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Subaru introduces special BRZ and WRX STI models in Tokyo

Subaru has given its BRZ and WRX STI models some more of that Subaru Tecnica International feel. A special JDM model of each was presented at the Tokyo Motor Show. The BRZ gets a STI Sport range-topper version, which Subaru says is sharper and more responsive thanks to a stiffer front suspension and new "V-braces", along with STI-tuned Sachs dampers. The 18-inch wheels are bespoke to the model version, and the interior has been given a smarter once-over with two-tone shades. In addition, there is a Cool Grey Khaki edition, which will be limited to 100 units and the lucky buyers will be picked by a lottery. No matter how special the BRZ STI Sport is, the power figures are unchanged from the stock 197 horsepower. The S208, based on the WRX STI, will now be Subaru's high-performance king on offer. Following the S207 unveiled in 2015, the S208 is more powerful and has a lower center of gravity thanks to a carbon roof. The power output is 329 horsepower instead of 323, and the STI-enhanced parts include what Subaru calls a DampMatic II front suspension and active torque vectoring both front and rear. Wheels are BBS-built in 19-inch size, brakes are Brembo. There will only be 450 S208 models made, and they will be Japan-only; also on offer is a Nurburgring-themed NBR Challenge Package in 350 units. The editions will be separated by color options: the regular S208 is available in blue or white, and the NBR can be had in the pictured Cool Grey Khaki as well. Related Video:

Mazda MX-5 Miata goes Head 2 Head with Subaru BRZ

It's a battle that's been in the making for some time now: the Subaru BRZ versus the Mazda MX-5 Miata. And now that the new Miata has arrived – and in Club spec to boot – that's exactly what Motor Trend has lined up for its latest episode of Head 2 Head. Now before you go screaming that one's a coupe and the other a convertible, take a few commonalities into account. Roofs aside, both feature a 2.0-liter four mounted up front, driving the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission. Both are made by Japanese automakers and cost around $25-30k, give or take. Both produce around the same amount of torque, and while the Subaru may be more powerful, the Mazda's considerably lighter. To create a more even contest, then, you'd have to line a BRZ up against a Scion FR-S, or the MX-5 against the upcoming Fiat version of the same. Of course, being that close on paper doesn't mean that it's a draw. One has to come out on top. And after taking both along country roads and the Streets of Willow racing circuit, our friends at MT have picked one over the other. You'll want to watch the 22-minute video above (or at least skip ahead to the end) to see which came out on top, but if you're as enthused by a purist driver's car as we are, you'll enjoy every minute of it. News Source: Motor Trend via YouTube Mazda Subaru Convertible Coupe Economy Cars Performance Videos motor trend mazda mx-5 head 2 head

Lexus, Mazda and Subaru top Consumer Reports Brand Report Cards

A revised methodology in devising its annual Car Brand Report Cards has seen Consumer Reports award Lexus its top overall ranking for 2013. For the first time ever, the institute broke out individual brands from their larger corporate umbrellas, meaning car makers like Lexus and Scion were judged independently from parent company Toyota. That strategy worked out well for Lexus, as the luxury brand earned a top report card score of 79 for the 2013 model year.
The institute has recommended every one of the Lexus models it has tested to date, and said that the company's products won out thanks to "a foundation of plush and very reliable vehicles."
Meanwhile, Mazda and Subaru tied for the second-highest scoring report cars, with scores of 76. Subaru earned praised for sporting models like the BRZ, which CR testers apparently had a lot of fun driving (naturally), while the Mazda products were lauded for their blend of practicality, sportiness and efficiency. Both of the Japanese brands offered good handling, fuel economy and versatility, said Consumer Reports.