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Russian videographer nails this real-life 'Need for Speed' recreation

Aaron Paul and Kid Cudi tried. They really did. They put forth a decent acting effort, played with some incredible replica supercars, and filmed at some remarkable settings. But it's 2019, and 2014's "Need for Speed" sits at a 6.5/10 on IMDB, a 39 on Metacritic, and a 57% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. The studio attempt to bring "Need for Speed" to life was lukewarm, so a Russian videographer took a shot at the idea with this impressive digital short. Unearthed by Reddit user, AbuDab1, the clip is the work of Russia-based videographer @Chekunov_v. Clearly a fan of all things fast and fancy, as seen by his Instagram, Chekunov recreated the start screen, the garage with car and mod selection, and the race sequences from the video game. The video starts with an Acura RSX Type-S (labeled as the Integra Type R) with familiar theme music playing in the background. Accompanied by video game sound effects, the spotlight switches between a Toyota Celica, a Toyota Supra and a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo. The Supra and Evo are locked, so the user settles on the Celica. He goes on to select mods, including a new spoiler, new wheels and a new color, again to the tune of the proper sound effects, menus and camera views. The car exits the garage and rolls onto the road, where the screen now shows a tachometer and an N2O gauge. The Celica is met with a race challenge, and the car lines up with a Mazda RX-8, an Acura RSX Type-S and a Subaru WRX STI. After a terrible launch, the Celica uses some NOS and takes the victory. Unfortunately, the video is a bit 2 fast, 2 short for our taste. It's well done, has some unique video work, and takes us back into one of our favorite video game series. Maybe this guy can direct the studio sequel.

2018 Subaru Impreza price increase just $100

Subaru announced pricing on the 2018 Impreza sedan and five-door. The model was all-new for 2017, riding on a new platform with new sheetmetal and interior. Since there weren't any changes for 2018, prices only jumped by $100 over the 2017 model. As with nearly all Subarus, the 2018 Impreza comes with standard all-wheel drive and a flat-four engine. 2018 models will hit dealerships sometime this fall. The Impreza-based 2018 Subaru Crosstrek starts at just a few thousand more. The Impreza will be offered in 2.0i base, Premium, Sport, and Limited trim levels. All models come with a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-four making 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent through either a five-speed manual or a CVT. In an attempt to alleviate some complaints about CVTs, Subaru says pre-selected gear ratios will mimic a seven-speed automatic. The 2.0i base starts at $19,355 for the sedan and $19,855 for the hatchback. Standard equipment includes a 6.5-inch touchscreen with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, power windows, power locks, power door mirrors, a tilting and telescoping steering wheel, and carpeted floor mats. The CVT option is $1,000. The 2018 Impreza Premium starts at $22,155 for the sedan and $22,255 for the five-door and only comes equipped with a CVT. It builds on the 2.0i base model, adding automatic headlights, 16-inch alloy wheels, and the all-weather package with heated front seats, windshield, and exterior mirrors. Impreza Premium five-door models come with permanent roof rails. A moonroof and some driver assistance features like blind-spot monitoring and cross-traffic alert are available on the Premium. The Impreza Sport starts at $22,955 with a manual and $23,755 with a CVT, with the five-door starting at $23,455 and $24,255 respectively. Like the Premium, the Sport builds on the model below it. As the name implies, the Sport is intended to have a fun-to-drive demeanor. It gets stiffer suspension, active torque vectoring, 18-inch wheels, and an STI shifter on the five-speed model. It gets LED daytime running lights, a black grille, body-color rocker panels, and turn signal side mirrors. The sedan gets a rear spoiler while the five-door gets unique black trim. Inside, the Impreza Sport comes with black upholstery with red stitching. That same red color accents the steering wheel, shifter, instrument panel, and door trim. The trim also gets different gauges than the other models.

2018 Subaru WRX and WRX STI pair updated looks with performance upgrades

For 2018, Subaru has given the WRX and WRX STI a mild refresh on the outside, and a few significant tweaks under the skin. Starting with the exterior, the lower grille openings on both models have been enlarged and given a bit of extra black trim for a more aggressive look. In fact, the change is a bit reminiscent of the dearly departed Mitsubishi Evo, with the black trim of the lower center grille extending to the bottom of the bumper. The WRX Limited and all STI models also get turning LED headlights, and the STI gets bigger 19-inch wheels. The interior also features subtle tweaks including a larger screen in the instrument panel for all models, as well as thicker door glass and foam in the windshield header to the make the car quieter. Both models also now come with roof rack mounting brackets, a new rear armrest with cupholders, and, according to Subaru, improved interior materials. And the WRX and STI are also now available with eight-way power adjustable Recaro seats. The Recaros are standard on the top trim STI, optional on the standard STI, and available in the new Performance Package for WRX models. This brings us to perhaps the biggest update, that aforementioned WRX Performance Package. In addition to the Recaro seats, it comes with upgraded brake pads covered in bright red calipers. The package also eliminates the moonroof, which hardcore enthusiasts know will save weight up high. The STI gets a notable brake upgrade. New Brembo brakes feature six-piston calipers at the front, and two-piston units at the back, and they're all painted a vivid yellow hue. Those calipers act on bigger, drilled rotors using equally enlarged brake pads. Subaru also retuned the car's Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD). Both the WRX and STI also have retuned suspension all around. If this all sounds great to you, you should be able to pick one up at your local Subaru dealer this spring. Related Video: