2019 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited Wagon 4d on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Subaru Viziv Evolution Concept looks strangely familiar

The Tokyo Motor Show has proven to be far deeper and more interesting in 2013 than it has been in recent years, surely a trailing indicator of the revived auto industry in Japan and throughout the world. Still, we have seen a few concept cars that have been nearly 'recycled' from shows earlier in the season.
This Subaru Viziv Evolution concept is a case in point - it looks not unlike the Viziv Concept that the company hauled over to the Geneva Motor Show in March of this year. What gives?
Well, the original Viziv wrapped its sexy crossover-coupe bodywork around a powertrain composed of a 2.0-liter diesel engine and three electric motors, two of which powered the two rear wheels (another trendy hybrid setup). This new "Evolution" of the Viziv is not dissimilar from its progenitor, swapping in a small displacement gasoline-powered engine for the diesel unit. All of this is based on reports out of Tokyo, mind you, as official information on the car is scarce at the moment.

2018 Subaru Impreza price increase just $100

Subaru announced pricing on the 2018 Impreza sedan and five-door. The model was all-new for 2017, riding on a new platform with new sheetmetal and interior. Since there weren't any changes for 2018, prices only jumped by $100 over the 2017 model. As with nearly all Subarus, the 2018 Impreza comes with standard all-wheel drive and a flat-four engine. 2018 models will hit dealerships sometime this fall. The Impreza-based 2018 Subaru Crosstrek starts at just a few thousand more. The Impreza will be offered in 2.0i base, Premium, Sport, and Limited trim levels. All models come with a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-four making 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent through either a five-speed manual or a CVT. In an attempt to alleviate some complaints about CVTs, Subaru says pre-selected gear ratios will mimic a seven-speed automatic. The 2.0i base starts at $19,355 for the sedan and $19,855 for the hatchback. Standard equipment includes a 6.5-inch touchscreen with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, power windows, power locks, power door mirrors, a tilting and telescoping steering wheel, and carpeted floor mats. The CVT option is $1,000. The 2018 Impreza Premium starts at $22,155 for the sedan and $22,255 for the five-door and only comes equipped with a CVT. It builds on the 2.0i base model, adding automatic headlights, 16-inch alloy wheels, and the all-weather package with heated front seats, windshield, and exterior mirrors. Impreza Premium five-door models come with permanent roof rails. A moonroof and some driver assistance features like blind-spot monitoring and cross-traffic alert are available on the Premium. The Impreza Sport starts at $22,955 with a manual and $23,755 with a CVT, with the five-door starting at $23,455 and $24,255 respectively. Like the Premium, the Sport builds on the model below it. As the name implies, the Sport is intended to have a fun-to-drive demeanor. It gets stiffer suspension, active torque vectoring, 18-inch wheels, and an STI shifter on the five-speed model. It gets LED daytime running lights, a black grille, body-color rocker panels, and turn signal side mirrors. The sedan gets a rear spoiler while the five-door gets unique black trim. Inside, the Impreza Sport comes with black upholstery with red stitching. That same red color accents the steering wheel, shifter, instrument panel, and door trim. The trim also gets different gauges than the other models.

Subaru previews rally-ready WRX STI for Global RallyCross

Subaru's long and distinguished history in the world of rallying is about to get another chapter, as it's set to field a team in the Global RallyCross Championship. The car? The all-new WRX STI.
Yes, Subaru will be fielding a GRC challenger, with drivers Bucky Lasek and Sverre Isachsen at the helm. This particular car was teased earlier this week, and is a preview of the eventual GRC model which will launch this fall. The race-ready STI boasts a custom widebody kit with a carbon-fiber rear wing. The roof scoop and the mirrors are also made of carbon fiber, while the wheels are provided by Method. As with all GRC contenders this year, the WRX STI is shod in Yokohama spec rubber. It's not clear what sort of engine sits under the scooped hood, although we imagine we'll find out before the season kicks off in a few months.
Perhaps even more exciting is word that Subaru will also prepare a version of the WRX STI for stage rallies, with Travis Pastrana and David Higgins fielding the new car in the Rally America Championship. That car should arrive later this year.