Ripple effects from Japan’s disastrous earthquake and tsunami continue to be felt across the automotive landscape, with Subaru confirming the 2012 Impreza compact sedan will be delayed.

Subaru had not previously announced a launch date for what it touts as the most fuel efficient AWD vehicle on the market, and the delay isn’t a major one. “Yes there has been a delay,” confirmed Subaru product communications boss Dominick Infante to AutoGuide, “but Impreza production will begin in September.” The on-sale date for the Impreza will not be pushed back beyond the current year, says Infante. “Cars will be in dealerships in November.”

This setback will hamper Subaru’s incredible sales climb over the past three years and could hurt growth in the second half of 2011. Having just announced its first half numbers, Subaru of America saw an 8.4 percent sales decline in June; something CEO Tom Doll blamed on limited supply of vehicles. Year-to-date, Subaru of America sales have been strong enough to swallow the poor June numbers, returning a 4.8 percent growth rate.

Having debuted at the New York Auto Show this past Spring, the 2012 Impreza promises a 27/36-mpg rating, thanks to a 148-hp 2.0-liter boxer four-cylinder and standard AWD.

See more on the 2012 Impreza from AutoGuide’s first look video after the jump:

At this year’s event, which runs from July 15 to 17, a very special Subaru is hoping to take the crown as the fastest car on this challenging 1.2-mile track. This special Subaru is an Impreza STi that has been tuned by Cosworth. The model is called the STi CS400 and produces 395-hp. Apart from the power gain over the standard model, the car also gets lighter 18-inch wheels by Pro-Race, and six-piston caliper brakes by AP Racing.

After having just set the Isle of Man TT record, Subaru can now add another to its list after driver David Higgins smashed the official hillclimb record at New England’s highest mountain, Mt. Washington over the weekend.

Having r ecently set a new record for a production car on the Isle of Man TT motorcycle circuit, Subaru has now released a video to document the feat on the 200 turn, 37 mile course.

The mostly stock WRX STI was driven by Isle of Man native Mark Higgins who managed to shave 20 seconds off his first 19:56.7 run. With a new 19:37 time Higgins further solidifies himself in the record book, edging slight closer, but still very far away, from the motorcycle record. That time is a 17:12.3, set by John McGuinness in a Honda CBR1000RR back in 2009.

“This is one of the most daunting tracks I have ever driven, and the most terrifying,” said Higgins, a Manx native. “We were only able to get two practice runs and on our second practice I had the biggest ‘moment’ of my career. We had a passenger on the run and so coming into Bray Hill at more than 150 MPH, the extra weight compressed the suspension more than on previous runs and shifted the Subaru to the left and then right as I corrected–it was a real tank slapper. The whole thing went by so quickly that we never slowed below 110 MPH, and then we were back on the power. It was amazing and the helicopter shots really show just how hairy it really was.”

Watch the video after the jump and read AutoGuide’s 2011 Subaru WRX STI Review here:

Whether intentional or not, Subaru seems to be labeled as a “progressive” brand, and while their website contains the usual corporate gibberish about supporting and embracing “…the communities in which we live and work,” the company tends to put its money where its mouth is, openly supporting the LGBT community as well as motorsports and outdoors enthusiasts.

Travis Pastrana looks to be going head-to-head with Ken Block on and off the track for 2011. Debuting his new 2011 Subaru WRX STi race car and livery through a viral YouTube video, Pastrana decided to spoof one of Block’s most popular videos by employing the assistance of scantily clad ladies, just not the ones we’re used to seeing.

Funny enough, Mad Media production company are the masterminds behind this video, who were also the creators of Ken Block’s 2011 Ford Fiesta reveal. Clearly it’s all in fun as Pastrana is just taking a jab back after Block called Travis out for “forgetting how to turn right.”

Pastrana will be competing at this year’s X Games RallyCross hoping to claim his third Rally Gold. Throughout the video, Pastrana highlights how he plans to one-up Block throughout the year, including attendance at more events than Block. It looks like Boost Mobile is getting their money’s worth.

If you believe the saying that any publicity is good publicity, then the Canadian Sport Compact Series should be thrilled about this video. Then again, maybe not.

Taken during a lapping day at Toronto Motorsports Park (formerly Cayuga) just North of Buffalo, the driver of a Subaru Impreza RS runs wide heading onto the front straight, hits the hay bale and the rest is just screeching tires and grinding metal.

The video also serves as what might just be the best example of why you don’t let your friend pilot your brother’s Subaru Impreza while he’s out of the country.

Watch the video after the jump:

It comes as little surprise that after 21 years the Isle of Man TT circuit record has fallen. After all, would you expect any less of a Subaru WRX STI when compared to the Rover 827 Vitesse driven by Tony Pond back in 1990.

Subaru of America has announced the launch of its new iPad applications based on its 2011 model digital brochures. The free apps allows users to explore the 2011 Outback, Forester and WRX/STI through the iPad utilyzing videos, interactive demonstrations and 360-degree views.

Subaru has announced a multi-year sponsorship agreement of the Isle of Man TT Races and rather than just sit idly by, the AWD turbo 4-banger brand is looking to participate, running a WRX STI on several timed laps of the famous TT motorcycle course.

Subaru’s version of the Toyota FT-86 front-engine, rear-wheel drive sports coupe will finally debut at this December’s Tokyo Auto Show. Toyota will sell its version as a Scion in the U.S. As for the Subaru model, well, according to the latest reports, there won’t be a powerful, turbocharged STI version.

We know what the Toyota version looks like— time and time and time again. But the camoed-up version seen stuck in traffic on the 405 looks more like Subaru’s version—and given the Subaru distributor plates, this is more likely the case.

Toyota will never stop developing mutations of its FT-86 sports car, which will be released sometime between now and the real Rapture. Maybe.

In this interesting new advertising campaign, Subaru’s American division targets the Chinese-American Market with the 2011 Legacy.

The ad called “Sweet Tomorrow” features a young Chinese-American couple, running errands and preparing for their home for the birth of their first child. It emphasizes safety and reliability of the Subaru brand preparing the couple for the next chapter of their lives.

“Making the right vehicle choice is a big decision for expanding families,” said Alan Bethke, director of marketing communication, Subaru of America, Inc.  “In fact, other than the arrival of the child itself, a car purchase is one of the biggest costs involved for new parents.  It’s important that families choose a vehicle that provides safety and versatility and we wanted to show that in a unique and emotional way.”

Subaru seems to be on a roll lately, with this latest ad spot an emotional appeal, much like the teen driver’s “first time out” ad that first aired last August.

The “Sweet Tomorrow” ad is scheduled to run through October 2011.

Check out the video after the jump!

Tommy Kaira may be more popularly known for their Nissan GT-R accessories and their Toyota Prius styling kits, but they are also extremely popular among the Subaru Legacy crowd. While most Subaru enthusiasts are seen rolling around in an Impreza WRX or STi, there are quite a few that opt for the Legacy’s more elegant appearance while retaining the same performance a WRX or STi has to offer.

Subaru of America has won the top automotive Webby Award and the Gold IAAA Award for their ‘mediocrity’ advertising campaign, which lampooned traditional mid-size sedans. Subaru played off the abudnance of bland sedans in the market place. Subaru’s campaign portrays a dull and unexceptional fictional vehicle: the 2011 Mediocrity, displayed in dull beige. hue . The bland vehicle is then contrasted to the vibrant Subaru Legacy with its 2.5-litre Boxer engine and standard all-wheel drive, which, according to Subaru, is quite the opposite of ‘mediocre’.

The campaign’s digital focus was highlighted by a fully interactive website, as well as a Facebook page, a YouTube channel, a Twitter feed and a Flickr presence. Their win was chosen from almost 10,000 entries from all 50 U.S states and more than 60 countries worldwide. The Mediocrity campaign as well as substantial television advertising has increased Subaru awareness, contributing to record sales for the brand in both 2010 and the first quarter of 2011.

Check out the video after the jump!

Two separate Japanese automakers are planning similar fates for their underperforming vehicles, with both the Subaru Tribeca and Mazda 6 set to be discontinued in the near future.

Subaru V-P of North American operations Tom Doll believes that the 2012 Impreza can hit targets of 60,000 units a year, up from the current 40,000.

We’ve all needed a tow one time or another, and for those who like off-roading, it seems to be inevitable. One unlucky Chevrolet Silverado owner found himself stuck in some not-too-deep mud, and the vehicle that was up for the job was none other than a Subaru Legacy GT, a family sedan with a pretty peppy turbocharged engine.

Conventional wisdom says that this situation should be reversed. But as the video shows, the little Subaru had no trouble hauling the big pickup out of the mud. Hit the jump to see the video below.

Subaru is pushing ahead to differentiate the WRX and STI performance models from their lesser, Great-Dane-schlepping brethern.

Debuting the new 2012 Impreza at the New York Auto Show, Subaru has followed through on a larger plan to deliver vehicles that better suit the demands of customers, with toned-down styling and more interior room. Plus, like all new compact cars, fuel economy has increased significantly.

Subaru took the wraps off their new 2012 Impreza sedan and 5-door at the New York Auto Show, riding a wave of strong sales and revamped products designed to appeal more to American consumers.

While we’re gearing up for the New York Auto Show, another one is happening a world away. At Shanghai, Subaru unveiled the XV concept, a new 5-door crossover.

Hyundai and Kia remain unscathed by the parts crunch that is affecting Japanese auto makers, with both companies running their United States-based plants at full capacity and overtime shifts to help meet demand at certain plants.

Subaru will halt production at one of the four production lines at its Lafayette, Indiana plant due to a parts shortage resulting from the earthquake in Japan. Assembly of Subaru models will, however, go on as normal due to the fact that the affected line is actually used to assemble the Toyota Camry.

The Subaru Impreza and Kia Sorrento are currently under the scrutiny of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, as the government agency is investigating the cars for serious defects.

Subaru has just announced that it will debut yet another new model next week, although this latest reveal will be a concept, with the unveiling taking place at the Shanghai Auto Show.

As rumored, Subaru will unveil its all-new 2012 Impreza sedan at the New York Auto Show. Partially revealed with a profile photo, Subaru promises its new compact sedan will be the most fuel efficient all-wheel drive vehicle available in North America, with a 36-mpg rating.

Subaru‘s UK division has just announced a factory upgrade to the WRX STI’s turbocharged 2.5-liter boxer 4-cylinder engine that helps deliver an extra 20-hp and 32 lb-ft of torque. Better yet, it’s free!

Subaru will re-start their large car production plant, nearly a month after an earthquake caused parent company Fuji Heavy Industries to shut the factory down.

A shortage of parts means that Subaru‘s Indiana plant will have its production cut in half through the end of the week, and the company will assess the situation on a day to day basis to examine whether a continuation is necessary.

Yesterday, we told you about the rising influence women of different ethnicities have when it comes to vehicle purchases. And now, R.L. Polk & Co. has released new information about the correlation between women and the Asian automakers.

Proving that Ken Block isn’t the only one who can wreck a rally car, driver Jimmy Keeney takes to the air in his Subaru WRX STI for a spectacular end-over.

Keeney severely damaged his car, but luckily not himself, competing at the Global RallyCross Championship at Irwindale Speedway over the weekend.

Attempting to hit the tricky 70 foot jump when competing against Marcus Dodd in the runoffs, Keeney looks to get a bit too much air, bouncing and then coming down on the nose of the car and initiating the end-over.

If it’s any consolation, at least Kenney is sharing the weekend’s headlines with rally legend Marcus Gronholm who took home the victory.

See the video after the jump:

Subaru will be represented by Subaru Tecnica International (STI) at this year’s 24-hour of Nurburgring race. Rolling in their new and improved 2011 WRX STI “ts”, the STI team has been very busy testing and tuning in order to compete in the SP3t class. Most recently the STI NBR Challenge 2011, the nickname for the race car, did some testing out at Fuji Speedway.

Japan’s major car companies have also been badly hit due to this disaster. Toyota and Honda have still not started their operations, and will stay shut over the weekend, due to a shortage of parts coming from suppliers, which were situated in areas most badly hit by this recent disaster.

OK, so this car doesn’t actually belong to Chuck Norris, but you’ll forgive us for saying so once you read the for sale ad placed by the owner.

Japan’s three largest automakers announced that they will donate $3.75 million each for earthquake relief. Honda says it will donate 1,000 power generators (a product made by the company) as well as 5,000 gas canisters, while Nissan is considering the donation of vehicles, provisions and medical supplies. Toyota also said that it is investigating such a move.

While many have expressed their displeasure with Toyota‘s re-design of the FT-86 sports car, fans can rest easier knowing that the changes were made in the name of function rather than form.

Yep, we’ve all seen it before walking into car dealerships; those weird aftermarket modifications that they tack onto a car and then jack up the price. Whether it’s adding a set of wheels and tires or an odd graphics package to the car, dealers have always carried on the tradition of overpricing a car with “accessories.”

Subaru has given us a first glimpse at its version of the FT-86/Toyobaru with one major surprise – the proclaimed rear-drive sports car is actually all-wheel drive.