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Scion testing updated FR-S

It looks like Toyota is preparing a mid-cycle update for its critically acclaimed GT86, known here in the US as the Scion FR-S or Subaru BRZ. As far as updates go, this one looks to be rather average. Hidden behind the camouflaged front and rear ends, we have new headlights and taillights, which according to our spies looked to be of the LED variety. We wouldn't be shocked to see the GT86 get LED taillights, although fitting the top-of-the-line headlights seems less likely. Supporting that position are the images we have of the actual headlights in action, which don't look quite bright enough to be full LED units. Instead, we'd expect some new form of running light, perhaps with bi-xenon low beams. Aside from the lamps, the front bumper gets a larger, more prominent lower intake, while the rear end sports a redefined bumper that houses larger dual exhaust tips. The size of the spoiler has been increased, too. According to our spies, we should also expect powertrain enhancements – which we can only hope means more power – as well as upgrades to the interior of the GT86. While it's possible that the updates being tested in Germany could be exclusive to the European market, that seems unlikely. We'd expect the same new enhancements to at least find their way to the Scion, if not its Subaru-badged twin. Check out the full battery of spy photos up top. Related Video:

Next Subaru WRX STI could get 400-hp from a 2.4-liter boxer

Yet another report puts Subaru's FA24 2.4-liter boxer four-cylinder in the next-generation WRX and WRX STI. Not only that, the story in Japan's Car Sensor magazine (translated) seconds a Forbes report from February of this year that the hardest-core Scooby will make 400 horsepower and 361 pound-feet of torque from a high-output version of the 2.4-liter. As we said a few months ago, a 400-hp Subaru would become the most powerful factory official Subaru sold in the U.S., ever. Car Sensor explains that Subaru moved to the 2.4-liter because of the engine's better emissions and drivability. What's more, now that the WRX STI isn't irrevocably tied to its rallying motorsports results, Subaru felt it doesn't need to lean on the 2.0-liter displacement provided by the EJ20 still put to use in the Japanese WRX STI or the FA20F in our WRX. The rumored output would mark a substantial step up from the 310 hp and 290 lb-ft available from the current 2.5-liter in the WRX STI. It's not clear yet where Subaru will rate 2.4 for use in the WRX. The Car Sensor report placed the FA24 in the context of Subaru's plan to have 80% of its lineup powered by three small-displacement turbocharged engines, the 2.4-liter at the top. The FA24 already motivates the Ascent, Legacy, and Outback, making 260 hp and 277 lb-ft in all three models. Getting to the 400 mark would be made possible by toughened internals and additional boost. A six-speed manual is a given. The CVT will need some help, however. Car Sensor suggests the current Lineartronic unit can handle no more than 295 lb-ft. It's inevitable Subaru will work out some sort of self-shifting option, since its EyeSight driver assistance tech doesn't work with a manual transmission, and we can't imagine Subaru removing EyeSight when it's found on the current WRX. It's possible Toyota could step in with an assist, similar to how Toyota is apparently consulting on the all-wheel-drive system in the next-gen cars — perhaps with bits taken from the complex driveline in the Yaris WRC. The coming WRX should arrive in the first half of 2022. At the other end of the tuning scale, the BRZ and Toyota 86 have been rumored with the 2.4-liter, but making around 255 hp and 200 lb-ft. Below the 2.4-liter, Subaru is said to be working on a 1.5-liter turbocharged mill to replace the 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine that serves models like the Impreza and Crosstrek.

Consumer Reports declares most and least loved cars [w/video]

Consumer Reports is crunching the numbers from its annual owner-satisfaction survey, and part of that process is finding out how attached drivers are to their cars. CR simply asks readers of models up to three years old if they would buy the same vehicle again in light of their entire ownership experience, and tallies the results. After looking at the responses for about 350,000 vehicles, it turns out that people really love a certain California-built, electrically powered luxury sedan. That's right, this year's the overall winner was the Tesla Model S with a whopping 98 percent of owners saying they would purchase another one (the Model S also won this award last year, with 99 percent satisfaction). The Chevrolet Corvette Stingray came in a close second with 95 percent of drivers hoping to park another one in their garage. A few models weren't quite so favored, though. The Nissan Versa Sedan was the least loved model among its owners; a mere 42 percent said that they would purchase another. The aging Jeep Compass didn't do much better, with just 43 percent of drivers willing to buy the softroader again. On average, about 70 percent of owners say they would buy their car again, and only four cars ranked below 50 percent in CR's findings. Check out the video above to see some of the winners and losers in a few of CR's categories. If you're a subscriber, you can check out the full list on its website. Related Gallery Consumer Reports Most Loved Cars 2014 Related Gallery Consumer Reports Least Loved Cars 2014 News Source: Consumer Reports - sub. req., Consumer Reports via YouTube Chevrolet Ford Mazda Mercedes-Benz Porsche Subaru Tesla Ownership Videos car ownership