1991 Subaru Legacy L Wagon Hatchback 4wd on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Acura may go all AWD in bid to mimic Subaru's success

Acura's struggles have been well publicized. The Honda-owned luxury brand doesn't seem sure of where it's going or what it's trying to accomplish, with its cars and marketing lacking a coherent theme. Now, a new report from Automotive News claims that the brand could follow the success of Subaru and (to a lesser extent) Audi, and adopt all-wheel-drive as standard across its model range.
"I think that's the way we should go," Acura boss Koichi Fukuo told Automotive News.
Acura already offers some form of all-wheel drive on every vehicle in its line aside from the lamentable ILX sedan. That could change as Acura begins rolling out next-generation versions of its still relatively new stable of sedans and crossovers.

2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek Special Edition shows its shining face to the Detroit crowd

The 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek Special Edition is an easy model to spot thanks to its bright Sunrise Yellow paint. However, under the lights at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show, the shade actually looks a bit darker than the blazing tone from the original photos. Subaru is only making 1,000 of these shining models, and appropriately, they hit the market in the spring when the sun starts shining. Beyond the bright paint, buyers get a Crosstrek with a power moonroof, body-color folding mirrors and blackened headlight bezels. Inside, there's Subie's Starlink infotainment system with a seven-inch touchscreen and two USB ports. The all-weather package should make things easier on cold days, too, with heated seats and side mirrors, plus a windshield wiper de-icer. The whole package based around the 2.0i Premium trim rings up for $25,290, plus $850 destination and delivery.

World Car Of The Year down to its final four

Judges for the World Car of the Year Award have narrowed down the finalists to just four vehicles. Out of a total of 42 entries, only the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, Porsche Boxster/Cayman, Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ/Toyota GT-86 and Volkswagen Golf remain standing. For Volkswagen, this marks the second consecutive year the company has had an entry among the finalists, and the fourth time since 2009. In order to qualify, a vehicle must be on sale on two continents during the span of time between January 1, 2013 and May 30, 2013. A panel of 66 journalists from 23 countries then vote on the finalists.
Three vehicles have made the cut for the last round of voting on the 2013 World Performance Car as well, with the Cayman/Boxster and FR-S/BRZ/GT-86 running against the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta. Meanwhile, the Renault Zoe, Tesla Model S and Volvo V60 Plug-In Hybrid are duking it out for the World Green Car Award. Finally, the World Car Design of the Year Award is up for grabs between the Aston Martin Vanquish, Jaguar F-Type, and the Mazda6. Check out the full press release below. Overall winners will be presented at the 2013 New York Auto Show.