2007 Subaru Wrx *stage 2* Murdered on 2040-cars

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Why a production Mazda Koeru won't be a Subaru Outback clone

No automaker has had a hit quite like the Outback Many have entered, few have won. The Subaru Outback is one of those automotive bogeys that competitors seek to imitate but never quite capture. Mazda is poised to change that, its CEO tells Automotive News, with a production version of the Koeru concept. We're torn on whether this attempt will be the one to do it, whether the proposed model is truly aimed at the Outback, or whether it's just another pale imitation destined for failure. While the ingredients are pretty basic – wagon-like shape, extra cladding, a smidge more ground clearance than a regular car – no automaker has had a hit quite like the Outback. Reasons include packaging issues, poor brand fit, and Subaru's seemingly unstoppable momentum in building all-wheel-drive archetypes. That hasn't stopped a bunch of companies from trying. And now for a list: Ford attempted with the Freestyle/Taurus X; note that that model no longer exists, having been replaced de facto by the Flex and the newly crossover-ified Explorer. Audi discontinued the A4 Avant and slapped the Allroad badge and some fender flares on to capture the affluent outdoorsy crowd, initially selling well but now down 40 percent since last year. The humpback Honda (Accord) Crosstour and Toyota Venza could also be considered Outback-apers, as both short-lived models took sedan bodies and added a hatch and optional all-wheel drive. Dodge got into this space a few years back with the Journey Crossroad trim level, but fake brush guards and black wheels do not an Outback make. Volvo has perhaps come closest with the XC70, a not-quite-crossover that it nevertheless brands like its other crossovers. It helps that the Volvo die-hard and the repeat Subaru buyer aren't too different. Most of these models no longer exist, and the ones that do haven't sold as well as Subaru's Outback so far this year. Even if you're generous and add all 96,718 Journey sales (and not just those for the Crossroad, which FCA doesn't break out separately) to V70/XC70, Venza, and Crosstour, it still doesn't equal the 136,227 Outbacks Subaru pushed through November of 2015. And, as Automotive News points out, Mazda hasn't sold that many crossovers so far this year (the number is 129,932 thanks to huge CX-5 numbers). So why is Mazda considering going after the hallowed Outback? First off, we're not sure that it is because there's the question of what tiny niche this vehicle would occupy. "It's a totally new car.

Toyota FT-86 Open Concept leaves us feeling flushed

When last we checked in on our topless would-be hero, the Toyota FT-86 convertible had been reportedly placed on "indefinite hold." That was back in early October, not long after Toyota had trotted out the rear-wheel-drive canvasback to Scion dealers as a possible future product carrot if they decided not to turn in their franchises. And yet, we're here at the Tokyo Motor Show, where Toyota has taken the time to at least repaint the FT-86 Open Concept in "Flash Red," if not build a whole other car (the original Geneva showcar was white). It's enough to make our heads spin like a teenager on the verge of a breakup. Will they? Won't they?
At this point, we still don't know any more than you do - the last word we heard out of Toyota was not encouraging, although the story was that the program could still be fast-tracked if management had a change of heart. As the car has never been seen before in Japan, perhaps Toyota is merely extending its domestic audience a courtesy view before it lines this showcar in mothballs, or maybe they're still trying to make a decision on its fate and gauging public reaction on the homefront.
Interestingly, in a new story published today, Automotive News quotes Subaru brand boss Yasuyuki Yoshinaga downplaying the likelihood of a production model, saying flatly "We make the car, so if we don't make it, it can't happen." The executive went on to note, "Our engineering department told me that losing the entire roof requires a complete redesign of the structure. It would need a big change." Given that such a car would probably trade in rather small volumes, that sounds like a significant hurtle.

2016 Subaru WRX and STI get new safety, tech equipment

The Subaru WRX and STI were just thoroughly revamped, but the Japanese brand has decided to tweak the offerings slightly for the 2016 model year. The changes include some upgraded safety systems, and as a possible blasphemy to fans, a smaller wing is being offered on the STI. The latest versions should hit dealers in the summer, but prices grow slightly. A base WRX is $300 more than last year at at $26,595 (plus $795 destination on all of them), and the cheapest STI is $34,695, a $200 increase. The WRX is undoubtedly fun to drive already, but the Premium and Limited trims now ride on standard 18-inch wheels with summer performance tires. For added in-car entertainment, Subaru is giving all models, including the STI, its 6.2-inch Starlink infotainment system that includes a rearview camera. Vehicles with navigation get a seven-inch version. Driving a WRX might be just a little safer too because Subaru is offering its EyeSight system with adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assist as an option on the Limited with the CVT. It's packaged with things like the nav system, upgraded radio, keyless start, and steering-responsive foglights for $4,095. The same trim with the six-speed manual gets a similar bundle but replaces some of the safety tech with just blind spot detection and rear cross traffic alert for $3,100. In perhaps the most contentious change, the STI Limited trim is now available with a tiny, trunk lip spoiler as a no-cost option. Seeing the aggressive sedan without the big wing certainly looks odd in photos, and it's still available for buyers who want it. Related Video: April 23, 2015 SUBARU INTRODUCES 2016 WRX® AND WRX STI® MODELS, OFFERING EYESIGHT® DRIVER ASSIST TECHNOLOGY AND SUBARU STARLINK™ INFOTAINMENT EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, now with Lane Keep Assist, available for WRX with Sport Lineartronic™ transmission Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert available for some models Subaru STARLINK™ Multimedia Touch Screen Infotainment in all trim levels Standard 18-inch wheels and summer performance tires on WRX Premium and Limited WRX STI Limited now available with low-profile rear trunk spoiler WRX models begin at $26,595 and WRX STI at $34,695 Cherry Hill, N.J. - Subaru of America, Inc.