Subaru auto news

VIDEO: Tiff Needell and actor John Barrowman crash Subaru rally car on Fifth Gear

Click the image above to view the video after the jump

In case Richard Hammond's spectacular jet-car crash wasn't enough to convince you of the inherent dangers of filming British television's top car shows, the presenters of Fifth Gear have given us another startling reminder.

Barrowman, who plays a character who cannot be killed on Dr. Who spin-off series Torchwood, was driving the £120,000 rally-spec Subie with Needell riding shotgun when the actor lost control of the car, sending it over the shoulder and flipping several times down the hill before coming to a rest on the shore of a lake. Paramedics arrived at the scene and removed glass shards from Barrowman's eyes before taking both to the hospital with no major injuries. Check out the video after the jump for the segment -- a stark reminder that enthusiasm and ego aren't a suitable replacement for talent.

Continue reading VIDEO: Tiff Needell and actor John Barrowman crash Subaru rally car on Fifth Gear

Subaru hatches hardcore JDM Impreza WRX Spec C

For starters, the whiz kids over at Subaru Tecnica International have reprogrammed the ECU and fitted smoother ball bearings for the turbocharger to boost output to 304 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. They've also retuned the suspension, reinforced the chassis, recalibrated the power steering's lubrication, fitted new rims on Bridgestone Potena RS070 rubber and reduced the curb weight with lighter body panels, windows, battery and tire kit. You can check out the images in the gallery below and all the details in the press release after the jump, but sadly that's about as close as you're likely to get without boarding a flight to Tokyo.

Gallery: 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Spec C

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VIDEO: Ken Block Gymkhana spoof is criminally awesome

Ken Block's two Gymkhana practice videos have set the bar for four-wheeled video entertainment, but the crew from IMV is here to prove that you don't need a Crawford-tuned Subaru WRX STI, a stratospheric budget and an abandoned airport to serve up the thrills.

With a beaten base Impreza, a few sets of tires and enough fireworks to send Patton cowering under a desk, the creators of Scumballers and Team Torque have created ten full minutes of epic hoontastic footage, although it looks like much of the vehicular tomfoolery takes place on open public roads, something we don't exactly approve of or recommend. In either case, make the jump to check it out. Hat tip to Evotec.

Continue reading VIDEO: Ken Block Gymkhana spoof is criminally awesome

Second That Emotion: Toyobaru re-confirmed for Tokyo Motor Show?

Assuming the Toyobaru does show up, it will supposedly sit alongside the production Lexus LF-A and the hybrid 2011 Toyota Supra concept. Now if we could just make sure there's a new NSX there...

Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 7.6.09

	MotoGP: Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix provides plenty of spills and thrills This past weekend's Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca provided all the thrills, spills and excitement we needed for our Fourth of July weekend.		Reviewed: Bridgestone 3G RFT Tires take the shock out of run-flats We test Bridgestone's third-generation run-flat tires to see if these new gumballs finally alleviate the issues of their forebears.
	2010 Hennessey Z700 unveiled for track-happy ZR1 owners You can get a 911 in track-friendly GT3 RS guise, and you can purchase an ACR Viper for weekend tarmac assaults. But what about a circuit-friendly ZR1? HPE has the solution, and they're headed to the Nurburgring to prove it.	Other news of import Bankruptcy Judge OKs sale of good assets to New GM Fesler Camaro taking shape, smoking tires [w/VIDEO] Spy Shots: Alfa Romeo Milano fresh off production line... still headed for America? F1's Ecclestone ripped for Hitler comments Smart's $99/month 'Cash for Clunkers' deal has a big, dirty secret

VIDEO: Ken Block works it out on Top Gear with Captain Slow in tow

If there had been awards handed out to the preeminent forces in online automotive video over the past few years, surely Top Gear and rallyist Ken Block would have been shortlisted for the honor. Naturally, you'd expect that pairing the two Internet institutions would result in an amazing bit of film... and you'd be entirely correct.

What follows in the video posted after the jump is 6 minutes and 45 seconds of gobsmacking automotive artistry and top-flight production, with Block's 380-horsepower Subaru WRX STI drilling in and around an airport in California with a bug-eyed James May cinched into the passenger seat. Did we mention the appearance of Ricky Carmichael, perhaps the winningest motocross racer of all time? Click through the jump to witness the gorgeously controlled display of mechanical mayhem. Hat tip to absolutely everybody!

Continue reading VIDEO: Ken Block works it out on Top Gear with Captain Slow in tow

Subaru Outback fuel economy figures released, hits 29 MPG

The good table manners are delivered by the combination of the new Lineartronic CVT and 170 horsepower 2.5 liter boxer four. Subaru's EPA numbers for the 2010 Outback are tops for such a roomy wagon, besting the typical SUV competitors, as well as the higher-end AWD wagons offered by Audi and Volvo. The $23,000 price of entry is attractive, too, although given our recent experience with the 2010 Legacy upon which it is based, we don't imagine it being a terribly spirited drive when so-configured. Even still, for all those bloviators who keep calling for a good-sized wagon that returns reasonable fuel economy for a sensible price, here's your car wagon thing. Official press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Subaru Outback

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First Drive: 2010 Subaru Legacy improves commercial appeal, retains character

For one reason or another, we've always thought that if you delved deep enough into the history of Subaru, you'd discover the Japanese automaker is, in fact, Swedish. One can imagine rifling through the company's dusty archives, only to discover that at some point in time, through some quirk of fate (or perhaps a common love of fish), Subaru was born in Scandinavia, yet it ended up turning Japanese (I really think so). Just look at the evidence: Quirky styling? Check. Steadfast adherence to left-field drivetrains? Check. Time-honored emphasis on honest utility? Check. Willfully different clientele base? Check. Good in winter? Uh-huh. Sound like any Swedish automakers we know?

There's one key difference between the Nipponese automaker and its kindred spirits over at Saab and Volvo, and it's a biggie: Subaru is making money, and they're picking up share. Year-to-date, Subie has lost just 1.8% of its sales year-over-year in America's wretched, turd-down-the-toilet economy. In this "flat is the new up" market, that's a stellar performance - far better than any other mainline automaker, including current industry darlings Hyundai/Kia. And after a day's drive in the firm's new-for-2010 Legacy, we think they're poised for even greater success. Follow the jump to find out why.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Subaru Legacy

Photos Copyright (C)2008 Chris Paukert / Weblogs, Inc.

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Guinness Attempt: Biggest-ever Subaru gathering planned for Illinois in July

Thunder will descend upon Itasca, Illinois on July 11th, even if the sky is clear. The rumbling will be of the horizontally-opposed variety as Subaru of America's Great Lakes Region goes for a Guinness world record. The particular accomplishment Subaru is after is the "largest Parade of Subaru Cars," and Subie owners interested in participating in the event can hit a Subaru website to register.

The record attempt coincides with Itasca Fest, a weekend of family-friendly frenzy. Parade participants can save money on a hotel room, and Subaru's not solely seeking notoriety. Homeless pets in Chicago find refuge with PAWS Chicago, and Salute, Inc. is a non-profit organization that supports military personnel, veterans, and families. Both organizations will receive $15 per participating car from Subaru, up to a total of $7,000. If you've got a Scooby with a taste for the open road, strap the whole family in and light out for Itasca, all wheel drive churning, and turbocharger awhirl. Press release posted after the jump.

Continue reading Guinness Attempt: Biggest-ever Subaru gathering planned for Illinois in July

2010 Subaru Legacy gets its EPA numbers, hits 31 mpg highway

2010 Subaru Legacy - Click above for a high-res image gallery

The 2010 Subaru Legacy is bigger, wider, and more powerful than ever, yet the engineers made a point to increase fuel economy as well. The new Legacy will hit 31 mpg on the highway and 23 around town, but you'll have to opt for the 2.5i model with the CVT transmission.

With the more enjoyable 6MT transmission, fuel economy isn't such a great story. The row-your-own 2.5i model will only get you 19/27. Step up to the Legacy manual trans 2.5 GT or the 3.6R with the five-speed auto and you'll have to settle for 18/25, which is actually decent considering the fact that you're getting plenty of power and AWD.

Beyond the more competitive powertrains and improved fuel economy, the new Legacy also starts at a competitive $19,995. We can't think of another vehicle that has room for five, AWD and a price tag under $20,000, making the Legacy a very competitive option in the mid-size market. Press release below the fold.

Gallery: 2010 Subaru Legacy

Continue reading 2010 Subaru Legacy gets its EPA numbers, hits 31 mpg highway