2023 Subaru Outback Limited on 2040-cars

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Subaru reveals the US-bound WRX STI Type RA and BRZ tS

Subaru has finally revealed the US-bound WRX STI Type RA and BRZ tS, a pair of redressed and slightly better performing versions of the standard models. Despite the big wing, lightweight wheels, and upgrades suspension, those hoping for changes under the hood will be severely disappointed. The WRX STI gets a slight bump to 310 horsepower while output on the BRZ remains unchanged. That should come as no surprise, as the car is essentially the same one we drove two years ago in Japan. The WRX STI Type RA stands for "record attempt." The first RA was named for a Subaru Legacy that broke the FIA World Speed Endurance Record by clocking over 62,000 miles in 18 days, setting a top speed of 138 mph. This new model is named for the upcoming WRX STI Type RA NBR Special race car that will attempt a Nurburgring record sometime this summer. The WRX STI Type RA is lighter and more robust than the standard model thanks to a host of upgrades. The car gets a carbon fiber roof, a carbon fiber rear spoiler, and lightweight BBS 19-inch forged alloy wheels with 245/35R19 Yokohama Advan Sports tires. The spare tire has also been removed. While the engine only gets a mild power bump thanks to a new cold air intake and new exhaust, a retuned ECU, new pistons, and a revised third-gear ratio and short shifter should make the car feel much quicker than before. Aside from the carbon fiber roof and rear wing, there are a number of visual upgrades that set the car apart. There are red Cherry Blossom accents all along the bottom and a plethora of STI badges on the wing, mirrors, and bumpers. More STI logos can be found inside on the new Recaro seats. A plaque inside shows only 500 Type RAs will be made. It's a similar story with the BRZ tS. The acronym stands for "tuned by STI," implying it's not the full treatment like the WRX STI. That still leaves us wondering about these spy photos that show a similar looking car with real STI logos. We'll have to wait and see if anything emerges from that. The BRZ tS gets front and rear SACHS dampers and coil springs and flexible V-braces in the engine compartment. For the first time, the BRZ will come with 18-inch wheels, ditching the low-rolling resistance tires for a set of sticky 215/40 R 18 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires, aided by Brembo brakes at all four corners. Visual upgrades are similar to the WRX STI Type RA.

2020 Subaru Legacy XT Drivers' Notes | It's what's inside that counts

The 2020 Subaru Legacy is completely new in all of the places that can’t be seen. Subaru transitioned the redesigned sedan onto its Subaru Global Platform and gave it an entirely new interior, but the drab sheetmetal hardly looks changed from the previous generation. ThereÂ’s a new 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four thrashing away under the hood, replacing the flat-six as the upgrade engine for the Legacy. The boosted XT version of the sedan is the one that we spent a week driving. In this configuration, the Legacy offers 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, routing it through a continuously variable transmission. Subaru claims the trip to 60 mph takes just 6.1 seconds. Of course, all-wheel drive is standard. This feature would have made the Legacy unique in this segment a short time ago, but the Nissan Altima is now available with all-wheel drive, and the Camry will soon be offered with it as well. Our Touring XT was the most expensive Legacy that money can buy at $36,795. Being the highest trim, it presents well inside with tan and black high quality leather all over the place. Subaru is finally starting to put together some great interiors, and it shows. A whole list of luxury and tech features sweeten the deal even more for the Legacy. Additions like the 11.6-inch infotainment system, driver-monitoring system, power sunroof, front view monitor, satin finish mirrors, heated everything and much more all add up to make a surprisingly luxurious Subaru sedan. Senior Editor, Green, John Beltz Snyder: I got to take this home while there was still a lot of snow packed on neighborhood roads, and boy was that a treat. Like the Outback, this Legacy feels great on soft or slippery roads. ItÂ’s fantastically easy to get this to start drifting oh so gently, and then to maintain and control that slide with zero fear of it getting too hairy. Repeatable, manageable, fun. ItÂ’s officially Subaru season. On the cleared (but often pock-marked) roads, the Legacy is a comfortable cruiser without being too soft. It provides a good feel of the road, but is never anywhere close to punishing. Combined with all-wheel drive and slightly artificial-feeling but otherwise precise, easy and confidence-inspiring steering, this is pleasant — and sometimes even fun — to drive regardless of the road conditions. Assistant Editor, Zac Palmer: Subaru stepped up its tech game in the 2020 Legacy with a massive 11.6-inch touchscreen.

Subaru brings sportier XV, Legacy and Levorg concepts to Tokyo Auto Salon

'Tis the season of the auto shows, boys and girls. We just came down from the techno-fest that was CES, we're set for the start of the Detroit Auto Show, in the UK they're holding the Autosport International racecar show, and in Japan they just opened the Tokyo Auto Salon. And true to form, Subaru was on hand with a wide assortment of tuned machinery. Aside from the competition-spec WRX and BRZ we brought you a few days ago, Subaru also spruced up some of its production models for the street. One of the most intriguing was the Levorg S that gives us an idea of what the conceptual Legacy wagon would look like in STI spec, complete with the requisite blue paint, red trim and STI badges, but also a full aero kit, 19-inch BBS wheels and carbon-fiber trim, plus an interior with bucket seats, flat-bottom rim and all the fixins. The Japanese automaker also showcased a version of the Legacy sedan dubbed Blitzen, decked out in bright red with a similarly upgraded aero kit, 19-inch alloys and a two-tone interior. The XV Crosstrek that was recently launched on this side of the Pacific as a special edition in bright yellow rolled in to the Tokyo salon in the same shade, but with upgrades similar to those on the aforementioned Levorg and Legacy show cars. The XV Sport concept wears upgraded aero, 17-inch wheels and a complementing yellow-trimmed back interior. Also on display was an even less subtle WRX S4 customized by Prova, done up in white but with an outlandish body kit, 20-inch Enkei alloys and a dropped suspension, as well as the new Forester tS.