4 Ways to Increase Your Chances of Keeping Your New Year’s Resolutions

New Year’s resolutions are a long-standing tradition, but most people have discovered that it’s much easier to promise something than to make a permanent habit change. According to a 2013 Forbes article, only 8% of people keep their New Year’s resolutions. Gyms and diet clubs see a spike in membership sales every January. Restaurants sell more salads in January.

It’s common to experience a moment of inspiration and pledge to turn over a new leaf in the new year, but sustained motivation is much more difficult to achieve. When you make a New Year’s Resolution, you will need a strategy to fulfill on it. Motivation requires energy and effort to sustain. Different goals require different approaches, but here are three basic practices that can be adapted to any area of life.

Look “upstream” of your difficult choices.

Many people fail to accomplish their goals because they depend on their willpower to be strong at the moment when it will predictably be at its weakest. By anticipating your moments of weakness, you can make a better decision that will shield you from temptation at the moment of truth. For example, if you have made a pledge not to overindulge on junk food, it’s much easier not to buy junk food when you are at the grocery store than to buy it and try to restrain yourself from eating it. On the other hand, if you are in sales and have pledged to make more sales calls, you might make this easier by getting in the habit of planning out your sales calls for the next day each evening. For any habit you want to change, look at the decisions leading up to it and see how you can change those decisions for the better.

Take steps rather than big leaps.

Most people find that radical changes to daily routines are the hardest to sustain for the long haul. If you don’t exercise at all, resolving to work out for 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week may be a recipe for discouragement. Instead, consider taking one small step forward at a time. For example, you might choose one simple exercise that you can do in one minute and do it first thing every morning. Then, when this habit has become firmly ingrained, add another simple habit.

Change your environment.

Making simple changes to your environment is a powerful way to remind yourself of your own commitment to your new way of life. It doesn’t have to be fancy or complicated; even rearranging the furniture in your office will force you to walk a different path to your chair. Even this simple behavior change will create a subtle change in your thinking.

Track your habits and results.

Progress toward any goal is often slow and hard to see. When we don’t measure what we do, it’s easy to develop the perception that we aren’t making any progress. Keeping track of your activity is a good way to stay encouraged and hold yourself accountable. Simple is the key word here. You might try, for example, marking a check-box on your wall calendar for every day that you kept your promise to yourself. When you start to see measurable progress, this is a good natural motivator to stay on course.

Rome wasn’t built in a day—success requires consistent exertion of effort one day at a time. If you make New Year’s resolutions this year, give some thought to the factors that could derail your resolution and develop a strategy for success.

Happy New Year from all of us at Folger Subaru of Charlotte!






5701 E. Independence Blvd Charlotte, NC 28212
Sales: (888) 703-8351
Service:(866) 306-3293
Fax: (704) 535-8204

Why “Gap” Insurance Is Important

Gap insurance is ideal for new cars, leases and recent-model pre-owned cars. Some car buyers assume that “full coverage” on an insurance policy means an ironclad guarantee that if their car is totaled or stolen, it will be replaced at no cost (other than the policy deductible which is typically $500). Unfortunately, that’s not the case.

Cars are a type of asset that depreciates in value over time. Depreciation is especially sharp during the first few years of a car’s life. When you drive a new or late-model pre-owned car off the lot, the value of your car decreases more rapidly than the balance of your loan. In other words, your debt will likely exceed the value of the car for the first 1-2 years. This condition is referred to as being “upside down.” If you get into a bad accident and your insurance company declares your car a total loss, you will be responsible for paying the difference between the car’s book value and the balance of the loan—which can add up to a hefty amount of money.

Let’s look at a couple of scenarios. Suppose you bought a brand new car for $22,000. You were able to buy the car with $1,000 down and 4% financing with a 72-month loan period. Your payment is $345/month. Six months later, the car is totaled in an accident. Your insurance company pays you $18,300 (based on the current book value of the car) less your $500 deductible ($17,800). Meanwhile, you still owe $19,340 on the loan. The balance of $1,540 comes out of your pocket.

There are a number of factors that can influence the size of the gap between a vehicle’s book value and the amount owed at the time of a total loss. The higher the sticker price of the car, the greater the gap will be during the upside-down period. If you bought the car with zero money down, you will start with a hefty gap. If you financed the purchase with an extended loan period (as in the example above), the loan will amortize slowly—meaning that the “gap” will shrink slowly. Finally, if you were upside-down on your old car when you traded it in (adding the negative equity onto your new car loan), this will also exacerbate the gap in the event of a total loss.

If you are leasing your vehicle, gap coverage is even more critical. One of the primary benefits of leasing a car instead of buying is the fact that you get to drive a higher-end vehicle for a similar monthly payment. That means that the depreciation on the vehicle will add up to a higher dollar figure and a higher “gap” in the event of a total loss. For this reason, many leases require gap insurance and include the cost in the lease payment, but don’t assume that. Make sure to read your lease terms and understand your gap coverage.

Most dealers will explain gap coverage to you, but make sure to ask if your loan includes gap coverage. Unless you are paying at least 20% down on your vehicle, you will most likely need gap insurance.

If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, stop in this week and test-drive one of our Subarus!


5701 E. Independence Blvd Charlotte, NC 28212
Sales: (888) 703-8351
Service:(866) 306-3293
Fax: (704) 535-8204

Common Winter Car Problems and How to Avoid Them

While North Carolina is less prone to severe winter storms, cold temperatures can still affect your car. Those of us who have lived in the Southeast region during past winters know that the temperature can drop like a stone without warning! Here are a few things to look out for this winter.

Bad Battery

For a number of different reasons, dead car batteries tend to be a bigger issue during the cold winter months than at other times of the year. If you haven’t had your battery tested in awhile, now is an important time to do it. Also, take a look at your battery cables and make sure that they are not corroded or rusted. For older vehicles, the connectors on your battery may need to be replaced to ensure a good connection. Double check to make sure that you have jumper cables in your trunk—and that they are in good condition. Replace old or rusted jumper cables. Should you find that your car will not start, resist the temptation to crank the starter over and over. This will just drain the battery and make matters worse.

Frozen Emergency Brake

As a rule, avoid using your emergency brake in the winter unless you absolutely have to. There’s really no reason to use the emergency brake most of the time anyway unless you are parked on a hill. When the temperature drops below freezing, your parking brake can become stuck in the engaged position. If you drive a car with a manual transmission, you can park the car in first gear; for an automatic, put it in park. During the cold months, avoid parking on inclines even if it means walking further.

Obscured Windshield Visibility

Windshield road dirt is a serious hazard during the winter, particularly if you do a lot of highway driving. On the first day of driving in inclement winter weather, you may suddenly begin to depend on the washer and wipers just to be able to see out of your windshield. Make sure that you have plenty of windshield washer fluid (including a bottle in your trunk)—and make sure that your windshield washer actually works. It’s not uncommon to go most of the year without using the washer (or using it infrequently). Be sure to replace windshield wipers if they are worn. On nights where the temperature falls below freezing, don’t scrape or pry wipers away from the windshield if they have frozen to the glass. Doing so could damage the wipers and prevent them from working correctly when your windshield becomes clouded.

Windshield Cracks

Cracks in the windshield are most likely to form during the winter. This is due to the constant temperature fluctuation and the stress it places on the windshield. The combination of cold air on the outside of the car and hot air from the defroster causes tiny micro-cracks to expand. If you have a “star” or a tiny crack in your windshield, you may be able to prevent it from growing into a crack. See a windshield repair specialist to find out what can be done.

Frozen Door Locks

On especially cold nights, the door locks can freeze up. Spraying a tiny bit of WD-40 lubricant into the locks ahead of time can help to prevent them from freezing. If you do find your door locks frozen, do NOT use a lighter to heat your key. Most recent-model cars have electronic chips inside the key fob that can be damaged. (You could end up with a key that gets you into your car but fails to start the ignition.) Also, don’t pour hot water onto the lock (unless you’re planning to park your car in a warm garage the next night). This may temporarily resolve the situation, but will only make matters worse when the hot water cools down and freezes. Thawing out the lock with a hair-dryer is a better option (if you happen to have access to a hair dryer and an extension cord).   Be sure to stay safe this winter by taking these important precautions. If you’re considering upgrading to a newer vehicle before the winter sets in, give us a call or stop by!



5701 E. Independence Blvd Charlotte, NC 28212
Sales: (888) 703-8351
Service:(866) 306-3293
Fax: (704) 535-8204

The Subaru 2014 Share the Love Event

If you drive home a new Subaru between now and January, you automatically become a part of our Share the Love event—now in its seventh year. Subaru supports a number of different charities as part of this annual event. $250 from the sale of your vehicle will go to support one of our partner charities—and you get to pick which one.

Here are a few of the things that the Share the Love event has made possible:

• Subaru has donated $9 million to the ASPCA, which helped to put 1,200 pets in new homes.
• The Make-A-Wish Foundation received more than $4.5 million, helping to grant over 600 wishes for children with life-threatening medical conditions.
• Meals on Wheels was able to deliver over one million meals to seniors, thanks to contributions from the program.
• Subaru has helped to provide the funding for 71 national parks, in partnership with the National Park Foundation.

Subaru dealerships around the country work with local charities as part of the Share the Love event. In 2012, Folger Subaru of Charlotte partnered with Make-A-Wish® Central & Western North Carolina. We donated $100 from the purchase of each new Subaru at our dealership to the local foundation. In addition, we sold Christmas tree ornaments and collected monetary donations to raise additional funds for the charity.

2014: The Humane Society of Charlotte

For this year’s Hometown Charity, we have selected The Humane Society of Charlotte. The Humane Society helps to put pets into loving homes and also provides free and low-cost veterinary clinic services, including spaying/neutering and microchipping. At any given time, they house 120 to 150 animals at their facility. The Charlotte Humane Society does not receive any federal or state grants; they rely solely on private donations and the generous support of over 500 volunteers.

Here are just a few things that the Humane Society of Charlotte accomplished recently:

• They placed 2,715 dogs and cats into permanent homes in 2013.
• They performed 12,009 spay/neuter surgeries at two clinics in 2013. (Since the clinic opened in 1982, they have altered over 250,000 animals and prevented billions of unwanted births.)
• Approximately 1,517 animals were fed through the HSC pet food bank, where they distributed over 16,000 pounds of food to those in need.

When you buy a new Subaru from Folger Subaru of Charlotte, Folger Subaru and Subaru of America will donate $250 of the proceeds to the charity(ies) of your choice. Click here to select whom you would like to support. If you select more than one, the $250 from your vehicle will be evenly distributed between the different charities.

As always, all new vehicles purchased at Folger Subaru of Charlotte come with the Ward Williams Promise: a lifetime warranty including towing. Purchase a new Subaru between now and January 2, and your purchase will benefit a good cause.

5701 E. Independence Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28212

• Sales: (888) 703-8351
• Service: (866) 306-3293
• Parts: (888) 703-0991
• Body Shop: (704) 535-8204

Proudly Serving The Greater Charlotte, NC Metro Area!

The 2015 Subaru Forester

The 2015 Subaru Forester is an excellent all-purpose compact SUV. It’s extraordinarily reliable, provides ample cargo space, maneuvers well, delivers good fuel economy, allows for wide-open rear visibility, and comes equipped with unparalleled safety features. Subaru did not introduce a lot of updates on the 2015 model (Subaru typically rolls out major engineering changes once every five years). The frame and dimensions are nearly identical to last year’s model with only a few minor adjustments. The Forester is the perfect vehicle for the weekend warrior, bringing the outdoor ruggedness that Subaru owners have come to love.

Here are some of the highlights in the 2015 Forester:

• Subaru EyeSight® driver assist system with crash prevention, lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control now available on more models than 2014 (previously available only on the Touring)
• Back-up cameras are standard equipment for all models of the 2015 Forester.
• Panoramic moon roof is now standard
• Optional 18” High-Luster Wheels (Touring model only)

This year’s model still contains a 2.5L, BOXER® 4-cylinder engine delivering 170 horsepower and 174 pound-feet or torque. Like the 2014 model, the 2015 Forester comes with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), updated in 2014 from the previous 4-speed automatic transmission and creating a significant improvement in highway gas mileage (EPA rating: 32 mpg highway / 24 mpg city). Limited, Premium and Touring models come equipped with X-MODE™ traction assist system with Hill Descent Control.

For the month of November only, Folger Subaru of Charlotte is offering a $249/month* lease on the Forester (normally $299/month). If you’re considering a new vehicle, come in today to test-drive the 2015 Subaru Forester. We’re sure you’ll love it!

Click here to schedule an appointment with one of our sales reps. (An appointment is not required, but it helps to ensure faster service.)

*Stock #515313, 36 months, $2,000 due at lease signing + tax, tag and $649 admin fee. 12k miles per year.

5701 E. Independence Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28212

• Sales: (888) 703-8351
• Service: (866) 306-3293
• Parts: (888) 703-0991
• Body Shop: (704) 535-8204

Proudly Serving The Greater Charlotte, NC Metro Area!

Alternative Fuels of the Future

Standard gasoline is a finite resource, which has scientists and drivers starting to pay attention to the alternative fuels of the future.

Solar recharging is one alternative to internal combustion that has been around for a long time. Solar-powered cars have been in development for decades, but solar batteries have not so far proved efficient or powerful enough to power a modern car at a significant speed for any great distance under normal weather conditions. Efficiency of solar cells is being improved all the time, however, and solar power could still have its “day in the sun” as an alternative fuel of the future.

Biodiesel is another area where a significant amount of scientific research and development has already been invested. Crops including corn, wheat, and sugar cane can be harvested and converted into “biofuel”—usually ethanol-based. In fact, the enthusiasm for biofuels has created its own problems, as in some areas it has reduced the amount of farming land available to produce food for local populations. Biodiesel also has some of the same environmental implications as gasoline, releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere (although it contains far less of other polluting chemicals). Thus, while it is certainly a renewable energy source, there is disagreement among scientists and motorists about whether biodiesel is truly an alternative fuel of the future.

But if solar recharging and biodiesel from ground crops don't sound as though they're quite going to replace your unleaded gasoline any time soon, there are other options. Scientists have been excited about algae for a long time. As the world's population grows, and natural resources dwindle, many believe that simple algae, which grows abundantly in our oceans, could point the way both to alternative fuels of the future, and also to potential sources of food for future generations. It could be a practical, if not exactly appetizing, solution.

Hydrogen fuel cells are another potential fuel of the future, and one which is already being taken very seriously indeed. Hydrogen is a “lighter than air gas” which is estimated to make up as much as 75% of all matter in the universe. It's therefore both abundant and fairly simple to derive from both water and air. The widespread uptake of hydrogen fuel cells would, however, require massive investment in transport infrastructure: first, in terms of transporting and storing hydrogen gas, and second, in converting cars to run on the material, which differs from ethanol in that it requires making major changes to cars' engines.

There's also some concern over the safety of hydrogen as a widespread fuel. It is highly explosive when mixed with oxygen, which is why we don't use the gas to power airships anymore! Any new technology will bring its own challenges, and sooner or later we will have to choose one option or the other to replace dwindling reserves of crude oil.

'Green' Car Washing Tips

5 ways to help you protect the environment when washing your car

Washing the car is often a bit of a chore, but it can be much nicer during the summer when the sun is shining and the temperature is warm. Indeed, many people find washing the car to be a relaxing weekend pastime, and it can also ensure that your car stays in top condition. Of course, everyone is under increasing pressure to act in a more environmentally-friendly manner, and washing the car is no different. Here are some ways to be "green" when you wash the car.

Wash the Car on a Permeable Surface

Try not to wash the car on the pavement or on a driveway. Concrete surfaces repel water, forcing the excess water into the storm drains. This means that any oil or cleaning fluid in the water runs straight into the water system. Washing the car on a permeable surface like grass or dirt will allow natural microbes in the soil or sand to break down some of the chemicals.

Use a Bucket Instead of a Hose

Using a hose may be simple and efficient, but it also uses a lot more water than you need. If you want to save water and energy, revert to a traditional bucket. This will reduce the amount of water that you use enormously, even if you change the water a couple of times. A quick rinse with a hose may be a good way to remove excess detergent, but use sparingly. If you must use a hose, always choose one with an adjustable nozzle so that you can reduce the amount of spray to a minimum.

The Right Time to Wash

Choose the right time to wash your car. During the summer, for example, it really isn't necessary to clean the car daily or even more than once a month. A good cleaning once a month will help protect the paint and keep the car gleaming while reducing water and detergent consumption. As much as you may like the look of a freshly cleaned car, it really doesn't need to be done that often.

Reduce the Usage of Detergents

You should also aim to reduce the usage of detergents. Generally speaking, clean, warm water and a good cloth will be able to shift normal dirt and dust and will reduce the amount of harmful chemicals that you are sending into the environment. If need be, use a small amount of detergent on particularly stubborn stains or marks.

Look for Natural Alternatives

Try and look for natural alternatives to detergents and cleaning chemicals. For example, a cloth soaked in vinegar can be used to remove dead bugs from the front of the car. Denatured alcohol may be used to remove tree sap. Sprinkle baking soda on the car seats and then allow it to rest for thirty minutes before vacuum cleaning to freshen up the upholstery too.

Cleaning the car may be satisfying but it can also take its toll on the environment too. Use these simple tips for a greener, cleaner experience.

Ask a Technician: What Happens to Car Engines as They Age?

The easy answer to what happens to car engines as they age is that they wear out. The much more complicated answer is exactly what begins to wear in an engine and when it does. The standard everyday vehicle engine is a reciprocating engine. This means that a series of pistons push down on a crankshaft, which changes the pushing and pulling motions of the pistons into a rotating motion that is passed on to the gearbox and then to the car’s wheels.

A lot of engine components either reciprocate or rotate at very high speeds and high temperatures, but modern-day engines are well built to handle this as parts that will wear out are usually easy to replace. The first thing likely to happen is the camshaft drive belt failing, and this can certainly damage your engine if the pistons smash into the valves, resulting in a big repair bill. All carmakers have a preset mileage at which the camshaft drive belt should be replaced, and some cars even have maintenance-free chain drives that do not have to be replaced.

Spark plugs are another thing that need to be replaced at a set interval, as the plugs themselves can burn out or become too dirty to work properly. These usually just screw in and out of the engine and are an easy fix.

The main wear inside the engine comes from all the moving parts. When correctly maintained, the oil in a car’s engine fills the tiny spaces between the moving parts so the parts themselves are not actually touching. Some wear does occur, especially in the early days, when the engine is “breaking in.” This is merely the process where all the different parts wear ever so slightly so that they all work smoothly together. That is why most automakers suggest that you not treat the engine too harshly or run it to extreme speeds for the first 1,000 miles or so.

In the long run, the cylinder bores will wear out the piston rings. These rings keep the oil in the engine from getting into the top of the cylinders where the fuel is being burned. That’s one of the main reasons why old or poorly maintained cars have a dark smoky exhaust – it is oil that has gone through the cylinder heads and out the exhaust.

The engine’s bearings can also wear out. These are metal inserts in the rods that connect the pistons to the crankshaft. If they begin to wear out, it’s easier and cheaper to replace the bearings and not the entire rod.

These last two types of engine wear should occur over a very long time period, unless there is some sort of manufacturing defect or a lack of maintenance, such as not changing the oil and oil filter at the prescribed intervals. Oil collects all the tiny bits of metal that can wear away in an engine and the filter removes those bits from the oil flow. So not only does oil keep your engine running smoothly, it also keeps it clean and free of stuff that can increase the wear rates.

Engines do wear out, but unlike in the old days, modern ones can last for a significant length of time if proper maintenance is carried out. 

2014 Subaru Forester, Legacy, and Outback Models Earn IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Rating

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) tightened its criteria for the TOP SAFETY PICK (TSP) and TOP SAFETY PICK+ (TSP+) rating this year, requiring crash prevention technology in addition to passing the small overlap crash test. Only 22 models met the TSP+ criteria—and that prestigious number includes the 2014 Subaru Forester, Legacy, and Outback.

The three models earned the TSP+ rating when equipped with optional ‘EyeSight’ technology—the first system to use stereo camera technology for pedestrian and cyclist detection. When equipped with this advanced technology, the Legacy, Outback, and Forester were also the only vehicles tested to avoid a collision in front crash prevention tests at both 12 mph and 25 mph.

Without ‘EyeSight,’ the three models were ranked as Top Safety Picks along with the 2014 Impreza (excluding WRX) and Subaru XV Crosstrek. For the first time, the TSP criteria includes good or acceptable performance in the small overlap front test in addition to the moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests.

All-around safety is one of the guiding elements of Subaru design, and the automaker is continuing to explore new active, passive, and pre-crash safety technologies in its upcoming models. When you get behind the wheel of a Subaru, you can count on peace of mind—and that’s sure to have you feeling confident.

5 Popular Urban Legends Involving Cars

Urban legends are a common phenomenon in all parts of the world. Everybody probably has a favorite urban legend associated with horrific, ghoulish characters, but for every part of your life, there is almost certainly a selection of urban legends. Driving is no exception, of course. Over the years, drivers and passengers alike have concocted a host of different myths and stories, which have grown to become established urban legends. We asked the team at Folger Subaru for their favourites and here are five of the most popular ones.

Carjackers and flyers

For many years now, worried motorists have been warned of the threat to their precious cars from gangs of roaming carjackers. Using a combination of cunning and audacity, these carjackers place flyers on the rear windshield of your car, hoping that you won't notice until you have started the engine. In a fit of irritation, you will leap out of the car to remove the flyer, allowing the carjacker to jump in and drive off. While there can be no guarantee that this has never happened to anybody, the reports that it is commonplace are not founded in evidence, though it makes good sense to ensure that you take the keys with you, even if you step away from the car for a few seconds.

Red cars and speeding tickets

Many drivers will theorize that there is strong evidence that red cars are given speeding tickets more often than any other colored car. There are a number of different theories why this is the case, ranging from 'the police like to ticket red cars' to 'red cars get stolen more often' but the fact is that there is no statistical evidence to support this theory. Of course, many super cars and sports cars are red, but as a percentage of the overall auto population, that probably isn't enough to sway the trend.

Sugar in the gas tank

There seems to be a popular misconception that sugar in the gas tank will ruin your car's engine. The theory suggests that the sugar dissolves in the gasoline and then melts into a sludge as it passes through the engine, clogging every nook and cranny in a sugary goo. In fact, the sugar doesn't dissolve in the gas tank at all. Small amounts would be controlled by the fuel filter, but larger amounts would simply fill up the gas tank and prevent fuel from reaching the engine. The reality is that the sugar would never really get anywhere near the engine, though a big deposit in the fuel tank would certainly be a nuisance.

Keys and cell phones

Common urban legend would lead you to believe that if your car is equipped with a remote keyless entry system, then any would-be thief can let him or herself into your car with a cell phone signal, playing the 'sound' transmitted by the keyless device. This might work if keyless systems did, indeed, use sound, but the fact is that they don't. They use a radio frequency signal that cannot be relayed by mobile phone, so you're quite safe, whatever anybody tells you.

Driving barefoot

Many people believe that if you decide to drive without wearing any shoes, then a traffic cop will be obliged to give you a ticket. In fact, there is not a single state in the United States where it is illegal to drive a car without footwear. The only exception could be Alabama, where it is illegal to ride a motorcycle without appropriate footwear, but then that's almost certainly common sense.

Do you know of any myths or urban legends? Let us hear them! Comment below.

ALL-NEW 2015 SUBARU WRX® STI® DEBUTS AT NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW IN DETROIT

• New platform offers a stiffer, more agile chassis for Subaru’s global performance flagship model
• Bold new sedan model with aero body design
• High-performance chassis with new Active Torque Vectoring
• 305 hp turbo BOXER engine; most powerful engine in the segment
• Driver Controlled Center Differential All-Wheel Drive
• STI Launch Edition limited to 1,000 available

 Brought to you by Folger Subaru

Click to View WRX STI Photo Gallery
Click to View WRX STI Video Gallery

DETROIT, Jan 14, 2014 - Subaru of America, Inc. introduced the all-new 2015 WRX STI, Subaru’s iconic performance flagship model, at the North American International Auto Show. Subaru will offer a WRX STI Launch Edition, limited to 1,000 units and exclusively featuring WR Blue paint and gold BBS® forged alloy wheels and unique interior trim.

Powered by the legendary 305-horsepower 2.5-liter turbocharged BOXER engine, the 2015 WRX STI debuts a new four-door wide-body design, built on a stiffer chassis for even greater handling agility and precision. The WRX STI provides a rally-bred drivetrain and all-wheel drive handling that is unique to this model. Handling is enhanced with a stiffer chassis, firmer springs and faster steering (13.0:1 ratio).

New for the 2015 WRX STI, Active Torque Vectoring joins an arsenal of the model’s proven handling technologies that includes Multi-Mode Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Multi-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control, and a Brembo® Performance Brake System with Super Sport ABS.

The 2015 WRX STI carries its bold personality inside, where new Alcantara seating surfaces accented by red and black leather bolsters and red stitching set the tone for the upgraded and roomier cabin. A driver-focused interior remains integral to the WRX STI performance character, with the new model debuting a motorsports-inspired flat-bottom steering wheel and new whiplash-reducing performance-design front seats with height and tilt-adjustable head restraints. A wide array of new user technologies include, for the first time in a WRX STI, availability of a harman/kardon® premium audio system.

Iconic STI Design Exclusively in Sedan Form
A bolder front design makes the 2015 WRX STI look ready to devour the road. The “nose-cone” configuration combines the grille and bumper cap into one unit ahead of the hood, which for the 2015 model is made from aluminum to reduce weight over the front of the car. Narrower headlights, designed to evoke a raptor’s stare, flank the Subaru hexagonal grille. It’s a more powerful stare thanks to new standard LED low-beam headlights.

The special hood, fenders, doors and quarters, bumpers, headlights and taillight clusters convey the WRX STI identity. As on previous WRX STI models, a functional hood scoop supplies the intercooler with fresh air, and in the 2015 model it is set more deeply into the hood to provide better forward visibility.

Other new performance-oriented details include foglight surrounds with a carbon fiber-like pattern and front fender vents that feature a mesh screen. A full aerodynamic body package includes the large trunk spoiler that has been a WRX STI signature feature. A rear diffuser, LED taillights and LED center high-mount stop lamp (CHMSL) leave a distinctive signature.

New, Stiffer Chassis for Greater Handling Agility
The 2015 WRX STI body structure makes greater use of high-tensile steel than the previous model and features special stiffening elements at key locations. The stiffer chassis helps yield a super-quick steering response that was benchmarked against top-handling sports cars. The 13.0:1 steering ratio provides a quick 2.5 turns lock-to-lock compared to 14.5:1 and 2.8 for the standard WRX model.

As on previous WRX STI models, the 2015 version uses an exclusive inverted-strut front suspension system that provides higher levels of cornering agility. Aluminum front lower L-arms reduce unsprung vehicle weight. The STI-tuned suspension teams with standard 18-inch wheels and 245/40R18 summer performance tires, with the WRX STI Launch Edition and WRX STI Limited models featuring BBS® forged aluminum-alloy wheels.

305-hp Turbo BOXER Engine
The 2015 WRX STI is powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged/intercooled 4-cylinder BOXER engine that employs the Dual Active Valve Control System (Dual AVCS). The engine, which is exclusive to the STI model, produces 305 horsepower (SAE) at 6,000 rpm and 290 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,000 rpm.

The WRX STI engine is teamed exclusively with a specially reinforced 6-speed manual transmission, which includes an STI short-throw shifter in the Launch Edition model. Incline Start Assist can momentarily prevent the car from rolling backward when being driven away from a stop on an incline.

The Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE) powertrain management system allows the driver to tailor the car’s driving characteristics by choosing from among three selectable modes – “Intelligent,” “Sport” and “Sport Sharp” – using a rotary dial on the center console. SI-DRIVE alters vehicle performance characteristics by regulating the engine control module and by fine-tuning the electronic throttle control system.

Multi-Mode DCCD All-Wheel Drive with Three-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control
The 2015 WRX STI is exclusively equipped with the Multi-Mode Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) version of Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. This sophisticated system uses planetary-type center differential gears with a nominal 41:59 torque split. A mechanical limited-slip type center differential augments an electronically controlled center differential to enhance torque transfer performance.

Sensor inputs that include steering angle, throttle position, RPM, lateral-g, yaw, brake, ABS and wheel speed govern torque transfer response. A helical-type limited-slip front differential and a TORSEN® torque-sensing limited-slip rear differential optimize side-to-side torque distribution.

The DCCD AWD system features three automatic modes, each using varying degrees of center differential locking to match different driving situations. In manual mode, the driver can select one of six center differential locking levels to suit the driving situation.


Active Torque Vectoring, an enhancement of the Multi-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) stability and traction control system, can apply brake pressure to the inside front wheel to facilitate more neutral cornering. The VDC system offers yet more driver choices, with three settings: “VDC Normal,” “Traction” and “Off.” Each provides respectively lesser degrees of system engagement, allowing the driver to tailor response for the driving situation. Active Torque Vectoring remains engaged for “Normal” and “Traction” modes.

Premium Cabin
A one-inch longer wheelbase than the previous WRX STI helps provide a roomier cabin in the new model. The windshield is more raked than before, with the A-pillar pulled forward nearly eight inches at the base for better forward visibility, aided by a lower dashboard and narrower A-pillars. Lower side sills and wider-opening doors make ingress/egress easier. Rear seat legroom is increased by nearly two inches, and trunk capacity is now 12 cu. ft., up from 11.3 cu. ft. in the previous WRX STI sedan. A standard 60/40-split fold-down rear seat extends versatility. New available Welcome Lighting responds to the driver approaching the car.

In the 2015 WRX STI, the driver grips a new flat-bottom, leather-wrapped tilt/telescoping steering wheel that integrates switches for audio and Bluetooth control. The STI Design electroluminescent gauge panel gets a new 3.5-in. central LCD screen that displays various functions, including low-level warnings for oil and windshield washer fluid and the selected gear.

Rich-looking appointments and details abound, including soft-touch materials for the dashboard, door trim and center console armrest. A new multi-information central display with 4.3-in. LCD screen provides a multitude of vehicle system functions, including a standard rear camera display, a boost gauge display, audio (on non-navigation models), Bluetooth and climate control settings, and a VDC screen showing traction control operation. The display can also provide a vehicle self-check and maintenance reminder.

Standard features for the 2015 WRX STI include dual-zone automatic climate control and the All-Weather Package (dual-mode heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors and windshield wiper de-icer). The new standard audio system combines AM/FM stereo with HD Radio®, a single-disc in-dash CD player, 6 speakers, MP3/WMA capability, Radio Data Broadcast System (RDBS), Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming, iPod® control capability, iTunes® Tagging, SiriusXM® Satellite Radio (subscription required), USB port and a 3.5mm auxiliary audio input jack. Numerous compartments located in and around the center console hold phones, USB drives and MP3 players.

An available touch-screen navigation system displays on a 6.1-inch LCD screen and offers voice controls. The WRX STI Limited model adds the luxury of leather-trimmed upholstery, an 8-way power driver’s seat, the harman/kardon premium audio system and a power moonroof that opens one inch farther than on the previous model.

Subaru Safety
Subaru’s renowned safety package uses the brand’s proven Ring-shaped Reinforcement Frame body structure, which has been shown to excel in the new small overlap test by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). In the cabin, a driver’s knee airbag is added to the roster of safety features that includes front side pelvis/torso airbags and side curtain airbags that offer front and rear outboard seat coverage.

Subaru produces a full line of all-wheel drive sedans, crossovers and SUVs, along with the rear-wheel drive BRZ sports car.

About Subaru of America, Inc.
Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of more than 600 dealers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill production plants and Subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc. is the only U.S. automobile production plant to be designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. For additional information visit www.subaru.com.

# # #
- See more at: http://www.charlottesubarunews.com/Articles/all-new-2015-subaru-wrx-sti-debuts-at-north-american-international-auto-show-in-detroit#sthash.wMD8pT8z.dpuf

Ask a Technician: How can I improve my visibility while driving?

Brought to you by Folger Subaru

When driving your car, it is absolutely vital that your visibility is as clear as possible. Your ability to see the road and other road users could literally be the difference between life and death, so you cannot afford to take any chances. If you want to ensure that you have the best possible visibility, follow these five simple tips.

Check things out with a test drive. Why buy a car in the first place that has poor visibility? The test drive is the perfect opportunity to establish whether this is going to be a car that you can “really” drive or not. Put “all-round visibility” high on your list of buying criteria—if you are not convinced, don’t buy.

Get a parking camera. Many modern cars come with a parking camera as a standard or available option. This is particularly important if you are driving a car with a higher ride height, which can make it very difficult to see behind the car when parking. A parking camera can help save the driver from a neck injury, and will ensure that your car avoids a rear collision. You can often get a parking camera installed fairly economically your dealership if your car doesn’t have one.

Adjust your mirrors. You can correct the car’s blind spot by adjusting your side rear-view mirrors. The angle of the driver’s mirror should be set to fifteen degrees. You can do this by leaning your head so that it’s even with the side window and then adjusting the mirror until you can just see the side of your car. Do this for the other mirror as well while still keeping your head in the center of the car.

Use parking sensors. Parking sensors are a simple but very useful feature available on many cars. Radar sensors determine how close the rear of your car is to any potential hazards and sound an increasingly frantic noise the closer you get. Parking sensors increasingly appear as standard, but you could also ask your dealership technician to install them for you.

Develop good visibility habits. Your car is a dangerous machine, so treat it with respect and common sense. Ensure that you leave nothing in the rear window which can obscure your vision. Ensure that the dash is kept clear and, above all, ensure that the car’s windows are kept clean. Make sure that there is also washing fluid available so that you can remove any dirt from the windshield.

Good visibility is a critical part of road safety, so take steps to make sure you maintain excellent visibility whenever you are on the road. Give us a call at Folger Subaru for more information. We're here to help you get in to the best car and be safe while driving.

 

Understanding Winter Tire Pressure

A guide to winter tire pressure and what to do about it

When it comes to driving in the winter, some drivers assume that the only thing they need to worry about is keeping warm. However, the hazardous winter driving conditions present a number of different challenges, with traction being one of the most serious. Slushy, icy, wet roads present a serious hazard for drivers, and it is important to do everything you can to ensure that your car stays on the road safely. Your tire pressure is an important part of the puzzle.

Checking your tire pressure is one of the easiest auto maintenance tasks that you can carry out. Purchase a tire pressure gauge for a few dollars and you can check the tires at home. If your readings don’t match the manufacturer's guidelines, visit a gas station or our dealership to make the adjustments. Maintaining the right pressure helps ensure that your car handles well and that the tires wear evenly and ultimately last longer. Keeping the right tire pressure in winter becomes a little more complicated, however.

The colder weather causes the air temperature in your tires to drop. The drop in temperature means that the air inside the tire contracts, lowering the air pressure. If you start driving, the air in the tires warms up again, but lowers as soon as you stop. This makes it harder to keep the tire pressure within the recommended range. If you take the pressure before you start driving you will get a different result to one that you take after you have just driven a long way.

What does this mean? Well, if you suffer relative extremes in temperature during the winter (cold nights and warmer, sunny days), then the time of day that you adjust your tire pressure could have different results. Set in the afternoon, when it is warmer, and you may find that the pressure is not suitable when you leave for work in the morning.

There are three things that you can do to help combat this:

• Take the outside temperature into account. If you are adjusting pressure when it is warmer, then you need to account for the decrease in temperature overnight. Increase the tire pressure during a particularly cold spell.
• Check the pressure more often. Try to check the pressure every few days, particularly during extremes of temperature.
• Use the manufacturer's recommended pressure. This is the pressure when the tire is cold.

 Keeping your tire pressure correct during the winter could save you money and keep you safe.

 

 

Brought to you by Folger Subaru. Give us a call (866) 306-3293 or Schedule Your Service online now!