2015 Subaru Legacy on 2040-cars

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Subaru's first hybrid drawing close

In 2011 Subaru parent company Fuji Heavy Industries confirmed that a hybrid Subaru would debut this year. Ever since, there's been speculation about what kind of technology the gasoline-electric hybrid would use - Subaru's own or some version of the Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive, which car would debut the new system - Forester, Legacy, or Outback - and whether it would come to America or be a Japan-only model.
A report in The Detroit Bureau says that whatever that first model is, it could be shown as soon as the New York Auto Show, and while the company feels it's a must-have offering for the Japanese market it will also come to the US. It will have a Subaru-developed mild hybrid system that could have been previewed by the Hybrid Tourer concept shown at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, and is not expected to be able to drive on electric power alone. The Hybrid Tourer used a direct-injected, 2.0-liter boxer engine connected to a CVT and assisted by an electric motor rated at 13 horsepower. Subaru has yet to give anything away about the details of its hybrid plans, so we'll look to New York for the long-awaited unveil.

Subaru Impreza WRX, Dodge Charger police car from 'Baby Driver' are for sale

Fans of " Baby Driver," now is your chance to own some seriously cool bits of movie memorabilia. Allpro Subaru is currently selling two of the cars from the film. The first is one of the red Subaru Impreza WRXs that were used for some of the film's signature stunts, which made the red rally sedan the de facto hero car of the movie. There were a number of stunt cars used to represent the hero car, including a modified WRX and an STI with a WRX wing. This particular one, a 2006 model, is a little more interesting, as it was the one that was converted to rear-drive to make it easier to complete stunts with it. According to the description, it also has a turbocharger from a 2004 STI to make more power, which fits what stunt driver Jeremy Fry told us. The description reveals other interesting tidbits. The car does have a clean title and has 158,000 miles on it. Obviously some of those miles were a bit rough, and the description notes that the stunt driving has led to some cosmetic defects. The AutoCheck vehicle history report reveals more. Apparently this Impreza WRX led a rough life before filming, as it had four mild to moderate crashes reported. It also appears that it will need the Takata airbag replaced. But on the plus side, this car is a unique piece of car and film history, and its rear-drive layout should make it interesting to drive. On top of that, it also has a leather interior that appears to be in good shape. View 5 Photos You'd better have a healthy bank account before trying to buy this WRX. As of writing, the bidding has reached $40,300. If that's too pricey, though, Allpro Subaru has yet another car from the movie. It's a 2011 Dodge Charger police car in Atlanta, Ga. police livery, complete with a V8. It's also pretty thoroughly wrecked, though the description says that it is drivable. Based on the bullet holes in the windshield, the Charger appears to be the one used in the (mild spoiler alert) final showdown between Baby and Buddy. But because this car is much less famous and in far worse shape, it's also much cheaper. Bidding has only reached $3,000 at the time of writing. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Featured Gallery 2006 Subaru Impreza used in Baby Driver News Source: eBay / Allpro Subaru via JalopnikImage Credit: eBay / Allpro Subaru TV/Movies Dodge Subaru Auctions Police/Emergency Performance Sedan impreza wrx baby driver

Xcar rates AWD vs. FWD vs. RWD

With snow and ice blanketing large swathes of the United States over the past few weeks, commuting hasn't been easy. Among some drivers, there's an ongoing debate about how much all-wheel drive really helps when it gets slippery and whether rear-drive is as bad in slick conditions as many people think. Xcar Films puts some of those beliefs to the test in its latest video by showing off three very different cars taking on a trio of low-grip challenges. Xcar's picks for the test include the fairly plebeian, all-wheel drive Subaru Impreza, the somewhat plush, rear-drive BMW 120d and the sporty, front-drive Renault Megane RS 275 Trophy. Things start out easy with a hydraulic plate forcing the back end out on a wet skid pad. From there, the tests get really interesting with a slalom on simulated ice, and the cars finish with a high-speed cornering challenge through a soaked turn. While an obvious winner emerges in the end, keep in mind this is hardly a scientific test of grip. For better accuracy, all three vehicles should be wearing identical tires, and the same driver should be behind the wheel of each one. Still, Xcar's examination is a fun chance to see how vehicles react when things get slick. News Source: Xcar Films via YouTube BMW Subaru Renault Driving Safety Videos xcar renault megane xcar films renault megane rs