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Subaru to Unleash New Global Architecture Starting with 2017 Impreza
Crosstrek will lose “XV,” new seven-seater will join the lineup, and more
Starting with the Impreza in 2017, Subaru will introduce a brand new global architecture to underpin all of its current and new models
Subaru’s popularity has been soaring over the last couple of years. The Japanese auto brand has something of a cult following here in the US, especially in the Pacific Northwest, but in recent years, thanks to an extraordinary lineup, symmetrical all-wheel drive, and stellar marketing (including an adorable dog bucket list commercial), the brand has found success even outside of its loyal drivers and is poised to become a bigger player in the US market and in other markets across the globe.
Subaru hopes to keep this success rolling with a new global architecture that will first debut on the 2017 Impreza. This architecture will be the basis of all redesigns following the new Impreza and will give the company direction when engineering the all-new seven-seater crossover that we’ve been waiting for. (Hey, remember how we might have named it already?)
According to Automotive News, the majority of Subaru’s US lineup will be refreshed or redesigned in the coming years, meaning all vehicles will soon be built on this new architecture.
Subaru’s 2017 Refreshes/Redesigns
In addition to the new 2017 Subaru Impreza, which will go on sale in late 2016, we’ll also likely see a refresh of the Forester for 2017. We’re also likely going to get that seven-seater for the 2017 model year. Subaru has pitched it as a “big brother” to the Outback. If so, expect it to be very off-road-ready.
The Forester will be among the first to get a refresh after the introduction of the Subaru’s global architecture
Subaru’s 2018 Refreshes/Redesigns
After the initial introduction on just the Impreza and Forester, we’ll get a better look at Subaru’s new global architecture in 2018.
- A second generation for the Subaru BRZ is rumored to hit the scene in 2018.
- The XV Crosstrek is slated for a minor refresh in 2018. This will also mark the transition from XV Crosstrek to just Crosstrek, as it is sold in most other major markets.
- The Subaru Legacy is likely to get a refresh in 2018.
- Ditto for the Subaru Outback.
- The WRX and WRX STI just got a redesign, but rumor has it we might see a hatchback again in 2018.
- We will also get a plug-in hybrid powertrain in 2018, but not for a new model. Rather, it will power (or likely be available to power) one or more of Subaru’s current vehicles. Our money is on the Crosstrek and/or the Legacy, but Subaru has given no actual indication.
Eventually, the XV Crosstrek will ditch the “XV” to just be named “Crosstrek”
More information on Subaru’s plans for its updated global architecture should be released in the coming months.
News Source: Automotive News (subscription required)
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