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Subaru WRX STI prototype spied in motion

Earlier this week, we got all hot and bothered over a set of spy photos showing the next-generation Subaru WRX STI testing at the Nürburgring. And while pretty still shots of a camouflaged car are always nice to look at, stirring up lots of speculation, having video is even better. Good thing, then, that our trusty spies were on hand to get some rolling footage of that STI as it lapped the infamous German track.
Now, as a good majority of the comments on our previous post will point out, it looks like Subaru has dumbed down the design of that decidedly hot WRX Concept from New York for the road-going car. Of course, we need to wait until all that swirly paper is pulled off the body, but from what we can see here, it looks like this new 'Rex will be more akin to the current Impreza than we were originally led to believe.
So while we wait and hope that what's under the camouflage will be something sexy, have a look at the video below to watch the WRX STI prototype get worked out on the 'Ring.

Weekly Recap: Mazda's rotary revival ignites Tokyo Motor Show

Forty-eight years ago Mazda pioneered rotary engines in the Cosmo Sport. Mazda then honed the technology, won with it on the racetrack, and made it one of its signature features. If you're an enthusiast, rotary was a reason you like Mazda. It's a great part of the company's past. But until this week, that's exactly what we thought it was. History. That all changed with the reveal of the RX-Vision concept at the Tokyo Motor Show, which reignited the passions of the Mazda faithful. Suddenly, rotary was no longer a relic. The rotary concept shown in Japan was a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports car wrapped in the company's latest Kodo design language. It's powered by a Skyactiv-R unit (R for rotary), though specs were not disclosed. Mass production is "currently on hold," Mazda said, maintaining it never stopped development of rotary technology, even after the demise of the RX-8. Beyond that, we know nothing, other than the optimistic statement Mazda offered that: the "RX-Vision represents a vision of the future that Mazda hopes to one day make into reality." Put simply: we agree. OTHER NEWS & NOTES: Subaru previews next-gen Impreza While the Mazda concept was the headliner from Tokyo, Subaru's Impreza design study also stood out. The five-door concept is a signpost for the look of next-generation Impreza. It blends sportiness with functionality, and it's wrapped in a striking shade of 'high-luminance silver.' The fenders are flared to signal Subaru's all-wheel-drive capability, and the front has futuristic headlights that look like something from an Audi E-Tron concept. While most of this will be toned down in production, the concept suggests an elevated style for the Impreza, which is due as a 2017 model. Porsche adds potent GTS model to 2017 Macan line Porsche is giving the Macan crossover the GTS treatment, which will start at $68,195 when it goes on sale in March. GTS translates to more power, a sportier suspension, and interior and exterior design cues that sharpen the looks and reflexes of one of the most athletic SUVs on the market. Porsche recalibrated the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 from the Macan S to make 360 hp and 369 lb-ft, (up from 340 hp and 339 lb-ft in the S). It teams with a seven-speed PDK gearbox and all-wheel drive. An air suspension is standard. The body features a slew of black accents, and the standard 20-inch RS Spyder wheels are done up in a shade of satin black. The cabin gets leather, Alcantara, and GTS logos.

Next-generation Subaru Forester spotted with minimal camouflage

Though the Subaru Forester received a slight refresh last year, the crossover is due for a full redesign, since its bones date back to the 2014 model year. That redesign is coming soon though, as revealed by these spy shots. The crossover looks relatively similar to the current one, but it's completely new underneath. As for the outside, it's definitely an evolutionary design. The boxy shape and signature grille clearly derive from the current model. But there are changes. The prow doesn't slope back as much as the current one. Instead, it's nearly upright, and the corners are pushed forward, too. It gives the Forester a more truck-like appearance. The headlights also look as though they sit higher and wrap around more. The lower vents that were integrated in bumper creases on the current one appear to have disappeared, as well, perhaps for a more conventional front bumper. Moving to the side and the back, we can just make out some slightly more complicated surfaces on the flanks. They look a bit like the subtle creases found on the Impreza and the Crosstrek. The taillights also appear to be inspired by the new Impreza and Crosstrek. Rather than the small units in the body of the current Forester, the new lights extend into the rear hatch. Not only does this bring the crossover's styling in line with Subaru's other offerings, this may improve the size of the hatch opening, as Subaru says the Impreza's new lights did. Underneath the modest redesign should be Subaru's global architecture, which currently underpins the Impreza and Crosstrek. Our experience with both of those cars showed that the platform has yielded agile handling and solid ride quality. And if the Forester continues to offer a turbocharged engine, it should rectify the power (or rather, lack thereof) in the Impreza pair. The platform will also underpin the upcoming three-row Ascent SUV, which is expected to be released next year. With that in mind, and the near production-ready body, we'd say we'll see the new Forester revealed either at the end of this year, or early next year. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2019 Subaru Forester View 9 Photos Image Credit: KGP Photography Spy Photos Subaru Crossover