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2018 Subaru Legacy starts at $23,055, Outback at $26,810

The midsize Subaru Legacy and Outback get a host of new updates for 2018. Both models get revised styling inside and out. Additionally, both models get some new standard features and revised suspension with the promise of improved ride and handling. As always, both come standard with all-wheel drive. The refreshed 2018 Subaru Legacy starts at $23,055 while a 2018 Subaru Outback will set you back at least $26,810, a bump of under $300 versus the outgoing models. Of course, both cars can be loaded up with a host of features and equipment. There are two engines available for each model, a 175 horsepower 2.5-liter flat four and a 256 horsepower 3.6-liter flat six. In the US, the only available transmission is a respectable but uninspiring CVT. Stepping up to the bigger engine isn't cheap. The top of the line Legacy 3.6R Limited starts at $32,805. The Outback 3.6R Limited starts at $36,310. There's a $39,605 Outback 3.6R Touring on top of that. Standard features on the base model are few, but moving up the range allows shoppers to add a number of features like Subaru's EyeSight safety suite, an 8-inch infotainment system, heated seats, mirrors, and windshield wipers, Bluetooth audio, LED lighting, and more. As the Outback is essentially a lifted Legacy wagon, standard features and trim levels generally mirror each other. Despite the rise of the crossover, the midsize sedan segment is still hugely popular and extremely cutthroat. The refreshed Legacy is right in the mix with the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Chevy Malibu, and the like with just hundreds of dollars separating the cars. The Outback is a bit harder to compare, as it's not quite a wagon but not quite a crossover. It's more expensive than most two-row crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5, but offers more interior and cargo space. If you don't need a third row, the Outback undercuts models like the Chevrolet Traverse, Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder, and Dodge Durango. Both the 2018 Subaru Legacy and Outback should go on sale later this year. Related Video: News Source: Subaru Subaru Crossover Wagon Sedan

Production Mazda Vision Coupe concept, GRMN Supra, new BRZ/86 coming

After writing about what's in store for the next-generation Subaru WRX, Japan's Best Car magazine is back with more spy work on what's ahead for the coming Mazda sedan, fighting-spec GRMN Toyota Supra, and next-generation Subaru BRZ/Toyota 86. All three are supposedly headed for previews at this year's Tokyo Motor Show before rolling out in 2021 and 2022. Mazda showed the Vision Coupe concept at the 2017 Tokyo show, then sneaked a mention of a rear- and all-wheel drive "Large Architecture" and two inline-six engines into a 2019 investor's report. Best Car says that concept's production version will house a 3.0-liter Skyactiv-X SPCCI inline-six with "M-Hybrid" 48-volt assistance. Output figures remain a mystery, but the mag says engineers are aiming for 345 horsepower. The real deal isn't slated for dealers until 2022, bringing what Mazda bills as a "BMW, Audi quality car at the price of Volkswagen." A further treat: Best Car says the Hiroshima automaker is laying out a two-door version on the same platform. Not even a month after 2020 Toyota Supra chief engineer Tetsuya Tada told us, "With a sports car, the promise is to offer more performance with each additional version," this report says the full-fat GRMN Supra will raise the stakes. Expected in the latter stages of 2021, the current 335-hp Supra will get an "output eventually close to 400 ps" (about 394 horsepower) from its BMW-source 3.0-liter straight-six. Along with that will come a lighter, stiffer body, and a sportier suspension tune to manage and make the most of the 60-horse increase. Best Car says the next-generation Toyota 86 / Subaru BRZ will move to a new platform, without specifying whether it would be Toyota's TNGA platform suggested by a report in April — not that there are many other options. Neither the footprint nor the body dimensions are predicted to change, and transmissions will continue to include a six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic. The new platform will hold a new engine, although it won't be the revelation many fans want. The magazine says the Subaru 2.0-liter FA20 will retire, making way for the Subaru 2.4-liter FA24. The FA24 is the same engine in the Subaru Ascent crossover, where it produces 260 hp and 277 lb-ft. There'll be no such fireworks for the sporty twins due in the first half of 2021, output reported to be "improved to 220 ps," or 217 hp — a 12-hp bump over the current figure.

Here's your chance to own a Subaru Impreza WRX stunt car from 'Baby Driver'

Fans of the the 2017 movie "Baby Driver," pay attention, because you have another chance at owning one of the 2006 Subaru Impreza WRXs used for the film's big opening chase scene. It's fitted with a long list of modifications, though it remains street legal, and it's expected to bring in a substantial amount of money. The seller states this Impreza is one of the ones that retains the factory all-wheel drive system, but it was modified by a shop called AllPro Subaru for stunt duty. The shop removed the 2.0-liter flat-four and installed a 300-horsepower, 2.5-liter engine sourced from a WRX STI. It was rebuilt with forged pistons, while the driveline received a stronger clutch plus beefier front and rear differentials. Finally, a hydraulic hand brake helped the WRX go sideways. Inside, this Impreza WRX received an instrument cluster and other bits and pieces pulled out of the STI parts bin. It's finished in red with a black leather interior, though it was originally painted blue.  To prove the car's authenticity, the seller is including its build sheet, interviews with stunt driver Jeremy Fry, and matched screen shots in the sale. Whether it ends up in a museum or driven regularly depends on who buys it. As of writing, one person has bid on this WRX, and it's sitting at $19,000 with its reserve not met. The auction ends on July 20, and it's reasonable to speculate it will sell for much more if bidding goes beyond the reserve set by the seller. In 2017, another WRX used in the movie traded hands for $69,100 after receiving 71 bids. It looked a lot like the one that's up for grabs, but it was converted to rear-wheel drive to make it easier for the stunt drivers to drift. For context, a 2006 WRX STI with reasonable mileage and no modifications is worth about $20,000. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.