2006 Subaru Impreza 2.5 Wrx Limited Auto Black Int on 2040-cars

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Subaru reveals the US-bound WRX STI Type RA and BRZ tS

Subaru has finally revealed the US-bound WRX STI Type RA and BRZ tS, a pair of redressed and slightly better performing versions of the standard models. Despite the big wing, lightweight wheels, and upgrades suspension, those hoping for changes under the hood will be severely disappointed. The WRX STI gets a slight bump to 310 horsepower while output on the BRZ remains unchanged. That should come as no surprise, as the car is essentially the same one we drove two years ago in Japan. The WRX STI Type RA stands for "record attempt." The first RA was named for a Subaru Legacy that broke the FIA World Speed Endurance Record by clocking over 62,000 miles in 18 days, setting a top speed of 138 mph. This new model is named for the upcoming WRX STI Type RA NBR Special race car that will attempt a Nurburgring record sometime this summer. The WRX STI Type RA is lighter and more robust than the standard model thanks to a host of upgrades. The car gets a carbon fiber roof, a carbon fiber rear spoiler, and lightweight BBS 19-inch forged alloy wheels with 245/35R19 Yokohama Advan Sports tires. The spare tire has also been removed. While the engine only gets a mild power bump thanks to a new cold air intake and new exhaust, a retuned ECU, new pistons, and a revised third-gear ratio and short shifter should make the car feel much quicker than before. Aside from the carbon fiber roof and rear wing, there are a number of visual upgrades that set the car apart. There are red Cherry Blossom accents all along the bottom and a plethora of STI badges on the wing, mirrors, and bumpers. More STI logos can be found inside on the new Recaro seats. A plaque inside shows only 500 Type RAs will be made. It's a similar story with the BRZ tS. The acronym stands for "tuned by STI," implying it's not the full treatment like the WRX STI. That still leaves us wondering about these spy photos that show a similar looking car with real STI logos. We'll have to wait and see if anything emerges from that. The BRZ tS gets front and rear SACHS dampers and coil springs and flexible V-braces in the engine compartment. For the first time, the BRZ will come with 18-inch wheels, ditching the low-rolling resistance tires for a set of sticky 215/40 R 18 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires, aided by Brembo brakes at all four corners. Visual upgrades are similar to the WRX STI Type RA.

Subaru Viziv is a diesel hybrid crossover we could learn to love

With the 2013 XV Crosstrek, Subaru reaffirmed its interest in niche crossovers, and early signs are that it's selling well, so will parent Fuji Heavy Industries green-light another one? That's the question begged by the new Viziv concept just unveiled here at the Geneva Motor Show.
Of course, this is a pure showcar, and the four-seat crossover coupe's drivetrain is suitably next-generation as well. The plug-in hybrid drivetrain system features a 2.0-liter diesel boxer engine mated to a CVT, and a pair of electric motors drive the rear wheels for a through-the-road all-wheel-drive system. By going with motor-driven rear axles, Subaru says it has been able to provide larger rear-seat footwell and lower load floor. More excitingly, Subaru says its control systems allow for side-to-side torque vectoring for improved handling, and the system actually apportions more power to the rear wheels when the Viziv takes a corner.
In typical concept car fashion, the Viziv features flashy butterfly doors that provide access to both the front and rear seats, along with oversized 20-inch wheels and cutting-edge lighting. We like the Viziv's overall design direction - it looks more organic and all-of-a-piece than we're used to seeing from the Japanese automaker.

2020 Subaru Outback teased, will be all-new at the New York Auto Show

The 2020 Subaru Outback is officially confirmed for a debut at the New York International Auto Show, and Subaru says it's going to be "all-new." That's all the official information we have to go on at this point, but Subaru released a teaser photo to give us a glimpse of the tall, rugged wagon before the reveal on April 17. We can tell a few differences just from the photo here. The lower bumper surround and foglight design is more compact than the big round lights that sit down there currently. Subaru has changed the side mirror design, adding a bit of flair with chrome on this model. It's tough to tell what the headlight design will look like, but it's certainly a different shape and size than the current units that stretch back further into the fenders. There's even more black plastic cladding on the car now, too. Subaru had plenty of the stuff going up and down the Outback before, but the wheel arch molding was optional. It's unclear whether it's going to remain that way or be the only way it comes now. One small thing we noticed was the location of the "Outback" designation in the body cladding — it moved from being under the front door to under the rear door. Subaru appears to be offering a new black wheel option that we see on this car, as well. The Outback last received a significant update for the 2018 model year. That car was also revealed at NYIAS, but it was a relatively minor update compared to what's coming. We'll expect to see a lot of the same features as what was revealed in the new 2020 Legacy at the Chicago Auto Show earlier this year. That car went way upscale with its interior design, moved to Subaru's Global Platform, dropped the flat six for a turbo flat-four and features a massive 11.6-inch touchscreen. It's no surprise we're seeing the new Outback so soon after the Legacy update, as Subaru has traditionally updated the two vehicles this way.