2014 Subaru Outback 3.6r Limited on 2040-cars

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Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #344 LIVE!

We're set to record Autoblog Podcast #344 tonight, joined by Doug DeMuro, author of Plays With Cars, formerly of Porsche Cars North America, and all-around swell guy. You can drop us your questions and comments via our Q&A module below, and we'll give them extra-diligent attention. Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven't already done so, and if you want to take it all in live, tune in to our UStream (audio only) channel at 10:00 PM Eastern tonight.
Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #344
BRZ STI?

2014 Subaru Forester priced from $21,995*

Subaru has officially announced that its all-new 2014 Forester will carry a base MSRP of $21,995 when it hits dealerships early this year, (*not including $895 in destination fees). This represents an increase of $700 over the outgoing 2013 model.
That new price will net buyers the base 2.5i model equipped with a six-speed manual transmission. Subaru will also sell the 2.5i engine in Premium, Limited and Touring trims, though the automaker has not released specific price points for those models. These models are powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 170 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. Subaru says that with its standard all-wheel drive, the Forester 2.5i will be good for fuel economy numbers of 24/32 miles per gallon (city/highway) when equipped with the company's continuously variable transmission. Manual models see those numbers drop to 22/29 mpg.
The more powerful Forester 2.0XT will only be offered in Premium and Touring trims, starting at $27,995 (not including destination). These models are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four, sending 250 hp and 258 lb-ft to all four wheels. Fuel economy doesn't suffer terribly with this more powerful engine, as only the CVT is offered. Subaru quotes figures of 23/28 mpg here.

Subaru recalling 72k EyeSight-equipped sedans and CUVs

Despite critical acclaim, the Subaru EyeSight system is in a bit of trouble today. Some 72,000 cars and crossovers equipped with the comprehensive active safety suite are being recalled. Affected vehicles include the 2015 and 2016 model year Legacy sedans built from March 10, 2014 to April 16, 2015, Outback crossovers built between February 24, 2014 and April 16, 2015, XV Crosstrek CUVs built from October 16, 2014 to April 15, 2015. Also included are EyeSight-equipped 2016 WRX sedans built after March 23, 2015. The problem rests with the EyeSight system's pre-collision braking system, or perhaps more accurately, the switch that activates the brake lights. According to the bulletin from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, should that switch fail, not only will the brake lights not turn on, the automatic braking system won't work either. Subaru is in the process of notifying owners, who will need to report to dealers to have the system reprogrammed. Scroll down for the official notification from NHTSA. Related Video: Report Receipt Date: JUN 12, 2015 NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V366000 Component(s): EXTERIOR LIGHTING , FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE Potential Number of Units Affected: 72,000 Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc. SUMMARY: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015 Legacy vehicles manufactured March 10, 2014, to April 16, 2015, Outback vehicles manufactured February 24, 2014, to April 16, 2015, Impreza vehicles manufactured September 9, 2014, to April 14, 2015, XV Crosstrek vehicles manufactured October 16, 2014, to April 15, 2015, and 2016 WRX vehicles manufactured March 23, 2015, and equipped with the Eyesight Driver Assist System. If the switch that activates the brake lights fails, the automatic pre-collision braking component of the driver assist system will not function. CONSEQUENCE: If the automatic pre-collision braking system does not function as intended, the vehicle will not react to an obstacle in its path, increasing the risk of a crash. REMEDY: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the driver assist system, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQS-54. NOTES: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.