2009 2.5i Used Awd All Wheel Drive Sedan Premium Sunroof Harmon Kardon Stereo on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Autoblog Podcast #387

Episode #387 of the Autoblog podcast is here, and this week, Dan Roth, Steven Ewing and Michael Zak talk about more General Motors recalls, upgrades and a diesel for the 2015 Ford Focus ST, and the BMW M235i scoring ahead of the Porsche 911 and Chevrolet Corvette Stingray in Consumer Reports testing. We start with what's in the garage and finish up with some of your questions, and for those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. Check out the new rundown below with times for topics, and you can follow along down below with our Q&A. Thanks for listening! Autoblog Podcast #387: The video meant to be presented here is no longer available. Sorry for the inconvenience. Topics: GM recalls 8.4M more cars in North America Ford Focus ST upgrades and diesel CR says M235i is better than 911 In the Autoblog Garage: 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel 2014 Honda Accord Coupe V6 6MT Long-Term 2015 Subaru WRX 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid Hosts: Dan Roth, Steven Ewing, Michael Zak Runtime: 01:35:26 Rundown: Intro & Garage - 00:00 GM Recalls - 26:26 2015 Ford Focus ST - 41:56 BMW M235i - 50:24 Q&A - 59:16 Get the podcast: [UStream] Listen live on Mondays at 10 PM Eastern at UStream [iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes [RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator [MP3] Download the MP3 directly Feedback: Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com Review the show in iTunes Government/Legal Podcasts BMW Ford GM Honda Jeep Subaru Safety Diesel Vehicles Performance bmw m235i

Which is quicker in the standing mile, a Subaru WRX STI or a Porsche Cayman?

The 2015 Subaru WRX STI and 2014 Porsche Cayman are both saddled with unfair reputations. The STI with its huge wing and gold wheels has the title of the ultimate boy-racer. On the other hand, Porsche brand snobs look down on he base Cayman as just a wannabe 911. In reality, they are both pretty fantastic performance cars. But what would happen if the two of them lined up at a stoplight, and maybe the guy in the suit in the Cayman started throwing some revs at the young man in the STI? Automobile decided to find out in a recent video pitting the two stereotyped hot rods against each other in a standing-mile drag race.
In terms of raw numbers, they are surprisingly close. Both use flat engines and six-speed manual transmissions here, but the Subaru has more power and torque. However, the Porsche makes up for it with 300 pounds less weight. Neither should have a problem with traction either thanks to the STI's sophisticated all-wheel-drive setup, and the Cayman's mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout.
The comparable specs certainly show themselves in the real world for the race. We're not going to give away the winner here because it's too exciting, but let's just say the finish is very, very close. Scroll down to watch both of them shrug off their stereotypes and show off their real performance.

There's a 2017 Subaru Impreza hatchback, too

The heart of the new Impreza is the new Subaru Global Platform. It's a unique item, partially because it sees Subaru using terms we don't always associate with affordable C-segment hatchbacks and sedans. Agility – a phrase more often reserved for performance vehicles – is a big part of the new platform. The basic suspension layout hasn't changed dramatically, with struts in front and a double-wishbone setup in back, but Subaru is claiming a 50-percent reduction in body roll. The new platform, meanwhile, promises a 70-percent increase in body rigidity compared to the current car. In short, this should be a much more tossable Impreza. And a turn, a more tossable WRX. We likey. It will also be a more powerful car, too, although only just. The new 2.0-liter flat-four engine has been blessed with direct injection, boosting power up from 148 to 152 ponies. Like we said, only just. Subaru was cagey on transmissions, simply saying that "highline trims" would get a Lineartronic CVT with a seven-speed manual mode. View 11 Photos Like the current Impreza, the updated model will be offered in base, Premium, Sport, and Limited trims. We're taking particular note of the Sport, which gets 18-inch wheels, a unique suspension tune, and active torque vectoring. It should make for an entertaining package, although customers aching for something more comfortable should look to the nicely equipped Limited. The top-end trim adds a power driver's seat, eight-inch touchscreen, push-button start, a Harmon/Kardon stereo, leather upholstery, and 17-inch wheels. Subaru's awesome EyeSight safety system will also be offered, too. The 2017 Impreza goes on sale later this year, following this week's New York Auto Show debut. 2017 Subaru Impreza reveal. autoblog.com/new-york-auto-show Posted by Autoblog on Tuesday, March 22, 2016 Show full PR text SUBARU INTRODUCES ALL-NEW, U.S.-BUILT 2017 IMPREZA®; NEW GLOBAL PLATFORM DELIVERS MAJOR GAINS IN HANDLING PERFORMANCE, CRASH SAFETY AND RIDE COMFORT Sedan and 5-Door Styles New Subaru Global Platform Significantly Enhances Safety, Ride Comfort and Agility Award-Winning EyeSight®, Plus New Driver Assist Technologies SUBARU STARLINK® Safety and Security Features and Apps New Subaru Design Language Debuts 2.0-liter Boxer Engine with Direct Injection and Higher Performance First Impreza to be Built in U.S.