Autoblog

Next Subaru WRX previewed by Advanced Tourer concept

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 18 May 2012 16:45:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Tokyo Motor Show, Hatchback, Subaru

There was nary a peep of discontent about the looks of the Subaru Advanced Tourer concept revealed at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show. But when everyone was clamoring for Scooby to transfer the Advanced Tourer's looks to a production vehicle, never once did people ask for that transfer to be foisted on the WRX. A report in Motor Trend, though, says that's what's happening: the concept "was actually an early look at the next-generation Subaru WRX."

MT's sources said the front end Advanced Tourer's front end will go onto the WRX, with other aspects of the concept made more aggressive to suit the personality of Subaru's rally-ready racer. And if the concept also presages the next WRX's dimensions, then you can expect the next-generation sedan and hatchback to be larger (though in truth we don't anticipate a big gain in footprint).

Notice the name "Impreza" hasn't appeared anywhere in our discussion yet. Subaru is reportedly dropping the name in an attempt to get more 'Likes' for the WRX by making it more approachable, so the next model will relinquish its association with the Impreza line and be more performanced focused even as it is receives a better interior and is morphed into a "more-mature sporty grand tourer." Engine choices are still being debated for the car due in 2015; the rumored options include 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinders and a hybrid version of the 1.6-liter.

Next Subaru WRX previewed by Advanced Tourer concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 May 2012 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find of the Day: 2002 Subaru WRX makes tracks into our heart [w/video]

Jeff Sabatini — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 19:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Auctions, Videos, Subaru, Off-Road

Among the many exploits of Ken Block we've posted on over the years, we've always loved this video of his Subaru WRX STI fitted with tracks at all four corners. So when we got a tip on an eBay Motors auction for a similarly equipped WRX, we were tempted to head up I-75 to check out the car in person.

The Subaru is for sale in Chassell, MI, some 550 miles north of Detroit in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, way up in the Keweenaw Peninsula, which extends into the middle of Lake Superior. With apologies to our friends in Canada, it's about as far north as you want to go when the snow flies. And the snow flies a lot in the Keweenaw, thanks to a wicked lake effect that dumps more than 200 inches of the white stuff every winter. Yes, that's over 17 feet of snow, but it's nothing compared to the winter of 1978-1979, when the area got almost 30. So if you're wondering why anyone not named Ken Block would fit a track system to their Impreza, well, now you know.

Alas, this year Michigan has not seen much in the way of winter, even up in the frosty north country. With just 120 inches of snow through the end of February and temperatures that pushed into the upper 70s on St. Patrick's Day, getting around the Keweenaw right now does not require tank-like traction - or even four-wheel-drive.

Whether that's motivated the seller or not, we don't know, but we do know what would motivate us to buy: The promise of next winter.

Click past the jump to see video of this eBay Motors find kicking up rooster tails, or check out all the pictures in our gallery.

Continue reading eBay Find of the Day: 2002 Subaru WRX makes tracks into our heart [w/video]

eBay Find of the Day: 2002 Subaru WRX makes tracks into our heart [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Apr 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru WRX... official escape vehicle of the zombie apocalypse?

Noah Joseph — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Subaru, Off-Road

What's more fun than running through a five-kilometer obstacle course in the woods? Running through a five-kilometer obstacle course in the woods... while being chased by zombies!

The event is called Run For Your Lives, and while it doesn't actually involve, you know, "real" zombies (which fortunately only exist in movies - we think), it does the next best thing. Participants pick a path through the woods, littered with man-made obstacles, with a flag belt tied 'round their waists. They've got to run the distance, overcome the obstacles and avoid loosing their "health flags" to the legions of make-believe zombies chasing after them.

The first such event is scheduled for October 22 in Baltimore, with more locations to follow. So what does this have to do with cars, you ask? Well, it's got zombies, so what more excuse do we need? It also happens to be sponsored by Subaru, which is building an advertising campaign around it, billing its go-anywhere-and-fast Impreza WRX as "The official escape vehicle of the Zombie Apocalypse".

Cute, but when push comes to shove, there probably aren't many vehicles we'd take over a WRX if we were, you know, actually being chased by the brain-hungry undead. What would you pick? Share your opinion in the Comments section below and follow the jump to watch the video.

Continue reading Subaru WRX... official escape vehicle of the zombie apocalypse?

Subaru WRX... official escape vehicle of the zombie apocalypse? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Jul 2011 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Subaru WRX flips end-over-end at Global RallyCross Championship

Drew Phillips — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos

Jimmy Keeney's crash at the Global RallyCross Championship - Click above for high-res image gallery

Marcus Grönholm put on an impressive display at the inaugural Global RallyCross Championship by winning both races, but one of the more talked about happenings of the weekend was a spectacular crash by Jimmy Keeney in his Subaru Impreza WRX STI.

Matched up with Hyundai driver Marcus Dodd in the Friday elimination rounds, Keeney had lost ground and was trying to make up time when he came up short for the 70-foot jump. The result was that the back end of the Subaru catapulted over the front, flipping end-over-end twice before finally landing on its side with smoke pouring from under the hood. Fortunately, Keeney climbed out of the wreckage unhurt, but the same couldn't be said for the car.

With ESPN covering the event and plenty of photographers on hand, there was bound to be some good footage of the event. Sharp shooter John Rettie has been kind enough to let us publish his photos of the wreck, and we've also embedded a video of the crash after the jump.

Gallery: Subaru WRX crash at Global Rallycross Championship

Photos copyright (C)2011 John Rettie

[Source: Youtube]

Continue reading Video: Subaru WRX flips end-over-end at Global RallyCross Championship

Video: Subaru WRX flips end-over-end at Global RallyCross Championship originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Mar 2011 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX

Rex Roy — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Hatchback, Subaru, New Car Reviews

Measuring The Difference In Inches

2011 Subaru Impreza WRX - Click above for high-res image gallery

One point three inches. How much difference can it make? That depends on what you're measuring. If you're comparing the 2010 Subaru Impreza WRX to the 2011, that small measurement makes all the difference in the world.

If you're a Subie fan, you've already read our First Drive. The headline news for the 2010-to-2011 changeover is that the WRX gained the STI model's widebody fenders and 1.3-inch wider track. Wanting to know whether the growth in girth made any difference to the affable and relatively affordable WRX, we decided to spend some quality time in the example you see here.

We learned plenty. Many things work well for the practical enthusiast. Others, not so much.

Continue reading...

Gallery: 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX: Review

Continue reading Review: 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX

Review: 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Dec 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Subaru WRX lineup configurator now online

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Performance, Hatchback, Subaru

It's time for X-Games fetishists and lovers of sideways, dirt-slinging action to get excited - the 2011 Subaru WRX is one-step closer to being in your driveway. If you head over to Subaru.com, you can play with their online configurator and create the new WRX that appeals to you.

Available as a sedan or five-door hatchback, the Impreza WRX is offered with either six or seven colors to choose from. This is dependent on which engine you want under the hood. The 265-horsepower WRX gets the standard set of color options while the 305-hp WRX STI gets more than a power boost - you can also add Plasma Blue Pearl to the available palette.

Our virtual 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI wears Obsidian Black Pearl and is going to cost us $39,130 (we know, we know - it needs gold wheels). There are plenty of ways to make that dollar figure go way up or way down, so head over to the configurator and have some fun. Thanks for the tip, Peter!

Gallery: 2011 Subaru WRX: First Drive

Gallery: 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI: First Drive

Photos Copyright (C)2010 Zach Bowman / AOL

[Source: Subaru]

2011 Subaru WRX lineup configurator now online originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Sep 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York 2010: Subaru Impreza WRX flaunts new widebody flares for 2011

Drew Phillips — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Sedan, Performance, Wagon, Subaru

2011 Subaru Impreza WRX - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Subaru press conference at the New York Auto Show isn't until tomorrow, but with the new 2011 Impreza WRX sitting out in the open, we headed right over to snap a few photos. Just as it has done the past few years, Subaru couldn't resist tweaking the looks of the WRX and has given it a broader stance thanks to a 1.5-inch wider track both front and rear and flared fenders like those seen on the current generation STI model. The visual upgrades are rounded off with a reworked front fascia and bumper as well as standard 17-inch wheels.

Powertrain options remains the same as the 2010 model - 265 horsepower and 244 lb-ft torque is nothing to complain about - and the interior remains unmolested as well. Check back tomorrow for more Subaru updates when the 2011 Impreza WRX STI is unveiled (the wing is back!). Until then check out the high-res gallery below or read through Subaru's press release after the jump.

Gallery: New York 2010: Subaru Impreza WRX

Gallery: 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX

Continue reading New York 2010: Subaru Impreza WRX flaunts new widebody flares for 2011

New York 2010: Subaru Impreza WRX flaunts new widebody flares for 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rear-Engine Rendering: Student-styled Subie is the hot hatch of dreams, nightmares

Dan Roth — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 14:31:00 EST

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.

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Prodrive sets up Essex police with 270hp Impreza interceptors

Noah Joseph — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: Subaru, Police/Emergency, UK

If you watched the first episode of Top Gear's season 11, you likely smirked at the lackluster Vauxhalls that the British bobbies have to drive in pursuit of "the baddies". But once in a while the constables in the UK gets something special in their motor-pools, like the Caparo T1, Lotus Exige, Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 and Ferrari 612 Scaglietti. While few officers have actually had the chance to drive any of these epic exotics since they're used purely for demonstration purposes, the latest addition is here to stay: Prodrive has prepared a fleet of Subaru Impreza GB270s especially for the Automatic Number Plate Recognition Team at the Essex Police department.

Not only did Prodrive set up the vehicle for the team, commonly known as "The Intereptors", but the 21 officers that make up their ranks received a day of special instruction on how to get the most out of their new 270hp all-wheel-drive speed machines. As you can see in the press release after the jump, however, "The day was not about driving these cars fast, but understanding how and when to use their capability in a safe way." Way to make something exciting very boring, guv'na.

[Source: Prodrive]

Continue reading Prodrive sets up Essex police with 270hp Impreza interceptors

Prodrive sets up Essex police with 270hp Impreza interceptors originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Jul 2008 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI

Alex Nunez — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 12:01:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Performance, Hatchback, Subaru

2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI - Click above for high-res image gallery

I remember the last red Subaru I drove. I was in high school, and the car was my dad's - a new '88 GL wagon with an automatic and push-button 4WD on the shifter. I dug that Scooby. It wasn't powerful but it was fun -- especially when it snowed. Somehow I managed to avoid bouncing it off a lamppost while sliding it around corners. This had much more to do with luck than skill, as I was in high school and clearly an idiot. But I digress -- after all, this isn't about my dad's old GL. It is, however, about a red Subaru - the new Impreza WRX STI, to be specific. If this thing was around back during my neighborhood rally-pretender salad days, I'd probably just be getting my license back right about now.

Gallery: Review: 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI

Continue reading Review: 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI

Review: 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Mar 2008 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart to have 260 HP engine, Evo IX's AWD

Damon Lavrinc — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 10:56:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Wagon, Europe, Mitsubishi, UK

It's been generally accepted that the sales success of the first generation Subaru Impreza WRX caused Mitsubishi to rethink its policy of keeping the Evo off U.S.-bound boats. The Evolution's introduction in the States was quickly followed by the STI's, and all was right in the AWD performance segment. Not quite. Mitsubishi needs a direct competitor to the base WRX and as we've seen already, the Ralliart moniker is coming back, and it won't be limited to a couple of stickers and 15-inch O.Z. wheels.

Some European journalists were assembled by Mitsubishi this week (likely an Evo X ride and drive) and it was revealed that a five-door version of the Lancer would be made available abroad sporting a 260 hp engine and the Evolution IX's all-wheel-drive system. If this is the same setup as the Ralliart Lancer we'll be getting in the U.S., that pegs the 2008 Subaru WRX with a 36 hp deficiency, not to mention the wizardry of the last generation Evo AWD system.

Also noted in the article were three different versions of the Evolution X that our friends across the pond will get in the coming years, with models creating 295 hp, 330 hp and 360 hp. No surprise, since they've been blessed with a number of FQ-models over the course of the Evo's lifespan.

[Source: 4Car]

Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart to have 260 HP engine, Evo IX's AWD originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Nov 2007 10:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2008 Subaru Impreza starts at $16,995, WRX at $24,350

John Neff — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 12:37:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Hatchback, Subaru

click above image for more pics of the 2008 Subaru Impreza and WRX

Though not officially announced, pricing for the new 2008 Subaru Impreza has leaked out onto the web courtesy of a dealer with loose lips. The complete breakdown of models and packages shows that the redesigned 2008 Impreza will have a base MSRP of $16,995 for a four-door sedan with the 2.5L boxer-four. That's a full $1,000 less expensive than the outgoing 2007 Impreza 2.5i sedan.

At the other end of the spectrum, the WRX model with its turbocharged version of the 2.5L engine producing 224 horsepower will start at $24,350 for the four-door sedan and $24,850 for the five-door hatch. This model year's 2007 WRX TR (Tuner Ready) starts lower at $23,995, but is somewhat of a blank canvas car meant for customers who will immediately begin customizing their WRX. The base 2007 WRX sedan, however, starts at $24,995, meaning the 2008 model with its controversial new skin and upgraded interior will be $645 less expensive than the outgoing model.

It appears that Impreza prices have dropped across the board, which should help satisfy potential defectors who aren't pleased with the new design. If you've got money in your pockets, the most expensive Impreza until the STi appears will be a five-door WRX model with the Satellite Radio and Navigation package that retails for $28,950. There will also be an Outback Sport version of the five-door hatch, though not the sedan, that starts at $19,995. Destination charges, don't forget, will raise the price of any model by $645.

Click here to view the 2008 Impreza's complete pricing structure.

Thanks for the tip, Sam!

[Source: North American Subaru Impreza Owners Club]

Gallery: 2008 Subaru Impreza

2008 Subaru Impreza starts at $16,995, WRX at $24,350 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Jul 2007 12:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru's "Legend Reborn" spot hits YouTube

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 17:03:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Subaru

Wow, that didn't take very long. Those new WRX ads we just told you about are already on YouTube. You know, the ones that use "traditional" Japanese cultural references like "Fast and Furious," "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," and "Blade Runner". Several of you picked up on the fact that the American ad agency responsible for this new campaign might have their Chinese and Japanese mixed up a bit, but the point remains that as elements of popular culture, these all appeal to the target market for the new WRX, the 20- and 30-year-old guys who are into manga and anime. Follow the jump to see the "Legend Reborn" clip where a WRX slices through the jungle and heeds the call of the wild, flexing its trail muscles along the way. And we find out that apparently the call of the wild is loud enough for people in the city hear, as well. Check it out.

[Source: Subaru via YouTube]

Continue reading Subaru's "Legend Reborn" spot hits YouTube

Subaru's "Legend Reborn" spot hits YouTube originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Jul 2007 17:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York Preview: Official Subaru Impreza pics and info surface

John Neff — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 07:02:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Hatchback, Subaru

click above image to view both pics of the 2008 Subaru Impreza

The amount of time that's passed since we first laid eyes on the 2008 Subaru Impreza has not served to sooth our gag reflex upon seeing it again. Though cast in a different hue this time, the general shape of the new hatchback body style in conjunction with the new chrome grille make the '08 Impreza look like the bastard offspring of a Kia Spectra5 and Toyota Camry. Since Motor Trend spilled the beans this week, Inside Line decided to drop with all the details they have on the new Impreza so far, and unfortunately there's no silver lining to report on this storm cloud.

[Source: Inside Line]

Gallery: 2008 Subaru Impreza

Continue reading New York Preview: Official Subaru Impreza pics and info surface

New York Preview: Official Subaru Impreza pics and info surface originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Mar 2007 07:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru confirms Impreza WRX and sedan are safe

John Neff — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Etc., Subaru

Everyone thought the rumor that Subaru would be dropping its popular WRX model when it launches a redesigned Impreza was bunk. The rumor originated with an article by Autocar that stated Subaru had "no plans to carry over the intermediate WRX model." Michael McHale, Subaru's Director of Corporate Communications, got in touch with Autoblog to let us know that the WRX is safe and will be present after the relaunch of the redesigned Impreza. Those worrying that the Impreza will only be offered as a five-door hatchback in the future can rest easy, too. Sedan variants will be offered, presumably along with the five-door hatchback we've seen in spy shots. We still expect to see the new Impreza at the New York Auto Show in early April, though it's unclear whether or not Subaru will follow Mitsubishi's lead and introduce only the standard models before trotting out the hotted up WRX and STi variants. We'll be on hand in the Big Apple to let you know from the show floor.

[Source: Subaru]

Subaru confirms Impreza WRX and sedan are safe originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Feb 2007 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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