2014 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium on 2040-cars

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Subaru BRZ gets updates, limited-edition Series.Blue model for 2015

The popular complaint about the Subaru BRZ is that its 200-horsepower, 2.0-liter-boxer engine is underpowered compared to other, modern sports coupes. Subaru isn't doing anything to address that for the 2015 model year BRZ, but the company does have some aesthetic upgrades ready for its rear-wheel-drive two-door and a limited-edition version with a more aggressive body.
The big news for the 2015 BRZ is the Series.Blue Special Edition (pictured above) that is limited to 1,000 units for the US with 500 of them in the brand's famous WR Blue Pearl and the other 500 in Crystal White Pearl. Mechanically, the special models are unchanged with the 2.0-liter boxer engine and a six-speed manual, but they wear an exclusive, black, STI-branded body kit that includes a new lower-lip front spoiler, rear spoiler, side sills and underbody panels. Subaru claims the whole setup increases front downforce and decreases the car's coefficient of drag from 0.28 to 0.27. To match the new kit, the limited-edition cars feature black, 17-inch wheels from STI with contrasting red brake calipers hiding behind them. The interior sees nearly as many changes as the outside with black and blue leather sport seats with blue stitching, and a similar motif for the steering wheel, shift boot, parking brake and kneepads. The illuminated engine start button gets an STI logo, as well. The Series.Blue arrives at dealers in July for $30,285, after the $795 destination charge.
The rest of the BRZ lineup isn't left out and has some minor upgrades of its own, with revised damper settings, stainless steel exhaust tips, a body-color shark fin antenna and a simulated carbon fiber dashboard panel - similar to the upgrades found on the 2015 Scion FR-S. Two new colors are available - Ice Silver Metallic and Crystal White Pearl. Prices are up $100 across the board for 2015. After destination, the Premium trim is $26,490; the Limited is $28,490; the Limited with an automatic transmission is $29,590. The 2015 models hit dealers this summer. Scroll down to read the full announcement.

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:

Jeep Gladiator Mojave and Acura MDX A-Spec | Autoblog Podcast #627

In this week's Autoblog Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Greg Migliore is joined by Consumer Editor Jeremy Korzeniewski and Senior Editor, Green, John Beltz Snyder. This week, they're driving a Jeep Gladiator Mojave, Acura MDX A-Spec, our long-term Subaru Forester and a Honda CR-V Hybrid. A little stir-crazy from quarantine, they also derail the conversation for a little bit to talk about beer before launching into this episode's "Spend My Money" segment. Autoblog Podcast #627 Get The Podcast iTunes – Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes RSS – Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator MP3 – Download the MP3 directly Rundown Cars we're driving 2020 Jeep Gladiator Mojave 2020 Acura MDX A-Spec (Here's one of those "Off The Clock" episodes we reference in our derailment about beer) Our long-term 2019 Subaru Forester gives us a moist surprise 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid Spend My Money Feedback Email – Podcast@Autoblog.com Review the show on iTunes Related Video: