Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Automobile Magazine names its 2013 All-Stars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/automobile-magazine-names-its-2013-all-stars/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/automobile-magazine-names-its-2013-all-stars/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/automobile-magazine-names-its-2013-all-stars/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,



Employing complex scientific formulas and methodologies probably best described as "Whatever we felt like choosing," Automobile has named its All-Stars for the 2013 model year. The 11 vehicles earned their trophies for being "the best and most significant" offerings to the mag's staff and contributors, and while we were surprised to see a couple of them on the list, none of them were shocking. In no particular order, they are: Random notes: The least expensive vehicle on the list was the Ford Focus at $16,995 however, it was the $24,495 Focus ST that was actually driven; the least expensive vehicle as-tested, when such indication was given, was the $28,265 BRZ; the most expensive vehicle as-tested was the $75,615 Porsche Boxster S, hurdling the price of the A7 by nearly $4,000; the greatest disparity between base and as-tested price was the Ram, from the $24,395 skin-and-bones truck to the $54,335 Laramie Longhorn Crew Cab; the GTI was viewed through the history of its birthplace, Wolfsburg.

There you have it. Head on over to Automobile for the full story and the adventures they created to test each winner.

Automobile Magazine names its 2013 All-Stars originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 May 2013 11:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audi a7automobileautomobile magazineautomobile magazine all-starsbmw 3 serieschevrolet camaro zl1ford focushonda accordmazda cx-5porsche boxsterram 1500scion fr-ssubaru brzvolkswagen golf gtiWed, 22 May 2013 11:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20578483/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/22/automobile-magazine-names-its-2013-all-stars/20578483/article-detail.xml 20578483 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/chevrolet-camaro-zl1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/chevrolet-camaro-zl1.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota GT86 engineers explored shooting brake and sedan variants, are they still in the cards?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/13/toyota-gt86-engineers-explored-shooting-brake-and-sedan-variants/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/13/toyota-gt86-engineers-explored-shooting-brake-and-sedan-variants/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/13/toyota-gt86-engineers-explored-shooting-brake-and-sedan-variants/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

2013 Toyota GT86 TRD - front three-quarter view

According to the Toyota UK blog, engineers for the automaker were so excited developing the GT86 coupe that they investigated producing a whole family of models based on the rear-wheel drive sports car. And at least one engineer - product chief Tetsuya Tada - still hopes it can happen, even if not everyone at Toyota is onboard. Tada: "Actually we tried to do this secretly but the executives found us out. They said: 'What are you doing? Will you please focus on the coupe.'"

Those mooted variants included both a four-door sedan and a shooting brake. Why? Aside from the pure excellence of a lightweight, brilliantly handling hatchback, Toyota was keenly aware of the fact that it may need to spread the cost of development out across several models. Tada says that's part of the reason why it was so easy to create the convertible. The company knew from the outset that a softtop version was in the cards, and built the machine's structure to accommodate having the roof sliced off.

Tada also made mention of the already-announced collaboration between Toyota and BMW. The engineer said that the GT86 was particularly helpful because it demonstrated just how successful a product conceived and designed by two different companies can be. While he didn't say exactly what Toyota and BMW are up to, it's clear the two are looking into a number of possibilities. It's an interesting read with a lot of

Toyota GT86 engineers explored shooting brake and sedan variants, are they still in the cards? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Mar 2013 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 scion fr-s2013 subaru brz2013 toyota gt86bmwbrzfr-sgt 86gt-86gt86scionsubarutoyotaWed, 13 Mar 2013 19:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20500769/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/13/toyota-gt86-engineers-explored-shooting-brake-and-sedan-variants/20500769/article-detail.xml 20500769 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/toyota-gt86-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/toyota-gt86-628.jpg <![CDATA[World Car Of The Year down to its final four]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/13/world-car-of-the-year-down-to-its-final-four/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/13/world-car-of-the-year-down-to-its-final-four/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/13/world-car-of-the-year-down-to-its-final-four/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Mercedes-Benz A-Class - front three-quarter view, dynamic

Judges for the World Car of the Year Award have narrowed down the finalists to just four vehicles. Out of a total of 42 entries, only the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, Porsche Boxster/Cayman, Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ/Toyota GT-86 and Volkswagen Golf remain standing. For Volkswagen, this marks the second consecutive year the company has had an entry among the finalists, and the fourth time since 2009. In order to qualify, a vehicle must be on sale on two continents during the span of time between January 1, 2013 and May 30, 2013. A panel of 66 journalists from 23 countries then vote on the finalists.

Three vehicles have made the cut for the last round of voting on the 2013 World Performance Car as well, with the Cayman/Boxster and FR-S/BRZ/GT-86 running against the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta. Meanwhile, the Renault Zoe, Tesla Model S and Volvo V60 Plug-In Hybrid are duking it out for the World Green Car Award. Finally, the World Car Design of the Year Award is up for grabs between the Aston Martin Vanquish, Jaguar F-Type, and the Mazda6. Check out the full press release below. Overall winners will be presented at the 2013 New York Auto Show.

Continue reading World Car Of The Year down to its final four

World Car Of The Year down to its final four originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Mar 2013 10:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 porsche boxster2013 subaru brz2013 volkswagen golf2014 porsche cayman2014 volkswagen golfa-classa-klassebrzfr-sgolfgt-86gt86mercedes-benzscionsubaruvolkswagenworld car of the yearworld car of the year awardWed, 13 Mar 2013 10:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20500301/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/13/world-car-of-the-year-down-to-its-final-four/20500301/article-detail.xml 20500301 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/mercedes-benz-a-class-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/mercedes-benz-a-class-628.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota pondering high-performance GT86 hybrid?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/08/toyota-pondering-high-performance-gt-86-hybrid/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/08/toyota-pondering-high-performance-gt-86-hybrid/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/08/toyota-pondering-high-performance-gt-86-hybrid/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Toyota GT86 TRD at Paris Motor Show reveal - front three-quarter view

From what Autocar has to say, Toyota has even more plans for the GT86 beyond the convertible concept we just saw at the Geneva Motor Show. Along with a planned midcycle facelift, Toyota is reportedly looking at how to pack some extra ponies under the coupe's hood, and while there has already been a lot of talk about superchargers and turbochargers, it sounds like a performance-boosting hybrid system could also be in the works.

Talking to Toyota chief engineer Tetsuya Tada, Autocar has learned that the automaker is considering an electrical motor assist for the sporty coupe to improve performance without harming fuel economy. In attempting to keep weight - and, presumably, costs - down, the article mentions the use of a system closer to what Honda uses for its Integrated Motor Assist rather than a full Hybrid Synergy Drive system used in current Toyota hybrids. Tada says the added weight of the system could be offset by weight reduction, while aerodynamic changes and a lower center of gravity could improve the car's handling.

No word yet on whether a mild hybrid system would find its way to North America's Scion FR-S - let alone its Subaru BRZ twin - but the thought is certainly an intriguing one.

Toyota pondering high-performance GT86 hybrid? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Mar 2013 14:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 scion fr-s2013 subaru brzbr-zbrzfr-sgt 86gt-86gt86scion fr-s hybridtetsuya tadatoyobarutoyotatoyota gt86 hybridFri, 08 Mar 2013 14:14:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20494737/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/08/toyota-pondering-high-performance-gt-86-hybrid/20494737/article-detail.xml 20494737 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/toyota-gt86-trd-paris_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/toyota-gt86-trd-paris.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota FT-86 Open Concept would make a mighty fine droptop FR-S [UPDATE]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/05/toyota-ft-86-open-concept-geneva-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/05/toyota-ft-86-open-concept-geneva-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/05/toyota-ft-86-open-concept-geneva-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Toyota FT-86 Open Concept

There's nothing wrong with going topless. And Toyota is proving that its FT-86 (read: Scion FR-S/Toyota GT86/Subaru BRZ) coupe is just as excellent with its roof removed. It may only be a concept, but this FT-86 Open previews a new droptop from the Japanese automaker to round out the Toyobaru sports car family. We're finally getting the chance to see the open-air FT-86 in person here at the Geneva Motor Show, and we're already yearning to take it canyon-carving.

Interestingly, the FT-86 retains the Toyota coupe's two-plus-two seating arrangement (we'd prefer a proper roadster setup here), but things still look good for this droptop two-door. We'll be curious to see how the car looks with its folding soft top in place (operated by fancy-shmancy electronics, by the way).

As for production intent, rumors have been flying about a production Scion FR-S convertible, but until we hear it directly from Toyota. Consider our hopes in check but our fingers crossed.


UPDATE: Wondering what the FT-86 Open Concept looks like with its hat on? Wonder no more - we've updated our gallery with shots of the concept with its roof up. We've also added a new official video of the car in motion if you scroll below.

Continue reading Toyota FT-86 Open Concept would make a mighty fine droptop FR-S [UPDATE]

Toyota FT-86 Open Concept would make a mighty fine droptop FR-S [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Mar 2013 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 subaru brzbrzfr-sft 86 openft-86ft-86 open conceptft86ft86opengenevageneva 2013geneva motor showgt 86 opengt86opensciontoyotatoyota ft 86toyota ft-86toyotaft-86toyotaft86videoTue, 05 Mar 2013 09:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20488553/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/05/toyota-ft-86-open-concept-geneva-2013/20488553/article-detail.xml 20488553 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/001-toyota-ft-86-open-concept628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/001-toyota-ft-86-open-concept628opt.jpg <![CDATA[Subaru mulling three-row utility, upscale versions of existing models]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/18/subaru-mulling-three-row-utility-upscale-versions-of-existing-m/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/18/subaru-mulling-three-row-utility-upscale-versions-of-existing-m/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/18/subaru-mulling-three-row-utility-upscale-versions-of-existing-m/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Subaru was one of few automakers whose sales actually picked up during the recent recession. But now that auto sales are back on track (and expected to hit pre-recession numbers this year), Subaru is trying to come up with new products to fill voids in its current lineup. Wards Auto had a chance to talk to Subaru's director-product manager Ken Lin, who indicated that the automaker is planning to introduce new models this year that will help it attract new buyers without alienating current ones.

The biggest void, of course, is a competitive three-row crossover, a role the Tribeca does not fill in one a very popular segment. Lin said that while there's no current plan to kill off the Tribeca, Subaru is looking at creating a larger three-row CUV with more interior space. In addition to to something big, Subaru is getting ready to bring its customers more luxury with new touring models, but does not anticipate going toe-to-toe with Mercedes-Benz or BMW.

By the end of this year, Subaru will be introducing a new hybrid model, although we don't yet know on which model it will be based. What we do seem to know is that the car will get its power from a nickel metal hydride battery rather than a more modern lithium-ion pack for the sake of simplicity. Finally, Lin mentioned a new product being brought into the sports car segment, but while the article takes this as a hint toward a possible BRZ Turbo, it could also be a reference to the next generation of the WRX and WRX STI.

Subaru mulling three-row utility, upscale versions of existing models originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Feb 2013 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brzforesterfuture subaru productssubarusubaru crossoversubaru hybridthree-row cuvtribecaMon, 18 Feb 2013 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20464207/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/18/subaru-mulling-three-row-utility-upscale-versions-of-existing-m/20464207/article-detail.xml 20464207 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/forester-xt-lead-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/forester-xt-lead-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Scion FR-S Convertible (in Toyota GT86 form) spied in South Africa]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/15/scion-fr-s-convertible-in-toyota-gt86-form-spied-in-south-afri/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/15/scion-fr-s-convertible-in-toyota-gt86-form-spied-in-south-afri/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/15/scion-fr-s-convertible-in-toyota-gt86-form-spied-in-south-afri/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Toyota GT86 convertible - spy shot - croppedThough the eventual existence of a convertible version of the Toyota GT86 (and its Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ versions for America) is a no-brainer, we've yet to get a glimpse of the real-deal car until now.

Spotted in Cape Town, South Africa, of all places, this completely undisguised GT86 convertible seems to be in a remarkably advanced state of development. The image seen here was obviously sniped from quite a distance and without the aid of a powerful lens, but we can still make out a production-ready looking piece of rear bodywork for the convertible top to hide away in, as well as a functioning trunk lid. It's hard to make out with any certainty, based on this evidence, but there does seem to be space retained behind the front seats for two, small rear chairs.

With the first car spotted, we'd expect to seem some more and better images of it flow through in the near future, and if not, Toyota has already confirmed a concept version for next month's Geneva Motor Show, dubbed FT-86 Open, so stay tuned. For now, click through to the FT86Club.com forum to have a slightly closer look at the images.

Scion FR-S Convertible (in Toyota GT86 form) spied in South Africa originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Feb 2013 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brzbrz convertiblecape townfr-sfr-s convertibleft-86ft-86 opengt 86gt-86gt86gt86 convertiblescionspy shotssubarutoyotaFri, 15 Feb 2013 11:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20464123/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/15/scion-fr-s-convertible-in-toyota-gt86-form-spied-in-south-afri/20464123/article-detail.xml 20464123 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/toyota-ft86-convertible-250_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/toyota-ft86-convertible-250.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota GT86 engineer Tada recounts how sports car came to be]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/13/toyota-gt86-engineer-tada-recounts-how-sports-car-came-to-be/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/13/toyota-gt86-engineer-tada-recounts-how-sports-car-came-to-be/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/13/toyota-gt86-engineer-tada-recounts-how-sports-car-came-to-be/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2013 Scion FR-S in red - front three-quarter view

Because the Toyota GT86, Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ coupes are now a reality, it's almost hard to imagine the struggle that had to happen within the large, conservative corporate structures at both automakers for the joint project to even get off of the ground.

Speaking to those struggles on Toyota UK's Toyota Blog, GT86 Chief Engineer Tetsuya Tada enlightens us with a recap of the sports car's earliest origins. For Tada, the first stages of the project must have seemed almost as dreamlike as the final product is to drive.

Said the Chief, "I had been working in the minivan department engineering new product, but a month after the meeting I was summoned. 'Forget about minivans,' they said, 'you are now working on the sports-car project.'"

The recounting of the GT86 development process makes for a genuinely interesting yarn, and is a must-read for any owners/enthusiasts of the BRZ/FR-S twins. We highly recommend clicking through to read it in full. Perhaps it's wishful thinking, but we can't help hoping that Tada-san has got more of the story to tell, still. We'll be keeping an eye on the official Toyota Blog, just in case.

Toyota GT86 engineer Tada recounts how sports car came to be originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Feb 2013 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 scion fr-s2013 subaru brz2013 toyota gt86brzfr-sgt 86gt86gt86 developmentscionsubarutetsuya tadatoyobarutoyotatoyota gt86Wed, 13 Feb 2013 14:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20460217/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/13/toyota-gt86-engineer-tada-recounts-how-sports-car-came-to-be/20460217/article-detail.xml 20460217 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/2013-scion-fr-s-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/2013-scion-fr-s-628.jpg <![CDATA[This Irishman <i>really</i> likes the Toyota GT86]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/10/this-irishman-really-likes-the-toyota-gt86/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/10/this-irishman-really-likes-the-toyota-gt86/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/10/this-irishman-really-likes-the-toyota-gt86/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



Okay, okay - by this point in time just liking the Toyota GT86 (Scion FR-S, Subaru BRZ, what have you) doesn't make you special. Even if you're a sort of funny sounding, funny looking Irishman, who probably isn't the most seasoned car reviewer ever, digging the GT86 is not news.

However, if, when you choose to publish your ten-minute-long review, you include exclamatory phrases about your own pubic hair, Ozzy Osborne's drug habit and "gentleman vegetable stuff," well sir, then you'll have our attention.

Don't give up on this video, available down below, after the first couple of minutes, we implore you. The silver-tongued Irishman doesn't really get warmed up until four minutes in, or so. Believe us, it's worth the wait.

Continue reading This Irishman really likes the Toyota GT86

This Irishman really likes the Toyota GT86 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 10 Feb 2013 11:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brzfr-sgt68irishman gt86 reviewozzy osbournescionsubarutoyotavideoSun, 10 Feb 2013 11:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20454838/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/10/this-irishman-really-likes-the-toyota-gt86/20454838/article-detail.xml 20454838 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/irishman-toyota-gt86-reivew-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/irishman-toyota-gt86-reivew-628.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota GT86 GT4 racer is ready for UK competition]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/05/toyota-gt86-gt4-racer-is-ready-for-uk-competition/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/05/toyota-gt86-gt4-racer-is-ready-for-uk-competition/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/05/toyota-gt86-gt4-racer-is-ready-for-uk-competition/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

GPRM Toyota GT86 GT4 Race Car - front three-quarter view

It's about time we saw someone cook up a legitimate race version of the delectable Toyota GT86, and now it looks as if GPRM has done just that. The Buckingham-based race engineering team has built the creation you see here, complete with a turbocharged 2.0-liter, direct-injection four-cylinder boxer cooked up by Nicholson McLaren Engines. The team says the new mill delivers between 360 and 400 horsepower to the rear wheels depending on final testing, which is a sight bit more than the 197 horses the naturally aspirated stock mill offers.

The car will compete in GT4 events, including the Avon Tyres British GT Championship. Technically, the GPRM effort isn't factory backed, but the team says the effort "has the blessing of Toyota Great Britain." How could it not? You can check out the brief press release below below, and be sure to take a closer look at the machine in our gallery.

Continue reading Toyota GT86 GT4 racer is ready for UK competition

Toyota GT86 GT4 racer is ready for UK competition originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Feb 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 scion fr-s2013 subaru brz2013 toyota gt 86brzfr-sgprm toyota gt86gt 86gt86scionscion fr-ssubarusubaru brztoyobarutoyotatoyota gt86toyota gt86 race carTue, 05 Feb 2013 11:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20449010/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/05/toyota-gt86-gt4-racer-is-ready-for-uk-competition/20449010/article-detail.xml 20449010 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/gprm-toyota-gt86-gt4-race-car-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/gprm-toyota-gt86-gt4-race-car-628.jpg <![CDATA[Hagerty predicts this year's future classics]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/31/hagerty-predicts-this-years-future-classics/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/31/hagerty-predicts-this-years-future-classics/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/31/hagerty-predicts-this-years-future-classics/#commentsFiled under:



Hagerty Insurance, which specializes in covering cars already deemed classics, is out with its annual Hot List predicting this year's ten cars that will be future collectibles. Even though it stays under $100,000, it spans almost $74,000 in MSRPs starting with the $23,700 Ford Focus ST on the affordable end and peaking with the $97,395 SRT Viper.

Other notables include the Chevrolet Corvette Convertible 427, what with 2013 being both the 60th anniversary of the brand and the last year of the C6, the 505-horsepower 427 special edition being a send-off to the sports car that always does well in the last model year of a particular generation. The Tesla Model S collects yet another award for delivering a welcome and overdue shock to the electric-car game and is the only sedan to make the list, and the Subaru BRZ also adds to its trophy chest, the lightweight coupe doing so much with so little that it might be worth a packet after Father Time has waved his staff a few times.

You can check out the rest of Hagerty's picks in the press release below.

Continue reading Hagerty predicts this year's future classics

Hagerty predicts this year's future classics originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Jan 2013 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AudiBRZCamarocamaro ZL1Caymancayman SChevroletclassicscollectiblesCorvettecorvette 427Focus STFordGTihagertyhagerty hot listhagerty insuranceJohn Cooper Works GPMiniModel SPorscheRS5SRTSubaruTeslaViperVolkswagenThu, 31 Jan 2013 17:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20444538/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/31/hagerty-predicts-this-years-future-classics/20444538/article-detail.xml 20444538 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/hagertyhotlist_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/hagertyhotlist.jpg <![CDATA[Subaru readies BRZ RA Racing for Japanese trackdays]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/27/subaru-readies-brz-ra-racing-for-japanese-trackdays/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/27/subaru-readies-brz-ra-racing-for-japanese-trackdays/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/27/subaru-readies-brz-ra-racing-for-japanese-trackdays/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



As if we needed any more reasons to take a Subaru BRZ to the track, Subaru has just announced that it will be producing a racing-spec version of the car straight from the assembly line. The only problem is that the BRZ RA Racing is being offered for the Japanese domestic market only, and won't be visiting any road courses in the US any time soon.

To get the BRZ ready for some serious track time, Subaru added brake ducts beneath the front fascia, removable tow hooks and an oil cooler behind the grille. Inside, the car gets a factory six-point roll cage (including custom-fit floor mats) and a four-point race harness for the driver. Now we get to pricing where US enthusiasts will get even more miffed. The entire suite of racing add-ons increases the BRZ's price by 31,500 yen, which converts to less than $350 US; the total price of the car converts to right around $31,500 US.

There is a brief press release posted below, which has been translated (somewhat poorly) by Google.

Continue reading Subaru readies BRZ RA Racing for Japanese trackdays

Subaru readies BRZ RA Racing for Japanese trackdays originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 27 Jan 2013 18:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 subaru brz ra racnigbrzbrz ra racingjapanracing spec subaru brzsubaruSun, 27 Jan 2013 18:24:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20439371/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/27/subaru-readies-brz-ra-racing-for-japanese-trackdays/20439371/article-detail.xml 20439371 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/subaru-brz-ra_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/subaru-brz-ra.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Car and Driver</i> lists 10Best for 2013, same as it ever was]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/05/car-and-driver-lists-10best-for-2013-same-as-it-ever-was/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/05/car-and-driver-lists-10best-for-2013-same-as-it-ever-was/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/05/car-and-driver-lists-10best-for-2013-same-as-it-ever-was/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,



Forgive us for having the distinct feeling of déjà vu, but it certainly feels like we've been here before. By that we are referring Car and Driver and the announcement of its annual 10Best vehicles for 2013. To be sure, it's an impressive selection of cars that combine heart-pounding performance and frugal sensibilities, but it also represents something of a broken record on the part of C/D. We're not so sure that's a flaw, though, as the resulting list is tough to argue with.

Vehicles like the Ford Mustang, Porsche Boxster, and BMW 3 Series have maintained their high-horsepower spots on this list for several years now. Even on the more practical and nimble end, the Honda Accord, Honda Fit and Mazda Miata have not budged. These continued spots are even in light of redesigns for some vehicles such as the Accord, Boxster and 3 Series.

In fact, the only newcomer to the 10Best list this year are the Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ twins, which knocked out the Cadillac CTS-V. We think it would have been a huge misstep to have excluded the FR-S/BRZ, even in light of the supercharged Caddy's lamentable departure from 10Best.

Without further ado, here are 2012 Car and Driver 10Best winners:

After perusing our gallery of the winners, bounce on over to Car and Driver to check out the full 10Best roundup, along with a collection of videos on each car. Be sure to let us know in Comments what you think of this year's list!

Car and Driver lists 10Best for 2013, same as it ever was originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Dec 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>10 best10best3 seriesa6a7accordaudibmwboxsterbrzcar and drivercar and driver 10 bestfitfocusfocus stfordfr-sgolfgtihondamazdamiatamustangmustang boss 302mx-5 miatas6s7vw golfWed, 05 Dec 2012 13:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20394696/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/05/car-and-driver-lists-10best-for-2013-same-as-it-ever-was/20394696/article-detail.xml 20394696 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/2013-honda-accord-ex-l-sedan-1354717181_thumbnail.jpeg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/2013-honda-accord-ex-l-sedan-1354717181.jpeg <![CDATA[Subaru to get more BRZ coupes to sell thanks to high demand]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/03/subaru-to-get-more-brz-coupes-to-sell-thanks-to-high-demand/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/03/subaru-to-get-more-brz-coupes-to-sell-thanks-to-high-demand/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/03/subaru-to-get-more-brz-coupes-to-sell-thanks-to-high-demand/#comments

It's no shock to us that the Subaru BRZ is selling extremely well. The insanely fun drift-happy coupe, which was joint-developed with Toyota, has captured the affection of journalists and enthusiasts alike.

To that end, Subaru of America has requested - and is set to receive - 2,000 additional BRZs over the next four months. The aim is to meet demand that has been high enough to have kept the fun-to-drive coupes on dealer lots for very almost no time at all. According to Subaru of America COO Tom Doll, "We are selling all the BRZs we can get." He continued, "We have been sold out of the car since it was introduced."

Initially going on sale in April of this year, the BRZ has been built in Japan with 500 units a month coming to the US. Those arrivals have been outpaced by demand, and Subaru of America has sold 3,120 units through October. At this point, it is unclear if the boost in models allocated to the US will continue through next year.

Subaru of America has also requested more units of the XV Crosstrek. The high-riding Impreza derivative has attracted new buyers from outside Subaru, and Doll says he would like to see sales increase from 2,000 units to 2,500 units per month. Subaru sold 3,076 examples of the XV Crosstrek through October of this year.

Subaru to get more BRZ coupes to sell thanks to high demand originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Dec 2012 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 subaru brzbrzimpreza xvimpreza xv crosstreksubarusubaru xv crosstrekxv crosstrekMon, 03 Dec 2012 14:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20392880/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/03/subaru-to-get-more-brz-coupes-to-sell-thanks-to-high-demand/20392880/article-detail.xml 20392880 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/2013-subaru-brz-first-drive-0_thumbnail.jpeg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/2013-subaru-brz-first-drive-0.jpeg <![CDATA[Buy a Toyota GT86 and your wife will hate you]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/14/buy-a-toyota-gt86-and-your-wife-will-hate-you/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/14/buy-a-toyota-gt86-and-your-wife-will-hate-you/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/14/buy-a-toyota-gt86-and-your-wife-will-hate-you/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Toyota GT86 man ad

Marketing can be a very strange business. Convincing a man or woman (or child, really) that they absolutely cannot live without the latest, greatest new bit of technology oftentimes takes a unique approach. In the "online film promoting the Toyota GT86" you'll see below, created by agency Happiness Brussels, men are reverse-psychologied into thinking a new sports coupe will make them more masculine by getting their loved ones to hate them. Or something like that. We think.

In any case, we suggest you watch the video below to see how much fun men can have with a GT86 - or Scion FR-S or Subaru BRZ, presumably - at the expense of their significant others. Fair warning: There's a potential Not Safe For Work moment in the ad: beware of a brief male butt shot about 44 seconds in.

Marketing. Gotta love it. Unless you're married to a man. Or something like that. We think. Whatever, just watch.

Continue reading Buy a Toyota GT86 and your wife will hate you

Buy a Toyota GT86 and your wife will hate you originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Nov 2012 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 scion fr-s2013 subaru brz2013 toyota gt8686brzfr-sgt 86gt86happiness brusselsreverse psychologyscionsubarutoyotatoyota gt86 advideoviral videoWed, 14 Nov 2012 19:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20377844/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/14/buy-a-toyota-gt86-and-your-wife-will-hate-you/20377844/article-detail.xml 20377844 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/toyota-gt86-man-ad_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/toyota-gt86-man-ad.jpg <![CDATA[Hi-po Toyota GT86 to get KERS?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/09/hi-po-toyota-gt86-to-get-kers/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/09/hi-po-toyota-gt86-to-get-kers/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/09/hi-po-toyota-gt86-to-get-kers/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Scion FR-S 86 badge

We happen to like the Toyota GT86 - and, it of course goes without saying that the same applies to the Subaru BRZ and Scion FR-S, as well - just the way it is. Yes, that includes the standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine and its 200 horsepower at 7,000 rpm.

That said, a little extra power never hurt anybody, right?

The most obvious way to add some punch to the GT86 would be with a turbocharger, and that has indeed long been rumored for an STI version of the BRZ. Will Toyota follow suit? According to Top Gear, the answer is no. Says GT86 chief engineer Tetsuya Tada, "I think 300bhp with a turbo and 200g/km of CO2 would be tasteless in this day and age. And a turbo would mean the loss of the GT86's uniqueness." Perhaps a bit harsh, but there you go.

If no turbo, how will Toyota add some punch to its sports car? Possibly with a supercharger? Perhaps not. "We're looking at a next-generation hybrid. More like the TS030 Le Mans Prototype," says the engineer. If you'll recall, the TS030 uses a hybrid engine with a Kinetic Energy Recovery System, more commonly known as KERS.

Even more intriguingly, Tetsuya confirmed that there is a GT86 prototype already fitted with a hybrid KERS system, though it's unclear if it is using capacitors or batteries to contain the recaptured energy. Either way, our interest is most definitely piqued.

Hi-po Toyota GT86 to get KERS? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Nov 2012 14:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brzfr-sfr-s hybridfr-s kersgt86gt86 hybridgt86 kerskerskinetic energy recovery systemscionsubarutoyotaFri, 09 Nov 2012 14:16:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20375592/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/09/hi-po-toyota-gt86-to-get-kers/20375592/article-detail.xml 20375592 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/scion-frs-86-badge_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/scion-frs-86-badge.jpg <![CDATA[Pics Aplenty: Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ show up en masse at SEMA]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/pics-aplenty-scion-fr-s-and-subaru-brz-show-up-en-masse-at-sema/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/pics-aplenty-scion-fr-s-and-subaru-brz-show-up-en-masse-at-sema/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/pics-aplenty-scion-fr-s-and-subaru-brz-show-up-en-masse-at-sema/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Scion FR-S Show Cars at SEMA

Scion made a huge investment in the 2012 SEMA show, and its spanking new FR-S coupe, by putting hundreds of cars in the hands of tuners. The result on the floor of the Las Vegas Convention Center is unmissable, as just about everywhere we turn we find another FR-S peeking out at us.

We tried to capture a large quantity of the coupes we saw on display, to represent just how thick on the ground they actually are. In the attached gallery you'll find a healthy percentage of the alleged 150-plus cars that made it to SEMA this year. You'll also find a smattering of Subaru BRZ models, too. Fair is fair.

Pics Aplenty: Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ show up en masse at SEMA originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Nov 2012 20:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 scion fr-s2013 subaru brzbrzfr-spics aplentyscionsemasema 2012SubaruThu, 01 Nov 2012 20:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20368195/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/01/pics-aplenty-scion-fr-s-and-subaru-brz-show-up-en-masse-at-sema/20368195/article-detail.xml 20368195 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/scion-fr-s-sema-2012_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/scion-fr-s-sema-2012.jpg <![CDATA[Possible Subaru BRZ STI sighting on the 'Ring]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/possible-subaru-brz-sti-sighting-on-the-ring/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/possible-subaru-brz-sti-sighting-on-the-ring/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/possible-subaru-brz-sti-sighting-on-the-ring/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Between recent word of a new turbo engine in the works and these latest spy shots, there is no doubt Subaru is working on a faster version of its sporty BRZ coupe. Our spy photographers snapped these images of an interesting-looking BRZ testing around the Nürburgring that, upon closer inspection, is proudly displaying the STI badges.

Right away, we can tell something is special about this car from its aggressive body kit including a front chin spoiler and extended lower side sills. This car is also fitted with 15-spoke wheels that aren't hiding the red STI center caps and help show off the bigger brakes and STI-branded brake calipers. Of course, you can't miss that adjustable rear wing that replaces the BRZ's regular spoiler, but we're guessing this is more for aero testing rather than a production-ready piece. There are also fatter exhaust outlets on this prototype that should help give this car a deeper growl.

It isn't clear where the turbo engine fits in with this potential BRZ STI model, but with auto show season upon us, we get the feeling we'll be finding out much more about a sportier version of the BRZ sooner rather than later.

Possible Subaru BRZ STI sighting on the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Nov 2012 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brzbrz stispy photosspy picsspy shotssubaruThu, 01 Nov 2012 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20366961/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/01/possible-subaru-brz-sti-sighting-on-the-ring/20366961/article-detail.xml 20366961 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/subaru-brz-sti_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/subaru-brz-sti.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota GT86 fails moose test in spectacular fashion]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/25/toyota-gt86-fails-moose-test-in-spectacular-fashion/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/25/toyota-gt86-fails-moose-test-in-spectacular-fashion/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/25/toyota-gt86-fails-moose-test-in-spectacular-fashion/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Toyota GT 86 moose test video screencap

Much has been made about the Moose Test as of late. The evasive maneuver test popularized by Swedish safety experts is meant to simulate a driver unexpectedly encountering and attempting to avoid one of these majestic furry beasts. The test is performed by executing a split-second emergency lane change to determine if the vehicle can maintain control.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee supposedly failed the test recently in Sweden. Then it was alleged that the circumstances may have been rigged. Then it passed the German version of the test. It was all a bit confusing.

The makers of this video have apparently had enough of the Moose Test, which is why before you is a screen grab of a mock moose is in the middle of the road. That vehicle looming behind it? It's a Toyota GT86, overseas twin to America's Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ. The fate of said moose? You're just going to have to scroll down to see the how the famously well-handling rear-drive coupe performs...

Continue reading Toyota GT86 fails moose test in spectacular fashion

Toyota GT86 fails moose test in spectacular fashion originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Oct 2012 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brzelk testfr-sgt 86gt86moosemoose testtoyotatoyota ft 86videoThu, 25 Oct 2012 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20360590/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/25/toyota-gt86-fails-moose-test-in-spectacular-fashion/20360590/article-detail.xml 20360590 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/moose1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/moose1.jpg <![CDATA[Subaru developing engine for BRZ Turbo]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/22/subaru-developing-engine-for-brz-turbo/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/22/subaru-developing-engine-for-brz-turbo/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/22/subaru-developing-engine-for-brz-turbo/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Based on how many turbocharged boxer engines Subaru currently uses in its cars, solid news of a force-fed BRZ was only a matter of time. So it comes as little surprise that Automotive News is reporting that Subaru is currently developing a turbocharged version of the 2.0-liter engine currently found under the hood of the much-loved but somewhat underpowered 2013 BRZ.

AN's unnamed sources indicate that this engine will use a twin-scroll turbocharger and a new direct-injection system that will help give the engine an estimated 280 horsepower and torque that could be in excess of 250 pound-feet... still being sent to the rear wheels. The turbo'd BRZ will reportedly be making its debut for the 2014 model year, but it isn't clear if Subaru will simply call the car a BRZ Turbo or if it will finally deliver the BRZ STI that many enthusiasts have been clamoring for since the BRZ STI Concept hit the scene in 2011.

As soon as we know more, so will you.

Subaru developing engine for BRZ Turbo originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Oct 2012 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 subaru brz sti2014 subaru brz turbobrzbrz stibrz turbosubaruMon, 22 Oct 2012 18:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20357301/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/22/subaru-developing-engine-for-brz-turbo/20357301/article-detail.xml 20357301 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/2013-subaru-brz-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/2013-subaru-brz-fd.jpg -1 2