2009 Subaru Legacy 2.5i Limited Sedan 4-door 2.5l on 2040-cars

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2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross vs. small crossover SUVs: How they compare on paper

In the midst of the crossover SUV boom, each traditional size segment has become saturated. As a result, automakers are beginning to fill the gaps that separate classes, giving us some interesting in-between options. The all-new 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross jumps right into one of those in-between categories bookended by compact and subcompact crossovers. It's a niche that offers more space and feature content than the smallest vehicles, with an extra dose of style and a lower price than bigger ones. Because of the Eclipse Cross' in-between nature, though, there's not really an obvious direct competitor. As such, we've selected a diverse group of small crossovers that are similar to the Eclipse Cross in some but not all key areas: size, price, feature content, style and likely buyers. The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2018 Toyota C-HR and 2018 Nissan Rogue Sport each have elements in common, but are different enough to provide useful points of comparison. A chart of specifications and key standard features is shown below, followed by more in-depth analysis. And if you wish to compare these crossovers with others not listed, be sure to check out our comparison tools. Engines and Drivetrains One of the Eclipse Cross' biggest advantages in this segment will be its engine. Subcompact crossovers, including the other three we've chosen, are sluggish to say the least. This new Mitsubishi should be different as it packs a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder that belts out a whopping 184 pound-feet of torque. We say whopping, because the C-HR, Crosstrek and Rogue Sport all have between 139 and 147 pound-feet. Horsepower is similarly unimpressive at just 152 horsepower - the same as the Crosstrek - but that torque should make passing and on-ramp runs much more satisfying. The appeal of crossovers for many people is the availability of all-wheel-drive, and this is where the Subaru gets an advantage. Like with all Subarus that aren't a BRZ, the Crosstrek has standard all-wheel drive. The Mitsubishi comes close, making all-wheel drive standard on every trim level except the very base ES trim level. On the Rogue Sport, all-wheel drive is an option on all trim levels. Depending on where you live, though, being able to have front drive on a high-trim crossover could be a plus because it will save some money and improve fuel economy. The C-HR loses this battle as it's only available with front-wheel drive.

Hotter Subaru WRX STI teased for Detroit, probably the S209

We reported yesterday about Subaru filing an application to trademark the name "S209" for the U.S. Today, Subaru released a teaser video for what we think is that exact car: the WRX STI S209. In a video titled "From Japan with Love," Subaru is seen lapping Virginia International Raceway in a slightly-hotter-than-normal, camouflaged STI. At first glance, it's easy to see it as the STI Type RA from earlier this year. However, looking closer at the aero package reveals a little bit more. A side-by-side comparison between this car and the Type RA reveals prominent canards in front of the wheels, exclusive to what we'll call the S209. No such pieces exist on the Type RA. To make those canards flow into the bodywork, it looks like Subaru tacked on some fender flares surrounding the front and rear wheels. It's noticeably different from other STI variations, so we'll see if Subie keeps them for the production car. Beyond that, it's hardly any different than the Type RA in appearance. The gigantic wing is accounted for, as are the gorgeous gold wheels. Another reason we think this is the S209 is Subaru's video description. It reads, "Something special from Subaru Tecnica International is coming to America for the first time ever." The S20(X) series that started in 2000 with the S201 has been never come stateside before. This series has traditionally produced STIs that have more power, suspension and aero than your regular STI. Most recently, the S208 used a 2.0-liter turbo flat-four that put out 329 horsepower and 319 pound-feet of torque. Of course, the U.S. is still dealing with Subaru's Byzantine-era EJ25 2.5-liter flat-four. More power can be had past that engine's 305 horses it makes here now, so we'll see if that's the route Subaru plans to take. Subaru ended by saying it'll be revealing the car at the Detroit Auto Show in January. The wait won't be long for what we imagine will be the new king of Subarus in the U.S. Related video:

Six 'shut up and take my money' cars

Any time you see this iconic moment in pop culture - Shut up and take my money! - posted in response to a new car reveal, rumor for an upcoming model or even lip-service to a vehicle that should exist, you can bet there's some intrinsic good in the idea. Though depending on the person offering up the cash, that good could take the form of extraordinary form, functionality, weight savings, power, handling, etc. You get the idea.
In fact, when I first proposed this list, I reached out to the Autoblog staff to help me brainstorm. Here are some of the ideas they offered up that I ultimately didn't use: Jaguar XE Coupe, Pagani Huayra Roadster, Mercedes-Benz S-Class "parade car" (cabriolet), Morgan 3-Wheeler with Ducati V-twin, Ford Transit Connectamino (pickup), Mercedes CLA63 AMG, Ford Fusion 5.0, BMW i8 Spyder, Lexus RC-F Shooting Brake, Volvo XC90 Polestar. Oh, and things we collectively wanted to stick Dodge's Hellcat in were almost as numerous as models that Fiat Chrysler Automotive currently makes (though none quite so compelling as the Grand Cherokee you see above.)
Ultimately though, while I used a couple of ideas from my colleagues, the list of cars I'd shell out for unquestionably is very personal. Though it isn't complete, what follows is a selection of cars whose very existence would prompt me - or the trust-fund-baby versions of me - to utter without hesitation: "Shut up and take my money."