2020 Subaru Outback Onyx Edition Xt on 2040-cars

Auto blog

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.

Subaru mulling expanding Indiana plant for Forester, Impreza

Thanks to currency fluctuations and their impact on the bottom line, a growing number of Japanese automakers are starting to increase vehicle production in the US, and it appears Subaru could be the next to do so. According to Bloomberg, Subaru is looking into expanding production capacity at its Lafayette, Indiana assembly plant, which currently builds the Outback, Legacy and Tribeca as well as the Toyota Camry.
Subaru's Indiana plant currently has an annual maximum capacity of 310,000 units, but the automaker is expecting to far exceed that figure this year, with year-to-date sales of 299,788 units through November (not including Camry) - an increase of almost 30 percent over 2011. The report indicates that Subaru could expand the plant to add as many 50,000 additional units to the plant, likely in the form of either the Forester or Impreza.

2019 Subaru Forester priced at $25,270

The Subaru Forester is all new for 2019, but it's not toting along a big price increase. A base 2019 Forester starts at $25,270 including destination, which is a reasonable $500 premium over the 2018 version. For that price, buyers get 17-inch steel wheels, but a $600 upcharge brings aluminum wheels and roof rails. Standard equipment includes Subaru's EyeSight driver assist technology and Starlink infotainment package, which includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, power windows, door locks, and side mirrors, remote keyless entry, and tire pressure monitoring. A step up to the Premium trim for $27,670 adds the automaker's off-road X-MODE with hill descent control, a panoramic power moonroof, a 10-way power driver's seat, and rear seat HVAC outlets. A WI-FI hotspot and the latest Starlink safety services are optional, as are blind spot detection with lane change assist and rear cross traffic alert, keyless access with push-button start, and a power rear gate. Sport trim is new for 2019, and it stickers at $29,770. On top of Premium, Sport adds SI-DRIVE with Intelligent and Sport Sharp modes and an upgraded Dual X-Mode system. A CVT transmission is standard across the range, but the Sport gets a 7-speed manual mode with steering wheel paddle-shifters. Limited ups the wheels to 18 inches, and gains an upgraded interior with leather seats and dual-zone automatic climate control for $31,770. Limited also includes all of the active safety technology that's optional on lower trims. At the top of the 2019 Forester range is the Touring trim. For $35,270 buyers get unique 18-inch wheels, Subaru's DriverFocus safety system that remembers the preferences of up to five drivers, perforated leather seats (powered for the driver and passenger) in Saddle Brown or Black, heated rear seats, and an eight-inch touchscreen. Expect the 2019 Subaru Forester to hit dealers sometime this fall. Related Video: