2013 Subaru BRZ Sports Car to Make U.S. Debut

Darrell Waltrip Subaru is pleased to announce that the production version of its all-new, rear-wheel drive 2013 Subaru BRZ sports car will make its United States debut at the North American International Auto Show at Cobo Hall in Detroit on January 9th. The BRZ will add a new product line to the hot Subaru brand, which announced its fourth consecutive year of sales growth and a new all-time vehicle sales record for 2011.

The 2013 BRZ, which arrives in Subaru dealerships in late spring, was designed with one goal in mind---exceptional handling. To reach that goal, Subaru engineers developed a chassis that would deliver the lowest center of gravity (CoG) possible utilizing the excellent packaging of the brand's Boxer engine design.

An all-new naturally aspirated 2.0-liter, 200-horsepower horizontally opposed (Boxer) engine was created. The new FA engine was developed to be more compact so that it could be placed lower and farther back in the chassis. To achieve the low CoG, a rear-drive layout was deemed necessary so the engine could be mounted as low as possible in the chassis. The engine placement allows for low polar moment and near-perfect balance for pure sports car handling.

With a low vehicle weight of just over 2,700 lbs., the direct injected 2.0-liter provides quick acceleration as it revs to its 7,400 RPM redline. The Subaru BRZ is available with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

With a height of just 50.6 inches, swept-back roofline, bulging front fenders, short overhangs and pronounced rear haunches give the sleekly styled BRZ a lean, athletic stance. The Subaru BRZ will offer everyday comfort and practicality with 2+2 seating and expandable trunk space, along with the brand's renowned safety and quality.

The 2013 Subaru BRZ reflects the brand's core powertrain and chassis engineering throughout.
Subaru produces a full line of all-wheel drive sedans, crossovers and SUV's, and adding the BRZ sports car to its portfolio showcases the brand's penchant for engineering vehicles that offer excellent road manners.

Two Subaru models named in KBB's list of top winter cars for 2012

The days are short, the nights are cold and the chances of encountering rain, snow, sleet or some other form of weather-related treachery during the course of any daily drive are at their peak. It just may be time to consider upgrading your current ride for one more befitting the season. To help you ponder the possibilities, we've put together a list of our Top 10 Winter Driving Vehicles for 2012. Although this purposefully diverse roster includes a full spectrum of highly capable alternatives, all share one common trait: Each boasts some type of user-friendly all-wheel drive system that can help keep you on the road - figuratively and literally - as you head to your final destination. Whether that journey involves a mundane commute to work or a well-deserved weekend getaway to a favorite ski resort is up to you.

 

Darrell Waltrip Subaru in Franklin, Tennessee is pleased to announce that KBB's list of top 10 winter cars for 2012 include two Subaru vehicles - the 2012 Subaru Outback and the 2012 Subaru Impreza. Subaru is the only manufacturer with IIHS Top Safety Picks for all models, three years in a row. "We don't shy away from crash tests, because safety is at the forefront of our design."

2012 Subaru Outback

 

Classy, comfortable and capable, the 2012 Subaru Outback is a superb year-round travelmate that truly rises to the occasion whenever Mother Nature does go on a rampage. Even the base Outback 2.5i with its economical 2.5-liter flat-four engine packs an impressive feature set, highlighted by Subaru's excellent Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a comprehensive Vehicle Dynamics Control system.

 

The more potent 6-cylinder Outback 3.6R as well as the Premium and Limited variations available for each respective Subaru Outback model make it easy to find the best match to up the creature comforts ante even further. An options list that includes a GPS navigation system, harman-kardon premium audio, a Cold Weather Package and Mobile Internet access further bolster the Outback's appeal.

  

2012 Subaru Impreza

 

All-new, the fourth-generation 2012 Subaru Impreza has grown in size and desirability. Available in sedan or five-door form and offering multiple trim levels, all versions share the same outstanding all-season core competence that's become a Subaru hallmark as well as a new 2.0-liter/148-horsepower flat-four engine that can be backed by either a five-speed manual transmission or Lineartonic CVT automatic, each matched with a dedicated version of Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. Those new powertrain combos deliver a huge 30-percent bump in highway mpg for 2012, making the Impreza the most fuel-efficient AWD model you can buy in the U.S. Well-appointed and now even more spacious, the Impreza's cabin matches impressive standards with an optional voice-activated Navigation system that includes Bluetooth connectivity, AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA audio, iPod control capability and USB/AUX inputs.

 

Key features of the 2012 Subaru Impreza and Subaru Outback include -

 

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive for excellent control, efficiency and quick response to slippery conditions.

 

BOXER® Engine - Drawn from over 40 years of intelligent performance, the horizontal layout of the SUBARU BOXER® engine combines balance with power and efficiency.

 

Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), a stability control system, automatically senses steering and braking inputs to help keep the vehicle on the driver's intended path.

 

Flexible storage space - Fit three in back with both rear seat-backs up. Or fold a seat down for extra cargo space. And with a choice of 4- and 5-door body styles, there's even more flexibility to fit your needs.

 

Premium Audio System - available audio systems include features like HD Radio™, iPod® control, Bluetooth® hands-free phone and audio streaming connectivity, and XM® Satellite Radio capability.

 

4-Wheel Independent Suspension - both features 4-wheel fully independent suspension. Its double-wishbone rear design reacts effortlessly to changing road conditions while giving tight, satisfying response in turns.

 

These all-wheel drive versions are perfect for the long road trip for their fuel efficiency and stability. So get the snow wheels on and hop on the driver's seat.

 

Darrell Waltrip Subaru in Franklin, TN serves Williamson County and surrounding areas with new and used car sales, auto repair, genuine Subaru car parts. Visit our website to view detailed car specs, pricing or schedule a test drive.

2012 Subaru Impreza Awarded IIHS 2012 TOP SAFETY PICK

Subaru of America, Inc. announced last week that for the third consecutive year, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has recognized it as the only manufacturer with a 2012 TOP SAFETY PICK winner for all models.  The all-new 36 mpg 2012 Impreza, the most fuel-efficient all-wheel drive vehicle in America, was awarded in the "Small Car" category.

"Our customers take their safety very seriously and so we are very pleased that IIHS has recognized us again with a TOP SAFETY PICK winner for all our qualifying models," said Tom Doll, executive vice president and COO, Subaru of America, Inc. "To be able to include the redesigned 2012 Impreza to the list is an outstanding success and a tribute to the engineering that goes into our products. The IIHS reinforces to our customers that Subaru maintains the highest standards to produce vehicles that are fun-to- drive, durable, reliable as well as safe."
The TOP SAFETY PICK recognizes vehicles that, in IIHS testing, do the best job of protecting people in front, side, rear, and now rollover crashes based on 'good' ratings in each category. The IIHS ranks in terms of Good, Acceptable, Marginal and Poor, with 'good' as the top rank possible in Institute tests. Winners also must have electronic stability control.

"Subaru once again has a TOP SAFETY PICK winner for all models," said IIHS president Adrian Lund. "It's tough to win, and we commend auto manufacturers for making safety a top priority."

About IIHS

The Institute's frontal crashworthiness evaluations are based on results of 40 mph frontal offset crash tests. Each vehicle's overall evaluation is based on measurements of intrusion into the occupant compartment, injury measures recorded on a 50th percentile male Hybrid III dummy in the driver seat, and analysis of slow-motion film to assess how well the restraint system controlled dummy movement during the test.
Side evaluations are based on performance in a crash test in which the side of a vehicle is struck by a barrier moving at 31 mph. The barrier represents the front end of a pickup or SUV. Ratings reflect injury measures recorded on 2-instrumented SID-IIs dummies representing a small (5th percentile) woman, assessment of head protection countermeasures, and the vehicle's structural performance during the impact.

Rear crash protection is rated according to a two-step procedure. Starting points for the ratings are measurements of head restraint geometry -- the height of a restraint and its horizontal distance behind the back of the head of an average size man. Seat/head restraints with good or acceptable geometry are tested dynamically using a dummy that measures forces on the neck. This test simulates a collision in which a stationary vehicle is struck in the rear at 20 mph. Seats without good or acceptable geometry are rated poor overall because they can't be positioned to protect many people.

In the roof strength test, a metal plate is pushed against 1 side of a roof at a constant speed. To earn a good rating for rollover protection, the roof must withstand a force of 4 times the vehicle's weight before reaching 5 inches of crush. This is called a strength-to-weight ratio. For an acceptable rating, the minimum required strength-to-weight ratio is 3.25. A marginal rating value is 2.5. Anything lower than that is rated poor.

Subaru Plans to Roll out Four New Vehicles by 2015

Darrell Waltrip Subaru, the leading Subaru dealership in Franklin, TN, is pleased to announce that Subaru is all set to give its rivals a tough competition as it has already planned to release four new fuel efficient vehicles in the next four years!

In an interview, the automaker’s senior general manager of product planning, Toshio Masuda said that Subaru is planning to release four completely new vehicles by 2015. These four vehicles will not include the 2012 Subaru Impreza which is already due for sale before the end of the year. He further added that high powered WRX and STI models are also coming to the Impreza. 

All the new cars that Subaru is planning to launch will raise the fuel economy by 30 percent, the Impreza being the most fuel efficient all-wheel-drive car sold in the US. With two new engines, a 2.0 liter and 2.5 liter boxer four cylinder, Subaru is targeting to reach a new level in fuel economy. Both these engines are about to make their debut in the 2012 Impreza and 2012 Forester.

Although we have not yet received any confirmation from Subaru, however, the four new models that are going to be rolled out in the next four years are likely to include the following:

·       - BRZ – a rear-wheel-drive-only sports coupe co-developed with Toyota and is expected to make its      arrival in 2012.

·        -Next in queue is Subaru’s first hybrid in 2012 as a 2014 model

·       -A crossover variant of Impreza, named as Subaru XV is also expected to arrive in dealership sometime next year.

·        -A redesigned Forester is also in the lineup

Stay connected with Darrell Waltrip Subaru on Facebook to learn more about these cars. You can also visit us online or drop by our dealership and explore our  inventory of new Subaru's. Don’t miss to check out our online specials too!

Christmas Warehouse Sale Benefitting Veterans

The upcoming Christmas Warehouse Sale is sponsored by Building Lives. Proceeds will go to assist homeless veterans and their families move off the streets and become contributing members of their communities.

During the last four years, Building Lives has helped over 200 veterans make this move while providing assistance with getting a job, housing, furniture, and vehicles.

Support our veterans......Attend the Sale.....Great product....Great Prices....and a Great Cause.

Vietnam Veteran Mike Reeder Celebrated As Hometown Hero

Local veteran Mike Reeder is being honored for his service and love for our country in big ways this month. With Veteran's Day on 11.11.11, he'll spend the morning with the fourth graders at Oakview Elementary sharing his story and being celebrated for his service. Mike has also been chosen as the November Darrell Waltrip Automotive Hometown Hero.

Reeder lost both of his legs in Vietnam, but he "hasn't let that slow him down", according to Earl Hensel, an acquaintance of Reeder's, and supporter of Outward Bound, an organization that assists returning disabled veterans in coping with life in America and the sponsor of the nomination for his Hometown Hero award.

Now retired he is known as an accomplished golfer, recently being featured in an ESPN report chronicling his journey to play on the old course at St. Andrews, and shooting a 79 while there.

"When we received Mike's nomination the decision to honor him was a no-brainer. He is a hero to not only our local community, but a hero to our nation", said John Gallagher, General Manager of Darrell Waltrip Automotive.

As a part of the Hometown Hero award $500 will be donated in his honor to Mike's charity of choice- Challenged Athletes Foundation, the non-profit who sent Mike and his wife to Scotland to play at St. Andrews.

Darrell Waltrip Automotive's Hometown Heroes is a monthly event honoring Middle Tennessee residents who have made a positive impact on their community. Nominate your hero at http://www.darrellwaltrip.com/.

Popular Dog Parks in Franklin and Nashville, TN

If you are in the Franklin/Nashville area in Tennessee, and looking for popular dog parks for your pet, consider taking your dog to Tat the Warner Dog Park or Franklin Dog Park. The Warner Dog Part is actually a part of the Percy Warner Parks System and lies between Bellevue and Brentwood, only a few miles from Franklin.

The Franklin Dog Park

If you are wondering what’s so special about the Franklin Dog Park, then you will be delighted to know that this is Tennessee’s first off-leash dog park! Also, the park has many dog-friendly obstacles where your pet can climb, jump, or crawl. There are loads of balls of different sizes and rope toys that your dog can play with, and when your dog needs to cool down, take them to the water well and dog bowls kept in the park or to the kid’s swimming pool. It is really funny to watch the dogs as they splash in the pool! And that’s not all; the park has two different sections, one for small dogs and the other for big breeds. So if your tiny pug is scared of his big brothers, take it to the small park that is fenced with chain. If your big dog is crazy about the tiny four-legged friends, there is a separate section for them too!

For the pet parent, there are plenty of benches with covers where you can sit and watch your dog to play while you chat over other dog owners.

Dog Park Etiquette

If you are the first one to enter the park, it’s a common courtesy to empty the dog water bowl and fill them with fresh water from the water pump.

The park, also popularly known as Maggie’s Dog Park, is located just behind the Franklin High School which is just off of Hillsboro Road and near Mack Hatcher Blvd.

Directions: Take Mack Hatcher Blvd. toward downtown Franklin. Mack Hatcher dead-ends at Hillsboro Road, turn left there. As soon as you see Franklin High School on the left, prepare to turn left before the school. Once you turn off Hillsboro Road, there are plenty of signs, leading you to the dog park.

The Warner Dog Park

The Warner Park is actually a big field enclosed within a fence. The park is particularly a heaven for dogs that prefer to play with toys, ramp and jump. Plus, the park includes picnic pavilion and a couple of drinking fountains. There are also bathrooms next door near the ball field. Unfortunately, Pit Bulls are not allowed off-leash at the Warner Dog Park.

Directions: From Old Hickory Blvd. near Highway 100 in Brentwood (or Bellevue), turn onto Vaughn Road — there’s a traffic light at this intersection. Depending on which direction you’re coming from, turning one way on Vaughn goes toward Percy Warner Park, where the Iroquois Steeplechase takes place each year. The other way on Vaughn goes toward a baseball diamond. Just past the ball field is the Warner Dog Park (on the right).

Freedom Run Dog Park

LOCATED AT LIBERTY PARK AT 2098 TURNING WHEEL LANE.

This is the second Dog Park the City of Franklin Parks Department has opened in the past year. Freedom Run is a 1 acre park that has a section for small dogs under 30 lbs and a big dog area for those over 30 lbs. Park is open from dawn to dark.

K-9 Korral Dog Park

The Park at Harlinsdale Farm

239 Franklin Road

Franklin, TN 37064

The City of Franklin Parks opened K-9 Korral Dog Park at The Park at Harlinsdale Farm on April 12, 2010. Please check out our first off leash dog facility. Bring your favorite 4-legged friend for a paw-some time.

The City of Franklin has a leash law that requires all dogs be on a 6 foot leash and under the control of the owner at all times. No person shall let their dog run off leash in any city park. It is also required that dog owners must clean up after their pets by collecting and disposing of the waste appropriately.

Dogs are prohibited from entering any lake, pond, stream or river on park property or on any tennis court, basketball court, or manicured turf sports field enclosed by a fence or wall or any area deemed off limits by the Director of Parks.

Violations may result in fines.

If you are looking for an addition to the family please consider the Williamson County Animal Shelter (located at 1120 Hillsboro Rd.) for adopting a pet. Contact Williamson County at 615-790-5590.

Source:

http://franklin.thefuntimesguide.com/2007/08/franklin_brentwood_dog_parks.php

www.franklintn.gov