Do your research (it’s never been easier)

There is an incredible amount of information and perspective on new cars and their late-model alternatives.  There are listings devoted to cars for teenagers, cars for students and first-time buyers.  Check out Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com expert reviews, owner reviews andconsumer guides for more information on your future ride.

5.  Locate a convenient dealer

Don’t feel intimidated, as the dealership salesman is closer to a normal person than you think.  When deciding between different car models, compare dealer locations and showroom environments.  We tend to stay away from dealerships where two-thirds of the sales staff is sitting or standing at the front of the entrance.

4. Take a test drive

With all of the online sources available for your basic research, we believe the importance of the test drive has been marginalized. Virtually nothing is more important in your decision process than how you feel behind the wheel. And so many variables come into play — seat height, wheel adjustment, steering feel, throttle tip-in, outward visibility, control layout, etc. — that you simply must spend a reasonable amount of time driving the car. And that time should be more than five minutes on someone’s idea of a stop-and-go test route. Take at least half an hour, while trying stop-and-go, freeway merging and freeway speeds. And if your sales rep — you know, the normal guy trying to make a living — doesn’t have the 30 minutes, find a time when he or she does, or take the time to find another dealership. 

3. Determine the proper purchase price

Once you’ve decided what you like — and have already established what you can afford — it’s time to arrive at a purchase price. This, too, has been made easier by online sites such as this one. KBB.com has its Fair Purchase Price, which gives you an accurate idea of what people have paid in your area for the car you have an interest in. A credit union should also be able to provide you with perspective, and may have a contact on the showroom floor. An important note regarding referrals: Get the referral before taking another salesman’s time for a walkaround and demo. Most of these people work on commission, and commissions are notoriously small. If you plan on working with a referral, start with a referral.  Finally, when discussing what you want to pay, don’t reveal a “per month” number; that’s the oldest trick in the book. If you’re thinking you can budget $20K — and you’re looking at a $25K car — tell ‘em $20K. You can always work up…while it’s much harder to back up.

2. Secure financing, or know your options

Financing issues are somewhat like the purchase price; there has been an exponential growth in the number of resources. That, however, is mitigated by your lack of credit history or, in an increasing number of instances, marginal credit history. The last thing you want, however, is to be in a room with an F&I (Finance and Insurance) rep, and he or she is holding all the cards; the deck — if you will — is stacked against you. Better to talk with your credit union, bank or insurance provider (many have the capability and desire to finance your purchase), and line up your financing in advance. You can always go with the dealer option if it’s competitive — but never approach it as if the dealer is the only money game in town.

1. Enjoy the process

We know, the above advice makes buying a car seem like an ordeal, but even those with no interest or passion in a car or truck can — if the process is given half a chance — be stimulated by the sheer variety of options available, and the genuine creativity that goes in to today’s automotive menu. With financing rates low, the American industry on firm financial footing, Japanese plants up and running and the Koreans going like gangbusters, your options have never been better (especially in the “entry-level” category) — and car ownership never more rewarding. Take your time in the process, and you’ll be delighted with the outcome for at least the first 48 (or 60) monthly payments.

Photo: 2010 Impreza WRX

Buying a used car is a tricky decision. With so many used cars to choose from, how do you know which one is the most reliable, the safest and the best value?

Luckily for you, the car experts at Edmunds.com have done the dirty work for you by putting together a list of their top choices in the used vehicle market. Their annual “Used Car Best Bets” list is based on customer ratings of reliability and longevity, as well as safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

It’s not surprise to us here at Subaru Superstore that the Impreza WRX made the list as the best used cars to buy in the sport compact category. With its low cost of ownership and loyal fan base, the WRX has always been customer favorite at our Chandler Subaru dealership.

Here’s what Edmunds had to say about why the Subaru Impreza WRX is the best used car to buy:

2011 Used Car Best Bet Sport Compact: 2004-2009 Subaru Impreza WRX

Subaru’s Impreza WRX has long been a favorite of enthusiasts on a budget thanks to its spirited performance and fun-loving personality. Yet the WRX packs a few practical strengths that also make it a good choice as an everyday vehicle. A compliant suspension means it won’t beat you up during the daily grind over broken pavement, while standard all-wheel drive allows it to handle foul-weather driving with sure-footed confidence. Throw a set of dedicated snow tires on it and the WRX can handle most anything a tough winter season could throw at it. A 2009 redesign brought firmer suspension calibrations as well as a substantial 41-horsepower boost in power.

If you’re looking to buy a used Impreza WRX or other Subaru model, Subaru Superstore in Chandler has the largest selection of certified used Subaru models in Arizona. Stop by our Chandler Subaru dealership or shop our online inventory to see our selection of new and used Subaru vehicles.

Subaru Superstore
1050 S. Gilbert Road
Chandler, AZ 85286

Photo: Subaru XV arrives at Subaru dealerships in 2013. © 2011 Drew Phillips / AOL

Good news for our SubaruLovers readers that liked the orange Subaru XV crossover we reported on last month. Subaru has just confirmed that its new Subaru XV will be heading to U.S. Subaru dealerships in 2013, although it may be under a different name.

The stylish Subaru XV made its world debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show three weeks ago, not long after leaked sketches of the new crossover made their way online following a patent filing. At the time auto journalists were predicting the sketches would be of a new 2012 model, but Subaru officials declined to comment.

Now Motor Authority is reporting the Subaru XV rumors are true after hearing it directly from the horse’s mouth: Michael McHale, director of corporate communications for Subaru of America. McHale told the auto zine that Subaru will add the XV to the Impreza lineup for the 2013 model year.

“That will give the Impreza range a more differentiated model with off-road capability, including a higher ride height, unique wheels, and both wheel-arch and rocker-panel cladding available in a contrasting color,” Motor Authority reports.

No word yet on what the Subaru XV could be named, but it appears to be a high-riding version of the brand new 2012 Impreza, which goes on sale at Subaru Superstore’s Chandler dealership November 13. (See a Sneak Peek of the New 2012 Impeza.)

“All of Subaru’s sedans, hatchbacks, and sport utilities have model names that are words, and the XV would be likely to conform to that practice,” says Motor Authority.

The name “Impreza Sport” has already been bestowed on a five-door hatchback version of the Impreza, available for the first time in 2012. The 2012 Impreza Sport will come standard with leather seats, roof rails, fog lights and modified rocker panels. It also includes an all-wheel package and 17-inch alloy wheels.

We’ll keep you posted as new details of the 2013 Subaru XV are revealed. In the meantime, you check out the 2012 Impreza when it goes on sale November 13 at Subaru Superstore in Chandler, Arizona.

[News Source: Motor Authority]

Subaru Superstore
1050 S. Gilbert Road
Chandler, AZ 85286

Click on the “more” link to see additional 2012 Subaru Impreza eye candy.

We will keep you posted on the arrival of the 2012 Subaru Impreza to the Subaru Superstore. We will also post a comprehensive video review within the week.

Photo: New 2013 fuel economy stickers will appear at Subaru Superstore's Chandler dealership next year.

Figuring out how to save money and the environment just got easier. Starting next year, car shoppers will notice a major change to the fuel economy stickers on 2013 models that will make comparing the fuel economy of vehicles faster and easier than ever before. The new 2013 fuel economy labels mark the biggest redesign ever of the labels since they were introduced 35 years ago.

The 2013 fuel economy labels, designed by the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Transportation, will allow you to quickly transfer information to your smartphone using a QR reader app that you can download to your phone. Scan the labels to get mileage estimates, environmental emissions details, and more. The new fuel economy labels will even show how much you can save at the gas pump with your new car or truck.

Car shoppers will have more information at their fingertips than ever before, including:

– New ways to compare energy use and cost between new-technology cars that use electricity and conventional cars that are gasoline-powered.

– Useful estimates on how much consumers will save or spend on fuel over the next five years compared to the average new vehicle.

– Easy-to-read ratings of how a model compares to all others for smog emissions and emissions of pollution that contribute to climate change.

– An estimate of how much fuel or electricity it takes to drive 100 miles.

– Information on the driving range and charging time of an electric vehicle.

– A QR Code®1 that will allow users of smartphones to access online information about how various models compare on fuel economy and other environmental and energy factors.

The new 2013 fuel economy labels will begin appearing in dealer showrooms in 2012 when the 2013 models begin to go on display, or earlier if automakers voluntarily adopt the new labels for model year 2012 vehicles.

Subaru Superstore is gearing up for Halloween this year by putting together a list of the Top Things to Do in the Valley for Halloween. Check out one of the Valley’s top Halloween events, and then stop by Subaru Superstore for new and certified pre-owned Subaru specials all month long!

The Nest Haunted House: The Nest Haunted House returns to Rawhide with even more ghoulish terror! The Nest is the largest haunted house in Arizona has been selected by AmericasBestHaunts.com as one of the best Halloween attractions in the country. The Nest’s fictional back-story is set in a rural Arizona town where guests encounter reborn serial killer Jacob Kell and his many victims. The 10,000 square-foot attraction features actors dressed as freakish characters, a dark maze and a 3-D haunted house. www.frightened.com

Rawhide at Wild Horse Pass, 5700 W. North Loop Road, Gila River Reservation. $25-$40. 480-502-5600.

Dark Scares Haunted Attraction: This 10,000 square-foot attraction is considered to be one of Arizona’s premiere haunted houses.  Dark Scares features two haunts, including an evil abandoned house – and Le Carnaval des Non Morts, a haunted site that was once the home to blood thirsty heathens who preyed on the local villagers.www.darkscares.com 

Mesa Riverview, 1061 N. Dobson Road, Mesa. $15, special days and prices offered. 480-452-2783.

Doomtown: Every Wednesday and Thursday through October 31, Raw Hide at Wild Horse Pass turns into Doomtown. Bring your little ghosts and goblins for a ghostly good time at Doomtown’s Kreepy Kidz Zone for activities like decorating pumpkins, a mummy race, carnival games, crafts and food like s’mores, pretzels and hot apple cider. Older kids and adults will find a little more scare at the Legend of the Zombie Hunter stunt show, Dr. Von Schlock’s electric chair, or on the Train of Lost Souls spooky train ride. The scariest attractions are Digger Payne’s Return of the Prodigal and the Beheadin’ on Main Street and Buried Alive. Kids can dress up and trick-or-treat October 29-31. www.rawhide.com/doomtown

Rawhide at Wild Horse Pass, 5700 W. North Loop Road, Gila River Reservation. $15 for Doomtown pass, $5 per single attraction. 480-502-5600.

Schnepf Farms: Schnepf Farms continues its tradition of serving chili, fresh cornbread, roasted sweet corn and brownies at their famous Pumpkin and Chili Party. Guests can pick out pumpkins, go on hayrides, wonder through a corn maze or visit the country store. Kids will enjoy the spooky train ride and roller coaster or the petting zoo. www.schnepffarms.com

Schnepf Farms, 24810 Rittenhouse Road, Queen Creek. $15, $12 admission passes available at Fry’s Food and Drugstore. 480-987-3100.

Spooktacular Concert: Bring your blanket and chairs to the Chandler Heights Road Veterans Oasis Park on October 13th, from 6-7pm to see the Encore Quartet perform kid-friendly Halloween-themed music, including the movie themes from “Ghostbusters’ and Disney’s “Sorcerer’s Apprentice.” Children are encouraged to wear costumes. www.chandleraz.gov/veterans-oasis

City of Chandler Environmental Education Center, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Road Veterans Oasis Park, Chandler. Free. 480-782-2890.

Halloween Spooktacular: The Chandler Recreation Halloween Spooktacular will be held Friday October 28, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. in the downtown Chandler Library courtyard. Admission is free and everyone from toddlers to teens will enjoy carnival games, arts activities and a haunted house. Games will include pumpkin bowling, scary piñatas and cupcake walks, and every participant will receive candy at each station, so bring those trick-or-treat bags. For the younger crowd, there will be pumpkin painting and face painting. The costume contest is always popular for all ages, and a winner will be selected for each age group in the following categories:  best family or group; scariest; best superhero; best cartoon character and best princess. For more information, call 480-782-2727.

Haunted Swamp: Mesquite Groves Aquatic Center presents its second annual “Haunted Swamp” event on Saturday, Oct. 29 from 1-3 p.m. Chandler Aquatics staff will have a variety of Halloween-themed activities and games for people in costume and swimmers in the pool. www.chandleraz.gov/aquatics

5901 S. Hillcrest Dr. next to Basha High School, $1 for children, $2.25 for adults and $1.25 for seniors. 480-782-2635.

Photo: Fuel-efficient 2012 Subaru Impreza debuts at Subaru Superstore November 13th.

Subaru Superstore knows how hard the rising gas prices have hit Arizona drivers, which is why we’re happy to support the Car Care Council’s Fall Car Care Month, a nationwide October program focusing on the importance of regular vehicle maintenance. To celebrate this occasion, Subaru Superstore’s Chandler Subaru dealership is offering Subaru owners free vehicle diagnostic inspections, including items that most affect fuel economy!

Subaru Superstore’s free “MPG Inspection” will help Subaru owners get the best possible fuel mileage after their visit to our Chandler Subaru service center.

While the vehicles will receive a thorough checkup of all major operating systems, the MPG — (“Maintenance Preserves Gas”) Inspection puts extra emphasis on the systems that can directly impact fuel mileage. Drivers will receive not only a written report of the vehicle’s condition, but helpful driving tips for maximizing fuel efficiency.

“October is always a good time to prepare your vehicle for the demands of winter driving,” notes Gary Palanjian, vice president, service, Subaru of America, Inc. “And this year, the increased fuel efficiency that comes with a well-maintained vehicle is more important than ever.”

As we prepare to debut the 2012 Impreza – the most fuel-efficient all-wheel drive car in America – at our Battle of the Brands car show November 13, we’d like to share these tips for improving fuel economy for any brand vehicle:

* Check your tire pressure – properly inflated tires can improve mileage by 3%

* Change motor oil and oil filter regularly, to protect your engine

* Replace a dirty air filter and improve MPG by as much as 10%

* Check spark plugs – a misfiring plug can cut fuel efficiency by up to 30%

* Run engine diagnostics – fixing a faulty oxygen sensor alone can improve MPG by up to 40%

* Drive sensibly; avoiding jackrabbit starts and stops can increase fuel economy by as much as 5%

* Observe speed limits – fuel economy drops 2% for every mile per hour that you drive over 55

* Remove excess weight, and improve fuel economy by 2% for every extra 100 pounds you remove

* Avoid excess idling, since idling longer than 60 seconds uses more gas than stopping and restarting

* Use cruise control to maintain a steady speed, which can increase fuel economy by up to 10%

Call Subaru Superstore’s Chandler Subaru service center to schedule your free “MPG Inspection” before the special October Car Care promotion ends! (480) 268-2400

Photo: Subaru Rally Team USA rally car and trailer will be on display at Subaru Superstore's 2011 Battle of the Brands car show.

On November 13, Subaru Superstore will be hosting the 2011 “Battle of the Brands” car show, featuring a special Meet-and-Greet with Subaru Rally Team USA driver Dave Mirra. Also on display at the Chandler Subaru car show will be an authentic Dave Mirra #40 Subaru Impreza WRX STI rally car and a customized trailer featuring SPT parts, rally videos, photos, and more.

Here’s a sneak peek at what’s in store from the Subaru Rally Team at the 2011 Battle of the Brands

Dave Mirra Meet-and-Greet

Meet Subaru Rally Team USA driver Dave Mirra in person! Mirra will be on hand to sign autographs and shake hands with Subaru enthusiasts at our Chandler Subaru dealership on November 13 for the 2011 Battle of the Brands car show.

Dave Mirras’s Official Subaru Impreza WRX STI Rally Car

The official rally car of the Subaru Rally Team is the WRX STI.

The 2011 WRX STI is the third-generation of the rally-bred supercar, which Subaru of America first launched to the U.S. market in 2004. Developed by Subaru Tecnica International, the high-performance and motorsports subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd., the WRX STI is far more than a modified version of the WRX. The two models share a basic architecture, some interior trim, but little beyond that. Nearly every major mechanical system in the WRX STI is unique to this model: engine, transmission, DCCD All-Wheel Drive system, special suspension, brakes, plus interior appointments.

Subaru Rally Team USA Trailer

Get a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to win the gold in the Subaru Rally Team trailer. Inside you’ll find SPT parts, rally videos, team photos, Playstation3 with DiRT2 videogame, and Subaru Rally Team USA giveaways.

Check out the photos below from past Subaru Rally Team USA events, and then click here to register your Subaru or Honda vehicle for the Battle of the Brands car show, or simply mark your calendars for the November 13 Chandler Subaru event!

[Photos courtesy Subaru Rally Team]

Check out this short film “Gunning for Gold” — a behind-the-scenes look at how drivers David Higgins and Dave Mirra helped Subaru Race Team USA capture the gold at the 2011 Rally America Championship.

Higgins and teammate Mirra both drove 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STIs that were race-prepared to produce over 300 hp for the Rally America series, and over 550 hp for the Global Rallycross Series and X Games.

Former pro-BMX rider Dave Mirra is one of the world’s best-known Action Sports athletes and holds the record for the most total X Games medals, as well as the record for the most Gold medals. Mirra is credited with bringing freestyle BMX to the mainstream, but traded in his pedal power for horsepower when he joined Subaru Rally Team USA in late 2007.

You can meet Dave Mirra in person on November 13 at Subaru Superstore, which will be hosting the 2011 Battle of the Brands Car Show and debuting the 2012 Impreza. In addition to meeting one of the best rally car drivers in the country, you’ll also see hundreds of Vintage, Modified, Street Legal, Not Street Legal and Race Subaru cars competing head-to-head with some of Arizona’s hottest Honda cars for the grand prize trophy and “Battle of the Brand” victory bragging rights.

Register now to enter your Subaru into the competition, or simply stop by Subaru Superstore November 13 for a day of food, drinks, entertainment and tough competition!

2011 Battle of the Brands Car Show
November 13, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Subaru Superstore
1050 S. Gilbert Road
Chandler, AZ 85286