Report: Cosworth getting its magic mitts on Subaru Impreza WRX STI Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Europe, Japan, Hatchback, Subaru Here's some extra happy news, especially if you're into that whole turbocharged, AWD rally thing. Autocar reports that legendary English engine tuner Cosworth has gotten its mitts all over the mighty Subaru WRX STI. Described as a "one-off, special project," it sounds as if Cosworth will be tweaking the engine, suspension and body. Long story short: YES! As for details, we don't have any. Autocar says that specifications and pricing will become available when closer to the car's on sale date in March. A Cosworth spokesperson has said that the improved upon STI, "will raise the bar for all-wheel-drive, high-performance motoring." Sounds good to us, especially as the current STI has always felt about 85 percent finished to us. For what it's worth, Cosworth has a pretty special history when it comes to tuning rally cars. Ford RS200 anyone? We'll let you know more as soon as we can. Gallery: 2010 Subaru WRX STI Special Edition [Source: Autocar, CAR]Report: Cosworth getting its magic mitts on Subaru Impreza WRX STI originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Feb 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Subaru confirms Impreza XV crossover debut for Geneva Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Crossover, Hatchback, Subaru The big premiere for Subaru at next month's Geneva Motor Show will be the new Impreza VX. The all-wheel-drive specialist hasn't yet provided any images of the car, but judging from the description in the press release, it sounds as if this Europe-only model is pretty much the Outback Sport we get here. A unique grille, wheel arches and roof rails visually set the VX apart from standard Imprezas. Propulsion comes via a choice of 2.0-liter boxer-fours, fueled by either gasoline or diesel. The Impreza VX goes on sale in Europe this summer. Joining the Impreza VX on the stand will be the Hybrid Tourer Concept that we first saw at Tokyo last fall, as well as the plug-in Stella. The press release is after the jump. [Source: Subaru]Continue reading Subaru confirms Impreza XV crossover debut for Geneva Subaru confirms Impreza XV crossover debut for Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 06 Feb 2010 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Introduction to Ice Racing: Part 3 [w/video] Filed under: Motorsports, Subaru HITTING THE ICE The time has come to do it for real. We've walked you through the various classes offered by the club we'll be racing with, and we've shown you what it's like to drive at speed on the ice, so there's nothing left but to do it in anger. In this installment of An Introduction to Ice Racing we'll hit the first event of the season, tell you how to get ready to race once you're on the ice, and dazzle you with plenty of in-car video from first event's three heats - including footage of a few unfortunate incidents that left fenders crumpled and tensions flared. It's all below, so click on through and check out the action. We promise not to put a single dent in your monitor. Gallery: Ice Racing at Caroga Lake, NY Continue reading Introduction to Ice Racing: Part 3 [w/video] Introduction to Ice Racing: Part 3 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Feb 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Pastrana puts competition on ice at Rally America Sno*Drift Filed under: Motorsports, Ford, Subaru Rally America Sno*Drift 2010 - Click above for high-res image gallery Travis Pastrana has no shortage of critics who claim the daredevil is skating on thin ice. Okay, that was a terrible segue into this year's Sno*Drift, the opening event in the Rally America Championship series, but yes, Pastrana and co-driver Christian Edstrom did skate to a fourth straight Sno*Drift victory on Saturday, trumping the second place team of Antoine L'Estage and co-driver Nathalie Richard by more than a minute. Not too bad for a guy who just had surgery for a broken collar bone. Meanwhile, William Bacon and Peter Watt finished third overall as the highest-placing privateers. Ken Block, sporting his trademark goatee and a new Ford Fiesta rally car, retired after just seven stages due to suspension failure. Organized around the snowy gravel roads of Northern Lower Michigan, Sno*Drift 2010 wasn't so much with the snow thanks to a warm spell and thorough soaking of rain, followed by a quick dip into sub-zero temperatures-all within a week of race day. Roads turned into rivers of glare ice, and since studded tires aren't allowed in the series, automotive hilarity reminiscent of Snoopy on Ice was the order of the day. Just ask Pastrana's team mate Dave Mirra, who crossed the final mark literally dragging his Subie's front bumper and headlights thanks to a late-stage disagreement between himself, Sir Issac Newton, and a tree. More to come on Pastrana, Block, and Rally America; in the meantime spy the Rally America gallery while we search Wikipedia for frost bite remedies and tips on removing champagne from blue jeans. Gallery: Rally America SnoDrift 2010 Photos by Christopher Smith / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.Pastrana puts competition on ice at Rally America Sno*Drift originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 31 Jan 2010 02:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Introduction to Ice Racing: Part 1 Filed under: Motorsports, Etc., Subaru "You race on what now?" This is the typical response given when the topic of ice racing comes up. People can't seem to get their head around the idea that you, a sane human being with as strong a survival instinct as the next guy/gal, would drive a car out onto a frozen lake at speeds upwards of 100mph - often sideways. Mention that the racing action is wheel-to-wheel against dozens of competitors at once and you're almost guaranteed to be labeled clinically insane. Ice racers may be a little special but most are not insane, and if you live in parts of the world that get cold enough, you can join in their fun for a pittance. Ice racing is, dollars to seat time, one of the cheapest forms of motorsport out there. It's also one of the most thrilling and, for those of us who find ourselves driving in frequently inclement conditions, it's even a genuinely useful exercise. Sure, autocrossing is cheap, safe and educational, but where cone-dodging helps you find your car's limits, ice racing teaches you to drive far beyond them, to stay in control (or close to it) when by all rights you should be spinning wildly into a snowbank. Just like we did last summer with karting, we're going to take you along for the ride and let you get a taste for ice racing. Naturally there will be some changes: instead of a racing suit we'll be investing in a set of thermals, and rather than sticky slicks we'll be budgeting for heavily siped snow tires. It's a whole different ball game, managing slip instead of grip, but the thrills are just as great. And, since you can compete with just about any car, it's open to almost anyone who has a need for speed -- and who doesn't mind spending the day hanging around on a frozen lake. Gallery: Ice racing variety Continue reading Introduction to Ice Racing: Part 1 Introduction to Ice Racing: Part 1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Jan 2010 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Prodrive launches new rally-spec Subaru Impreza N2010 Filed under: Motorsports, Subaru, UK, Racing Prodrive Impreza N2010 - Click above for high-res image gallery Prodrive has had a number of clients over the years. They've raced Ferraris at Le Mans, racked up innumerable victories for Aston Martin, and even ran Honda's Formula One team until they took the reins themselves. But few associations have put the British racing consultancy on the map as much as its collaboration with Subaru in the World Rally Championship. Unfortunately for David Richards and company, Subaru withdrew last year from the WRC. But that hasn't kept Prodrive from tweaking out another rally-prepped Impreza, as if to show it still can. Homologated to production-based Group N specifications, the Impreza N2010 packs a twin-scroll-turbocharged two-liter boxer four with competition-spec fuel injectors, catalyst and ECU for an extra 20 horsepower over stock and a wider torque band. It's also riding on an adjustable Ohlins suspension, with differentials front, center and rear, kept in check by AP Racing brakes and reinforced with an FIA-certified roll cage. The result is what Prodrive claims is a more competitive package compared to a Super 2000-spec rally machine at about half the price - challengers can pick one up from £120,000 (about $195k), or lease one for two years. Details in the press release after the jump, photos in the gallery below. Gallery: Prodrive Subaru Impreza N2010 [Source: Prodrive]Continue reading Prodrive launches new rally-spec Subaru Impreza N2010 Prodrive launches new rally-spec Subaru Impreza N2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Jan 2010 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Polk announces 2009 Loyalty Award winners, Toyota bumps GM Filed under: Car Buying, Etc., Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Ford, GM, Honda, Land Rover, Lexus, Mini, Porsche, Subaru, Toyota Key to the survival of any business are repeat customers, and automobiles are no different. The data miners at R.L. Polk & Company have announced the winners of their 2009 Automotive Loyalty Award after wading into facts and figures tracking customer loyalty to automotive nameplates. This is the 14th year Polk has presented the awards, and three new categories noting loyalty among specific ethnic groups were added this year. Overall Loyalty to Manufacturer went to Toyota, unseating General Motors from its nine-year run. Toyota cleaned up two more categories - Mid/Full-Size Car for the Toyota Prius and Mid/Full-Size SUV for the Lexus RX - and also secured one of the new ethnic category awards, taking home the honors for Asian-American brand loyalty. Honda took awards for Overall Loyalty to Make as well as picking up the new African-American and Hispanic loyalty awards. Most Improved Loyalty went to Audi for its 4.9 percent bump in customer retention. Ford's F-Series pickup and Mustang ponycar won their respective categories, while the Subaru Forester, Range Rover, and Chrysler Town & Country repeated wins in their segments. The BMW 3 Series, Mini Cooper, and Porsche 911 also took home hardware. More details are given in the press release posted after the jump. [Source: R.L. Polk & Co.]Continue reading Polk announces 2009 Loyalty Award winners, Toyota bumps GM Polk announces 2009 Loyalty Award winners, Toyota bumps GM originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 17 Jan 2010 12:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Toyota tops in CR brand perception study, Subaru, Ford, Chevy make gains Filed under: Car Buying, Marketing/Advertising, Chevrolet, Ford, Hummer, Mazda, Mercury, Saab, Subaru, Toyota Consumer Reports 2010 Car Brand Perception Survey results just published After one of the worst years ever for the auto industry, which automakers do you think came out of 2009 with an unsullied reputation? Consumer Reports just published its 2010 Car Brand Perception Survey and the results are a bit perplexing. Naming the manufacturers that slipped last year would probably be a piece of cake, but try to guess which ones came out ahead of their 2008 rankings. Before you try to guess, here are the ground rules. According to CR, "The scores reflect how consumers perceive each brand in seven categories: Safety, quality, value, performance, design/style, technology/innovation, and environmentally friendly/green." Further, "The scores reflect consumers' total perception level of a brand across those categories, and not the actual qualities of the brand's individual vehicles." The overall top brands in the rankings were the usual suspects for the most part. Toyota was tops (guess CR readers haven't heard about that sticky gas pedal thing), followed by America's sole avoider of bankruptcy, Ford, then Honda. Somewhat surprisingly, Chevrolet placed fourth - bankruptcy be damned. Carmakers improving by the largest percentage over last year were an equally mixed bag. Chevy and Ford improved quite a bit, but the company posting the biggest gain was Subaru, which mirrored the success it had on the showroom floor in 2009. Perhaps even more interesting were the bottom brands. Not surprisingly in these green-leaning times, Hummer scored the lowest as a brand, followed closely by GM problem-child, Saab. The Swedish firm was actually tied, though, with Ford's forgotten brand, Mercury, and shockingly, recent Ford divestiture, Mazda. Dropping the most this year were luxury brands like Porsche, Lexus and Lincoln. How Porsche and Lexus dropped so much is a bit of a mystery, but Cadillac droppng 15 points was a real head-scratcher considering the success of the CTS. The complete survey is an interesting read, as are the full rankings. The top scorers in each category is particularly revealing. Before you click the source link below, though, try to guess where your favorite brands placed. You might be as surprised as we were. [Source: Consumer Reports]Toyota tops in CR brand perception study, Subaru, Ford, Chevy make gains originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 15:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Report: Asian automakers closing in on 50% share of U.S. auto sales Filed under: Car Buying, Japan, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, South Korea While it may come as no surprise that Asian car companies are constantly gaining market share in the U.S. market, the actual numbers are quite amazing. Ten years ago, companies like Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Hyundai and the rest accounted for a little more than one-quarter of total light-vehicle sales in the States. By 2005, that figure stood at 36.6 percent. By 2007? 41.9 percent. In 2009, Asian automakers sold a full 47.9 percent of the cars and light trucks we Americans bought. These numbers come from the latest report by Ward's Auto. Perhaps predictably, that same dispatch tells us that American automakers were hurt the most by those Asian gains. General Motors, Ford and Chrysler were once part of an American auto industry that accounted for nearly 70 percent of sales in 1999. The Detroit Three had just a 44.8 percent market share a decade later. The European automakers have also gained a bit in the U.S. over the past decade. Still, they only account for 7.3 percent of the market right now. If the Japanese and Korean manufacturers post gains for 2010 that are similar to the 2009 increases, they will pass the 50 percent mark for the first time in history. Individually, companies like Toyota have fared the best, nearly doubling their slice of the American pie, going from 8.7 to 17 percent since 1999. While Ford shared the biggest gain last year compared to 2008, they were also one of the decade's biggest losers, dropping 8.3 percent. Maybe last year's gain is a sign of recovery for the domestic automakers, but the troubles at GM and Chrysler don't bode well for the group. Check out the full breakdown by clicking the Ward's source link below. [Source: Ward's Automotive]Report: Asian automakers closing in on 50% share of U.S. auto sales originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Keeping Up Appearances: Subaru launches JDM Impreza WRX STI A-Line Type S Filed under: Performance, Japan, Hatchback, Subaru Subaru Impreza WRX STI A-Line Type S - Click above for high-res image gallery Another day, another new special-edition Subaru Impreza. There are worse things, after all. This one, however, doesn't quite have the substance of the recently unveiled WRX STI R205. Whereas the R205 is a real fire-breathing monster of a hatch, the long-winded Subaru Impreza WRX STI A-Line Type S (try saying that three times fast) is mostly a trim package. That package includes 18-inch gunmetal rims, gold Brembo brake calipers and Recaro buckets in a cockpit decked out with contrasting red top-stitch and a 10-speaker audio system. It definitely looks sharp, but the Japanese consumers that are able to buy it shouldn't expect much in the way of heightened performance over the already stonking STI. The Type S commands a 3,255,000 yen (circa $35k USD) sticker price in its domestic market, so if you want to have a look and you don't live in the Land of the Rising Sun, you had better check it out in our high-res image gallery below. Gallery: Subaru Impreza WRX STI A-Line Type S [Sources: Nihon Car and Le Blog Auto]Keeping Up Appearances: Subaru launches JDM Impreza WRX STI A-Line Type S originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Jan 2010 00:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Subaru Impreza WRX STI R205 continues the tradition, still not coming Stateside Filed under: Performance, Japan, Hatchback, Subaru, Tokyo Auto Salon Subaru Impreza WRX STI R205 - Click above for high-res image gallery Following in a line of successfully hotter Impreza variants, Subaru has announced the all-new "R205" version of its latest hatch, and in keeping with tradition, it won't be coming to the States. As it's done in the past with other "Road Sport" Imprezas, Subaru has raided the Spec C parts bin and fitted all the good kit to the Impreza STI R205, including six-pot (front) and four-pot (rear) upgraded brakes with slotted rotors and cast 18-inch aluminum wheels shod in specially designed Potenza RE070 (245/40R18) tires. Inverted strut and coil springs soak up the bumps in front, with similarly STI-tuned dampers and coils out back, while a front strut tower bar and lower arm stiffening brace help keep the front wheels planted and the steering speaking to the driver. Naturally, engine mods are part of the package, and with a retuned ECU, new exhaust and turbo, the R205 cranks out 316 horsepower and 319 pound-feet of torque. A few plaques, a bespoke black front grille, new front and rear diffusers and a black spoiler set the R205 apart from run of the mill JDM Imprezas, and if you're fortunate enough to live in the Land of the Rising Sun, it can all be had for 4,510,000 yen (just under $49k). But act quick, Subaru only plans to produce 400 examples when the S205 goes on sale today. Hit the jump for the press release. Gallery: Subaru Impreza WRX STI R205 Continue reading Subaru Impreza WRX STI R205 continues the tradition, still not coming Stateside Subaru Impreza WRX STI R205 continues the tradition, still not coming Stateside originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Subaru releases new Forester X Columbia in Australia Filed under: SUV, Subaru, Australia Subaru has collaborated with outdoor gear company Columbia for some time in other markets, and the latest result is the limited edition 2010 Forester X Columbia. This version swaps out the standard steel wheels for 16-inch alloys and adds fog lights, a roof rack, cargo tray, rear step panel, and a $500 voucher for actual Columbia gear. Not bad, but it's arguably a step down from the 2007 Forester X Columbia, which also got a sunroof and heated seats. There will be 1,050 examples on offer and they go on sale in Australia beginning Monday, January 4. The "driveaway" price has been announced as $33,990 AUD for the manual ($30,486 USD - note: that's a straight conversion and does not correspond to the car's U.S. price), which is $600 less than the Forester X price on Subaru's Aussie site. Unless we're missing something, that can't be all bad for the country's best-selling crossover. Just for our Aussie readers, we've placed the official press release after the jump. [Source: Subaru]Continue reading Subaru releases new Forester X Columbia in Australia Subaru releases new Forester X Columbia in Australia originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 02 Jan 2010 18:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Rear-Engine Rendering: Student-styled Subie is the hot hatch of dreams, nightmares Filed under: Aftermarket, Subaru, Specialty, Design/Style Digimods Subaru Impreza - Click above to enlarge In the real world of asphalt and hydrocarbons (yes, that's possibly redundant), the Subaru WRX STI is a common target for zealous mods. While much tuning can go on under the stock skin, which isn't exactly subtle on a Rex, it's de rigeur to go at the exterior with pieces of thermoplastic and visions of reshaping dancing in your head. If you're not deft enough to translate inspiration to metal, or you don't have a WRX, or you just want to avoid getting gunk under your fingernails and cutting your hands all up while trimming out big pieces of sheetmetal, you can do it with bits and bytes instead. Of course, a digital mockup is a good way to test out ideas before taking the nipper to the roof, too. Pete from Digimods has decided that the WRX could really use a rear-mounted engine, plenty more scoops, and a giant roof duct to supply air to the engine, and drown it if it gets taken out in the rainy season. It's a very nicely done rendering. Some will love, some will hate, all will likely have something to say. Have at it, kids! [Source: Digimods via CarScoop]Rear-Engine Rendering: Student-styled Subie is the hot hatch of dreams, nightmares originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Dec 2009 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
REPORT: Subaru says it can't Justy-fy selling a subcompact in the U.S. Filed under: Budget, Subaru What do Toyota, Nissan and Honda all have in common? (Besides the fact that they are all Japanese automakers, that is?) They all re-entered the subcompact market in 2006 after abandoning it years ago. What's more, Mazda is planning to bring its subcompact Mazda2 to U.S. shores next year, Suzuki has signaled its intent to enter the B-segment with its popular Swift hatchback, and the domestics are in the game with the Chevrolet Aveo and forthcoming Ford Fiesta. So, where does that leave Subaru? After all, the company has roots in small cars, starting with its first automobile, the downright minuscule 360, all the way up to the off-the-wall, four-wheel drive, three-cylinder Justy and its unconventional CVT. Subaru spokesman Michael McHale tells Wards Auto, "The thing with the B-sector is you have to ask how you make money at the lower levels. You look at the pricing on the B segment - it's a tough segment to make money." Indeed it is - with base models of some competitors starting just under $10,000, profits are in very short supply. For an automaker as small as Subaru, taking a risk on what is likely to be an unprofitable model generally isn't a smart idea. In other words, don't hold your breath for another subcompact Subaru any time soon. [Source: Wards Auto]REPORT: Subaru says it can't Justy-fy selling a subcompact in the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Dec 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
VIDEO: Man wins India Supreme Court case for 'mountain goat' claims about Chevy Fores Filed under: SUV, Government/Legal, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Chevrolet, Subaru, India Dead Chevrolet Forester in India - Click above to watch the video after the break First of all, if you weren't aware already, the first-generation Subaru Forester was later sold in India as the Chevrolet Forester (General Motors doesn't have the CUV in its lineup anymore). There weren't any real changes to the vehicle in any way, it was really just a Subaru with a Bowtie emblem. Now that that's out of the way, we have learned that an 80-year-old man in India named Ashok Tolat sued General Motors after his Forester came to a halt and died in one foot of water during the monsoon season in 2005. Angered that his SUV couldn't handle any weather thrown its way, Tolat sued GM. General Motors denied any wrongdoing, claiming that the Forester wasn't designed as an all-terrain, all-weather vehicle. Tolat countered with the car's sales brochure, which reportedly likened the Forester's capabilities with that of a mountain goat. "A total misrepresentation," says Tolat. As far as we can recall, we're not aware of any 2005-vintage mountain goats that stalled out and died in one foot of water... so, there you go. The General took the case all the way to India's Supreme Court after losing Tolat's lawsuit in two lower courts, but it ultimately lost there too. It took three years, but Tolat finally got GM to buy back the Forester and pay his legal fees. Score one for determination, even if we're a little leery of the court's ruling without the rest of the facts. In any case, click past the break to watch video of the story as covered on NDTV. [Source: NDTV via YouTube via TTAC]Continue reading VIDEO: Man wins India Supreme Court case for 'mountain goat' claims about Chevy Forester VIDEO: Man wins India Supreme Court case for 'mountain goat' claims about Chevy Forester originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Review: 2010 Subaru Outback adds size, power and refinement for a big wagon winner Filed under: Crossover, Subaru, Reviews 2010 Subaru Outback - Click above for high-res image gallery Even in the face of a bleak economy and dreadful auto sales, Subaru managed to have a breakout year in 2009. Products like the Forester and the Impreza helped Subaru achieve consistent year-over-year gains while the Japanese automaker continues to post stellar quality ratings through J.D. Power and Consumer Reports. And the accolades don't stop there. The new-for-2009 Forester was crowned the 2008 Motor Trend SUV of the year, and this year Subaru accomplished a surprise repeat taking the award for the second straight year with the 2010 Outback. However, the new Outback isn't the capable, milquetoast lifted station wagon we've come to know and respect over the years. It's now bigger. Quite a bit bigger, performing a similar wagon-to-crossover transformation that the Forester pulled off a year earlier. Granted, the Outback is only two inches taller and wider, and a mere three inches longer between the wheels, but the result is a wagon that looks much larger than the model it replaces. We've come to expect that kind of growth in a world of constant size and weight one-upping, but we had to wonder - has increased functionality come at the expense of entertainment once again? We snagged a six-cylinder Outback to find out. Gallery: Review: 2010 Subaru Outback Photos by Chris Shunk / Copyright (C)2009 Weblogs, Inc.Continue reading Review: 2010 Subaru Outback adds size, power and refinement for a big wagon winner Review: 2010 Subaru Outback adds size, power and refinement for a big wagon winner originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Behold, the Power of Subaru: WRX STI tows semi out of snow Filed under: Europe, Videos, Subaru A Subaru WRX STi pulls a semi stuck in the snow -- Click above to watch the video Somewhere in the snow that's falling all over the northern hemisphere, a tractor-trailer got stuck on some slushy ice and snow, blocking a city street. That helpless semi was then strapped to a Subaru WRX STI, and the little engine -- and AWD -- that could, extricated the truck from its predicament. That's cool enough on its own. Yet, what we really want to know is the backstory - did someone say "Don't worry about a wrecker. If you see a blue sedan with gold wheels and a giant wing, and it growls, that's all we need..."? Follow the jump to see it all unfold on video. Thanks for the tip, Roy! [Source: Tastes Like Pizza]Continue reading Behold, the Power of Subaru: WRX STI tows semi out of snow Behold, the Power of Subaru: WRX STI tows semi out of snow originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 20 Dec 2009 10:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
REPORT: Subaru spokesman concerned that RWD Toyobaru could dilute brand identity Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Japan, Subaru, Toyota Subaru Sports Coupe Renderings - Click above for high-res image gallery It should come as no surprised that Subaru -- a brand that's made its name in the States for offering rugged, all-wheel drive vehicles -- is a little wary about bringing its own version of the RWD Toyobaru to the U.S. Speaking with Wards Auto, Subaru spokesperson Michael McHale said, "We're an all-wheel drive brand," going on to say that, "If it doesn't affect the core of the brand, maybe we'd bring it in as an interesting option." Although we've yet to seen the Subaru variant of the Toyota FT-86, the rebodied version is expected to debut sometime in 2010, with both examples going on sale in Japan later next year or in early 2011. Power is supposedly supplied by Subaru-sourced, Toyota-tweaked flat-four, putting out around 200 horsepower in naturally aspirated guise. For Toyota to make a business case for putting the FT-86 into production, it's been all but assumed that the RWD coupe would go on sale in markets outside of Japan -- specifically in Europe and North America. However, the Subaru version's fate isn't quite as clear. If earlier reports are any indication, offering an AWD coupe could be a possibility given the coupe's underpinnings. But if it's strictly RWD, McHale hopes consumers can, "forgive us a one-off exception." Gallery: Subaru FT-86 Sports Coupe renderings [Source: Wards Auto]REPORT: Subaru spokesman concerned that RWD Toyobaru could dilute brand identity originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
North American Car and Truck of the Year awards get shortlisted - Who are your winner Filed under: Buick, Chevrolet, Ford, Subaru, Volkswagen The finalists for the coveted 2010 North American Car and Truck of the Year awards have just been released ahead of next month's ceremony in Detroit. Slated to be unveiled on the floor of the Detroit Auto Show on January 11, the nominees have been whittled down from 25 contenders to the following vehicles: In the car category, the Buick LaCrosse, Ford Fusion Hybrid and Volkswagen Golf will be waiting nervously in the wings, and in the truck category, the Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Transit Connect, and Subaru Outback will vie for the title. The awards are the result of the deliberations of 49 North American automotive journalists and the winners will succeed last year's winners, the Hyundai Genesis sedan and Ford F-150 pickup. Check out a high-res gallery of this year's finalists below, peruse the official press release after the jump, and then let us know which vehicles you think deserve to take home the hardware in Comments. Gallery: 2010 North American Car & Truck of the Year finalists [Source: North American Car & Truck of the Year] Continue reading North American Car and Truck of the Year awards get shortlisted - Who are your winners? North American Car and Truck of the Year awards get shortlisted - Who are your winners? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
VIDEO: PIA/Cobb Tuning give the full STI swap treatment to Subaru Forester Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Videos, Crossover, Subaru Subaru STi-into-Forester swap - Click above to watch video after the jump Pacific Import Auto (PIA) came across a Subaru Impreza WRX STi that had been removed from service by a telephone pole. With a new Subaru Forester at their disposal the Pacific Northwest tuning shop decided to marry the two, throw in a generous number of Cobb parts, and the result is a mean white wagon with 295 horsepower and 325 ft-lb. of torque - at the wheels. For comparison, a 2010 Forrester's engine is rated at 224 horses. The man behind the project said he wanted "a nice looking car, something that nobody else had," so little has changed outside. Underneath, in addition to the beating-again heart of the STi, Cobb contributed a downpipe, front and rear sway bars, and AccessPort ECU remapper. In back, an SPT exhaust is responsible for that deep down sound. Follow the jump to watch the video story. [Source: StreetFire]Continue reading VIDEO: PIA/Cobb Tuning give the full STI swap treatment to Subaru Forester VIDEO: PIA/Cobb Tuning give the full STI swap treatment to Subaru Forester originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Subaru prices 2011 Impreza, adds new paint colors Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Hatchback, Subaru 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI - Click above for high-res image gallery Subaru has released pricing on its non-turbocharged Impreza models (which doesn't include the pictures WRX STI, sorry), and you'll be glad to know that your procrastination has been rewarded. Straight from the house that wears The Pleiades: "Pricing for the 2.5i, 2.5i Premium and Impreza Outback Sport are held to 2010 model year levels." That means the base 170-horsepower Impreza 2.5i sedan holds steady at $17,495, so too the Impreza Outback at $19,995 and everything in between, while the five-door hatch garners a slight premium at $17,995. On the color front, although Subaru has dropped Newport Blue, and in its stead two hues have been added: Marine Blue Pearl and Sky Blue Metallic. Additionally, there are a couple of monotone paint options for the Impreza Outback Sport, and a couple of trim packages have been reworked and discounted. Follow the jump to read all about it. Gallery: 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI [Source: Subaru]Continue reading Subaru prices 2011 Impreza, adds new paint colors Subaru prices 2011 Impreza, adds new paint colors originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Jun 2010 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT: Rise of the MPGs Filed under: Sedan, Subaru, Long-Term Garage Since I took the keys for our long-term 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT from fellow editor Chris Paukert, I've managed to squeeze in a number of long drives. This has given me a perfect chance to observe the Legacy 2.5GT's fuel economy in ideal conditions. The Environmental Protection Agency rates our Legacy model and its turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder at 18 mpg in the city, 25 on the highway and 21 mpg combined. As you can see above, our experience over the last three full fill-ups beat the estimates with room to spare. Mind you, I've spent most of my time with the Legacy cruising comfortably on the highway, and Paukert, who lives in a decidedly more urban setting, assures me that the MPGs fall fast in the city. Also, remember that the Legacy 2.5GT requires premium fuel, and I spent between $44 and $46 to fill up its 18.5-gallon fuel tank with 93 Octane that cost about $2.80/gallon. Still, my last fill-up showed the car achieved an honest-to-goodness 27 mpg over 426 miles, which is 6 mpg better than the EPA's combined estimate and 2 mpg better than its highway estimate. And the engine appears to be gaining efficiency as we continue to break it in. The wife and I are gearing up for a road trip with the Legacy that will add well over 2,000 miles to its odo. We'll keep track of the fuel economy we see and report back to see if Autoblog's first long-term car can keep this surprisingly good performance up. Gallery: Long Term: 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT: Rise of the MPGs originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Jun 2010 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
STI-tuned Subaru Legacy B4 2.5GT tS released in Japan Filed under: Sedan, Wagon, Japan, Subaru Subaru Legacy B4 2.5GT tS - Click above for high-res image gallery We've grown quite fond of our long-term 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT over the past few months, but we can't help but be somewhat jealous of the STI-tuned Legacy that's just been released in Japan. Subaru's in-house tuning department has laid hands on the new-for-2010 Legacy sedan (and the not-for-U.S. wagon!) to create the B4 2.5GT tS, which features a host of cosmetic and dynamic enhancements, even though the turbocharged 2.5-liter boxer remains unchanged. Visually, the tS (which stands for "Tuned by STI") gets a new front lip spoiler, as well as a subtle deckled spoiler out back (fixed to the roof on wagon models). New 18-inch alloys wrapped in 225/45-series rubber sit at the corners and appropriate badging is applied all around. Inside, there's a revised instrument cluster, sport seats, carbon trim, a leather-wrapped STI steering wheel and, of course, STI branding on the shifter and floor mats. Where the tS gets good, however, is in its performance upgrades, which include a sport exhaust system, a more robust Bilstein suspension, and new strut tower bars. Because the turbocharged flat-four keeps its stock output - 265 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque - this hotted-up Legacy won't be any quicker on the street. The other tweaks should make it even more poised during sporty driving, though. While this may seem like just another juicy piece of Forbidden Fruit, we're sure that STI has upgrades for the U.S.-spec Legacy in the pipeline. (Please!) Scroll through the gallery below to see the Legacy tS's upgrades in detail. Gallery: Subaru Legacy B4 2.5GT tS [Source: Subaru via Carscoop]STI-tuned Subaru Legacy B4 2.5GT tS released in Japan originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 12 Jun 2010 12:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Autocar: Next Subaru STI to go diesel, rival Mitsubishi Evo going hybrid Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Performance, Hatchback, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Rumormill, Diesel 2010 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Special Edition - Click above for high-res image gallery Rumblings about a diesel-powered Subaru WRX STI first surfaced more than two years ago, and now they're back. The realities of meeting CO2 emissions limits in Europe and elsewhere may have increased the likelihood of a high-performance diesel Subaru, and an oil-burning STI would probably generate at least 200 horsepower and well over 300 pound-feet of torque, suggests Autocar. According to the UK rumor-traffickers, gasoline engines will almost certainly remain in the mix, albeit with reduced displacement. A new engine based on the 1.5-liter boxer in the base Impreza could offer suitable power if mixed with other technologies like direct injection. Even if Subaru does indeed develop a diesel STI, there's no guarantee that such a model would ever make it to North America. Of course, the WRX doesn't live in a vacuum. Its longtime rival, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo may also ditch the spark plugs and also add a hybrid system. Earlier plans for a gas hybrid were reportedly canceled in favor of the diesel. The plan is to retain the Evo's sophisticated all-wheel-drive for acceleration to 60 mph in under five seconds and CO2 emissions below 200 grams per kilometer. Thanks to everyone for the tips! Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Special Edition [Source: Autocar, Autocar]Autocar: Next Subaru STI to go diesel, rival Mitsubishi Evo going hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Jun 2010 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Video: 2011 WRX STI sedan runs 'Ring in 7:55, quickest ever for Subaru Filed under: Motorsports, Sedan, Performance, Videos, Subaru, Specialty 2011 Subaru WRX STI sedan at the Nürburgring - Click above for high-res image gallery Quick: What's the fastest production sedan in the world? Does it wear a Mercedes-Benz, Audi or BMW badge? What about the Porsche Panamera Turbo or the Cadillac CTS-V? There's no doubt that each of these vehicular behemoths is capable of ripping off some fast times on a race track near you, but Subaru is out to prove that its new 2011 WRX STI sedan has the chops to keep pace with the best from the rest of the world. To prove its point, Subaru recently sent test driver and four-time World Rally Champion Tommi Mäkinen out to the famed Nürburgring Nordschleife course in Germany with a 2011 STI test car. According to reports, the vehicle used in this testing was equipped with a few significant upgrades including a larger turbocharger that normally sees duty in the Japanese R205 model and some lightweight aluminum bits, but one thing is for certain: the 7:55 lap time is a mighty impressive result. For those keeping track of such things, the previous best lap set by a Subaru WRX STI was in 2004 at 7:59.41 and the new mark set by Subaru - albeit with a prototype, not a production car - is quicker than any of the aforementioned competition. Best of all, there's a video of one entire lap around the 'Ring and you can find the in-car footage after the break. Gallery: 2011 Subaru WRX STI at the Nurburgring [Source: Subaru]Continue reading Video: 2011 WRX STI sedan runs 'Ring in 7:55, quickest ever for Subaru Video: 2011 WRX STI sedan runs 'Ring in 7:55, quickest ever for Subaru originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Jun 2010 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT: Backwards E-brake Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Subaru, Long-Term Garage Long-term 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT - Click above for high-res image gallery Executive Editor Paukert has already complained about one button located on the panel to the left of the steering wheel in our long-term 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT. But now that the keys have traded hands and I've got a beef to share about a different button. The electronic parking brake is the biggest "button" in the cluster, but it's not so much a button as a push/pull-type switch. Fitted with a manual transmission, we tend to set the parking brake every time we exit the car, so the switch gets a lot of use. However, Subaru has set up the switch in the exact opposite orientation you'd expect. Every time I go to set the parking brake, I pull it. Every time I go to turn it off, I push it. Unfortunately, it works the other way around. I think what's going on is that my muscle memory is trying to replicate what I would do with a more traditional parking brake lever, i.e. pull to set, push to release. I suppose someone could argue the exact opposite, that pushing to engage and pulling to release makes total sense (because that's how the door on a microwave works?), but we've heard from other late-model Subaru owners that this switch is a source of frustration for them as well, and many other vehicles that we've driven with similar e-brake levers work in the opposite fashion. For now, we must remember that in this digital age of ours, new technology doesn't necessarily mimic its analog counterpart, which means I'm stuck pulling when I should pushing until my brain decides to relent. CLICK HERE to check out all of the updates on our long-term 2011 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT. Gallery: Long Term: 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT: Backwards E-brake originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Jun 2010 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT: May 2010 Filed under: Sedan, Subaru, Long-Term Garage 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT - Click above for high-res image gallery Our 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT long-termer has over 4,000 miles on it now, and it's broken in nicely. The six-speed cable shifter has freed up nominally (it's still a bit notchy), and the turbocharged flat-four is singing as sweetly as ever. As we mentioned earlier, we're pleased to note that Subaru has already begun making some nominal tweaks to the 2.5GT to make it a bit more special, particularly in the area of cabin furnishings. We find the interior to be a pretty comfortable - and hugely roomy - place to be, but for the range's dedicated performance model, the 2010 iteration just isn't adequately differentiated from other models in the series. Thanks to a slew of minor changes, the 2011 model's interior promises visuals that are more in keeping with the 2.5GT's sporting temperament.Oh - another word about those front seats. We've taken a few longer drives over the past month, and while they're still very comfortable, the lower seat cushions are quite short and we can't help but wonder if this would become a problem for taller folks. We're going to try to cajole some of our lankier friends into taking a few long drives with us and see how they come down. Either way, we do wish that the GT would rank model-specific seats with significantly more lateral bolstering for the twisties. No such issues with the rear seats - knee, leg and toe room is epic, as is headroom. 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT: May 2010 Simple switchgear a welcome traitThere's a lot to be said for simplicity over unnecessary complication. Less wood, more sportSubaru has recognized the opportunity to substitute faux carbon fiber trim for 2011. Click here for all updates. One other thing we've noticed is that not only are the Legacy's seats comfortable, the ride is extremely forgiving, even on 18-inch Bridgestone summer rubber. The 2.5GT has a surprisingly pliant sort of long-travel feel to it, which has proven to be an asset on the broken roads here in the Midwest. There might be a bit more lean in hard cornering as a consequence, but the tuning seems to mesh nicely with the idea of Subaru's rally heritage - we can see getting our Scandy-flick on and catching air on modest jumps with few issues in this thing. We plan to have the Legacy live out in California for a few months later this year, where our man Lavrinc will tell us if this somewhat softish feeling is a liability on the state's well-groomed curvy roads. For now, however, it's a pleasure, making short work of Detroit's broken surfaces. In the meantime, our Subie continues to win friends on the streets and with family members, some of whom haven't encountered a modern product from Fuji Heavy. We've had a surprising number of unsolicited compliments curbside and at gas stations, and we're growing used to the design ourselves - those big fenders (purportedly to emphasize the car's all-wheel drive nature) now almost look like they're part of a sporty body kit to us - in a good way - and the deep maroon paint hides the car's size, while the finish appears to be of uniformly high quality. CLICK HERE to check out all updates for our long-term 2011 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT. Gallery: Long Term: 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT: May 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Jun 2010 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Subaru letting owners show loyalty, hobbies with free badge program Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Subaru Have you seen those Subaru commercials that feature mud-covered Outbacks? You know, the ones where they talk about the thick layer of terra firma as a badge of honor? Well, if you don't like your Subie to stay filthy for long, Subaru has another way to showcase your honor and brand loyalty. We're talking real badges, baby. As shown at right, the main, circular badge tells the world how many Subarus you've owned, followed by your choice of over a dozen badges that show what sports or hobbies you engage in. As you can see in the main image above, merit badges include the 100,000 mile club, mechanical prowess, gardening, biking and winter sports. The badges have an adhesive backing so they can be easily affixed to any metal surface. And if you don't have a Subaru but think you can buy the badges because they look cool, think again. Proof of ownership via Vehicle Identification Number is required to score your free stick-on schwag. Head over to the Subaru Badge of Ownership site to peruse the options. Thanks for the tip, Keye! [Source: Subaru]Subaru letting owners show loyalty, hobbies with free badge program originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 May 2010 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Cosworth puts the spurs to Subaru's Impreza WRX STI Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Hatchback, Subaru, UK Cosworth Impreza STI CS400 - Click above for image gallery This is the Cosworth Impreza STI CS400, the car Cosworth said would "humble" supercars. With a 0-to-62 sprint happening in just 3.7 seconds it'll be quicker than a whole bunch of exotics, and at £49,995 ($71,368 U.S.), it'll be a whole lot cheaper as well. If that sounds like a boatload of cash for a warmed-over WRX, well, it is. But bear in mind that thanks to factors like the 17.5 percent Value Added Tax, UK pricing is rather different than what pricing in the States would likely look like were Cosworth to sell the CS400 here. The 395-horsepower, 398-pound-foot Cossie Scooby benefits from a thorough rework of its boxer-engined details, boasting new pistons, con-rods, turbocharger, exhaust and ECU mapping among its many modifications. Aiding the Impreza's all-wheel drive get power to the ground is a lowered suspension with components from Bilstein and Eibach. Looks-wise, a different front bumper fitted with mesh inserts, a rear spoiler, a track widened by 12 millimeters, and 18-inch alloys over bigger AP brakes will make sure Subaru cognescenti don't confuse you with anything else. Identification will also be made easier by the fact that there will only be 75 made for the UK market only, and available it'll be available in red, silver, and dark gray. Thanks to everyone for the tips! Gallery: Cosworth Impreza STI CS400 [Source: Cosworth via Autocar]Cosworth puts the spurs to Subaru's Impreza WRX STI originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 May 2010 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT: Simplicity of switchgear a welcome trait Filed under: Sedan, Subaru, Long-Term Garage 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT - Click above for high-res image gallery After spending a week circumnavigating the country in a pair of BMW sedans on One Lap of America a couple of weeks back, you might think that the drive home to Detroit from South Bend would've been a bit of a disappointment. On the contrary, we were glad to see our long-term 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT, and have been so every day since then. Not that we didn't enjoy the 550i (2010 model) or remember why we absolutely love the 335d, but there's a lot to be said for simplicity over unnecessary complication. For one, the cruise control switchgear on the steering wheel spoke in the Subie is infinitely easier to use than the hidden stalk on the Bimmers. The Legacy's arrangement is a model of ergonomic excellence, whereas the BMW necessitated that we give step-by-step how-to directions to our co-drivers from the back seat. Repeatedly. And don't even get us started on the differences in navigation systems. While the 2.5GT's is far from perfect, its touchscreen is still much easier to negotiate than either of the two generations of iDrive we experienced in the BMWs - much improved though they are. We do wish that higher functions (address entry, etc.) could be accessed on the move - at least when there is more than one person in the car. Why can't automakers learn that this safety 'feature' should have an automatic override tied to the passenger seat weight sensor that's already there to govern airbag deployment? Did we mention how much we like the utterly intuitive dual-zone HVAC controls? Crisp display, a couple of rockers and a handful of buttons - it's simplicity itself. One area where our Subaru is arguably oversimplified is with its sunroof controls: It has two single-function switches - one for tilt, and one for slide open/close. Unless it's a small cost win, we can't see why there isn't a unified dual function switch as on most other cars. At least they are differentiated in look and feel for less fumbling about. Autoblog Long-Term Introduction: 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT Long-Term Update: Touring our Subaru Legacy 2.5GT's birthplace 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT: Hill holder a great feature, but why an idiot lamp? More Long-Term Updates: 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT: The key is robustness and simplicity 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT: Less Wood, More Sport Visit the our long-term 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT page Gallery: Long Term: 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT Photos by Chris Paukert / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT: Simplicity of switchgear a welcome trait originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 May 2010 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT: Less wood, more sport Filed under: Sedan, Subaru, Long-Term Garage 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT - click above for high-res gallery Over the last few months, we've had some time to come to grips with how comfy and capacious the interior is in our long-term 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT, but despite this, we think it could still do with a sportier feeling cabin. A big part of the staidness of the interior can be blamed on our test car's spears of orangey woodgrain trim - we would have gladly substituted the silver trim in lower-rung models, but it wasn't an option. Thankfully, Subaru has recognized the incongruity - and the opportunity - and they're substituting faux carbon fiber for the 2011 model year, which ought to be a great improvement and help sell the 'performance' aura. Better still, they're adding aluminum pedal covers and silver seat stitching which should definitely liven up the place a bit. Pricing for the 2011 model - now in 'Limited' trim only - goes up by $405 to $31,395. but includes Harman/Kardon audio with XM - two items that cost extra in our 2010. They're also adding folding side mirrors, which should make at least one AB commenter we've heard from very happy. Either way the modest price increase is money very well spent in our book. Now, if Subaru would only make its excellent xenon headlamps available as an option (they've already got the switch blank for the beam adjuster in place next to the power mirror controls), we'd be even happier campers... Long-Term Update: Touring our Subaru Legacy 2.5GT's birthplace 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT: The key is robustness and simplicity 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT: Automatic hill-holder is a great feature, but why the idiot lamp? Updates on our year-long experience with this Subaru can be found by checking out its long-term page. Bookmark it, subscribe to our RSS feed and follow our tweets (#ablongterm) as we travel along the road ahead with our Legacy 2.5GT. Gallery: Long Term: 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT Photos by Chris Paukert / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT: Less wood, more sport originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 May 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Subaru announces pricing and tweaks to 2011 Outback, Legacy models Filed under: Sedan, Crossover, Subaru 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT - click above for high-res gallery Subaru has priced the 2011 versions of two vehicles leading its continuing sales charge, the Legacy and Outback. All of the Legacy models bar the Limited trim version have stood pat on MSRP, from the base 2.5i at $19,995 to the 3.6R at $24,995. The Limited models go up by $300 to cover folding exterior mirrors, harman/kardon audio, and XM satellite radio. The 2011 Legacy 2.5GT will only be offered in Limited guise, and its price goes up by $405 to $31,395. Replacing its woodgrain with faux carbon-fiber dashboard trim and adding brightwork in the form of aluminum pedals and contrasting seat stitching addresses two of the few gripes we've had with our 2.5GT long term test car. The Outback gets the smallest hike, just $200, going to $23,195 for the 2.5i, $24,495 for the 2.5i Premium, and $28,495 for the 2.5i Limited with CVT. Opt for the Power Moonroof Package for an additional $450, and you'll get a new rear-view camera with a 3.3-inch display in the auto-dimming mirror with Homelink thrown on Premium and Limited models. Follow the jump for the rest of the details on the 2011 Legacy and Outback - with this kind of pricing restraint, we expect them to keep selling well. Gallery: Long Term: 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT Photos by Chris Paukert / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc. [Source: Subaru]Continue reading Subaru announces pricing and tweaks to 2011 Outback, Legacy models Subaru announces pricing and tweaks to 2011 Outback, Legacy models originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 May 2010 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Subaru fans celebrate P1's 10-year anniversary in the UK Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Performance, Subaru, UK, Racing Subaru Impreza P1 10th Anniversary Gathering - Click above for high-res image gallery Looking back, the year 2000 was a pretty special time. The world had survived the Y2K fiasco with nary a scratch... other than having a pile of soon-to-be obsolete VCRs that were suddenly even more difficult to program than they had been before. On this side of the pond, it looked as if the human race was fresh with optimism, and 9/11 was still nothing more than what you called when the garage caught fire. Or was that just us? But for the UK, 2000 was special for an entirely different reason. It was the year Subaru brought the infamous Impreza P1 to the empire. Conservatively described as one of the best production Impreza models ever sold, the car was built by Prodrive in the image of the already legendary rally racers beating up on the WRC at the time. With 280 horsepower pushing a mere 2,850 pounds via Subaru's all-wheel drive wizardry, it boasted STI performance when the company's performance arm was still a twinkle in the Fuji Heavy Industries eye. Last weekend marked the 10th anniversary of the introduction of the car, and as such, 100 Imperza P1s descended on the Prodrive headquarters in Branbury to mark the occasion. In addition, another 300 Scoobies and 1,000 fans of both Subaru and Prodrive showed up to participate. Hit the jump for the press release. [Source: Prodrive]Continue reading Subaru fans celebrate P1's 10-year anniversary in the UK Subaru fans celebrate P1's 10-year anniversary in the UK originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 May 2010 07:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Subaru recalling nearly 30,000 Outback, Legacy models over CVT cooling hose Filed under: Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Subaru 2010 Subaru Legacy - Click above for high-res image gallery Owners of a 2010 Subaru Outback or Legacy equipped with a CVT transmission may need to make an unscheduled visit to their Subaru dealer due to a new recall. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a recall of 29,443 Legacy and Outback models for a crack that can occur in the CVT cooler hose that could result in a fluid leak. The only vehicles affected by the recall are the ones built between July 31 and December 1, 2009. The NHTSA website states that Subaru didn't provide any safety consequences for this recall, but we're thinking a CVT fluid leak could lead to a damaged transmission, which is a lot more expensive than a new hose and a far bigger hassle for owners. Affected vehicles can be brought to the nearest Subaru dealer to have the hose replaced free of charge. If you're not sure if your vehicle falls under the recall, call Subaru at 1-856-488-8500. Hit the jump to read over the NHTSA release. [Source: NHTSA]Continue reading Subaru recalling nearly 30,000 Outback, Legacy models over CVT cooling hose Subaru recalling nearly 30,000 Outback, Legacy models over CVT cooling hose originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 May 2010 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Subaru introduces "New EyeSight" system Filed under: Budget, Safety, Technology, Subaru Volvo may have been one of the first car companies to bring an automatic braking system to the street, but it certainly won't be the last. Subaru just announced it's the New EyeSight - a system that uses two cameras to detect potential collision hazards and stop the vehicle if necessary. The cameras work in conjunction with something Subaru is calling pre-collision braking control. If the cameras detect an object like a pedestrian or car in the vehicle's path, an alarm will sound to alert the driver. If the driver still takes no action, the car will stop itself, potentially avoiding a collision or reducing damage from the impact. Subaru says that the system will only stop the car if the difference in speed between the two objects is less than 18.5 mph. If the difference is any faster than that, and the New EyeSight system will simply slow the vehicle. The company also announced a new brake assist system. When the driver applies the brakes in a panic situation, brake-assist equipped cars will add an extra boost to the brake system, hopefully stopping the vehicle before an impact. Finally, New EyeSight equipped vehicles will also feature adaptive cruise control. Like similar systems from other manufacturers, the Subaru cars will be able to detect the speed of vehicles ahead of it in traffic, and adjust its speed accordingly when the cruise control is active. So far there's no word on how much the New EyeSight system will cost when it hits the market. Japanese customers should be able to order it on Legacy models starting next month. Full details in the press release after the jump. [Source: Subaru]Continue reading Subaru introduces "New EyeSight" system Subaru introduces "New EyeSight" system originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Apr 2010 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Autoblog Podcast #175 - Bob Lutz joins in Filed under: Concept Cars, Podcasts, Etc., Audi, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, GM, Subaru, Earnings/Financials, Celebrities, Design/Style Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now! Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid, Chris Paukert and Dan Roth are joined by the car executive we all wish we could be when we grow up, General Motors Vice Chairman Bob Lutz. After an hour of peppering Bob with questions about his career, we come away better informed as to where the man stands on the industry's future, how GM will fare, his favorite concept cars, what he plans to do in his retirement, and - pivotally - how to get your wife to let you buy a MiG fighter jet. It's a hour and thirteen minutes of class lecture from Mr. Lutz. Enjoy! Autoblog Podcast #175: Bob Lutz!
Report: Subaru to boost Indiana output by 40% Filed under: Sedan, Wagon, Plants/Manufacturing, Subaru, Toyota 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT - Click above for high-res image gallery Subaru is still seeing record sales for its newly redesigned Legacy and Outback, and as such, the company is looking to bump up production at the birthplace of our long-term Legacy 2.5GT by a hefty 40 percent. Automotive News reports that Fuji Heavy Industries wants to see a total of 140,000 vehicles roll out of the doors at its Indiana plant by the end of 2010 - a figure that could prove to be problematic considering that the Lafayette facility is presently only geared to turn out 100,000 cars per year. That means Subaru will have to rummage up a way to crank out an extra 40,000 units, which may mean adding an additional production line. So far, Subaru hasn't said how it plans to meet the goals set forth by the higher-ups, but Automotive News seems to think the company may take over a line currently devoted to producing the Toyota Camry. Considering there are whispers that the increased output will require an investment of tens of millions of dollars, our money is on seeing another line at the plant. Last year, Subaru sold a total of 216,652 vehicles. The company says that with the announced nudge in production, that figure should increase to 230,000 for 2010. Gallery: Subaru Automotive Indiana [Source: Automotive News]Report: Subaru to boost Indiana output by 40% originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Apr 2010 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Long-Term Update: Touring our Subaru Legacy 2.5GT's birthplace Filed under: Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Subaru, Long-Term Garage Subaru Automotive Indiana - Click above for high-res gallery With the genesis of our 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT long-termer just a few hundred miles down the road in Lafayette, Indiana, we thought it only appropriate to pick up our bouncing burgundy baby at the factory. Many folks we know still express surprise that our Legacy is built in the States, but the folks at Fuji Heavy Industries have been building the model at Subaru Automotive Indiana (SIA) since its production lines fired up way back in September of 1989. Like the Legacy itself, the plant was a much different animal at that time. Back then, it was a joint production facility between Subaru and fellow Japanese automaker Isuzu, which assembled its pickup, the Rodeo, and eventually, the Axiom (remember those?) before exiting the venture in 2004. The plant presently builds the Legacy sedan, its tippy-toes-with-mukluks cousin, the Outback and Tribeca, and the Toyota Camry, a car it's built since early 2007. In the past, it was also responsible for North American production of the Subaru Baja and the Honda Passport, the Rodeo's mechanical twin. If you're getting the impression that this plant has been a remarkably flexible manufacturing facility, you've got it right. Follow the jump to read more. Updates on our year-long experience with this Subaru can be found by checking out its long-term page. Bookmark it, subscribe to our RSS feed and follow our tweets (#ablongterm) as we start on the long road ahead with our Legacy 2.5GT. Gallery: Subaru Automotive Indiana Photos by Chris Paukert / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.Continue reading Long-Term Update: Touring our Subaru Legacy 2.5GT's birthplace Long-Term Update: Touring our Subaru Legacy 2.5GT's birthplace originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Apr 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT: The key is robustness and simplicity Filed under: Sedan, Subaru, Design/Style, Long-Term Garage 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT - Click above for high-res image gallery Car keys have gone from bare hunks of uninteresting metal to multi-function, pieces of auto jewelry and pocket brand totems. Some are beautifully rendered small works of art (e.g. Aston Martin's chunk of crystal), while others are overwrought and oversized, taking up too much pocket or purse space because they have separate keys and oversized fobs. The best ones are both convenient and consistent with the automaker's brand values, and in that spirit, our long-term Subaru Legacy 2.5GT's key nails it. Like Subaru cars themselves, the key is practical, robust, and not oversized. Nothing flips out like a switchblade, it doesn't have a gigantic separate fob that creates a big lump in your jeans, and it doesn't weigh a ton, either. It's just a simple wave-cut key with a commendably small head that features four buttons - Lock, Unlock, Trunk, and a recessed red Panic button. Simple, effective, and to the point - not unlike Subaru cars themselves. Your status probably won't go up by flashing it at the local martini bar or valet display stand, but if you care about that sort of thing, you're probably not a typical Subaru shopper anyway. Gallery: Long Term: 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT: The key is robustness and simplicity originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Apr 2010 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT: Automatic hill-holder is a great feature, but why the idiot Filed under: Sedan, Subaru, Long-Term Garage 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT - Click above for high-res image gallery Like all new-for-2010 Subaru Legacy models, our long-term 2.5GT has an electronic parking brake that has a hill holder feature. We think these are great, particularly on manual transmission cars like ours, where rollback on uphill starts can be require a bit of pedal dancing that's particularly nerve-racking for newer stick-shift drivers. It's also mighty convenient for those that live in hilly areas where incline starts are a frequent occurrence. So... great feature, right? Yes, but why does switching it on illuminate a green indicator lamp in the gauge cluster, and why does it turn itself off every time you turn off the car? We understand the advantage of a defeat button (usage is potentially ill-advised if you're towing something or carrying a heavy load), but we would prefer that once the feature is activated, that it stay that way until the driver specifies otherwise. Oddly enough, Subaru actually offered a mechanical hill holder on its cars long before going to an electronic parking brake, but as best we can remember, that system wasn't defeatable. Still, we don't recall hearing anyone grouse about it staying on all the time, and we're not sure why the default setting for this new system is off, or why it requires an idiot lamp at all. As it is, we've stopped using it regularly to avoid the extra light in the cluster. That, and we couldn't get The Smiths' "There is a Light that Never Goes Out" bounding through our head every time we used it. Gallery: Long Term: 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT: Automatic hill-holder is a great feature, but why the idiot lamp? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Apr 2010 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
The iPhone 4: it blends Another Apple product launch, another episode of Will it Blend? No cheating this time as far as we can tell, but the production values have certainly gone through the roof for the inevitable iPhone 4 edition and yes, just like everything else they've put in a blender, it blends. See for yourself after the break. [Thanks, O'Neill]Continue reading The iPhone 4: it blends The iPhone 4: it blends originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 25 Jun 2010 13:47:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Blendtec (YouTube) | Email this | Comments More... The Jimmy Fallon Test: is the iPhone 4 dropping fewer calls? If you watched the most recent episode of The Engadget Show, then you know that Jimmy Fallon had a lot to say about the iPhone -- particularly the fact that he's been fed up with his 3GS' dropped calls, and was planning a jump to an Android device on Verizon if the iPhone 4 didn't improve things. You see, he takes a path through Midtown Manhattan where his calls are dropped in two specific locations on a daily basis. In his words: "It cuts out at 27th st. and cuts out again around 47th st., and it's awful, I can't take it." Jimmy told us that he'd test the path with the iPhone 4 and see if things improved, and he's recounted what happened yesterday in an email:I did the experiment. I tried to stay on the phone from downtown Manhattan to Midtown with no dropped calls. (usually I get 2 drops) I got..... (drum roll) No dropped calls!!! Not one. I'm a believer. iPhone 4. So like us, he's getting better reception on the new phone (despite the antenna issues). What about you guys? We know that there are definitely noticeable, real signal issues, but how has your connection been? More dropped calls or less? Let us know in the poll below! View Poll The Jimmy Fallon Test: is the iPhone 4 dropping fewer calls? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 25 Jun 2010 13:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | | Email this | Comments More... NPad tablet shown off in China, running MeeGo Red Flag Software's just shown off a custom MeeGo tablet that's China-bound. Though we don't have any images of the unit yet, we know that the NPad be a Moorestown-powered, 10.1-inch touchscreen tablet that "looks like" the iPad, and it'll boast WiFi, Bluetooth, 3G, and GPS. The company also says that it'll be cheaper than the iPad, so there's that!NPad tablet shown off in China, running MeeGo originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 25 Jun 2010 12:46:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink Meego Forum | Investors | Email this | Comments More... Verizon Wireless changing to Verizon this Sunday, massive new branding campaign planned? (update: no name change) So Droid Life -- which has earned itself a solid record in the rumor game as of late -- is reporting that Verizon Wireless will be dropping the "Wireless" portion of its name this weekend and announcing that it won't be carrying the iPhone 4, instead concentrating on its high-end line of Android devices that it's done an admirable job of building up lately. We can't speak to the validity of the iPhone stuff, but we're starting to believe the rest now that we've been independently tipped on a new branding campaign that'll focus on the tagline "Rule the Air." Interestingly, it would seem that changing the name to Verizon risks confusing the company with one of its two corporate parents -- Verizon Communications -- which leads us to wonder whether this is a sign that Vodafone could be getting close to relinquishing control of its sizable minority share after years of speculation. Regardless, it looks like the bright red theme ain't going anywhere. More on this as it develops. [Thanks, The Geek] Update: We have it on good authority now that there will be no official name change from Verizon Wireless to Verizon -- the only thing that's changing is the use of new logos that lack the "Wireless" portion of the name.Verizon Wireless changing to Verizon this Sunday, massive new branding campaign planned? (update: no name change) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 25 Jun 2010 12:24:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | | Email this | Comments More...
No one to test FaceTime with? Call Apple. Be it because you have no friends, or simply no friends with an iPhone 4, Apple's got your back if you're looking for a chum to test that curiously intriguing FaceTime feature. Just dial up 1-888-FACETIME (after cleaning yourself up a bit, of course) and hang tight, as a dapper Apple employee will be there in a moment to "show you the basics and a few advanced tips." And don't even try any of those late night shenanigans -- the help line's only open from 8AM to 8PM CDT. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]No one to test FaceTime with? Call Apple. originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 25 Jun 2010 11:59:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Mobiture | Email this | Comments More...
2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT: Learning to drive stick Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Subaru, Long-Term Garage That's my wife, and despite the two thumbs up and big smile on her face, she just stalled our long-term 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT for the sixth time in a row. Turns out that the Legacy is not an ideal practice car in which to learn the fine art of cog swapping. It's too bad, too, as tomorrow the Mrs. and I are heading off on a 2,000+ mile road trip vacation to Bar Harbor, Maine in the Legacy. While I love a long road trip behind the wheel and prefer the driver's seat to the passivity of riding shotgun, it's going to be a long trip and I wouldn't have minded a copilot to take over when my eyelids get heavy. The problem with learning stick in the Legacy is its clutch. The take-up point comes on quickly, after only an inch or so of pedal travel, so you have to be very nuanced in the application of your left foot within that span of space. Experienced manual drivers can get the hang of it, though it still takes concentration not to make your passengers buck back and forth when shifting gears. As for my wife, she just couldn't get the hang of the Legacy's manual tranny. Her left leg just didn't have the degrees of control necessary to pull away from a stop without letting the engine bog down and die. She actually did it the first time she tried, but couldn't duplicate her success on the second or eleventh try. Now, I shouldn't fault the Legacy alone, as my lesson in shifting began with highly technical expositions of how the accelerator and clutch pedal were affecting the car's mechanicals and ended with me shouting "Give it more gas. More GAS. MORE GAS!" Our next lesson will be in a friend's 2002 Ford Focus, which we're assured has a suitably mushy clutch that's perfect for beginners. If you've got any tips on how best to teach someone manual driving, let us know in the comments. PS: Thanks for the response from readers on my update about the Legacy's backwards E-brake. Since then I've tried to consider the E-Brake as more analogous to ye olde foot brakes and am having success. I've also discovered that if you're in gear and have your seatbelt on, the E-brake will disengage as soon as you apply some gas. Yes, electronics can be your friend. Gallery: Long Term: 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT: Learning to drive stick originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Jun 2010 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...