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The refreshed 2018 Subaru WRX starts at $27,855

Subaru has always staggered the release of new versions of the WRX and STI performance twins from that of the more pedestrian Imprezas. While the latter just received a ground-up redesign for 2017, the once and future kings of all-wheel-drive performance sedans make do with some new options and massaged over styling. Pricing for the new cars, which go on sale sometime in the next few months, has finally been announced. Pricing for the pair is on the high-side of the competition. The 2018 Subaru WRX starts at $27,855. That nets you a 2.0-liter turbocharged boxer four-cylinder making 268 horsepower, a six-speed manual, and Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive with torque vectoring. For comparison, the Ford Focus ST starts at $25,650 while the Volkswagen GTI starts at $26,415. Pricing for the new Honda Civic Si hasn't been announced, but expect it to be somewhere in the mid $20,000 range. Stepping up to the STI will set you back at least $36,955, though you get a more powerful 305-horsepower 2.5-liter turbocharged boxer four and a more advanced version of Subaru's all-wheel-drive system. Plus, you get the big rear wing, and that's worth it's weight in Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution owner tears. The far more powerful Ford Focus RS meets the STI dollar for dollar at $36,955 while the Volkswagen Golf R retails for an eye-watering $40,195. Like the Civic Si, pricing for the Civic Type R has yet to be revealed. Both the WRX and STI get updated styling on the front bumper, with larger grilles and new black trim. Additionally, the $32,455 WRX Limited and all STI models feature new LED headlights. The STI also gets new 19-inch wheels and upgraded Brembo brakes. The WRX Premium has an optional $2,050 performance pack that adds Recaro seats with an 8-way power driver's seat, red-painted brake calipers with Jurid brake pads, and deletes the moonroof to reduce weight. Other changes include the latest version of Subaru's Starlink infotainment system, a larger infotainment screen, new EyeSight driver assist features (only on CVT-equipped WRX models), upgraded sound deadening, and upgraded interior materials. Both models receive new roof rack mounting brackets. Look for the 2018 Subaru WRX and 2018 Subaru STI to hit showrooms in the next few months. Related Video:

Prodrive builds new Isle of Man Subaru for record attempt

Prodrive have released photos of their new weapon for the Isle of Man TT Course. The three-time British Rally Champion Mark Higgins has set a number of records driving a Subaru on the famed Manx course throughout the years, and this time Subaru Technica International and Higgins are teaming up with Prodrive. Prodrive are famous for building Subaru's rally cars in the past, from 1990 to 2008, so the joining of forces gives the Isle of Man TT car an extra helping of motorsport magic. These days, Prodrive is also known for rally-prepared Minis and for building Aston Martin racing cars. They've had their share in giving UK-specification customer cars more power as well, along with creating a one-off, Subaru-based P2 sportscar to showcase their engineering skills and close ties with the Japanese manufacturer. This year's motorcycle event takes place on the treacherous 37-mile circuit in the end of May and early June. Past years' record drives have been especially memorable, and Higgins has been at it since 2011, first dipping under 20 minutes with a 19-minute, 56.7-second run five years ago – besting Tony Pond's 1990 laptime by over two minutes. The latest time for Higgins is 19 minutes and 15 seconds, so it will be interesting to see if the new car does it in less than 19 minutes. Related Video: Featured Gallery Subaru Prodrive Isle of Man Motorsports Subaru Racing Vehicles isle of man tt mark higgins road racing

Next-generation Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ confirmed

Toyota and Subaru jointly announced today that they would be continuing and expanding their alliance. Toyota will be taking a larger stake in Subaru, bringing the total to 20%, and Subaru will respond in kind by buying shares equal to the value of those purchased by Toyota. In terms of product, the two companies will reportedly swap knowledge in the development of all-wheel-drive systems, battery-electric powertrains and connected/autonomous driving technologies. Oh, and there will be a next-generation Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ. Despite less-than-stellar sales, the two companies confirmed that the rear-wheel-drive Toyabaru twins will be returning for a sequel. No details about them were provided, but a second-generation has widely been speculated and reported, with Australia's Motor quoting Supra chief engineer Tatsuya Tada confirming as such. "We have a new 86 team," he told Motor. "We have to make a new 86 that surpasses the Supra ... that is what the customer expects." Beyond that, there is rampant speculation of where the rear-drive platform will originate (a derivative of Toyota's TNGA platform, something boosted from Mazda, aliens), as well as what might find its way under the hood (virtually anything would be better than what's there now). A Japanese publication even suggested it might even be previewed next month at the Tokyo Motor Show.  In any event, expect the next-generation Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 to be a continuous source of interest for the next few years.  Subaru Toyota Coupe Future Vehicles Performance