Autoblog

LA Preview: Subaru WRX STI Special Edition headed for U.S. showrooms

Chris Paukert — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Performance, Hatchback, Subaru

2010 Subaru WRX STI Special Edition - Click above for high-res image gallery

For U.S. Subaru enthusiasts, it has long seemed like the folks at Fuji Heavy forgot that we might be interested in special-edition WRX models too. New hotted-up variants of the all-wheel-drive hero car have been released in the UK and elsewhere on what seems like a monthly basis, but here in the States, we've largely done without. Thankfully, at last there is just such a U.S. model in the pipeline, and it's headed for the LA Auto Show.

The the 2010 WRX STI Special Edition starts by utilizing the suspension package form the JDM WRX STI Spec C (1mm thicker rear antisway bar, stiffer springs and more robust rear subframe bushings), and the model also inherits the charcoal 18 x 8.5-inch 14-spoke alloys from that car as well.

Interestingly, the Special Edition is decontented somewhat. Unlike the standard U.S. STI, the SE makes do with a downgraded stereo (single-disc CD/four speakers versus six-disc/10 speakers), manual HVAC controls, conventional halogen headlamps, and indicator-free side mirrors. It isn't immediately clear if this change in specification helps shave any weight, but the smaller stereo alone probably helps the car drop a few pounds.

Subaru says it plans to initially offer the Special Edition in a limited run of 125 units this Spring, all painted Aspen White. Later in 2010, the Special Edition will become a normal production model available in other colors. Pricing has not yet been released, but if you're at all interested in one of the first 125 examples, we'd suggest getting on a list with your local dealer now. Check out the full press release after the jump and the high-res gallery below.

Gallery: 2010 Subaru WRX STI Special Edition

[Source: Subaru]

Continue reading LA Preview: Subaru WRX STI Special Edition headed for U.S. showrooms

LA Preview: Subaru WRX STI Special Edition headed for U.S. showrooms originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Subaru version of Toyota FT-86 to be bigger, get substantially more power, AWD

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Subaru, Toyota

Toyota FT-86 Concept - click above for high-res image gallery

While most sports car fans everywhere are waiting with bated breath for the new Toyota FT-86 to arrive from the Land of the Rising Sun, some of us are a little bit more excited about the car's Subaru cousin. Why is that, especially considering that the FT-86 appears to be kinda just what the doctor ordered (rear-wheel drive, 200 horsepower, light, cheap)? Well, for one thing, Subarus are all-wheel drive. And while rear-wheel driven sports cars definitely have their charms (earlier rumors even suggested that Fuji Heavy (i.e. Subaru) was even caving and going rear-drive with its version of the Toyobaru), there's really little in life as fun as blasting down a gravel road at a seemingly unsafe clip while kicking up mountainous clouds of dust. Plus, you know, rain and all that.

Then there's the engine. Our pals at Inside Line are reporting that the Subaru iteration of the FT-86 will have more power - 250 hp according to them. Using Jeremy Clarkson-style logic, 250 hp is better than 200 hp. Because it's more. IL claims that the Toyobaru will use a version of the just-developed-for-the-FT-86 flat-four 2.0-liter engine - supposedly naturally aspirated like in the FT-86.

But here's the thing - the smallest engine Subaru offers American consumers these days is a 2.5-liter boxer. And that motor, turbo-tuned for WRX duty, makes 265 hp (though we've driven it and we'd wager it kicks out a bit more than that). Why would Subaru put a smaller, weaker engine into a $30,000 coupe ($30,000 according to the IL article) than the motor they stick in the $25,000 WRX? Exactly -we don't think they would.

Inside Line also says the Subaru version will be larger than the Toyota car because of a "stretched platform." We're not sure if that means longer or wider - or both - but we'd err on the side of longer, as in more backseat room. What we're looking at then, is a big-ish, AWD coupe with a lot of power. Can you say 2011 SVX? We knew you could.

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Toyota FT-86 Concept

[Source: Inside Line]

Rumormill: Subaru version of Toyota FT-86 to be bigger, get substantially more power, AWD originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Hot For Words investigates Ken Block's Gymkhana

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Etc.

Hot For Words host Marina - Click above to watch the video

Can you believe it's been one solid year since we first saw Ken Block's eye-popping, mind-numbing, death-defying Gymkhana video? How time flies when you're hooning it at 11/10s.To celebrate this monumental moment in the history of car-related YouTubeage, DC Shoes (Mr. Block's extreme sports clothing company) has gone ahead and put together an "investigation" into the whole Gymkhana phenomenon. And if you can get past (or get into, take your pick) Marina's highly modified assets, the video's loaded with some good stuff.

For instance, Block never intended to start a cult of Gymkhana. He'd built up a 530 hp Subaru WRX to compete in a Gymkhana event that was canceled leaving Ken with a car but no race. And get this -- over 24,000,000 people have watched the original Gymkhana video -- that's more folks than have watch all of Harmony Korine's last three movies, times two! And if you don't like this video, hop on over to 0-60mag.com, where they've not only got the Hot For Words clip, but a full seven pages of Ken Block/Gymkhana related footage. One hoon to rule them all indeed. Full video, after the jump.

[Source: 0-60mag.com]

Continue reading VIDEO: Hot For Words investigates Ken Block's Gymkhana

VIDEO: Hot For Words investigates Ken Block's Gymkhana originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Ken Block's Subaru-based TRAX STI is an alpine badass

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:59:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Hatchback, Subaru, Specialty

Ken Block's Subaru WRX STI-based snow tank - Click above watch the video

Yes, that's probably the first ever Subaru tank. We can't say for certain, but I think in this case we can go ahead and assume. Driven by none other then Ken "Gymkhana" Block. Why does it exist? To be the "ultimate backcountry shred car," of course. We think what that actually means is that you'll be able to not only access rather remote sections of your favorite mountain in the TRAX STI, but get there quickly and confidently, while performing any matter of black diamond stunts along the way.

Being skiers and not snowboarders (ahem), the part that really interests up is what lies beneath. And we're happy to say in the case of the TRAX STI, quite a lot. The snow beast begins life as just another Ken Block-prepped open class WRX STI rally car. It's then sent to Vermont SportsCar where the power is upped to 400 hp, EXE-TC Group N dampers are fitted to all four corners and (obviously, duh) the wheels are ripped off and replaced with cat tracks. There's also a four person sleigh (not shown in the video) that can haul four boarders plus their gear up a mountain. Says Block:

It combines a two of my favorite things in life: driving a rally car in the snow and snowboarding in the powder in the backcountry. It's incredibly fun having the ability to push the high-power Subaru on the slopes and to backcountry spots that normal cars could never go!

We're just hoping that at some point old Kenny boy will give us a slushy hot lap or two. And be sure to check out 0-60's interview with Ken where the famed rally driver delves into more of his snow mania. Full press release explaining the madness behind the TRAX STI after the jump.

Gallery: Ken Block Subaru TRAX STI

Continue reading VIDEO: Ken Block's Subaru-based TRAX STI is an alpine badass

VIDEO: Ken Block's Subaru-based TRAX STI is an alpine badass originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo Preview: Subaru WRX STI Carbon doesn't make sense

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 01:29:00 EST

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

Subaru WRX STI Carbon - Click above for high-res image gallery

Subaru has announced a new version of the WRX STI that will debut at the Tokyo Motor Show. We've looked at this one six ways 'til Sunday (maybe seven) and we still can't make sense of it. But, hear us out. One of the main knocks against the STI has long been that it's a little too porky. But, when you base a performance car on a plebeian chassis, that's the price you pay. Another knock is that the STI - while potent - is just not as hardcore as the Mitsubishi EVO, even though the EVO X is a little, well, less hardcore than the EVO IX. So obviously Subaru's going to address these concerns with a special, lightweight edition STI, right? Well...

Meet the WRX STI Carbon. It has a carbon fiber roof. And a five-speed automatic transmission borrowed from the Legacy - no manual. And... suede seats. Yup, that's it. Now, we like the roof, don't get us wrong. Removing weight and lowering the center of gravity is exactly what the STI needs. But, a slushbox? For reals? Subaru says the five-speed auto is there to offer, "distinctive driving pleasure to a wider range of customers." Ah, the old dumbing it down so you can sell more trick. Hey, it worked for Porsche (see: Cayenne).

Let's see here, the last time Subaru tried this maneuver was in 2008 with the GE/GH third generation WRX. That went so well that Subaru was forced to relaunch the car twelve months later and rename to the 2008 WRX as the auto-only 2.5 GT. In other words, we just don't get the STI Carbon. Maybe in a year's time, Subaru will be forced to rename it the Carbon GT. That would at least make some sense. Right?

Gallery: Tokyo Preview: Subaru WRX STI Carbon

Continue reading Tokyo Preview: Subaru WRX STI Carbon doesn't make sense

Tokyo Preview: Subaru WRX STI Carbon doesn't make sense originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 01:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Gymkhana 2.1 - Electric Boogaloo: Block vs. Dyrdek

Chris Paukert — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, Subaru, Humor, Specialty

Gymkhana 2.1 - Block vs. Dyrdek - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Driftmeister Extraordinaire Ken Block is at it again, only this time, with a bit more of a sense of humor on display. The tire-immolating Subaru WRX STI rally driver has teamed up with pro skateboarder Rob Dyrdek for a "Me and My Shadow" video extravaganza dubbed Gymkhana 2.1.

While we have to admit that the finished product isn't filled with as many jaw-slackeningly awesome moments as the pair of videos that proceeded it, it's an amusing coquet while we wait for Gymkhana 3.0, a film that will presumably involve a borrowed space shuttle, a runway full of banana peels, and at least one octogenarian goat herder. The 3:49 production is worth watching just for Dyrdek's custom "Mini Me" go-kart, which we want parked in our lawnmower shed yesterday. Enjoy watching the video after the jump, and be sure to check out the slightly less-than high-res images in the gallery below. Hat tips to Adam and Christian!

Gallery: Gymkhana 2.1 - Block vs. Dyrdek

[Source: DC Shoes]

Continue reading VIDEO: Gymkhana 2.1 - Electric Boogaloo: Block vs. Dyrdek

VIDEO: Gymkhana 2.1 - Electric Boogaloo: Block vs. Dyrdek originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevy Camaro and Dodge Challenger better than Ford's Mustang? Consumer Reports says 'neigh'

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 12:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford

2010 Ford Mustang GT - Click above for high-res image gallery

Sorry Transformers fans, but your precious Bumblebee just got his butt whooped. Color us not surprised. Because for anyone that's ever driven the Detroit Three's nouveau muscle cars (and seriously evaluated them), the 2010 Mustang GT is clearly Best of Show material. It's just too refined, too capable and let's be honest, too good. Especially when compared to the cetacean Dodge Challenger R/T. How obvious? Even Consumer Reports says so.

True, it used to be getting your sports car endorsed by Consumer Reports was kinda like Tipper Gore and Joe Lieberman banging their heads and flashing approving devil signs at your band. But somewhere about ten years back, the ad-free, subscriber-funded mag began testing cars that enthusiasts might actually want to buy. And then they began factoring in metrics like acceleration, handling and braking, while still lowering eyelids with stats on mileage and reliability (we kid, we kid).

So yeah - straight up, the 315 horsepower Ford Mustang GT got a rating of "Very Good" and 78 points, whereas the 426 hp Chevrolet Camaro SS got "Very Good" but only 71 points, whereas the 370 hp Challenger R/T received a rating of merely "Good" and just 53 points.

But wait, there's more! CR also tested the Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8, Subaru WRX and Nissan 370Z. How did the evolved-but-not-revolved 'Stang stack up? Funny you should ask. Consumer Reports' press release doesn't say. Specifically, it doesn't give numeric scores for the sporty Asian cars. However, all three non-domestics got the (apparently) coveted "Very Good" rating, meaning they all finished ahead of the Challenger. And yes, the big Dodge had the six-speed manual. Part of the Challenger's problem is no doubt this sentence: "Braking is mediocre and it has a big car feel rather than a sports car." But the real question is, which car won the competition outright? All we know is that the new issue comes out today. PR posted after the jump.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Ford Mustang GT

[Source: Consumer Reports]

Continue reading Chevy Camaro and Dodge Challenger better than Ford's Mustang? Consumer Reports says 'neigh'

Chevy Camaro and Dodge Challenger better than Ford's Mustang? Consumer Reports says 'neigh' originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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X Games 15: Ford Fiesta, Kenny Brack get the gold

Jonny Lieberman — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 22:45:00 EST

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

X Games 15 Crowns New Rally King - Click above for high-res image gallery

We're not going to say we told you so - because we didn't - but we are going to go ahead and say we're totally not shocked that former Indy 500 champ Kenny Brack just won some X Games gold. After all, we're still a touch weak in the knees from our little ride along with him and his ~~atomic weasel~~ Ford Fiesta rally car last Thursday. First thing's first: what a coup for Ford. Beating Subaru at X Games is like beating Muhammad Ali in the 1960s. It just doesn't happen very often. Turns out that the big jump that had everyone at Ford a little more worried than they were publicly letting on just wasn't an issue. The hopped up Fiestas did great. In fact all three Ford drivers (Brack, Foust and Deegan) made it to the semifinals, along with Subaru's Travis Pastrana.

What a great intro to the sport of rallying for Kenny Brack. It looked as if Foust was going to beat Brack heads up, but then Tanner spun out and Brack was pitted against Pastrana and his Subaru in the final. Pastrana is ahead after one lap and everyone had pretty much concluded that he was about to win his umpteenth X Game event. But at the start of the second lap, Pastrana goes wide, spins, hits the back left side of his car against a barrier and can't continue. Ten years after winning the the Indy 500, Kenny Brack wins X Games Rally gold. Good job, Kenny.

Follow the jump to watch video of the finals contest at this year's 2009 X Games.

Gallery: X Games 15 Crowns New Rally King

[Source: ESPN]

Continue reading X Games 15: Ford Fiesta, Kenny Brack get the gold

X Games 15: Ford Fiesta, Kenny Brack get the gold originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 02 Aug 2009 22:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Ken Block works it out on Top Gear with Captain Slow in tow

Chris Paukert — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 19:27:00 EST

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

Click above to watch video after the jump

If there had been awards handed out to the preeminent forces in online automotive video over the past few years, surely Top Gear and rallyist Ken Block would have been shortlisted for the honor. Naturally, you'd expect that pairing the two Internet institutions would result in an amazing bit of film... and you'd be entirely correct.

What follows in the video posted after the jump is 6 minutes and 45 seconds of gobsmacking automotive artistry and top-flight production, with Block's 380-horsepower Subaru WRX STI drilling in and around an airport in California with a bug-eyed James May cinched into the passenger seat. Did we mention the appearance of Ricky Carmichael, perhaps the winningest motocross racer of all time? Click through the jump to witness the gorgeously controlled display of mechanical mayhem. Hat tip to absolutely everybody!

[Source: Top Gear via YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Ken Block works it out on Top Gear with Captain Slow in tow

VIDEO: Ken Block works it out on Top Gear with Captain Slow in tow originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Jul 2009 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Time lapse build of Subaru rally car over 800 hours

Drew Phillips — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Subaru

Click above to view video after the jump

It's no secret that running a motorsports team is a lot of work, but probably most of us don't know how much time and effort it really takes. Just building the race cars can take hundreds of man hours, as evidenced by this stop-motion video created by the U.S. Subaru rally team. Starting with a stock 2008 WRX STI, the team strips the car down to its frame by removing the engine, drivetrain, interior and even the windshield. The complete transformation takes an amazing 800 hours of labor. Knowing that makes us cringe even more when we see one roll end over end. Follow the jump to watch the video.

[Source: Subaru]

Continue reading VIDEO: Time lapse build of Subaru rally car over 800 hours

VIDEO: Time lapse build of Subaru rally car over 800 hours originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Aug 2008 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru holds the line on WRX pricing

John Neff — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 14:59:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Hatchback, Subaru

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

Despite being just one year since it was completely redesigned, the Subaru WRX is getting some big upgrades for 2009 including a more powerful engine with a larger turbo, new exterior enhancements and more go-fast hardware from its big brother, the STI. When we heard this news, we mentioned that buyers of the 2008 model might feel slighted. No might about it anymore, as Inside Line is reporting that the 2009 WRX will be priced almost identical to the 2008 model. The '09 WRX will reportedly start below $25k while the 2008 model starts at $24,995, including a $645 delivery charge. While a delivery charge might push the '09 model over $25k, that's a small price to pay for all the extras you're getting that includes a new 265-horsepower version of Subaru's turbocharged 2.5L boxer-four.

Gallery: 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX and 2.5GT

[Source: Inside Line]

Subaru holds the line on WRX pricing originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Aug 2008 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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What really makes a Subaru a Subaru? Love?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 19:02:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Subaru

Thanks to Subaru's newest marketing campaign, we finally know what really makes a Subaru a Subaru. Love. Really? Allow Tim Mahoney, chief marketing officer for Subaru of America, to explain, "Love is the most powerful emotion and 'I love my Subaru' is the most used phrase I hear about our brand. We wanted to show the bond between Subaru owners and their cars through this work."

While it seems that current owners may love their cars, Subaru's research into the subject shows that the majority of the population have no strong feelings toward the brand at all. Past Subaru ads have communicated the rational reasons for purchasing a Subaru, but the marketing team now intends to key in on three specific subjects: the heart, the brain and the wallet, highlighting all of the considerations of a consumer looking for a new car. Will the new advertisements resonate with consumers? Dunno, but we do know that while we love ourselves some STI, there isn't much else that Subaru has to offer which make our hearts race.

[Source: Subaru]

Continue reading What really makes a Subaru a Subaru? Love?

What really makes a Subaru a Subaru? Love? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Apr 2008 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru may offer diesel version of WRX

Chris Shunk — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 10:02:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Green, Hatchback, Subaru

Hot on the heels of news that Subaru will be showing off a 147-hp diesel boxer in the Legacy and Outback next month in Geneva, the Japanese automaker is rumored to be considering an oil-burner for its tuner favorite WRX. It appears Subaru may have a winner with its 2.0L turbo-diesel powerplant, too. During a test drive of the diesel Legacy, the UK's Autocar gushed that the sedan may sport the best diesel they've ever driven. Since Subaru is looking to improve its fleet-wide fuel economy, it makes sense that the engine would quickly make its rounds through the Subie lineup. The Forester seems like a logical target, and with 258 lb-ft and a compact footprint, the fuel-efficient powerplant would definitely work in the WRX.

Australia's Drive asked Subaru about a possible diesel WRX, and the company responded with the expected "we're looking into it". Of course they are. As fun and interesting as a diesel WRX sounds, the combo is likely the stuff of pixie dust and fairies of the dental kind for those of us living in the States. We almost never get the really interesting stuff here. That all could change, however, when the EU adopts emissions standards as strict as those in the US, making the transfer of diesel technology between the two as easy as pie.

[Source: Drive]

Subaru may offer diesel version of WRX originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Feb 2008 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru's Senior suggests STI Junior

Noah Joseph — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 12:56:00 EST

Filed under: Subaru

click above to view a high-res gallery of the Subaru Impreza STi

Subaru has gained itself quite a cult following with performance Imprezas. Based on its victories in the World Rally Championship, the WRX and STi versions of the Impreza have been a big hit with the gonzo street-racer crowd. With the introduction of the latest STi, Subaru left a gaping hole between the mighty fast 224-hp WRX ($24,350) and the super-fast 305-hp WRX STi ($34,995). Since more customers will want to upgrade from the WRX than can afford the $10k+ leap to the STi, Subaru is reportedly considering slotting a new model in between the two, which could come in a little under $30k and offer about 265 horses under hood.

The report comes from our friends down under at Drive.co.au, who were speaking with Nick Senior of Subaru Australia. According to Senior, parent company Fuji Heavy Industries "has a fair bit on its plate" at the moment, alluding to the reported upcoming Celica which Subaru is developing with partner Toyota, so we shouldn't expect a mid-level WRX anytime soon, but it is on Subaru's radar screen for the future. Senior also said we can expect Subaru to churn out some special-editions, like a stripped-out STi track car, so stay tuned.

[Source: Drive.co.au]

Gallery: 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STi

Subaru's Senior suggests STI Junior originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Feb 2008 12:56:00 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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Ken Block jumps Subaru WRX STI off snowy mountain for mag cover

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 18:57:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

Ken Block is quickly becoming our favorite subsect celeb through which we can live our wildest fantasies. The founder of DC Shoes has made a name for himself in the rally scene, and has even gone so far as to appear on Discovery's Stunk Junkies to jump his rally-prepped WRX 171 feet in the air - a new world record.

The man loves driving and he loves the snow, so when the opportunity to close off a section of New Zealand's Snow Park Resort and hoon his way around the mountain presented itself, he jumped at the chance. The result was an awesome photoshoot that landed him and pro-snowboarder Torstein Hargmo on the cover of Snowboarder magazine. The two athletes launched off a specially made 55-foot ramp, with Block landing some 70 feet in the distance. While the photo on the right is cool enough, we can only imagine how much fun Block had prior to the shoot on the empty slopes.

[Source: Rally Sport Magazine via Winding Road]

Ken Block jumps Subaru WRX STI off snowy mountain for mag cover originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Nov 2007 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy VIDEO: Subaru WRX STI barely disguised

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 11:26:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Videos, Tokyo Motor Show, Subaru

Car magazine has caught a brand new WRX STi doing its flat four, turbocharged boxer thing at the 'Ring. The only disguise it's wearing is black masking along its sides. That doesn't stop you from seeing what it can do, or from hearing how it will sound doing it when the thing gets into buyers' grubby hands. The 300 BHP (and then some) Scooby takes its first bow in about a week. Until then, enjoy the movie. And this car is looks fantastic in Rally livery...

[Source: Car magazine]

Spy VIDEO: Subaru WRX STI barely disguised originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Oct 2007 11:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Is this the real deal? Subaru Impreza WRX STi shot posted

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 13:49:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Hatchback, Subaru

We've been a little disappointed by the looks of Subaru's latest Impreza and WRX, but wanted to reserve judgment until the STi showed up. Could that homely hatch design really support the extra muscle that transforms the STi into a rally star? We really wanted to know. There have been tons of renderings and spy shots, but here we have what is possibly the first clear photo of the real deal.

Captured by CARTOP, it was just posted by Nihon Car. It still looks touched up to us, if not completely cgi, but we'll give them the benefit of the doubt for now. Not a lot of changes from WRX to STi are apparent, but the banana-colored Scubie snack looks even more like a Mazdaspeed3 to our eyes. OK, enough harping on the looks. It's not like it's terribly offensive, just a little bland. We're sure driving this 320-hp rocket will change our opinions pretty drastically.

Thanks for the tip, MB!

[Source: Nihon Car]

Is this the real deal? Subaru Impreza WRX STi shot posted originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Jul 2007 13:49:00 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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WRX marketing campaign injected with Japanese culture

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 20:04:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Subaru

Subaru is hoping to give us all a little culture via its new Impreza ads. To show off the new 2008 Impreza and WRX, the company is using an ad campaign that portrays "the history, heritage and popular culture of its home country, Japan." Think everything from Japanese pop culture, from anime films and manga comics, to "The Fast and the Furious," "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" and even "Blade Runner." The commercials will be debuting online today.

Visitors to the Subaru site will find three commercials that show a man from the future visiting "a land of forbidden secrets." While navigating this jungle, he discovers that "the legend is reborn," and eventually takes control of a "powerful jungle creature," the new WRX. The print ad at right shows the look and feel of the campaign, complete with hilltop dragon. Other print ads will follow the theme and present comic-book panel stories complete with dialogue balloons. Seems like a great fit for the 20 to 34-year-old men that the car is aimed at.

[Source: NY Times]

WRX marketing campaign injected with Japanese culture originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Jul 2007 20:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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