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2015 Subaru WRX: July/August 2014

Literally minutes after snapping the photo you see above, I was soaked - hit by the third round of storms that brought absolutely insane rainfall to Detroit this week. Amateur mistake, right there; if it looks like rain's a-comin', it's a-comin'. So if you're going to take pictures of the car, do it before it's too late.
But the thing is, I was having way too much fun driving around the suddenly empty streets of Detroit to worry about handling my photo shoot in a timely manner. Folks had been cautioned to stay off the roads ever since the rain first hit. Floods had shut down several of our major freeways, not to mention many surface streets. The threat of more severe weather had put caution in the air, forcing folks to batten down the hatches and settle in for even more horrendously wet weather.
The long-term 2015 Subaru WRX, however, eats this stuff up with a passion. Inclement weather? The turbocharged, all-wheel-drive, endlessly grippy Subaru just wants to play. And after getting to know our WR Blue WRX since its delivery in June and solidifying my belief that it's a total riot, even around town, I was not about to ignore Rex's desires to go play in the rain and make mischief on the deserted streets. Empty on-ramp antics were great fun, and tossing the car around corners in the wet showed no signs of slip. Ever. Wet hair and a damp t-shirt? Worth it.

Spy photos show 2017 Subaru BRZ facelift

As it transitions to the Toyota 86, the Scion FR-S isn't the only version of the joint Toyota/Subaru sports car that's getting a facelift. The BRZ is getting a nip and tuck, and here's our first look. Posted on the FT86Club forum are pictures of what appears to be the 2017 Subaru BRZ, hot on the heels of the recently-revised Toyota 86. The changes look rather subtle, but stand at least to keep the Subaru model up to pace with its Toyota counterpart. And for those less than enamored of the new curves applied to the 86, these updates may just be enough to tip the balance in Fuji Heavy's favor. The front end appears to keep the same grille shape as the existing model, but the vents on either side of it have changed, with little winglets bisecting. Gone are the auxiliary lights, apparently integrated into the new headlights that pack fresh elements. The taillights appear to be updated in similar fashion as well. Inside more auxiliary controls are now integrated into the steering wheel in front of the instrument binnacle with a new set of gauges. There's seems to be a new infotainment head unit in the dashboard and some updated interior trim as well. Of course the big question will be whether the refreshed BRZ will get any boost in power or other mechanical upgrades like Toyota's given the new 86, but for that we'll just have to stay patient for the time being as look forward to seeing the Toyota version in the metal at the New York Auto Show this week. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2017 Subaru BRZ facelift View 9 Photos News Source: FT86Club Spy Photos Subaru Coupe Performance facelift

California adapts ZEV mandate with PHEVs for smaller automakers

California is the nation's largest market for zero-emissions vehicles with over 100,000 of them estimated to be on the roads there. The state's goal is to keep that number growing every year. To that end, the California Air Resources Board is now tweaking its rules in a way that might not boost ZEVs but could mean more plug-in hybrids for the Golden State. Jaguar Land Rover, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Subaru, and Volvo asked for an exemption to the state's zero-emissions vehicle mandate last year due to their relatively small development budgets compared to larger automakers. CARB denied their request but did craft a compromise, according to Automotive News. Rather than being required to offer a ZEV in the state, companies with an annual global revenue of less than $40 billion, like those in this group, may instead sell plug-in hybrids to earn ZEV credits. The companies aren't completely off the hook, though. If these plug-in hybrids don't earn enough credits, the corporations must buy them on the market to make up the difference. Automakers with popular electric models like Nissan and Tesla have made a big business through this trading system by selling their surplus to rivals. Tesla alone pocketed $51 million in the first quarter from this part of its business, according to Automotive News. The changes to the regulations also aren't set in stone, yet. CARB is meeting in 2016 and could adjust things further at that time. Related Video: News Source: Automotive News - sub. req. via Hybrid CarsImage Credit: Justin Sullivan / Getty Images Government/Legal Green Jaguar Land Rover Mazda Mitsubishi Subaru Volvo Emissions Electric Hybrid California zev credits zero emissions vehicle