Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Hatchback, Subaru, Celebrities

When it comes to Ken Block and DC Shoes' Gymkhana videos, we'd argue that the trilogy is dominated by the very first flick. It spawned countless tributes - thanks in part to the fact that the automotive internet community had never seen anything quite so amazing. The lonesome airfield, an epic Crawford-prepped Subaru WRX STI and an, um... Segway had never before come together to create such a piece of cinematic glory. Unfortunately, according to Advertising Age , all of that isn't enough to make the first video one of the all-time most successful viral marketing campaigns. That honor goes to Gymkhana 2.

With a grand total of 32.9 million views and counting, Block's second take on selling shoes by sliding sideways took the number 10 slot on the magazine's list of viral wonders. Other winners include the infamous Old Spice Twitter responses, a Doritos ad and the Xbox project Natal. Of course, the all-time champion of hawking wares via the internet is still Blendtec. That company has managed to draw in 134.3 million YouTube views since it started chopping up random objects in 2006.

All that said, we highly suggest you click on past the break to relive all the Gymkhana Two action in high-definition video glory.

[Source: Advertising Age ]

Continue reading Gymkhana Two named one of 10 best viral ads of all time

Gymkhana Two named one of 10 best viral ads of all time originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Sep 2010 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 9/10/10 2:59 PM

When the fifth round of the National Rally Championship (NRC) gets underway tomorrow in Jinja, Jas Mangat (Subaru N12) and Ronald Ssebuguzi (Mitsubishi Evo9) will start as joint favourites. Nonetheless, the duo will not dish any favours in the 197.1km rally as they pursue a common goal of victory and 'enemy' Nasser Mutebi (Subaru N4), the NRC leader. In typical style, Ssebuguzi, a two-time national champion and holder of the current crown, only sees competition with himself. allafrica.com | 9/10/10 7:17 AM

Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 9.9.10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Sep 2010 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 9/9/10 11:46 PM

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Performance, Hatchback, Subaru

It's time for X-Games fetishists and lovers of sideways, dirt-slinging action to get excited - the 2011 Subaru WRX is one-step closer to being in your driveway. If you head over to Subaru.com , you can play with their online configurator and create the new WRX that appeals to you.

Available as a sedan or five-door hatchback, the Impreza WRX is offered with either six or seven colors to choose from. This is dependent on which engine you want under the hood. The 265-horsepower WRX gets the standard set of color options while the 305-hp WRX STI gets more than a power boost - you can also add Plasma Blue Pearl to the available palette.

Our virtual 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI wears Obsidian Black Pearl and is going to cost us $39,130 (we know, we know - it needs gold wheels ). There are plenty of ways to make that dollar figure go way up or way down, so head over to the configurator and have some fun . Thanks for the tip, Peter!




Photos Copyright (C)2010 Zach Bowman / AOL

[Source: Subaru ]

2011 Subaru WRX lineup configurator now online originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Sep 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read  | Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 9/9/10 10:30 PM

Filed under: Performance, Crossover, Subaru, Misc. Auto Shows, Australia

Scooby fans down under might get the first look at an STI version of the Subaru Forester meant for global markets. It's only speculation at this point, but Subaru has said it will bring a "sporty SUV," and the Sydney Morning Herald figures an additionally boosted Forester makes the most sense.

Regardless of whether such a beast would wear an STI badge - if it exists at all - the theory goes that it would get an STI-like jump in power above the turbocharged Forester currently on sale in Australia. The JDM version of the Forester STI, on sale for five years, puts down 322 horsepower - that's 26 more ponies than are available in the Aussie WRX STI.

The Forester is already the top-selling compact SUV in Australia. Right now the most powerful version is the 227-hp XT model, so a boost in gumption would place it incontestably above the 268-hp Toyota RAV4 and 235-hp Mazda CX-7 . Subaru won't confirm anything else about what will be revealed, except that it could go worldwide.

[Source: Sydney Morning Herald ]

Hotter Subaru Forester in the works? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Sep 2010 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read  | Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 9/9/10 4:29 PM

Filed under: Motorsports, Marketing/Advertising, Subaru, Celebrities

As if his success in motocross and rally racing weren't enough, Travis Pastrana may be looking for still bigger mountains to climb. Mainly, Mt. Washington in New Hampshire, the tallest peak in the Northeastern United States at 6,288 ft.

Autoblog reader Andrew Stowell caught up with Pastrana at the famed Mt. Washington Auto Road where the multi-medal X Games winner was reportedly scouting turns, making pace notes and filming some interviews for what should be a new YouTube sensation if he accomplishes this mission.

According to Stowell, Pastrana's plan is to break the Mt. Washington Auto Road record of six minutes and 42 seconds set in 1998 by Frank Sprongl driving an Audi Quattro (see Sprogl's run in full after the jump ). Pastrana will supposedly be driving his X Games rally WRX STI, though when Stowell caught him he was behind the wheel of a stock WRX for practice.

Astute readers will remember my own tale of tackling the Auto Road this summer in Autoblog's long-term 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT , which I accomplished in around 25 minutes amidst heavy tourist traffic. The eight-mile road is not for the faint of heart with over 100 turns. True, Pikes Peak is longer at 12.4 miles and turnier with 156 curves, but that famous stretch of Colorado road rises at an average incline of just 7 degrees. The Mt. Washington Auto Road reaches for the skies at a 12-degree angle, and the road is narrower too. So let's just say it's no drive in the park.

We're not exactly sure when Pastrana will possibly attempt a record run, or if in fact that's what he's doing there. Subaru of America told us that it's a Red Bull-sponsored stunt and they're not involved, and Red Bull Motorsports has yet to respond to our inquiries. Nevertheless, our man on the ground claims the attempt will happen on Thursday. We'll keep you updated when we find out how he did.

Continue reading Travis Pastrana spotted on Mt. Washington, record attempt in the works?

Travis Pastrana spotted on Mt. Washington, record attempt in the works? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 9/9/10 12:57 AM

This 2007 Subaru Impreza, is one of the many Tuner Cars featured here at Super Street.Check out some pictures, comments, and ratings of this Impreza below, as well as other info about this ride.

www.topix.net | 9/8/10 8:56 AM

Brian R. Wood, 33, a lead designer on Relic Entertainment's Company of Heroes real-time strategy game series, was tragically killed in a Seattle-area car accident on Friday night. The Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports that Wood was driving his Subaru Outback along the Whiteby Island area of Highway 20 when his car was struck head-on by a Chevy Blazer that swerved across the center line. Wood reportedly died at the scene, while his pregnant wife Erin, 31, ...

www.gamasutra.com | 9/6/10 6:54 PM

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Japan, Toyota, Rumormill

That's what the crew at Car Guide would have us all believe. According to the website, Toyota is looking to hedge its bets by producing a second model on the same platform as the upcoming FT-86 . As the theory goes, If the two-door doesn't find the kind of favor the company is hoping for, it will at least have a four-door version to pick up a few sales. The site points to a shadowy Toyota executive as the source of the information, and it's even worked up a rendering to show the world exactly what the sports sedan could look like.

That all sounds reasonable and all, but we're still having a hard time swallowing this one. Toyota isn't exactly the kind of company to take huge manufacturing risks. With the development costs of the FT-86 shared with partner Subaru, Toyota would be looking at shoving quite a bit of extra money toward coming up with a proprietary four-door variant of the car. We just don't see that happening, even if we do like the idea of a more affordable rear-wheel drive Japanese four-door. Head over to Car Guide to have a look at the full rendering.

[Source: Car Guide ]

Rumormill: Toyota working on FT-86 sedan? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Sep 2010 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 9/3/10 5:28 PM

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Subaru

We've read many reports lately having to do with Toyota 's FT-86 rear-wheel drive sports coupe, but we mustn't forget that Subaru will be getting its own version of this new two-door - it is a joint venture, after all. Our spies have captured this obviously Subaru-bodied mule out testing in Death Valley, showing that things are still on track for the "Toyobaru" to come to market in the near future.

Details are still very slim on what Subaru's version of the FT-86 will offer, and contrary to the brand's image, the new coupe may not be available with all-wheel drive . If that's the case, Subaru will have to offer a lot more in the way of styling (and perhaps power) to differentiate it from its Toyota sister. This latest prototype has sprouted a hood scoop not seen on earlier test cars , suggesting that a top-mount intercooler could be underhood, though it's also possible that this is just the result of some WRX/STI parts being used for camouflage purposes.

Toyota is expected to launch its version of the FT-86 in November of 2011, so keep your fingers crossed for Subaru's version to drop around the same time. For now, see a glimpse of what's to come in our high-res gallery of spy shots below.



[Source: KGP Photography]

Spy Shots: Subaru testing its version of FT-86 "Toyobaru" coupe in the Death Valley heat originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 9/2/10 12:58 AM

Filed under: Japan, Technology, Crossover, Subaru

According to Automotive News , Subaru is set to release a new, more fuel-efficient version of its boxer four-cylinder engine. The powerplant should be available in both 2.0-liter and 2.5-liter configurations and will be able to offer up a 10-percent boost in fuel economy over its predecessors. The report doesn't detail exactly how the engine goes about gaining its new found efficiency, but it does say the changes are the first significant revision of the company's boxer architecture in two decades.

A Fuji Heavy Industries spokesperson confirmed that the new powerplant is coming, but wouldn't go so far as to say which models would benefit from the new tech. Automotive News reports that other sources claim that the thrifty four-pot will first show up in the Forester both in the U.S. and Japan, paired with a CVT gearbox. The new engine will then begin to crop up in models like the Legacy and Impreza here in the States and the Exiga minivan on Subaru's home turf.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Report: Next-gen boxer engine coming from Subaru this year originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 9/1/10 9:32 PM

Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 8.31.10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 19:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 8/31/10 11:24 PM

Filed under: Sedan, Etc., Subaru, Long-Term Garage

In our last long term update , I mentioned that my wife and I took the 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT on a two-week road trip up to New England. Our ultimate destination was Bar Harbor, Maine, though a stop in New Hampshire on the way home became our most memorable vacation moment of all time.

After spending Fourth of July at the Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa , we decided to drive up Mount Washington and visit the Mt. Washington Observatory at its summit on our way out of town. I knew little about Mt. Washington, but my wife had visited this tallest peak in New England as a child and claimed she and her family had hiked up to the summit.

The story goes her father had convinced them all to hoof it up to the top rather than hitch a ride on the mountain's Cog Railway by offering them each the price of the train ticket as bribe money. Sounding like something my father-in-law would do, I trusted my wife's memory was accurate and imagined a post card-quality bluff, easily scalable by a trio of children and their persuasive father.

This is the story of how wrong I was, and how the 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT fared as our mule on the harrowing eight-mile ascent up the Mt. Washington Auto Road.



Photos copyright (C)2010 John Neff / AOL or their respective owners (see gallery for credits)

Continue reading 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT: Taming the Mt. Washington Auto Road

2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT: Taming the Mt. Washington Auto Road originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 8/31/10 7:58 PM

Godfrey Kiyaga a.k.a Black Widow officially graduated from a Subaru N4 to an Imprezza N10 on Sunday at the Shell Garuga double Circuit track in the Nash Rally show in Entebbe. allafrica.com | 8/25/10 7:48 AM

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Ford, Celebrities

The long awaited countdown to rally superstar Ken Block's Gymkhana 3 video has ended, and what was revealed today is a music video featuring a hip-hop group named The Cool Kids , with a little bit of Ken Block and his rally Fiesta sprinkled in.

Unlike the last two Gymkhana videos, which became instant YouTube sensations thanks to non-stop footage of Block doing amazing stunts behind the wheel of his rally Subaru Impreza WRX STI hatchback, Gymkhana 3: Part 1 is a straight up music video informercial that shows off Block's DC apparel and products more than his driving skill. When we do see the rally Fiesta in its Gymkhana debut, Block is either doing donuts or driving it directly into - and not around - things like paint cans and fluorescent bulbs.

We contacted Ken Block's crew to see what the deal is, and were told that the plan is to separate the marketing from what the kids really want, which is footage of Block doing things with a car that prove he's superhuman behind the wheel. So Part 1 of Gymkhana 3 is the one with the marketing message, while Part 2 we're told will be much more like Gymkhana 1 with just the driving footage. When we asked when we can expect Gymkhana 3: Part 2 to drop, early-to-mid September was the answer.

Check out Gymkhana 3: Part 1 for yourself after the jump.

[Source: YouTube ]

Continue reading Ken Block's Gymkhana 3: Part 1 is not like the others, Part 2 coming in September

Ken Block's Gymkhana 3: Part 1 is not like the others, Part 2 coming in September originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 16:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 8/24/10 9:51 PM

Godfrey Kiyaga a.k.a Black Widow will get VIP treatment when he unleashes his new monster machine - a Subaru N11 at the Mountain Dew MX Sprint at the thrilling Garuga Double Circuit race track today. allafrica.com | 8/23/10 11:19 AM

Filed under: Etc., Toys/Games

Finally, something from our youth returns in a good way, not another Incredible Hulk reboot or power balled Cure cover. Tomica (or Tomy), which left the U.S. in the Eighties after some financial troubles, is coming back next month - and almost just like it was before. A line of miniature diecast cars will be sliding into an as-yet-unnamed retailer next month on their little plastic wheels. They'll be sold alongside playset combinations like the Hypercity Gas Station, pictured, so your child can learn to spend his or her money just like you did.

There will be models such as the Daihatsu Mira and Mitsubishi i-MiEV from which to choose, as well as the eternally popular Mitsubishi Fuso Aero Queen bus. They'll be paired with a mat that has roads and buildings drawn onto it. Step up to the floor-hogging world of the Hypercity, Super Big Set and Mega Station, though, and you'll find more familiar models like the Subaru Legacy sedan, Mazda 's Axela/Mazda3 , and Toyota 's Harrier/Lexus RX . Non-Japanese models may come in the future, but come September, it'll be JDM-only dreamtime, at $4.99 and up. Here's hoping they bring over the Mitsuoka Orochi (right).

[Source: Hemmings | Image: Sir09 via CC 2.0]

Diecast Warfare: Tomica reportedly returning to U.S. to take on Hot Wheels, Matchbox originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Aug 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read  | Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 8/18/10 11:00 PM

Filed under: Car Buying, Etc.

Dog owners looking for a new set of wheels can take heart; the American Automobile Association has taken the time to pick a handful of vehicles best suited to moving your furry friend from one place to another. With around 45 million households across the country boasting at least one dog in the family, it should be no surprise that the ability to conveniently and safely move a pet plays a big role in which vehicle consumers choose to buy. A total of 11 SUVs, crossovers and wagons have made the AAA list, each divided into categories like luxury, active lifestyle and efficient and fun.

While we weren't surprised to see cars like the Subaru Forester and Honda Element make the cut, others, like the BMW 3 Series Touring and the ever fun-to-fling Mazda3 five-door were vehicles we wouldn't have necessarily thought of as doggie rides. Thrifty buys like the Kia Soul and Nissan Cube found particular favor on the AAA list, thanks in part to their ability to serve up plenty of space with their rear seats folded down. We still say a Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon would do just fine - at least for a low-profile dog like a dachshund or beagle. Hit the jump for the press release after checking out our complete gallery of canine-correct-carriers below.



[Source: American Automobile Association]

Continue reading Bang for Your Bark: AAA picks best canine-friendly cars

Bang for Your Bark: AAA picks best canine-friendly cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Aug 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 8/18/10 8:00 PM

This 2001 Subaru Impreza, is one of the many Tuner Cars featured here at Super Street.Check out some pictures, comments, and ratings of this Impreza below, as well as other info about this ride.

www.topix.net | 8/13/10 4:37 PM

Filed under: Budget, SUV, Hatchback, Nissan

Nissan has just released pricing for the 2011 Juke - the company's new baby CUV. Buyers looking to scramble into the driver's seat can look forward to a base MSRP of $18,960 (*plus destination) for the Juke S when equipped with a CVT and front-wheel drive. Prices for the range-topping Juke SL with a CVT and all-wheel drive hit a ceiling of $24,550 before any options are added.

All models will come from the factory with a new direct-injection turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 188 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. Nissan says that when bolted to the company's efficient CVT, the Juke should return 27 mpg city and 32 mpg highway. Meanwhile, six-speed manual-equipped models start at $20,260.

Buyers wanting to take advantage of the Juke's torque-vectoring all-wheel drive can hop into the Juke S AWD. That model, which is available only with a CVT, starts at $20,460, landing it squarely in Subaru Forester and Mini Countryman territory. With a low price, plenty of onboard tech and quirky, youth-oriented styling, we're expecting to see plenty of these on the road in short order when it goes on sale this October. Hit the jump for the full press release.



[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading 2011 Nissan Juke starts at $18,960*

2011 Nissan Juke starts at $18,960* originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Aug 2010 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 8/11/10 5:32 PM

Rally driver Patrick Richard rolled his Subaru racer at Canada's 2010 Rallye Baie Chaleurs then heroically hopped out and, with his co-driver still strapped in, flipped the Subie back over and raced to victory with parts flapping in the wind.

www.topix.net | 8/9/10 7:00 PM

Jas Mangat and co-driver Gihan De Silva powered their Subaru Impreza N12 to win the FMU-UMOSPOC Challenge Rally in Mukono yesterday. allafrica.com | 8/9/10 9:34 AM

Filed under: Convertible, Hatchback, Mini

Of all the automakers in the United States, perhaps the one with the largest enthusiast following is Mini . Sure, brands like Porsche , BMW and even Subaru have their own clubs and cult followings, but when it comes to eccentricity and personality, no one does it like Mini.

In that spirit, the pint-sized automaker is once again embarking on its Mini Takes The States cross-country road rally, an event that first occurred in 2006 and then again in 2008. This time, Mini is gathering its owners to celebrate the launch of the 2011 Countryman crossover, and we've been asked to tag along. We'll be scoring some seat time in the Countryman as well, so stay tuned for our initial impressions.

Our trip started in New York and will take us to Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Columbus and finally Indianapolis before we hop a plane back home. Many of the other participants will head all the way out to Denver, where they will meet up with other groups doing similar drive routes in different parts of the country. Mini has a full host of festivities planned for the Denver crew, and many other local Mini enthusiast clubs are providing some entertainment along the way.

Mini has provided us with a Cooper S Camden Edition for the trip, which means we'll experience turbocharged small car thrills along the highways of America. We already spent a considerable amount of time with the Camden-ized Cooper, and we've been getting many a thumbs-up from Mini owners out on the road. (We've opted to leave the Camden's Mission Control system in the "off" position.)

Keep your eyes peeled for caravans of Coopers and Clubmans , folks. This not-so-mini road rally is taking America by storm. Want to vicariously join in on the fun? Follow the trip's progress on Mini's Facebook page .



Photos copyright (C)2010 Steven J. Ewing / AOL

Autoblog hits the road with Mini Takes The States 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Aug 2010 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 8/6/10 11:35 PM

FILE - In this file photograph taken July 20, 2010, a 2010 Subaru Forester is driven past a gas station price sign, in Happy Valley, Ore. The national average for a gallon of regular unleaded rose 2.1... story.venezuelastar.com | 8/5/10 9:34 AM

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Recalls, Subaru, Long-Term Garage

Truth be told, our long-term 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT has been running like a top from day one with not a single issue arising that has required a trip to the dealer for repair. We did get her oil changed around 5,000 miles, though we had to skip the dealer experience since we were pressed for time and they couldn't squeeze us in on short notice. But there are some recalls in effect for the 2010 Legacy, three to be exact, so we made our first appointment at Ganley Westside Subaru in North Olmsted, OH to have our 2.5GT inspected.

Kudos to Ganley for making the experience as painless as possible, as well as accommodating a very late cancellation and rescheduling. Upon arrival, they took the keys and put our 2.5GT in the air on one of six lifts in their service area.

Of the three recalls in effect for the Subaru Legacy, only one affects our particular car. It's for a bundle of wires in the steering column that could crack and cause certain functions to stop working. If that happened, the problem could manifest itself as the horn not working or something more severe like the driver's front airbag failing to deploy in an accident.

Our car was inspected and deemed roadworthy with no repair needed. The dealership also let us know that Subaru Service Program WVP26 affects our car. Apparently some units were shipped with cracked covers for their anti-lock braking ECU modules, so the action has dealers inspect and replace the affected part if needed. Again, ours was looked at and showed no such issues.

We were in and out in less than an hour and the total cost was $0, so our trip to the dealer went off without a hitch and our long-term Legacy carries on trouble-free. Stay tuned for a report on what we did during our summer vacation with the long-term Legacy, which included logging over 2,000 miles traveling through a beautiful part of the country that's absolutely obsessed with crab.

- 7,906 miles



Photos copyright (C)2010 John Neff / AOL

2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT: Heading to shop for recall inspection originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Aug 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 8/4/10 10:30 PM

Most automakers posted higher U.S. sales last month, a sign that Americans are still willing to buy big-ticket items even though concerns linger about the economy and hiring. After a sluggish June, sales rose slightly at Detroit automakers General Motors and Chrysler. Foreign-based companies like Kia and Subaru posted bigger gains. Ford, meanwhile, had flat sales. www.npr.org | 8/3/10 7:47 PM

Most automakers posted higher U.S. sales last month, a sign that Americans are still willing to buy big-ticket items even though concerns linger about the economy and hiring. After a sluggish June, sales rose slightly at Detroit automakers General Motors and Chrysler. Foreign-based companies like Kia and Subaru posted bigger gains. Ford, meanwhile, had flat sales. www.npr.org | 8/3/10 7:47 PM

Most automakers posted higher U.S. sales last month, a sign that Americans are still willing to buy big-ticket items even though concerns linger about the economy and hiring. After a sluggish June, sales rose slightly at Detroit automakers General Motors and Chrysler. Foreign-based companies like Kia and Subaru posted bigger gains. Ford, meanwhile, had flat sales. www.npr.org | 8/3/10 7:47 PM

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Minivan/Van, Sedan, SUV, Safety, Hatchback, Acura, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Nissan, Subaru, Luxury

The car-savy folk over at Consumer Reports have released a new list of its best picks for vehicles suited for teens and seniors. The group suggests parents looking to send their teens off to school with a newer vehicle should try to avoid the common misstep of assuming that a larger SUV is safer than its smaller, more efficient counterparts. Instead of opting for a heavy roller, Consumer Reports suggests that parents look toward cars with standard traction control and side curtain airbags - cars like the Mazda 3 , Scion xB , Honda Accord or Nissan Rogue .

Meanwhile, the publication points to a number of models for seniors that offer good visibility and easy access, including the Honda Odyssey , Hyundai Azera and Subaru Forester XT Limited. As you might expect, CR notes that each of the vehicles on the list can boast at least average reliability and carry the publications' Recommended label.

Interestingly enough, the only vehicle that Consumer Reports recommends for both driver types is the Honda Accord. Check out our galleries of the winners below and hit the jump to peruse the full press release.




[Source: Consumer Reports]

Continue reading Consumer Reports picks best cars for teens and seniors

Consumer Reports picks best cars for teens and seniors originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Aug 2010 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 8/3/10 6:59 PM

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Hatchback, Ford, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Celebrities, Racing

It was just a short time ago - five years, to be exact - that rallying was introduced as a competition in the X Games . The first event started out in spectacular fashion, with Travis Pastrana beating out the late Colin McRae after the former World Rally Championship winner rolled his car with just a few turns to go.

Since then, the competition has become stronger and car manufacturers have increased their involvement as interest in the sport has increased thanks to ESPN's mainstream audience. This year looks to be one of the most exciting events yet with a host of new cars, new drivers, new rules and even a new event. Follow the jump to learn about what to expect for this year's X Games 16 and what it's like to ride shotgun in a 500-horsepower rally car.




Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

Continue reading X Games 16 Preview: Autoblog rides shotgun with the stars of Rally Car [w/video]

X Games 16 Preview: Autoblog rides shotgun with the stars of Rally Car [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Jul 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 7/30/10 8:00 PM

The Subaru Rally Team is back with three new cars based on the revised 2011 Impreza WRX STI .

www.topix.net | 7/30/10 5:33 AM

Participants at the just ended 2nd Edition of the Subaru Kalahari Mountain Bike Challenge have praised this year’s edition of the annual race as an astounding success. The cyclists, both local and international,... sundaystandard.info | 7/29/10 8:53 PM

Filed under: Aftermarket, Motorsports, Budget, Performance, Hatchback, Subaru

Subaru has pulled back the sheets on the company's newest breed of rally heathens. Built by Vermont SportsCar, the all-wheel drive bruisers will be piloted by the likes of Travis Pastrana and Sverre Isachsen at this year's X Games. The tuning house started with a bone-stock 2011 WRX STI before gutting the interior, seam-welding the entire chassis and stitching in a full roll cage. The stock gas tank was scrapped for a rally-legal fuel cell, and a fire-suppression system installed in case things go fricassee. Down below, a set of EXE-TC adjustable coilovers were swapped for the stock bits to help the car tackle the varied course of X Games 16.

The speed gurus at Vermont SportsCar managed to yank a full 500 screaming ponies and 560 pound-feet of twist from the turbo 2.0-liter flat four under the hood, even with a 45 mm restrictor plate in place. Not too shabby. The fire-breathing mill is laced with an anti-lag system as well as launch control and bolted to a five-speed dog box transmission. The stock electronically adjustable center differential remains in place, though boasts a more advanced controller.

The X Games is debuting a new rally feature this year. Called SuperRally, the track pits four cars against one another simultaneously. Subaru is hoping the new car will help the company fend off competition in the new event. Hit the jump for the full press blast.

[Source: Subaru]

Continue reading Subaru releases 2011 rally cars at X-Games

Subaru releases 2011 rally cars at X-Games originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 7/29/10 7:02 PM

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Performance, Honda, Reviews

There was a time was when any serious discussion of "hot hatches" - small, lightweight economy cars pumped full of go-fast parts and body modifications of dubious taste - always included the Honda Civic Si. Back in the day, the D16Z6-engined Si would routinely do battle against the Volkswagen GTI and Nissan Sentra SE-R for import tuner supremacy. Times, however, change.

These days, the battle for hot hatch supremacy starts and essentially ends with turbocharged beasties like the Mitsubishi Evolution and Subaru WRX /STI , with a dash of MazdaSpeed3 or Mini Cooper S thrown in for flavor. The Sentra SE-R is little more than a sad shell of its former self (a fact we find odd considering just how much cache Nissan has built up for the brand with its exotic-destroying Godzilla GT-R ) and the Volkswagen GTI has evolved into an entry-level Audi - lots of interior and NVH refinement, but lacking the kicked-in-the-you-know-where power necessary to keep up with the all-wheel-drive Japanese kids. But what about the Civic Si? Where does it fit into the import tuner lexicon, especially when loaded up with lots of Honda Factory Performance (HFP) parts? Make the jump as we attempt to find out.



Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

Continue reading Review: 2010 Honda Civic Si HFP not fast, is curious

Review: 2010 Honda Civic Si HFP not fast, is curious originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 7/29/10 4:57 PM

Filed under: Performance, Hatchback, Mitsubishi, Reviews

There has always been a glaringly obvious gap in Mitsubishi 's current Lancer lineup. On the bottom is the... Lancer, a biggish-for-its-class economy car that no one particularly likes - at least that's what the sales charts would indicate. It's slow, filled with cheap plastics and dull. It hasn't even proven to be all that reliable by Japanese small-car standards, but at least it looks good. At the top of the heap and on a wholly different plane sits the Lancer Evolution . It's the giant-slayer, David, the little car that humbles supercars. It's also the hottest of the rally-inspired all-wheel-drive turbocharged pocket rockets. The Evo's only real competition is the Subaru WRX STI and, let's be honest, the Evo has been the better car for years now (Subaru has just updated its warrior for 2011 , so a new comparison is in order). Its handling is more precise, yet at the same time more insane. The Mitsu is rawer, rougher, tougher and most importantly faster, even though it's down half a liter on the WRX STI in terms of displacement. Don't read this wrong, the STI is a fine backroad killer. But the EVO is more homicidal.

Back to that gap. In the middle of its arch rival's portfolio has long lived the WRX , Subaru 's Goldie Loxian sportster, which is very fast, very nimble, but very well priced (it still starts at under $25,000). The WRX has long threaded the needle between excellent all-around performance and the customer not being able to afford a higher monthly payment. Subaru, therefore, has sold a ton of them, for not only does the WRX offer all that power and rally-bred oomph at a low price, it can be had as a wagon. Mitsubishi had nothing until this year, when the Japanese industrial powerhouse brought over two new flavors of its hopped-up Lancer, the Ralliart and the Ralliart Sportback .

Today we're taking a look at the supposedly more practical of those two additions, the five-door Sportback. When the pictures of the Lancer Sportback Ralliart started spilling onto this here internet, Yours Truly was especially excited. The main reason being that for the past eight years, I've owned a WRX wagon in one form or another. Biased? You could say that, but at that same time, I've been driving Evos against STIs and have remained aware (perhaps painfully aware) that the Evo is the sharper blade. Perhaps, then, the Sportback Ralliart could be my next fast and furious wagon, or at least go wheel-to-wheel with its competition from Fuji Heavy Industries? Hop the jump to find out.



Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

Continue reading Review: 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart takes aim at the competition

Review: 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart takes aim at the competition originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 7/28/10 4:58 PM

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Japan, Toyota, Rumormill

According to 7Tune, Toyota recently held at shindig in Japan for select scribes in order to get some things straight about its Toyota G's performance vehicles . Naturally, talk quickly turned to the FT-86 (or FR-S ) Although it was reported two months ago that the much-anticipated sports coupe would be delayed until 2013 for design and powerplant reasons, the Toyota engineers at the event reportedly attested that "the car is on schedule" and still has a planned release date of November 2011.

Clarity on the lineup was offered as well: Three spec levels will be available with at least two engines, and the mid-range model is expected to run around 2.5 million yen ($28,500 USD). Further, it appears that a turbocharged variant will take the top slot. According to 7Tune, none of those engines will be a hybrid - that tech is being reserved for a different sporty product .

If there's any news from the event that makes us as excited as word that we might see the car next year, it's the head of the sports division saying that "because of Toyota's connection with Subaru, there was no way that the car wasn't going to be great." We hope he knows what he's talking about. Top tip, Andrew!



[Source: 7Tune ]

Report: Contrary to rumors, Toyota FT-86 development on track, expected Nov. 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Jul 2010 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read  | Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 7/26/10 4:31 PM

Nairobi — Asad Khan is confident of a podium finish in next weekend's KCB Nakuru Rally leg of the Kenya National Rally Championship series after a UK-based engineer tweaked his Subaru Impreza fo... story.kenyastar.com | 7/26/10 7:48 AM

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Videos, Porsche, UK, Humor

We revel in watching someone get their wits scared out of them in the passenger seat of a car. It's why we take the time to watch Subaru's slew of new ads for the 2011 WRX STI sedan any time we're feeling down. It would appear that we're in good company. During filming of a somewhat recent episode of the UK's Fifth Gear , Tiff Needell was charged with scooting the Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet around the show's test course with Jason Plato in the passenger seat. Based on the outtakes, it looks as if it took a few tries to get Plato around the course without a profusion of expletives.

It's no secret that Needell is one of the hottest shoes around when it comes to coaxing big speed from a vehicle. With a racing resume packed with references to the 24 Hours of Le Mans and Formula One, the guy could run the wheels off a shopping cart. Hit the jump to see Tiff make Plato hold on for dear life. Thanks for the tip, Brad!

[Source: YouTube ]

Continue reading Video: Fifth Gear Follies - Tiff puts a scare into Jason aboard Porsche 911 Turbo

Video: Fifth Gear Follies - Tiff puts a scare into Jason aboard Porsche 911 Turbo originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 25 Jul 2010 18:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 7/25/10 11:05 PM

Filed under: Sedan, Wagon, Recalls, Safety, Crossover, Subaru

Once again, Subaru's mainstay models, the Outback and Legacy , appear to be girding for a recall. Both models have already faced callbacks for leaky CVT hoses and wiring issues , but according to Inside Line, a new issue affecting a number of manual transmission-equipped 2010 and 2011 models will not only precipitate another recall, but also a stop-sale on all potentially-affected vehicles.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the oil lubrication hole in the six-speed manual transmission has not been drilled on the affected vehicles, which can cause gears to break. NHTSA issued a statement, saying:

"If the transmission gears are not properly lubricated, a groaning sound may begin to develop, alerting the driver to a problem. If this sound is ignored and no action is taken, the gears will eventually break and this condition will lead to vehicle power loss, possibly resulting in a crash."

Vehicles will be repaired, free of charge, at any Subaru dealer in America. Most will simply have an oil lubrication hole drilled, though the automaker has informed its dealer network that vehicles with 6,250 miles or more will require the replacement of the third through sixth gearsets, as well as the main shaft.

A total of 809 Outback and Legacy models are affected by this recall, which is expected to officially go into effect on August 6. In the meantime, owners are urged to contact their local dealers as soon as possible to have this problem corrected.



Photos by Jonathon Ramsey / Copyright (C)2010 AOL

[Source: Inside Line ]

Report: Recall, stop-sale issued on 2010-11 Subaru Outback and Legacy models over gearbox flaw originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Jul 2010 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read  | Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 7/24/10 2:28 PM

Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 7.20.10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Jul 2010 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 7/20/10 11:25 PM

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Hatchback, Subaru

Call us sadistic, but there's something undeniably hilarious about yanking random people off of the street and plopping them into the passenger seat of a sports car. Throw a talented race driver behind the tiller, and you've got an unmatched recipe for entertainment. Subaru has decided to take a stroll down that path with a slew of new ads designed to introduce the new 2011 WRX STI sedan to the public. The company asked rally driver Dave Mirra to shuffle a few folk around under an overpass in the 305 horsepower turbo four-door, filmed the whole thing and called it a day.

Subaru has unveiled a total of five 30-second spots with a variety of regular Joes (and Janes) riding shotgun in the winged machine. The company is calling the campaign Get More Gs, and Subaru is quick to point out that the phrase is meant to equally focus on g forces as much as that "oh geez" feeling you get from slinging the car through a slalom. We see what you did there, Subaru. Hit the jump to enjoy the videos. Now... where can we get a skull antenna topper?



Photos by Zach Bowman / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Subaru]

Continue reading Video: Subaru's new ads and their double-entendres

Video: Subaru's new ads and their double-entendres originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Jul 2010 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 7/20/10 5:29 PM

Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 7.19.10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Jul 2010 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 7/20/10 12:20 AM

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Performance, Hatchback, Subaru, First Drive

By most accounts, something went awry while Subaru was baking the last generation Impreza WRX STI. Maybe someone slipped in an extra cup of civility or forgot to add enough dashes of hardcore, but what was once little more than a thinly-disguised rally stage escapee had come out of the oven a little weaker than its predecessor. Subaru itself diplomatically admits that the priorities for the last generation STI were somewhat different from the 2011 model. The company stripped the line down to just the five-door hatchback in 2008, stressing functionality over style, and the whole recipe simply felt less focused than what we had come to expect from Japan's all-wheel drive hero.

But that was then, and this is now. The company assures us that for 2011, we can expect a return to the fundamentals that helped establish the STI as a force to be reckoned with. Though the drivetrain remains unchanged, a slew of suspension adjustments and a lower stance have given the STI the ability to hoover up tarmac and gravel stages indiscriminately once again. It isn't a completely new generation - more like a much needed do-over - but the changes are enough to make the 2011 model instantly recognizable from behind the wheel.

If that's not enough to convince you, allow us to direct your attention to the rear of the resurrected four-door body style, dominated once again by the kind of spoiler that could double as a civil engineering exercise. Yeah, baby. The STI is back, and on more than just a wing and a prayer.



Photos by Zach Bowman / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading First Drive: 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI - Return of the wing

First Drive: 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI - Return of the wing originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Jul 2010 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 7/19/10 5:29 PM

RWANDA'S rally ace Davite Giancarlo is well aware of the tough battle expected when he rolls his Subaru Impreza in the fifth and penultimate round on this year's African Rally Championship which kicked off yesterday with a super stage race. allafrica.com | 7/19/10 2:23 PM

(PhysOrg.com) -- The 2011 Subaru Outback model will include the option of a secure Wi-Fi hotspot to provide Internet access for over 10 users either inside the car or within a range of 45 meters (150 feet) of the vehicle. www.physorg.com | 7/19/10 12:56 PM

The World Cup might have ended and left some people feeling empty but other sporting codes are slowly stepping in to fill the void. Just in case you are a fan of outdoor sports or looking for an opportunity... sundaystandard.info | 7/19/10 7:31 AM

Section: Communications, Broadband Cards, Mobile, Computers, Wireless, Gadgets / Other, Transportation

Mobile 3G access is getting to the point where it actually seems fairly easy to acquire. Well easy, but still not free. Either way though there are plenty of options available ranging from USB dongles to MiFi devices to Mobile Hotspot apps on smartphones. Granted the MiFi and Mobile Hotspot apps are a little more convenient because they allow you to connect a few other devices over Wi-Fi. And given these can go anywhere you go and are generally small enough to fit in most pockets that should be what you would want.

Enter Subaru and in-car Wi-Fi. They seem to think that we want our cars to be broadcasting as a mobile hotspot. And honestly, a few years back I would have been all over something like this. At this point I will stick with my Mobile Hotspot app.

But if you feel different and want a mobile hotspot equipped car then you may want to consider the 2011 Subaru Outback, which will be equipped with Autonet Mobile. In short, Autonet Mobile is a router that is installed in your car.

And as you would expect—it comes with a price. Both in the form of upfront cost and a monthly cost. The option to have it installed will be $499 (plus a $35 activation fee). And then you pay $29 for the service every month. But hey, at the very least the kids will be happily surfing the interwebs in the back seat on long drives.

Otherwise the Autonet Mobile service will allow up to 10 devices to connect and work in a range of about 150 feet.  Sounds like a crowded car with 10 devices. But hey, at least you can now check Twitter and or Facebook when you step out of the car to take care of other business. That is as long as you stop and park within 150 feet of your destination.

Read (and image) [CNET]

Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

www.gadgetell.com | 7/17/10 9:20 PM

Filed under: Car Buying, SUV, Technology, Subaru

Ford's SYNC does 3G WiFi, and with the help of Autonet so do GM , Chrysler , Avis , some school buses and now Subaru. The Japanese automaker has put WiFi on the options list of the 2011 Subaru Outback for the pretty standard price of $499 as a dealer-installed option. That'll get you an encrypted connection good within 150 feet of the car, and it can be used while the car is in motion. The subscription is $29 per month after that, and Subaru is gracious enough to pick up the first three months for you. Follow the jump for the full press release.



[Source: Subaru]

Continue reading 2011 Subaru Outback adds in-car Wi-Fi

2011 Subaru Outback adds in-car Wi-Fi originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 17 Jul 2010 15:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 7/17/10 8:38 PM