2004 Subaru Forester Xs Wagon 4-door 2.5l on 2040-cars

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Subaru looks back on record-setting WRX STI from 2011 Isle of Man

In what we can only presume/hope is a precursor to the launch of the next-gen WRX STI, Subaru has released three videos now giving us a look back at the history of the STI-badged WRX models. In this third video, Dominick Infante, national manager of product communications at Subaru of America, got ahold of the automaker's 2011 WRX STI that broke records for the Isle of Man TT Challenge a couple of years ago.
In 2011, rally driver Mark Higgins piloted this car to a lap speed record of 115 miles per hour and a lap time record of 19:56.7 around the 37.8-mile course. The race-prepped STI, which Infante refers to as an "STI on steroids," features a beefed-up suspension, a wonderful-sounding open exhaust and the removal of the speed limiter to go with full roll cage and racing seats and harnesses.
Scroll down to see - and hear - new driving footage of this 2011 WRX STI with Infante behind the wheel as well as some race footage from 2011 - including a near-disaster Higgins averted at 150 mph. Also, be sure to check out the previous videos from Subaru for the 1998 Impreza 22B STI and a 2004 WRX STI.

Next-generation Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ confirmed

Toyota and Subaru jointly announced today that they would be continuing and expanding their alliance. Toyota will be taking a larger stake in Subaru, bringing the total to 20%, and Subaru will respond in kind by buying shares equal to the value of those purchased by Toyota. In terms of product, the two companies will reportedly swap knowledge in the development of all-wheel-drive systems, battery-electric powertrains and connected/autonomous driving technologies. Oh, and there will be a next-generation Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ. Despite less-than-stellar sales, the two companies confirmed that the rear-wheel-drive Toyabaru twins will be returning for a sequel. No details about them were provided, but a second-generation has widely been speculated and reported, with Australia's Motor quoting Supra chief engineer Tatsuya Tada confirming as such. "We have a new 86 team," he told Motor. "We have to make a new 86 that surpasses the Supra ... that is what the customer expects." Beyond that, there is rampant speculation of where the rear-drive platform will originate (a derivative of Toyota's TNGA platform, something boosted from Mazda, aliens), as well as what might find its way under the hood (virtually anything would be better than what's there now). A Japanese publication even suggested it might even be previewed next month at the Tokyo Motor Show.  In any event, expect the next-generation Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 to be a continuous source of interest for the next few years.  Subaru Toyota Coupe Future Vehicles Performance

2018 Subaru Legacy freshens up with new fascia and better chassis

The current Subaru Legacy has been on sale since 2014, and nearly every one of its competitors has received a refresh or redesign in the intervening years. Now for 2018, the Legacy gets several changes inside and out that Subie hopes will bring it in step the rest of the field. No word on if these will carry over to the closely related Subaru Outback, but look for the revised Legacy next week at the Chicago Auto Show. On the outside, the Legacy gets revised front and rear fascias. While not revolutionary, the look is handsome and falls in line with other recent Subaru products, like the recently released 2017 Impreza. While the 175-hp 2.5-liter boxer four-cylinder engine and the 256-hp 3.6-liter boxer six-cylinder carry over, Subaru tweaked the tuning of the transmission to provide a little more response. A CVT is the only available transmission with either engine. As always, power is sent to all four wheels. Active torque vectoring is standard across the board. Subaru revised the suspension, brakes, and electronic power steering for 2018. The changes are intended to make the Legacy more engaging to drive, but we can't say for sure until we get behind the wheel. Some changes to the transmission, mirrors, and cabin were done to help improve the car's noise, harshness, and vibrations. Inside, the Legacy features a redesigned center console and new materials throughout the cabin. An 8-inch display is now available while Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard in every model. The Legacy gets the latest version of Subaru's infotainment system, Starlink. New colors and trims are now available inside and out. No word on pricing or when the new Legacy goes on sale, but look for more news in the coming months. Related Video: