Autoblog

2009 X Games Rally Car ride along

Jonny Lieberman — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Hatchback, Ford, Subaru

2009 X Games Rally Car ride along - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you've never been given a "hot lap" by a professional driver, let me try and convey what the experience is like. You're usually dehydrated and have been standing on a heat-soaked paddock for far too long. There's a track rat (or two) whose job it is to get a helmet and HANS device fastened on you and their default thinking is that you've never even seen a track before, much less driven on one. You're wearing your street clothes, and items like your wallet and cell phone make it even harder for them to get you shoehorned and belted into the seat. The passenger seats are typically much narrower than the driver's seat and you're typically much fatter than the driver. It can be pretty embarrassing. Once you're secured, the driver sticks his hand out, you shake it and then you're off.

Follow the jump to find out what happens next.

Gallery: 2009 X Games Rally Car ride along

Continue reading 2009 X Games Rally Car ride along

2009 X Games Rally Car ride along originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Ken Block Gymkhana spoof is criminally awesome

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Subaru, Humor

Click the image above to view the video after the jump

Ken Block's two Gymkhana practice videos have set the bar for four-wheeled video entertainment, but the crew from IMV is here to prove that you don't need a Crawford-tuned Subaru WRX STI, a stratospheric budget and an abandoned airport to serve up the thrills.

With a beaten base Impreza, a few sets of tires and enough fireworks to send Patton cowering under a desk, the creators of Scumballers and Team Torque have created ten full minutes of epic hoontastic footage, although it looks like much of the vehicular tomfoolery takes place on open public roads, something we don't exactly approve of or recommend. In either case, make the jump to check it out. Hat tip to Evotec.

[Source: IMV via Streetfire]

Continue reading VIDEO: Ken Block Gymkhana spoof is criminally awesome

VIDEO: Ken Block Gymkhana spoof is criminally awesome originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Jul 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hire Him: Next-gen Subaru WRX STI is privately rendered awesomeness [w/VIDEO]

Chris Paukert — Wed, 27 May 2009 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Performance, Etc., Europe, Videos, Hatchback, Subaru, Rendered Speculation

Lars Martensson's Subaru Impreza WRX STI concept - click above for a high-res gallery

It's fair to say that Subaru has enjoyed a run of strong product in recent years, as well as an exponential credibility increase in enthusiast's eyes, essentially ever since the automaker began shipping over the Impreza WRX back in 2001. Those considerable achievements aside, it's likewise fair to say that Subaru has yet to well-and-truly crack the aesthetics portion of the modern carbuilding equation, having produced some daring (if ungainly) entries like the origina B9 Tribeca and a series of aggressive yet unpretty Impreza variants. And while we applaud originality, we think the folks at Fuji Heavy Industries could use a consistent design force, a man (or woman) with a mission that's out in the public eye as something of a known quantity. Think: General Motors' Ed Welburn, former Mazda-turned-Tesla wunderkind Franz von Holzhausen, former BMW lightning rod Chris Bangle, etc.

All of this is not to say that the man behind the WRX STI rally car renderings shown here has the answers, but we know one thing: When passing these images around Autoblog's (virtual) offices, we all couldn't help but say something to the effect of: "Oooooh, damn that's hot!" - a phrase we can't remember associating with Subaru, much as we love driving the vehicles themselves. In any case, these images come courtesy of one Lars Martensson (apparently better known on the interwebs by his handle 'GRID)', a man who spends his days crafting 3D renderings for videogames (Rallisport Challenge 2 for xBox, Battlefield 2 for PC). To us, this Swede has a handle on what the STI needs to be: Squat, mean, and purposeful. Okay, so perhaps the cut-down greenhouse wouldn't leave much room for taller folks (much less a helmet), but if one of these were parked in our driveway, well... we'd happily squat a little.

Check out the high-res image gallery below, and click on the jump for the video.

Gallery: Martensson Subaru WRX STI Concept

[Source: 3dluvr.com via Jalopnik]

Continue reading Hire Him: Next-gen Subaru WRX STI is privately rendered awesomeness [w/VIDEO]

Hire Him: Next-gen Subaru WRX STI is privately rendered awesomeness [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 May 2009 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru campaigning Impreza STI at Nurburgring 24-hour race

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 15:59:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Subaru

Subaru Impreza WRX STI (Nurburgring) - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Subaru has announced its participation in the 37th ADAC Zurich 24-Hour Race (AKA the 24-Hours of Nurburgring) with a Subaru Technica International-modified Impreza STI. The WRX will be campaigning in the SP3T class (comprised of turbo'd cars with a displacement of 2.0 liters), with Kazuo Shimizu, Toshihiro Yoshida, Naoki Hattori and Koji Matsuda manning the helm during the enduro.

According to Subaru, the team's objective is to "collect data and verify technical know-how" and use the knowledge it gleans from the race to improve the STI's development. The modifications are standard race-car fare, with a stripped interior and safety equipment, along with a number of body stiffening components and a "Flexible Tower Bar."

Subaru's set up a micro-site to track the team's progress and will supposedly have live timing and results when the event gets underway in May. Press release below the fold.

Gallery: Subaru Impreza WRX STI (Nurburgring)

[Source: Subaru via WCF]

Continue reading Subaru campaigning Impreza STI at Nurburgring 24-hour race

Subaru campaigning Impreza STI at Nurburgring 24-hour race originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Apr 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Ken Block's newest creation leaks out

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 12:34:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Etc., Videos, Subaru

Click above to see Ken Block's WRX on tracks

The Rebel Alliance vehicle seen in above was apparently spotted at Guardsman Pass in Utah: a Subaru Impreza WRX rolling on a mighty set of treads wearing Ken Block's number and sponsorship paintjob. We have no idea how, why, or where he acquired such a vehicle, but we do know this much: Ken Block gets to have a lot more fun than the rest of us. Follow the jump to watch the vid.

Continue reading VIDEO: Ken Block's newest creation leaks out

VIDEO: Ken Block's newest creation leaks out originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Apr 2009 12:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Automatic-equipped Subaru Impreza WRX STI A-Line available in Japan

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 15:57:00 EST

Filed under: Japan, Hatchback, Subaru

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Subaru Impreza WRX STI A-Line

Fed up with your Triptronic Boxster? Need more space to haul the kids and their baseball gear? Live in Japan? If you answered "yes" to any of the above, Subaru has a STI they'd like to show you. The Subaru Impreza WRX STI A-Line is aimed at the discerning enthusiast looking for a more relaxed ride from their performance hatch, someone who isn't interested in messing with the manual gearbox that comes standard on the top-spec Impreza.

The 300-horsepower, turbocharged 2.5-liter boxer four remains the same, equipped with Dual Active Valve Control System (AVCS) to boost low- and mid-range torque and a Tumble Generation Valve (TGV) that supposedly controls the stream of air into the intake for optimal combustion. Subaru is offering the A-Spec exclusively with a five-speed automatic gearbox featuring "Downshifting Blipping Control" and steering wheel-mounted paddles. A new body color - "Satin White Pearl" - is included, along with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and optional leather trim and front seat heaters. While we're pretty sure Subaru Japan's PR team made a mistake on the brake specs - listing the front discs at a whopping 17-inches and the rear rotors at 16-inches - if not, the A-Spec has enough stopping power to halt the rotation of the earth.

Gallery: Subaru Impreza WRX STI A-Line

Continue reading Automatic-equipped Subaru Impreza WRX STI A-Line available in Japan

Automatic-equipped Subaru Impreza WRX STI A-Line available in Japan originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Feb 2009 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Today's 2-for-1 cars deals are on... Subarus in Texas?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 15:34:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Wagon, Crossover, Hatchback, Subaru

We've seen a few "buy one, get one" deals over the last year or so, but it generally involves two cars that the average enthusiast wouldn't have much interest in. Now, David Thomas, owner of Subaru of Plano (that's a suburb of Dallas, TX), has instituted just such a deal for a couple of all-wheel drive Subarus in the form of a free Impreza (okay, so it's $1.00) with the purchase of a Subaru Outback. That's more like it, right? We're sure that there are numerous fine print details to go over, but the gist of it is that you'll pay full price for an Outback and a buck plus tax, title and license for the Impreza, after which you can drive the Impreza for two years with zero payments. Assuming that the resale value of the Subaru Impreza remains solid, Thomas maintains that the deal will still make him some money. Those wanting to take Thomas up on the offer have until January 2nd to do so.

[Source: Dallas Business Journal via Kicking Tires]

Today's 2-for-1 cars deals are on... Subarus in Texas? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Dec 2008 15:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru Impreza diesel delayed for the UK

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 18:59:00 EST

Filed under: Japan, Subaru, UK

In this installment of "As the Yen Skyrockets," Autocar is reporting that the introduction of the long-awaited Subaru Impreza diesel has been delayed indefinitely due to unfavorable exchange rates. A source inside International Motors, the firm that imports Subarus into the UK, told Autocar, "At the current rate we would have to charge vastly more than we can justify for the diesel Impreza if we were to make a profit. As a result we can't guarantee when the car will go on sale as we can't predict when the economy will change."

Both Toyota and Honda are facing the same problem, with Honda CEO Takeo Fukui going so far as to threaten moving Honda's headquarters outside of Japan. Analysts predict that the yen could begin to sink in the coming weeks, but if the market doesn't correct itself, the Japanese government might have to intervene and begin devaluing its currency.

[Source: Autocar]

Subaru Impreza diesel delayed for the UK originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Dec 2008 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Subaru considering FWD Impreza for Europe, turbocharged 1.5-liter

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Hatchback, Subaru, Rumormill

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2008 Subaru Impreza

Autoweek.nl is spreading a rumor that Subaru is considering offering a two-wheel-drive version of the Impreza in Europe in an attempt to offer a budget alternative to the Mazda3 and Toyota Corolla. The entry-level Impreza would make use of the 107 hp, 1.5-liter boxer four-cylinder and possibly the new 150 hp diesel engine, putting fuel economy above all else. There's also talk of a turbocharged version of the 1.5-liter mill that would slot in between the naturally aspirated variant and Subaru's turbocharged 2.5-liter.

Although Subaru has offered FWD versions of its models in the past, its recent raison d'être of being the all-wheel-drive automaker would be harmed if a FWD variant was added to its lineup. That's why we doubt it will come to fruition and that we'll never seen a FWD Subaru in the States. A rear-wheel-drive Subaru on the other hand...

Gallery: 2008 Subaru Impreza

[Source: Autoweek.nl - Google-translated]

Rumormill: Subaru considering FWD Impreza for Europe, turbocharged 1.5-liter originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Dec 2008 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2009 Subaru Impreza 2.5 GT 5-Door

Dan Roth — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Hatchback, Subaru

2009 Subaru Impreza 2.5GT - Click above for high-res image gallery

It says something when an automaker sees fit to give the tachometer a place of prominence in the gauge cluster. "We're serious," it implies. Unamused sports cars like the Porsche 911 assign the rev counter a level of gravity beyond being a glorified "engine is running" idiot light. Fortunately, the Paprika Red Subaru Impreza GT 5-door that recently arrived in the Autoblog Garage stated its intentions clearly by placing this most important gauge in its "proper" place. New to the Impreza range, the GT model is a chafing dish full of original WRX simmering through an automatic transmission. An autobox may seem anathema to the 224 horsepower turbo-fed boxer, but we were pleased to discover that all the fun is not sopped up by a spongy tranny.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Subaru Impreza 2.5GT

Continue reading Review: 2009 Subaru Impreza 2.5 GT 5-Door

Review: 2009 Subaru Impreza 2.5 GT 5-Door originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Oct 2008 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru releases JDM-only 20th Anniversary Edition Impreza WRX STI

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 15:01:00 EST

Filed under: Japan, Hatchback, Subaru, Specialty

Click either image for a high-res gallery of the Impreza WRX STI 20th Ann.

Celebration and disappointment -- that's what the Subaru Impreza WRX STI 20th Anniversary edition brings to the party. Celebration because it marks two decades of low-mounted, boxer-powered, all-wheel-drive fun and disappointment because the Takumi concept we saw earlier this month - assumed to be a glimpse of the future Spec-C WRX - was just an early unveiling of this limited edition Impreza.

To make matters worse, the 20th Anniversary WRX doesn't get much in the way of modifications. The only substantive changes to the STI's dynamics come from a new set of coilovers with retuned springs and shocks to offer a more planted ride, along with thicker front and rear anti-roll bars and a set of 18-inch aluminum wheels to compliment the only available hue (white). Body mods are also kept to a minimum, with only a black lip spoiler and rear wing subtly proclaiming the STI's special status.

No special edition would be complete without the prerequisite badging, so in addition to leather Recaros with red stitching and a matching shift knob, a commemorative plaque on the center console and a new set of door sills are the only thing letting people know that the Impreza is one of the 300 limited edition examples. Oh, and there's a special red pouch for the key fob too.

Sales are beginning in Japan as you read this, carrying a price tag of 4,126,500 yen.

Gallery: 20th Anniversary Subaru Impreza WRX STI

Subaru releases JDM-only 20th Anniversary Edition Impreza WRX STI originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Oct 2008 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru Impreza WRX STI Takumi concept hints at future Spec-C

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Wagon, Japan, Subaru, Tokyo Auto Salon

Our Parisian friends over at LeBlogAuto were on hand at the Motorsport Japan 2008 event in Tokyo this past weekend, where FHI unveiled an Impreza-based "concept" dubbed the Subaru WRX STI Takumi.

Featuring upgraded springs and shocks, revised suspension bits, lightweight 12-spoke wheels, undisclosed engine tweaks and a slightly reworked exterior, the Takumi foretells the future of the rumored Spec-C variant, due to hit the market sometime next year.

Subaru execs at the show remained mum on if when the Spec-C would debut, but the smart money is on the Tokyo Auto Salon this January.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Subaru WRX STI spec C

[Source: LeBlogAuto - Translated]

Subaru Impreza WRX STI Takumi concept hints at future Spec-C originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Colin McRae tribute convoy reaches 30-miles long

Justin Gardiner — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Etc., Subaru, Celebrities

Click above for high-res gallery of Colin McRae's tribute

Oh, those Brits. When they're not ~~faking~~ making corn circles they're writing a rally legend's name using 1,086 Subaru Imprezas as pixels. This, of course, was the finale to the weekend long celebration of Colin McRae's life, which saw over 1,100 Scoobys converge on Prodrive's test track in Warwickshire. Precisely how many cars took part in the ensuing 30-mile convoy is unknown, but if you don't have anything better to do right now, you can have a go at counting them in the video after the jump (and look out for the near miss at 6:42). Even the local constabulary showed up in a WRX pursuit car.

The half-mile-long sign you see above broke the Guiness World Record for, err, writing signs with cars by a cool 800, but more importantly Colin's fans raised over $80,000 for the McRae family's chosen charities.

Gallery: Colin McRae's tribute convoy

Continue reading Colin McRae tribute convoy reaches 30-miles long

Colin McRae tribute convoy reaches 30-miles long originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Sep 2008 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 Subaru Impreza WRX: 265 hp, retuned suspension, STI tweaks

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:32:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Wagon, Subaru

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX.

It's official folks. Those of you that picked up a 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX have been had. The road-going rally rocket gets an update for 2009 and with it comes a retuned 2.5-liter boxer four-pot producing 265 hp and 244 lb.-ft. of torque - a 41 hp and 18 lb.-ft. increase over the outgoing model. Power will be sent to all four wheels through a five-speed manual - the only transmission available -- with low-profile 225/45R17 summer tires replacing the 205/50R17 rubber of the 2008 model.

The suspension has been revised to include stiffer springs, uprated dampers, upper strut mounts cribbed from the STI and larger anti-roll bars fore and aft. The Aero package is no longer an option - it's standard - and includes an STI-inspired grille on both the sedan and hatch, while the five-door receives the STI's rear spoiler and underbody diffuser.

Impreza obsessives that ran out to buy a 2008 model might be miffed, but Subaru had to make adjustments to keep the WRX competitive, particularly with the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart becoming a serious contender in the turbo'd sedan segment.

All the details are available in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX and 2.5GT

Continue reading 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX: 265 hp, retuned suspension, STI tweaks

2009 Subaru Impreza WRX: 265 hp, retuned suspension, STI tweaks originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 Subaru Impreza WRX gets upgraded to 265 hp

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 08:49:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Hatchback, Subaru

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2008 Subaru Impreza.

A forum member at NASIOC has posted a corporate communiqué supposedly sent to North American Subaru dealers announcing the forthcoming arrival of the 2009 Impreza WRX. Two models are outlined in the release, the first, a new model dubbed the Impreza GT, will only be available with an automatic transmission and the 224 hp engine from the WRX. But that's not the real news...

The 2009 WRX's turbocharged 2.5-liter boxer will get a boost in output to 265 hp (41 hp more than the 2008 model) and will only be available with a manual gearbox. The '09 WRX will also feature an upgraded suspension (no details), an STI-style front grille, standard aero kit and a new grey wheel package, along with red stitching on the steering wheel and seats.

The memo also mentions the inclusion of a moonroof on models equipped with the premium package, along with some undisclosed changes on vehicles equipped with the ivory interior.

While owners of the 2008 WRX might feel slighted, it's nice to know that Subaru is stepping up its game on the eve of the release of the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart.

Top tip Matt!

Gallery: 2008 Subaru Impreza

[Source: NASIOC]

2009 Subaru Impreza WRX gets upgraded to 265 hp originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Jul 2008 08:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Subaru WRX STI spec C

Alex Nunez — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 13:27:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Hatchback, Subaru, Specialty

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the Subaru WRX STI spec C

It looks like a regular STI, right? Well, according to the spies at KGP, it's not. This is actually the forthcoming Impreza WRX STI spec C out for a cruise in some approipriately sloppy weather. Note the white wheels and reworked rear diffuser, which are the visual giveaways in this case. When the spec C arrives, it should tip the scales at around 150 to 200 pounds less than the regular STI and be further augmented with engine upgrades and improved braking. That'll make for a nice neighborhood rally car, indeed. All you'll need is a little snow, some studded rubber, and someone yelling directions at you in Finnish from the passenger seat to really bring that WRC experience home. For the rest of you, just ask your wives to ride shotgun. They'll be shouting directions at you (though probably not in Finnish) in no time. Check out the attached gallery for more shots, both on the street and on the Nordschleife (on a nicer day).

Gallery: Spy Shots: Subaru WRX STI spec C

[Source: KGP Photography]

Spy Shots: Subaru WRX STI spec C originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jul 2008 13:27:00 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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Subaru Impreza coupe coming in 2010

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hatchback, Subaru, Rendered Speculation

Subaru and Toyota's rear-wheel-drive lovechild is on its way, and AutoExpress has tapped Larson to render the new coupe to give us an idea of what we'll be saving up for come 2010.

As previously reported, both versions will be sporting separate sheet metal to differentiate the two coupes from one another. We'd suspect that the Toyota version will be fitted with a traditional trunk, while the Subaru version will get a hatch similar to that found on the WRX/STI. The image above takes all the right cues from the current Impreza, particularly the aggressive roofline and hunkered stance, and ratchets it up a notch with a new front bumper, swept back headlamps and bulging fender flares.

As we're already aware, both the Toyota version (which supposedly won't make it to U.S. shores) and the Subaru variant will be powered by a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter boxer, sending around 180 hp to the rear wheels. AutoExpress claims that a 300-hp version equipped with the turbocharged 2.5-liter flat-four is also destined for production, along with an all-wheel-drive version further down the road. For those of us that have been dreaming of an STI-powered GC8 coupe, this could spare us the considerable headache and expense when it goes on sale in 2012.

[Source: AutoExpress]

Subaru Impreza coupe coming in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Jun 2008 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru releases Impreza WRC2008 ahead of launch at Acropolis rally

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 20 May 2008 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Subaru

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Subaru Impreza WRC2008.

Next week's Acropolis Rally in Greece will be the first event in the 2008 WRC season to feature Subaru's new rally car. The Impreza Rally WRC2008 car was originally previewed at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, but Subaru has yet to announce the final specifications of its new rally rocket. Obviously, Prodrive has had its hand in developing the new racer, but a BOS sticker indicates that Subaru will be utilizing the French outfit's dampers. Petter Solberg and Chris Atkinson will pilot the new Impreza in Greece and Prodrive head David Richards is convinced that this is "the most radically different Subaru World Rally Car in 15 years." We're looking forward to seeing how it fares next week.

Gallery: Subaru Impreza WRC2008

Gallery: 2008 Subaru WRC Concept

[Source: WRC]

Subaru releases Impreza WRC2008 ahead of launch at Acropolis rally originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 May 2008 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mitsubishi Evo MR and lightweight Subaru STI Spec-C coming

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 12:25:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Mitsubishi, Subaru

Click either image for a high-res rendering of each model at AutoExpress.

Mitsubishi and Subaru are entering round two of the newest battle for all-wheel-drive supremacy and AutoExpress has ringside seats. Both automakers are preparing hard-core versions of their turbocharged, rally-bred road rockets and that means more power, more aerodynamic mods and, in the case of Subaru, less weight.

The Lancer Evolution X MR is on the way, with a new fascia equipped with extra venting and a new air intake, while a revised rear wing, side skirts and blacked-out wheels complete the exterior makeover. Output is increased by 20 hp (in JDM spec) to 305 hp and the mid-range has been tweaked to provide more low-end torque, dropping the 0-60 time to under five seconds. The paddle-shifted SST twin-clutch transmission transfers over from the GSR model (likely with some software revisions) and the body has been stiffened to maximize the MR's handling.

Subaru is taking a different tack, keeping power upgrades to the STI's turbo'd 2.5-liter boxer to a minimum and instead focusing on weight reduction. The Impreza WRX STI Spec C will get a slightly revised aero kit, with a roof scoop (functional?), standard gold wheels, a lightweight roof, aluminum trunk lid, compact battery, smaller fuel tank and thinner compartment glass all around. All that work is expected to result in a 154-pound drop in weight, so the Spec C will tip the scales at just over 3,000 pounds.

Subaru is also planning to equip the new Legacy with the STI's drivetrain, a revised suspension and slapping on an "S402" badge on the back, along with a sporting interior with more grippy seats. All of this is only for JDM consumption at the moment, but we'd expect to see both the MR and Spec C hit the UK next year, with sales in the U.S. of the MR coming around the same time.

[Source: AutoExpress]

Mitsubishi Evo MR and lightweight Subaru STI Spec-C coming originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Apr 2008 12:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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