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Video: Subaru BRZ development process
Subaru has unveiled a very cool two-part documentary presenting the development process of their 2013 BRZ sports car. This video talks about the car’s low center of gravity, the new platform, suspension, the steering and driving position and stability control. And, as a reminder, the 2013 Subaru BRZ is powered by a 2.0-liter horizontally-opposed boxer engine that delivers a total of 200 HP. Subaru has announced a 0 to 60 mph sprint time of 7.3 seconds. On the US market prices for the BRZ start from $25,495. "This movie explains how Subaru BRZ had been developed and engineered by Subaru with the details of the ultimate low center of gravity, the new plat form, the high engine power unit, the suspension, the steering and driving position, and the vehicle stability control. All were engineered just to realize "Pure Handling Delight". Full story
Video: WRX STi Goes Playing in the Snow and Ice
Back when the Impreza WRX made its debut, we began salivating, as it marked the comeback of the turbocharged car. Then once the STi came around bearing its 300-horsepower, 2.5-liter H-4 engine, we were officially in love. That love has somewhat dissipated, as the turbocharged market has become a little flooded lately. The STi still has its own little spot in our hearts though. One of the many things that made the STi so unique was its combination of extreme power from a four-cylinder engine with Subaru’s legendary AWD system. This made, and still makes, the WRX STi one of the most fun cars in the world to tinker around in the snow and ice. The above video comes straight from Russia showing a rather good driver maneuvering his STi through the icy and snowy streets with a lead car filming him. Not only is the action pretty darn good, but the editing isn’t half-bad either. Regardless of how cool this video is, we do have to ask you to please not go buy an STi and start sliding around your city’s streets during the next snowstorm. Yeah, it looks cool and you might get yourself a spot on the internet, but its rather dopey, to say the least. Now that we have given you our parent-like lecture for the day, sit back and enjoy a WRX STi frolicking in it favorite habitat, snow and ice. If you keep a close eye at the 1:19 mark, you can see their fun is almost over, as plow tractors are coming through to clean up the slippery stuff.
2013 Subaru BRZ Cosworth Concept by Tunehouse
 
The Subaru BRZ is so brand spanking new that prices have only just been announced, but that doesn’t mean that the sports car isn’t ripe for a tuning project. Australian aftermarket tuner, Tunehouse, has announced a preview of their program for the BRZ that involves a significant increase in its performance output. Unfortunately, we only have a rendering of the package for now. The company is still working on the final specifications for their BRZ, but company founder, Jim Ghelis, said they are working on "offering a reliable yet significant lift in power with an emphasis on improving the car’s low-end torque. The company is planning on taking out the BRZ’s standard 2.0-liter boxer engine in favor of a 2.6-liter Costworth crate engine that also comes with an HKS turbocharger, a front-mounted intercooler, a billet crankshaft, a billet flywheel, and a modified EcuTek ECU unit. These additions will increase power from the standard 200 HP to 330 HP, a 65% increase. In addition to the increased output, the Tunehouse-tuned BRZ will also be fitted with Whiteline anti-roll bars, a limited slip differential, an adjustable KW coil-over suspension, a Cosworth braking system, and a new set of 18" Advan wheels wrapped in Federal RSR tires. 2013 Subaru BRZ Finally Priced At Under $30K
 With the American-only Scion FR-S being priced recently, the only question left unanswered was how much its bigger brother the Subaru BRZ would cost. Thankfully however, Subaru has just released pricing for its latest rear wheel-drive sports car, and we have to say, it seems to be a bargain as all variants will sell for less than $30,000. Putting the possible BRZ, WRX, and WRX STi aside, the car will come in two main trim levels being Premium and Limited with both of these different version cars being offered with manual and automatic transmissions. Unsurprisingly, the manuals are a bit cheaper than the comparable automatics, with a base Premium manual to cost $26,245 while the auto will cost $27,345. Just like the aforementioned Limited version, the Premium comes with a host of features not offered on the cheaper FR-S, with satellite radio being one of the biggest additions for the Subaru. The Limited edition comes fitted with even more equipment which helps to warrant its $28,245 base price when fitted with the manual. In fact, the BRZ Limited will come standard with heated seats and dual-zone climatic control as well as a whole host of upgrades including alcantara and leather upholstery. Just as a quick reminder, the BRZ features the same 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine as its FRS brethren, producing an equal 200 horsepower from this small engine. And of course, this package wouldn’t be complete without RWD and with a Torsen limited-slip differential finishing the package off, the BRZ promises to be a true driver’s car. Hit the jump for a full list of standard and optional features. Full story Ken Block’s Subaru WRX STI TRAX Comes To Life On eBay Motors
Now we’re sure everyone remembers the insane Subaru WRX STi TRAX which was previewed back in 2009 for the SEMA Auto Show and for Ken Block to fool around in. However, Subaru may have forgotten to put up a disclaimer stating “Don’t try this at home,” because that’s exactly what an insane owner in Chassel, MI, decided to do when they created their very own version of the TRAX. The car recently popped up on eBay Motors and it’s definitely one of the most interesting cars to come out of the auction site for years. It’s currently unclear if there is much serious interest in the car and while we respect the brave owner for doing these radical modifications, we can’t help thinking that whoever buys it is wasting their money. It’ll be outlawed in most if not all U.S. states, which means it could only be driven on private property. As a result, it seems to be a waste of a perfectly healthy 2002 Subaru WRX STI as it’ll likely never feel the cool air rushing through its intercooler and will probably be kept in storage all year round. Nevertheless, this piece of machinery would be unquestionably fun to drive, and if the modifications have been performed correctly, it could very well be the most fun you can have in a Subaru on snow covered roads. However, in saying that, the WRX STI is still pretty capable on snow when left stock due to its 2.0 liter engine, 5 speed transmission, and all-wheel drive system, but like we said, props to the madman behind this creation.
2013 Subaru Legacy
The third model in Subaru’s line-up at the 2012 New York Auto Show - next to the XV Crosstrek and the Outback - will be a revised version of the Legacy sedan. Just like its bigger brother - the 2013 Outback - the new Legacy will feature a revised interior, a new 2.5-liter BOXER engine, and a series of new safety elements. The 2013 Legacy will be offered in two versions: Legacy 2.5i and Legacy 3.6R. The 2.5i models will be powered by a new 2.5-liter boxer engine that delivers a total of 173 HP and a peak torque of 174 lb-ft, while the 3.6R models will continue with their usual 256 HP 3.6-liter six-cylinder boxer engine. For the exterior, Subaru is offering new headlights, a new grille, and a new front bumper. The interior gets new seat fabrics and a dark, glossy wood grain trim. Numerous improvements have also been made to the body structure, suspension, and steering. Hit the jump to read more about the 2013 Subaru Legacy. Full story 2013 Subaru Outback
It’s time to take a little break from all the Subaru BRZ excitement and focus our attention on other models from Subaru’s line-up. This is especially important now that the 2012 New York Auto Show is getting closer and the company has announced a series of debuts for the show. The first is a restyled version of their Outback SUV. The 2013 model will receive a new exterior face, a new, more efficient powertrain, and a series of new safety systems. All in all, it looks like the Outback is prepared to be better than ever. The 2013 Subaru Outback will be offered in three trim levels - Base, Premium, and Limited - and all of them are powered by a new double-overhead-cam (DOHC) 2.5-liter FB series Boxer engine that delivers a total of 173 hp and 174 lb.-ft. of torque. Despite the extra 3 HP, this new engine will deliver a fuel economy of 30 mpg (on the highway) - a 1 mpg increase over the previous version. Hit the jump to read more about the 2013 Subaru Outback. Full story 2014 Subaru BRZ STI
Ever since Subaru dropped the new BRZ onto the market, we knew that an even hotter STI version was sure to follow. Now, British magazine AutoExpress is offering a few details on this new model, set to arrive sometime next year. The future BRZ STI will feature a more powerful version of the current 2.0-liter flat-four cylinder ’boxer’ engine. The output will be raised up to somewhere in the 250 HP area (an addition of about 50 HP) thanks to the modifications made to the engine’s variable valve control system. That will also allow for an even higher rev limit of around 7,500rpm with the help of a new freer-flowing exhaust. Next to the extra power, the new STI will also be even lighter than the standard BRZ. It will also be distinguished by a dramatic bodykit, a stiffened and lowered suspension, lighter but larger 18-inch alloy wheels, and upgraded brakes. One downside to the BRZ STI is that there will be no turbocharged version offered. Subaru says there is no space for it in the engine bay and they are reserving these version for models like the WRX STI. When the BRZ STI does debut, Subaru would have taken the next step in their playful game of one-ups-man-ship. What say you, Toyota? 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
Subaru has always made good use of this market and has a nice following of customers. Lately, though, it seems like Subaru is really attempting to gain an edge in new markets. First, it releases the BRZ, the Japanese automaker’s first true sports car since the SVX thankfully vanished in 1997, and now it is prepared to unveil the 2013 XV Crosstek, a compact crossover SUV, at the 2012 New York Auto Show starting April 4th. Subaru is not shy in releasing some details about this long overdue SUV, as it has released images and basic specifications prior to its debut. The 2013 XV Crosstrek, which also falls in the crossover market, will bear styling similar to the 2013 Ford Escape, 2012 Honda CR-V, and the 2012 Hyundai Tucson – all of which will be direct competitors with the XV Crosstrek. Hit the jump for more details on the Subaru XV Crosstrek. Full story Production of the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GT-86 begins in Japan
After being unveiled last year, both the Subaru BRZ and the Toyota GT-86 have now officially started production at Subaru’s Gunma factory in Ota-city, Japan. The two rear-wheel drive coupe models were developed as a result of an agreement that started in October 2005. Both models are powered by the same 2.0-liter horizontally-opposed boxer engine that deliver a total of 200 HP and 151 lb-ft torque. At the same plant, Subaru will produce the new Impreza starting in March 2013. FHI President Yasuyuki Yoshinaga commented: "This car symbolizes our corporate strategy in two significant aspects: good progress in our alliance and advancement of our ‘select and focus’ approach. The start of production today made a huge step for us, but it is not our end goal. By constantly refining both models, FHI and TMC hope to nourish each model to be loved by customers all over the world for a long time to come." TMC President Akio Toyoda said: "The Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 could not have been successfully developed without collaboration between FHI and TMC. We started the alliance for mutual growth in 2005. Now I’m delighted to see that our alliance bore fruit." | featured reviews:Subaru cars reviews2014 2013 2012
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Subaru cars
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