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Subaru reveals the US-bound WRX STI Type RA and BRZ tS

Subaru has finally revealed the US-bound WRX STI Type RA and BRZ tS, a pair of redressed and slightly better performing versions of the standard models. Despite the big wing, lightweight wheels, and upgrades suspension, those hoping for changes under the hood will be severely disappointed. The WRX STI gets a slight bump to 310 horsepower while output on the BRZ remains unchanged. That should come as no surprise, as the car is essentially the same one we drove two years ago in Japan. The WRX STI Type RA stands for "record attempt." The first RA was named for a Subaru Legacy that broke the FIA World Speed Endurance Record by clocking over 62,000 miles in 18 days, setting a top speed of 138 mph. This new model is named for the upcoming WRX STI Type RA NBR Special race car that will attempt a Nurburgring record sometime this summer. The WRX STI Type RA is lighter and more robust than the standard model thanks to a host of upgrades. The car gets a carbon fiber roof, a carbon fiber rear spoiler, and lightweight BBS 19-inch forged alloy wheels with 245/35R19 Yokohama Advan Sports tires. The spare tire has also been removed. While the engine only gets a mild power bump thanks to a new cold air intake and new exhaust, a retuned ECU, new pistons, and a revised third-gear ratio and short shifter should make the car feel much quicker than before. Aside from the carbon fiber roof and rear wing, there are a number of visual upgrades that set the car apart. There are red Cherry Blossom accents all along the bottom and a plethora of STI badges on the wing, mirrors, and bumpers. More STI logos can be found inside on the new Recaro seats. A plaque inside shows only 500 Type RAs will be made. It's a similar story with the BRZ tS. The acronym stands for "tuned by STI," implying it's not the full treatment like the WRX STI. That still leaves us wondering about these spy photos that show a similar looking car with real STI logos. We'll have to wait and see if anything emerges from that. The BRZ tS gets front and rear SACHS dampers and coil springs and flexible V-braces in the engine compartment. For the first time, the BRZ will come with 18-inch wheels, ditching the low-rolling resistance tires for a set of sticky 215/40 R 18 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires, aided by Brembo brakes at all four corners. Visual upgrades are similar to the WRX STI Type RA.

BMW M5 and FCA's 5-year plan | Autoblog Podcast #544

On this week's Autoblog Podcast, Associate Editor Reese Counts is joined by Green Editor John Beltz Snyder and Consumer Editor Jeremy Korzeniewski. We talk about driving the Subaru Ascent and BMW M5, and discuss FCA's five-year plan and the Audi Q8. As always, we help spend a listener's cash on a new car in the "Spend My Money" segment. Autoblog Podcast #544 Your browser does not support the audio element. Get The Podcast iTunes – Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes RSS – Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator MP3 – Download the MP3 directly Rundown Cars we've been driving: 2019 Subaru Ascent and BMW M5 FCA's five-year plan Audi Q8 Spend my money Feedback Email – Podcast@Autoblog.com Review the show on iTunes Related Video: Podcasts Audi BMW Chrysler Dodge Subaru Car Buying Used Car Buying FCA subaru ascent

Subaru WRX STI vs. Audi S3 in compact AWD dustup

It's not every day that a Subaru and an Audi can be reasonably compared head-to-head; the two brands tend not to compete directly in their respective segments. However, the latest WRX STI and the S3 Sedan offer the perfect chance to find out if the working-class Scooby can beat its upper-crust competitor.
The UK's Auto Express gets behind the wheel of these two all-wheel drive performance sedans, or saloons as the Brits call them. Across the pond, both of them are rated at an identical 296 horsepower, but the Subaru edges out the Four Rings on torque. Like in the US, British buyers have to pay a little more to get the Audi, but it comes with a nicer interior and more brand cachet, if that means anything to you.
The video starts out with a fairly standard road test comparing the two of them back-to-back - all fairly subjective. But then Auto Express takes the trip to the drag strip, and the results there are much more conclusive. There's a definite winner when they cross the line, but you have to scroll down to see which of these turbocharged models with rallying heritage wins out.