Manual Turbo Charged Wrx Premium, Touch Screen Interface, Navigation, Bluetooth on 2040-cars

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Are we about to see a real SUV revival?

Now that the marketplace has been oversaturated with cute-utes, crossovers, and CUV coupes, are we about to see a resurgence of real, honest-to-God SUVs? Ummm... maybe. The stars seem to be aligning in that direction, at least that's the sense I'm getting. We know an all-new Jeep Wrangler is only a few auto shows away; and that Jeep is about to introduce a new Grand Cherokee Trailhawk for 2017, in the same rugged spirit of the successful Cherokee and Renegade Trailhawks. Ford has hinted at a neo-Bronco, after showing the concept above in 2014 to wet the mouths of all those Duck Dynasty-types out there. And, and... wait for it... I recently learned that Subaru sent a questionnaire out to some Forester owners asking if they might be interested in an off-road package if it were offered. The items listed were pretty hardcore, serious stuff, such as: integrated tow/recovery hooks, additional ground clearance, more rugged wheels, skid plates, altimeter, front-view off-road camera, improved approach and departure angles, advanced differentials, Inclinometer, full-size spare tire, upgraded off-road suspension components, more aggressive tires, off-road driving mode (engine, transmission, throttle, and steering settings), more rugged styling, low-range gearing, and a more advanced traction management system. Folks that's not my wish list (well, actually it is), but those are words from Subaru, asking if that's what customers would like to see. Need proof? Go to the SubaruForester.org website. It's in a discussion there. So... no promises or guarantees here, and feel free to call me a rumormonger if you like; but the next few years could prove very interesting for those who actually do go off road. If this pans out, remember, you read it here first. Related Video: Image Credit: Ford Ford Jeep Subaru Crossover SUV Off-Road Vehicles open road

Subarus, straits, a shipwreck, and the end of the world

We've got one more short video glimpse at our Patagonia adventure before the big, final feature video goes live early next month. This time, it's a view of the end of our journey – and the end of the world. Crossing the Straits of Magellan took about two hours on our car ferry, and we saw penguins, orcas, and dolphins, which made the journey way more interesting. From there, we drove through Chile and crossed back into Argentina, stopped by the Desdemona – a 30-year-old shipwreck – and finally spent the night in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world (Antarctica only has bases, not cities). The next morning, our caravan ventured to Tierra del Fuego National Park, and we stood, as a group, at the end of the world – the farthest south any of us will probably venture for the rest of our lives. Have a look at our final, short video above. And again, stay tuned for the full experience film, which we'll bring you (along with hundreds of epic photos) early next month. Auto News Subaru Videos Original Video chile autoblog in patagonia

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: