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[Subaru WRX and WRX STI Special Editions hit SEMA just in time for Halloween]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/30/subaru-wrx-and-wrx-sti-special-editions-hit-sema-just-in-time-fo/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/30/subaru-wrx-and-wrx-sti-special-editions-hit-sema-just-in-time-fo/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/30/subaru-wrx-and-wrx-sti-special-editions-hit-sema-just-in-time-fo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2013 Subaru WRX and WRX STI Special Editions - front three-quarter view

Subaru has pulled back the curtain on a pair of 2013 WRX and WRX STI Special Edition models ahead of their debut at the 2012 SEMA Show, which kicks off today in Las Vegas. Each car bows with a unique orange and black color scheme that carries over into the cabin. With black wheels, badges and side mirrors, it should easy to pick these machines out of a crowd. Indoors, designers have graced both sedans with a black headliner and the seats feature orange contrast stitching.

Mechanically, the Special Edition models remain unchanged from their more ordinary counterparts, which means buyers will enjoy 265 horsepower from the WRX and 305 ponies from the more muscular WRX STI. Even so, the flashy paint and trim might be enough to drag buyers to the showroom - if you count yourself among that crowd, best get to getting. Subaru is only planning to produce 200 examples of the WRX and another 200 of the WRX STI. Check out the official press blast below for more information, and stay tuned for our live shots from the SEMA show floor.

Continue reading Subaru WRX and WRX STI Special Editions hit SEMA just in time for Halloween

Subaru WRX and WRX STI Special Editions hit SEMA just in time for Halloween originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Oct 2012 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 subaru wrx special edition2013 subaru wrx sti special editionsemasema 2012special editionsubarusubaru wrxsubaru wrx stiwrxwrx stiTue, 30 Oct 2012 14:20:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20365307/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/30/subaru-wrx-and-wrx-sti-special-editions-hit-sema-just-in-time-fo/20365307/article-detail.xml 20365307 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/2013-subaru-special-editions-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/2013-subaru-special-editions-628.jpg <![CDATA[Up close and personal with David Higgins' 2012 Subaru WRX STI Rally Car [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/01/up-close-and-personal-with-david-higgins-2012-subaru-wrx-sti-ra/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/01/up-close-and-personal-with-david-higgins-2012-subaru-wrx-sti-ra/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/01/up-close-and-personal-with-david-higgins-2012-subaru-wrx-sti-ra/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Riding Shotgun With The Four-Time Rally America Champ



There's nothing quite like the sound of a high-strung boxer engine in full rage. Each dip of the throttle sends the opposed four-pot barking and popping like some sort of caffeinated prehistoric beast as David Higgins shoots his very unique 2012 Subaru WRX STI through a tight section of chicanes on the back side of the DirtFish Rally School's 315-acre playground. He's traveling at the approximate speed of a Japanese bullet train, if bullet trains spent the majority of their time sideways and on ball bearings.

An hour ago, this car was cleaner than a sundress on Sunday.

The cacophony can likely be heard all the way from Snoqualmie Valley to the hipster bars in downtown Seattle, but situated as I am in the passenger side of the car, all I hear is the rush of gravel pelting the machine's underbelly and my own laughter. Higgins has just sent his hyperactive triceratops pirouetting around a teardrop-shaped hairpin, pivoting the nose on a group of photographers at the apex. He took time to give the group a friendly thumbs-up before grabbing another gear and leaving them all in a cloud of Washington State silt.

An hour ago, this car was cleaner than a sundress on Sunday, meticulously prepared by the guys at Vermont SportsCar. We caught up with the team who built the machine that Higgins drove to his fifth Rally America Championship win last month for a look at what makes this car so damn fast.

Continue reading Up close and personal with David Higgins' 2012 Subaru WRX STI Rally Car [w/video]

Up close and personal with David Higgins' 2012 Subaru WRX STI Rally Car [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Oct 2012 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 subaru wrx sti rally cardavid higginsdirtfishdirtfish rally schoolrallyrally americarally america championshipsubarusubaru wrx stivermont sportscarvideowrxwrx stiMon, 01 Oct 2012 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20329080/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/01/up-close-and-personal-with-david-higgins-2012-subaru-wrx-sti-ra/20329080/article-detail.xml 20329080 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/david-higgins-2012-subaru-wrx-sti-8-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/david-higgins-2012-subaru-wrx-sti-8-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Next Subaru WRX previewed by Advanced Tourer concept]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/18/next-subaru-wrx-previewed-by-advanced-tourer-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/18/next-subaru-wrx-previewed-by-advanced-tourer-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/18/next-subaru-wrx-previewed-by-advanced-tourer-concept/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Subaru Advanced Tourer Concept - live from 2011 Toyko Motor Show

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2015 subaru wrxadvanced tourer conceptimprezaimpreza wrxsubarusubaru advanced toursubaru wrxtokyo 2011tokyo motor showwrxwrx stiFri, 18 May 2012 16:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20240705/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/18/next-subaru-wrx-previewed-by-advanced-tourer-concept/20240705/article-detail.xml 20240705 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/subaruadvwrx_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/subaruadvwrx.jpg <![CDATA[Next Subaru WRX previewed by Japanese Legacy's 2.0L turbo?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/09/next-subaru-wrx-previewed-by-japanese-legacys-2-0l-turbo/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/09/next-subaru-wrx-previewed-by-japanese-legacys-2-0l-turbo/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/09/next-subaru-wrx-previewed-by-japanese-legacys-2-0l-turbo/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2011 Subaru WRX STI

The next-generation Subaru WRX and WRX STI are still shrouded in a cloak of secrecy. Or is it indecision? Either way, Car and Driver is reporting that when Subaru eventually pulls the wraps off whatever is going to wear the WRX badge, there's going to be a turbocharged version of the 2.0-liter FA-series engine underhood, a derivative of the naturally aspirated engine that's found in the Subaru BRZ.

How does the venerable buff book know this? Because the turbo'ed flat-four has already appeared in the Japanese domestic market Legacy, making 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, mated to a continuously variable transmission. C/D says that engine differs from the one in the BRZ in that it uses Subaru's own direct injection system rather than one coming from Toyota.

In the standard WRX, horsepower numbers are expected to be a bit lower than in the JDM Legacy, though the STI version will probably see power boosted. C/D says the new 2.0-liter engine is supplanting the 2.5-liter Subaru has been using due to fuel economy considerations, though there's also something to the notion of consolidating powertrains to reap greater efficiencies in manufacturing.

Next Subaru WRX previewed by Japanese Legacy's 2.0L turbo? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 May 2012 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brzlegacysubaruwrxwrx stiWed, 09 May 2012 17:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20234497/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/09/next-subaru-wrx-previewed-by-japanese-legacys-2-0l-turbo/20234497/article-detail.xml 20234497 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/01-2011-subaru-wrx-sti-review-opt-1336570539_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/01-2011-subaru-wrx-sti-review-opt-1336570539.jpg <![CDATA[Puma becomes RallyCross team sponsor, releases obligatory Gymkhana vid]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/05/puma-becomes-rallycross-team-sponsor-releases-obligatory-gymkha/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/05/puma-becomes-rallycross-team-sponsor-releases-obligatory-gymkha/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/05/puma-becomes-rallycross-team-sponsor-releases-obligatory-gymkha/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Subaru PUMA RallyCross

With a couple of high-level U.S. defectors from the RallyCross series into other motorsport disciplines there was a domestic vacuum at the top, and we know what nature thinks about that. Enter German shoe/sportswear Puma, which is throwing its sponsor dollars behind the factory-backed Subaru PUMA Rallycross Team.

Dave Mirra heads up the trio of drivers, joined by Bucky Lasek and Sverre Isachsen, and they'll run all six RallyCross rounds this year in 2012 WRX STi's. Of course, you can't properly launch a team without some smoke and sliding action, so you'll find that in the video after the jump. And make sure to peep the "Zombie Cat" Puma skeletons on the cars while you're at it...

Continue reading Puma becomes RallyCross team sponsor, releases obligatory Gymkhana vid

Puma becomes RallyCross team sponsor, releases obligatory Gymkhana vid originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 05 May 2012 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bucky lasekdave mirramotorsportspumarallycrosssubarusverre isachsenvideowrxwrx stiSat, 05 May 2012 20:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20231886/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/05/puma-becomes-rallycross-team-sponsor-releases-obligatory-gymkha/20231886/article-detail.xml 20231886 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/pumarallyxteam_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/pumarallyxteam.jpg <![CDATA[Next Subaru WRX to use electric turbocharger?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/03/next-subaru-wrx-to-use-electric-turbocharger/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/03/next-subaru-wrx-to-use-electric-turbocharger/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/03/next-subaru-wrx-to-use-electric-turbocharger/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2011 Subaru WRX

Subaru has been trying to figure out the direction for its three-headed monster, as the Impreza and its WRX and WRX STI variants have grown increasingly at odds over the past two generations. Now this gets thrown into the mix: When the new WRX gets released in late 2013, it may ditch the traditional exhaust-gas powered turbocharger for a new, electric design.

That's right, according to The Sydney Morning Herald, Subaru is working on an electric turbo, shades of those computer-fan-sourced "power adders" you used to see advertised in the back pages of Sport Compact Car a decade ago. Except we would assume Subie-parent Fuji Heavy Industries is developing a design that actually works. According to the report, heat from the exhaust would be captured, but instead of using the exhaust pressure to turn the turbocharger's turbine, the heat energy would be converted to electricity, which would then spin the impellers. This could be more efficient, as well as eliminating the piping and turbo lag.

While that sounds neat and all, we're not so sure we want to see an unproven technology like this applied to one of our favorite affordable performance cars. Unless, of course, it allows for BMW M3-like performance in a $30,000 car.

Next Subaru WRX to use electric turbocharger? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 May 2012 14:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric turboelectric turbochargerfuji heavy industriesimprezasubaruturboturbochargerwrxwrx stiThu, 03 May 2012 14:14:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20229968/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/03/next-subaru-wrx-to-use-electric-turbocharger/20229968/article-detail.xml 20229968 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/01-2011-subaru-wrx-review_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/01-2011-subaru-wrx-review.jpg <![CDATA[Big decisions loom for next Subaru WRX this week]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/28/big-decisions-loom-for-next-subaru-wrx-this-week/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/28/big-decisions-loom-for-next-subaru-wrx-this-week/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/28/big-decisions-loom-for-next-subaru-wrx-this-week/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

2012 Subaru WRX STI S206

Subaru is currently plotting the future of the next-generation WRX STI. Company delegates from various world markets are currently headed to Japan to decide whether the rally bruiser will continue to be a hardcore racer straight from the factory or if it will head in a new, somewhat posher direction. According to GoAuto.com (and previous reports), the new STI will be significantly different from the base Impreza and WRX, and that difference may translate into a more upscale performance model. Think something along the lines of a BMW M or a Mercedes-Benz AMG machine.

Regardless of which direction the model takes, odds are we can expect to see a turbocharged version of the new 2.0-liter dual-overhead cam boxer four-cylinder currently found in the Forester. Nick Senior, Subaru Australia Managing Director, has been quoted as saying the engine is compatible with forced inductions, countering earlier reports.

While Senior says he hopes the STI will continue to be a rally thoroughbred, his vote only counts for so much. Australia is the fourth-largest Subaru market behind the U.S., Japan and China.

Big decisions loom for next Subaru WRX this week originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Feb 2012 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>imprezastisubarusubaru wrx stiwrxwrx stiTue, 28 Feb 2012 19:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20180926/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/28/big-decisions-loom-for-next-subaru-wrx-this-week/20180926/article-detail.xml 20180926 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/01-wrx-sti-s206-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/01-wrx-sti-s206-628.jpg <![CDATA[Subaru promises BRZ, Impreza STI concepts plus rally return at Tokyo Auto Salon]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/27/subaru-promises-brz-impreza-sti-concepts-plus-rally-return-at-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/27/subaru-promises-brz-impreza-sti-concepts-plus-rally-return-at-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/27/subaru-promises-brz-impreza-sti-concepts-plus-rally-return-at-t/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Subaru display at 2012 Tokyo Auto Salon

Unlike most cities, Japan's capital city plays host to two major automotive exhibitions: the Tokyo Motor Show and the Tokyo Auto Salon. While these terms may be interchangeable when it comes to European expos, in Tokyo, they connote two different shows altogether. The first is the Motor Show, where new concepts and production models are unveiled by the world's automakers. The Auto Salon is more of a tuner expo along the lines of the SEMA show in Las Vegas. So after Subaru made its long-anticipated splash at the Tokyo Motor Show with its new BRZ, now it's heading to the Salon with some modified versions.

First up is a version of the BRZ Concept STI, packing some prototype carbon-fiber components, suspension upgrades, Brembo brakes and more. Subaru has also teamed up again with aftermarket tuner Prova (which shares its name with the traditional license plates carried by prototypes in italy) for a BRZ Black Edition. And you can bet there will be a handful or two of other tuners eager to show what they can do with the new rear-drive sports coupe, as well.

Subaru itself will also be showcasing an upgraded Impreza called the G4 STI with all manner of performance enhancements, and will, at long last, announce its return to a number of different motorsport disciplines. The Super GT300-spec BRZ, which we already know about, will be displayed alongside the Legacy-based racer it replaces. But there will also be a WRX STI that's slated to be fielded at the Nürburgring 24, and Subaru will also be announcing its return to professional rally competition, though not the World Rally Championship series it left years ago, it will contest the Intercontinental Rally Challenge. Follow the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Subaru promises BRZ, Impreza STI concepts plus rally return at Tokyo Auto Salon

Subaru promises BRZ, Impreza STI concepts plus rally return at Tokyo Auto Salon originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Dec 2011 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 tokyo auto salonbrzimprezaintercontinental rally challengerallystisubarusubaru brzsubaru brz sti concepttokyotokyo auto salonwrxwrx stiTue, 27 Dec 2011 14:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20135843/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/27/subaru-promises-brz-impreza-sti-concepts-plus-rally-return-at-t/20135843/article-detail.xml 20135843 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/subaru-brz-salonweb_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/subaru-brz-salonweb.jpg <![CDATA[Subaru WRX STI S206 is a slice of JDM awesome]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/30/subaru-wrx-sti-s206-tokyo-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/30/subaru-wrx-sti-s206-tokyo-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/30/subaru-wrx-sti-s206-tokyo-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Subaru WRX STI S206

There was a time when American buyers were routinely forbidden from getting their hands on automakers' more entertaining pieces of engineering. These days, more and more automakers are turning to global product development, which means we get to play with hardware like the Nissan GT-R and the Ford Focus ST. Subaru, however, seems bent on keeping the really fun stuff on its home turf, including the delicious WRX STI S206. The company's engineers went full bore on the turbocharged flat four-cylinder engine under the hood, balancing all of the internals, dropping on a ball bearing turbo and reflashing the ECU for a total of 316 horsepower.

Outside, the sedan comes equipped with fender-mounted vents and special badges to distinguish the model from the rest of the WRX fleet, and designers have clipped the vehicle's iconic wing in favor of a smaller lip spoiler. We like the look. We just wish we could drive it. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Subaru WRX STI S206 is a slice of JDM awesome

Subaru WRX STI S206 is a slice of JDM awesome originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>s206stisti s206subarusubaru wrx stisubaru wrx sti s206tokyotokyo 2011tokyo motor showwrx stiWed, 30 Nov 2011 13:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20117320/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/30/subaru-wrx-sti-s206-tokyo-2011/20117320/article-detail.xml 20117320 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/subaruwrxstis206_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/subaruwrxstis206.jpg <![CDATA[Subaru bringing more powerful WRX STI S206 to Tokyo]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/28/subaru-bringing-more-powerful-wrx-sti-s206-to-tokyo/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/28/subaru-bringing-more-powerful-wrx-sti-s206-to-tokyo/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/28/subaru-bringing-more-powerful-wrx-sti-s206-to-tokyo/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Subaru WRX STI S206

Subaru has unveiled the latest addition to the company's line of S series performance vehicles. The WRX STI S206 comes equipped with an even higher level of go fast equipment than the base STI. Bilstein shocks, a flexible strut tower bar up front as well as a flexible draw stiffener all help the vehicle hustle around your favorite road course, as do the standard Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires on all four corners. Subaru has also taken the time to rework the vehicle's turbocharged 2.5-liter flat four-cylinder engine with a balanced crank, pistons and connecting rods. Combined with a ball bearing turbo and a new ECU, the lump is now good for 316 horsepower. That's a significant nudge over the 305 horsepower available in the standard STI.

The vehicle also offers a range of aesthetic tweaks inside and out. Those looking for even more exclusivity can dive into the NBR Challenge Package, which includes a carbon fiber roof and rear wing among other goodies. The WRX STI S206 with the NBR Challenge Package is designed to pay tribute to the Subaru class win at this year's 24 Hours of Nürburgring. Unfortunately, that beast has already sold out.

Both vehicles are only available in Japan, so unless you know a guy who knows a guy who can rob a guy, you're out of luck on this side of the globe.

Continue reading Subaru bringing more powerful WRX STI S206 to Tokyo

Subaru bringing more powerful WRX STI S206 to Tokyo originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Nov 2011 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nbr challenge packagenurburgringstisti nbr challenge packagesti s206subarusubaru wrx sti S206subaru wrx sti s206 nbr challenge packagewrxwrx stiwrx sti s206Mon, 28 Nov 2011 11:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20115478/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/28/subaru-bringing-more-powerful-wrx-sti-s206-to-tokyo/20115478/article-detail.xml 20115478 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/01-wrx-sti-s206-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/01-wrx-sti-s206-628.jpg <![CDATA[Current Subaru WRX and STI to stick around for a couple of years]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/22/current-subaru-wrx-and-sti-to-stick-around-for-a-couple-of-years/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/22/current-subaru-wrx-and-sti-to-stick-around-for-a-couple-of-years/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/22/current-subaru-wrx-and-sti-to-stick-around-for-a-couple-of-years/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2011 subaru impreza wrx sti

The 2012 Subaru Impreza is on its way to a dealership near you, and you can pick one up starting in November. Should you prefer to go with something wearing a WRX or STI badge, you don't have to wait, but you'll just have to be happy with the current version, as Subaru is reportedly holding off on bringing revised examples of the hi-po Impreza sedans and wagons to market.

According to Car and Driver, Subaru plans to continue building the same well-liked Impreza WRX and STI until the new cars are ready, likely in a couple of years. The idea is to allow the revised Impreza to gain some traction before launching the furiously fast versions. Hopefully, the lag time between models will give Subaru boffins time to produce models worthy of wearing those special badges.

Current Subaru WRX and STI to stick around for a couple of years originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Sep 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 subaru imprezaimprezaimpreza wrx stistisubari impreza wrx stisubarusubaru imprezawrxwrx stiThu, 22 Sep 2011 15:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20049732/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/22/current-subaru-wrx-and-sti-to-stick-around-for-a-couple-of-years/20049732/article-detail.xml 20049732 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/11-2011-subaru-wrx-sti-review_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/11-2011-subaru-wrx-sti-review.jpg <![CDATA[Subaru Impreza plus BMW V10 engine equals awesome]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/07/subaru-impreza-plus-bmw-v10-engine-equals-awesome/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/07/subaru-impreza-plus-bmw-v10-engine-equals-awesome/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/07/subaru-impreza-plus-bmw-v10-engine-equals-awesome/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Subaru loves boxers. No, not the kind that beat each other into bloody pulps, we're talking about the engine design, which places the cylinders directly across a horizontal plane, almost like they are swinging alternating punches away from the crankshaft - hence, the boxer name.

There are lots of good reasons to love the boxer engine - it allows for a decidedly low center of gravity and is inherently smooth due to its built-in balance - and Subie has certainly done much to advance the configuration since the days of the original Volkswagen Beetle (also boxer-powered). But what if you want your cylinders arranged in a V?

Well then, there's always the ever-popular engine swap. While some would be content to drop in the tried-and-true Chevy V8, not everyone wants Bowtie power in their engine bays. At least one Subaru Impreza owner decided on nothing less than a BMW V10 ripped from under the hood of an M5.

Thankfully, we have video evidence that such a beating-heart transplant can pay big dividends. See for yourself in the video after the break, which was apparently shot just after the conversion was completed and before the engine had been fully tuned. Enjoy!

Continue reading Subaru Impreza plus BMW V10 engine equals awesome

Subaru Impreza plus BMW V10 engine equals awesome originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Sep 2011 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwimprezam5subaruv10v10 imprezav10 subaruvideowrxwrx stiWed, 07 Sep 2011 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20036946/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/07/subaru-impreza-plus-bmw-v10-engine-equals-awesome/20036946/article-detail.xml 20036946 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/v10-impreza_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/v10-impreza.jpg <![CDATA[Subaru to split WRX from rest of Impreza line, make it smaller]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/15/subaru-to-split-wrx-from-rest-of-impreza-line-make-it-smaller/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/15/subaru-to-split-wrx-from-rest-of-impreza-line-make-it-smaller/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/15/subaru-to-split-wrx-from-rest-of-impreza-line-make-it-smaller/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Subaru WRX renderingSubaru unveiled its 2012 Impreza at the New York Auto Show in April, and upon seeing the new car's new shape, we instantly started to picture it with all of the hardcore WRX and STI bits (including gold wheels, of course). However, it might not be as simple as slapping on some bits and pieces to the Impreza body anymore. According to Motor Trend, a source within Subaru says that the next-generation WRX will be very different from its Impreza kin.

First and foremost, the name "Impreza WRX" as we know it may soon be defunct. Since Subaru is planning for the new 'Rex to be a greater departure from the Impreza-based cars that came before it, the car's nomenclature may simply change to solely "WRX" and "WRX STI." Fine, since that's what 90 percent of people call it, anyway.

In speaking to Motor Trend, a Subaru spokesperson said that, "Apart from a few nuts and bolts, every part on the WRX will be unique. Even the engine and body." From there, the source stated that while the WRX will use a version of the Impreza's platform, it will be "radically modified and significantly shortened." How short? A little bigger than a Toyota Yaris, Motor Trend reports. Yikes!

What's more, it looks like the WRX's turbocharged Boxer engine may lose some displacement, with the new car using a 1.6-liter unit capable of producing somewhere around 270 horsepower. A twin-charged (turbocharged and supercharged) version is also said to be under development.

Look for the next-generation WRX to land in 2014.

Subaru to split WRX from rest of Impreza line, make it smaller originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Jul 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 subaru wrximprezastisubarusubaru wrxwrxwrx stiFri, 15 Jul 2011 13:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19992188/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/15/subaru-to-split-wrx-from-rest-of-impreza-line-make-it-smaller/19992188/article-detail.xml 19992188 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/new-subaru-wrx-250_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/new-subaru-wrx-250.jpg <![CDATA[Dave Higgins smashes Mt. Washington Auto Road hillclimb record by 30 seconds]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/27/dave-higgins-smashes-mt-washington-auto-road-record-by-30-secon/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/27/dave-higgins-smashes-mt-washington-auto-road-record-by-30-secon/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/27/dave-higgins-smashes-mt-washington-auto-road-record-by-30-secon/#commentsFiled under: , ,

David Higgins
David Higgins at the 2011 Mt. Washington Climb to the Clouds - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb may get all of the mountain-climbing attention this time of year, but it's far from the only game of the season. Heck, it's not even the only game of the weekend. Mount Washington plays host to the Climb to the Clouds, and this weekend, it saw the event's record fall to none other than David Higgins, who set a new best time of 6:11.54 from behind the wheel of his Subaru WRX STI rally car. That's nearly eight seconds quicker than his first run, which snagged him a time of 6:19, which was record-setting in-and-of-itself. Frank Sprongl set the old quickest time of 6:41.99 way back in 1998.

The Climb to the Clouds snakes up 7.6 miles of the Mount Washington Auto Road with patches of asphalt and gravel along the way. All told, drivers and their machines must climb all the way to the summit at 6,288 feet above sea level.

Dave Higgins smashes Mt. Washington Auto Road hillclimb record by 30 seconds originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Jun 2011 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>climb to the cloudsclimb to the clouds recorddavid higginshill climbhillclimbmount washingtonmt washington auto roadmt washington climb to the cloudssubarusubaru wrx stiwrx stiMon, 27 Jun 2011 14:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19977398/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/27/dave-higgins-smashes-mt-washington-auto-road-record-by-30-secon/19977398/article-detail.xml 19977398 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/david-higgins-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/david-higgins-630.jpg <![CDATA[Subaru releases official video of Isle of Man TT record run]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/24/subaru-releases-official-video-of-isle-of-man-tt-record-run/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/24/subaru-releases-official-video-of-isle-of-man-tt-record-run/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/24/subaru-releases-official-video-of-isle-of-man-tt-record-run/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Subaru at the Isle of Mann TT
Subaru at the Isle of Mann TT - Click above to watch video after the jump


Subaru has released an official video of the company's recent record-breaking efforts at the Isle of Mann TT. As you may recall, the official sponsor of the race dusted off an impressive elapsed time of 19 minutes and 37 seconds while averaging 115.356 mph. If that's not impressive enough, driver Mark Higgins cracked the 160 mph barrier while blasting through the island course. All told, the U.S.-spec WRX STI clipped through 200 corners, including one spot where the driver and co-driver nearly went tumbling at 130 mph.

Subaru says that the car was left mechanically stock save a few safety additions. A fire-suppression system and roll cage were added in the event of a hairy situation, as well as a set of competition seats and belts. Stouter Mintex brake pads were also fitted for the run, though the stock calipers and rotors stayed along for the ride. The WRX STI also boasted an even freer-flowing exhaust, and engineers nixed the speed limiter, which allowed Higgins to crank the turbocharged flat-four up to 162 mph. Finally, a set of Tein dampers helped the winged machine tackle the uneven pavement and massive jumps of the course. Hit the jump to see the recap video for yourself.

Continue reading Subaru releases official video of Isle of Man TT record run

Subaru releases official video of Isle of Man TT record run originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Jun 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>imprezaimpreza wrx stiisle of mannisle of mann ttmark higginsstisubarusubaru wrx stivideowrxwrx stiFri, 24 Jun 2011 14:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19975950/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/24/subaru-releases-official-video-of-isle-of-man-tt-record-run/19975950/article-detail.xml 19975950 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/subaru-isle-of-mann-tt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/subaru-isle-of-mann-tt.jpg <![CDATA[Subaru driver Mark Higgins has "the moment of his life" at Isle of Man]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/13/subaru-driver-mark-higgins-has-the-moment-of-his-life-at-isle/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/13/subaru-driver-mark-higgins-has-the-moment-of-his-life-at-isle/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/13/subaru-driver-mark-higgins-has-the-moment-of-his-life-at-isle/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Mark Higgins Subaru WRX STI sedan at Isle of Man
Subaru WRX STI at the Isle of Man - Click above to watch the videos after the break

Subaru, a major sponsor of the Isle of Man TT for 2011, had no trouble whatsoever in setting a new four-wheeled lap record around the famed 37-mile mountain course on the remote British Isle. Driver Mark Higgins managed to circle the track in a WRX STI sedan in just 19:56.7 with an average speed of 113 miles per hour. Nicely done.

Turns out that record was set during a so-called practice lap, and it wasn't the only time Higgins had a go at the course in his Subaru. Not all of his runs were as uneventful as that practice lap. As you'll see in the two videos pasted after the break, Higgins' heroic driving skills were truly put to the test less than a minute into one of his runs.

Higgins barely manages to keep the lightly modified STI (for safety purposes, the car had a roll cage, race harnesses and a fire extinguisher that were thankfully not put to use) under control, calling his near-miss the "moment of his life." His passenger, Chris Cantle, stays remarkably stoic in the face of a 150-mile-per-hour fiery near-death crash. See for yourself in the video after the break.

Continue reading Subaru driver Mark Higgins has "the moment of his life" at Isle of Man

Subaru driver Mark Higgins has "the moment of his life" at Isle of Man originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Jun 2011 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>isle of manisle of man crashisle of man ttisle of man videomark higginssubaruwrxwrx stiMon, 13 Jun 2011 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19965542/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/13/subaru-driver-mark-higgins-has-the-moment-of-his-life-at-isle/19965542/article-detail.xml 19965542 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/subaru-iomtt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/subaru-iomtt.jpg <![CDATA[Subaru obliterates Isle of Man lap record with stock WRX STI]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/09/subaru-obliterates-isle-of-man-lap-record-with-stock-wrx-sti/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/09/subaru-obliterates-isle-of-man-lap-record-with-stock-wrx-sti/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/09/subaru-obliterates-isle-of-man-lap-record-with-stock-wrx-sti/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

subaru wrx sti sedan breaking the car lap record at the isle of man tt
Subaru WRX STI breaks the road-car Isle of Man TT lap record - Click above for high-res image

We talk about the Nürburgring a lot, but perhaps it's time we start devoting more ink to the Isle of Man. Located between Great Britain and Ireland, the tiny bit of green plays host to one of the most impressive displays of speed on the planet.

The annual Isle of Man TT plays out on a 37.8-mile course made up of public roads, which are closed down during race days. It's run by motorcyclists, and crazy sonsofbitches skilled pilots can complete the loop in under 18 minutes. Curious how long it would take an automobile to run the same course? Back in 1990, driver Tony Pond was curious as well, and he pushed a Rover 827 Vitesse around the island in 21 minutes, becoming the first driver to average 100 miles per hour in a car on the course.

Subaru decided to have a go at that record, and sent a WRX STI sedan and driver Mark Higgins to the Isle of Man. The car is a stock STI, with the exception of a roll-cage, race harness, fire extinguisher and adjusted springs and dampers to handle the various bumps found on the public roadway. How'd Higgins do? He smashed Pond's record by two minutes, with a time of 19:56.7 and an average speed of 113 miles per hour. Higgins stated, "Setting the record was both the most exhilarating and the most frightening thing I have ever done." We believe you, and we salute you Mr. Higgins, on a rather impressive bit of driving.

Click past the jump for the full press release and more information on the record-setting run.

Continue reading Subaru obliterates Isle of Man lap record with stock WRX STI

Subaru obliterates Isle of Man lap record with stock WRX STI originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Jun 2011 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>isle of manisle of man recordisle of man ttisle of man tt lap recordmark higginssubarusubaru impreza wrx stiwrxwrx stiThu, 09 Jun 2011 15:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19963010/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/09/subaru-obliterates-isle-of-man-lap-record-with-stock-wrx-sti/19963010/article-detail.xml 19963010 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/sti-lead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/sti-lead.jpg <![CDATA[2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/07/2011-subaru-impreza-wrx-sti-review-road-test/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/07/2011-subaru-impreza-wrx-sti-review-road-test/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/07/2011-subaru-impreza-wrx-sti-review-road-test/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Winged Wonder Offers Performance, But Does It Deliver Value?

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

During our weeklong stint with the 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, many friends asked an all-too-obvious question: "How does it compare to the Mitsubishi Evolution?" A fair query, as the STI vs. Evo debate is something that we've pondered ever since Subaru launched its street-legal rally car in the United States back in 2004.

But then a most astute car enthusiast friend asked something that continues to trigger moments of contemplation: "Wouldn't you just rather buy a standard WRX?"

See, ever since the WRX's major overhaul in 2009 (yes, we know the redesign happened in 2008, but the big boost in power and added suspension tuning didn't come until one year later), the STI has been sort of a hard sell. To make matters worse, Subaru fitted the WRX with its big brother's widebody pieces for the 2011 model year, giving the mid-grade Impreza model the appearance of a full-on Evo competitor.

So after a week with the top-rung (and top-dollar) STI, does this Subaru still have enough panache and punch to make it worth the premium? Would we really just rather have a WRX?

Continue reading 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI

2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Jun 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 subaru impreza wrx stifeaturedimprezareviewreviewssubaruwrx stiTue, 07 Jun 2011 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19959889/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/07/2011-subaru-impreza-wrx-sti-review-road-test/19959889/article-detail.xml 19959889 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/2011-subaru-wrx-sti-review_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/2011-subaru-wrx-sti-review.jpg <![CDATA[Subaru offering more powerful WRX STI for UK buyers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/05/subaru-offering-more-powerful-wrx-sti-for-uk-buyers/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/05/subaru-offering-more-powerful-wrx-sti-for-uk-buyers/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/05/subaru-offering-more-powerful-wrx-sti-for-uk-buyers/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

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

For a limited time, Subaru UK is offering customers a slightly more powerful version of its Evo-battling WRX STI. Between April 1st and June 30th, buyers can fit their four- or five-door STIs with a power package, good for an additional 20 horsepower and 32 pound-feet of torque.

This means the turbocharged 2.5-liter flat-four now puts out 320 hp and 332 lb-ft of twist. What's more, the torque punch is now delivered at 3400 rpm - 600 rpm sooner than in the standard car. According to AutoExpress, these upgrades are enough to shave three-tenths of a second off of the STI's 0-62 mile-per-hour time.

In addition to more power, Subaru will be fitting its STI with a standard Pioneer navigation system at no extra, complete with Bluetooth connectivity and iPod integration. Pricing for the upgraded STI starts at £32,995 (a whopping $53,572 based on current exchange rates).


Gallery: 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI: First Drive


Photos copyright (C)2011 Zach Bowman / AOL

[Source: AutoExpress]

Subaru offering more powerful WRX STI for UK buyers originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 18:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 subaru wrx stiimprezasubaruukwrxwrx stiTue, 05 Apr 2011 18:21:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19903255/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/04/05/subaru-offering-more-powerful-wrx-sti-for-uk-buyers/19903255/article-detail.xml 19903255 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/03wrxstifd2011_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/03wrxstifd2011.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Subaru WRX flips end-over-end at Global RallyCross Championship]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/28/video-subaru-wrx-flips-end-over-end-at-global-rallycross-champi/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/28/video-subaru-wrx-flips-end-over-end-at-global-rallycross-champi/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/28/video-subaru-wrx-flips-end-over-end-at-global-rallycross-champi/#commentsFiled under: ,

Jimmy Keeney's Subaru WRX crash at the Global RallyCross Championship
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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