2003 Subaru Inmpreza Wrx Turbo 5speed Stock Non Smoker on 2040-cars

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Which is quicker in the standing mile, a Subaru WRX STI or a Porsche Cayman?

The 2015 Subaru WRX STI and 2014 Porsche Cayman are both saddled with unfair reputations. The STI with its huge wing and gold wheels has the title of the ultimate boy-racer. On the other hand, Porsche brand snobs look down on he base Cayman as just a wannabe 911. In reality, they are both pretty fantastic performance cars. But what would happen if the two of them lined up at a stoplight, and maybe the guy in the suit in the Cayman started throwing some revs at the young man in the STI? Automobile decided to find out in a recent video pitting the two stereotyped hot rods against each other in a standing-mile drag race.
In terms of raw numbers, they are surprisingly close. Both use flat engines and six-speed manual transmissions here, but the Subaru has more power and torque. However, the Porsche makes up for it with 300 pounds less weight. Neither should have a problem with traction either thanks to the STI's sophisticated all-wheel-drive setup, and the Cayman's mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout.
The comparable specs certainly show themselves in the real world for the race. We're not going to give away the winner here because it's too exciting, but let's just say the finish is very, very close. Scroll down to watch both of them shrug off their stereotypes and show off their real performance.

2018 Subaru Outback to show fresh new face in New York

The refreshed and facelifted 2018 Subaru Outback was revealed today, just ahead of its debut next week at the 2017 New York Auto Show. While not all new, the Outback gets a more aggressive appearance, improved ride and handling, and some new standard and optional equipment. Pricing hasn't been announced, but the 2018 Outback will go on sale sometime later this year. While there haven't been many changes to the overall body, the Outback's front and rear fascias have been updated to fall in line with the rest of Subaru's lineup. The C-shaped headlights and wide grille recall the new 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. According to Subaru, the shape is supposed to remind you of the boxer engine design, with the lights moving outward from the grille. The LED headlights are available with a feature that points them in the direction of the steering wheel. Limited and Touring models come with automatic high beams courtesy of Subaru's EyeSight safety suite. New cladding on the front is intended to better protect the body from dirt and rocks when soft-roading. There will be new wheel designs across the entire Outback range. 2.5i base and Premium models come with 17-inch wheels, while Limited and Touring models come with 18-inch wheels. All models except the range-topping Touring come with roof rails with retractable crossbars. The Touring comes with low-profile rails and detachable crossbars. Subaru claims improvements to the Outback's chassis and suspension provide a smoother, quieter ride than the current model. The brakes and the electronic power steering have also been retuned for a more linear response. Improvements to the CVT, the door mirrors, side glass, and wheel wells should help quell some road noise. There have been upgrades to the interior, including a redesigned center console. Backseat passengers now have access to two USB ports. New materials and colors will be available for both the seating surfaces and trim pieces. Subaru also says an improved air conditioning system will cool the cabin more quickly than before. The 2018 Outback gets the latest version of Subaru's Starlink infotainment system. That means Bluetooth phone and audio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a TomTom navigation system with three years of map updates in the top level models. The standard touchscreen is 6.5 inches, while an 8-inch system is an available option. Premium, Limited, and Touring models get over-the-air WiFi updates.

Are we about to see a real SUV revival?

Now that the marketplace has been oversaturated with cute-utes, crossovers, and CUV coupes, are we about to see a resurgence of real, honest-to-God SUVs? Ummm... maybe. The stars seem to be aligning in that direction, at least that's the sense I'm getting. We know an all-new Jeep Wrangler is only a few auto shows away; and that Jeep is about to introduce a new Grand Cherokee Trailhawk for 2017, in the same rugged spirit of the successful Cherokee and Renegade Trailhawks. Ford has hinted at a neo-Bronco, after showing the concept above in 2014 to wet the mouths of all those Duck Dynasty-types out there. And, and... wait for it... I recently learned that Subaru sent a questionnaire out to some Forester owners asking if they might be interested in an off-road package if it were offered. The items listed were pretty hardcore, serious stuff, such as: integrated tow/recovery hooks, additional ground clearance, more rugged wheels, skid plates, altimeter, front-view off-road camera, improved approach and departure angles, advanced differentials, Inclinometer, full-size spare tire, upgraded off-road suspension components, more aggressive tires, off-road driving mode (engine, transmission, throttle, and steering settings), more rugged styling, low-range gearing, and a more advanced traction management system. Folks that's not my wish list (well, actually it is), but those are words from Subaru, asking if that's what customers would like to see. Need proof? Go to the SubaruForester.org website. It's in a discussion there. So... no promises or guarantees here, and feel free to call me a rumormonger if you like; but the next few years could prove very interesting for those who actually do go off road. If this pans out, remember, you read it here first. Related Video: Image Credit: Ford Ford Jeep Subaru Crossover SUV Off-Road Vehicles open road