Subaru Impreza Wrx Original on 2040-cars

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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

Toyota GT86 engineer Tada recounts how sports car came to be

Because the Toyota GT86, Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ coupes are now a reality, it's almost hard to imagine the struggle that had to happen within the large, conservative corporate structures at both automakers for the joint project to even get off of the ground.
Speaking to those struggles on Toyota UK's Toyota Blog, GT86 Chief Engineer Tetsuya Tada enlightens us with a recap of the sports car's earliest origins. For Tada, the first stages of the project must have seemed almost as dreamlike as the final product is to drive.
Said the Chief, "I had been working in the minivan department engineering new product, but a month after the meeting I was summoned. 'Forget about minivans,' they said, 'you are now working on the sports-car project.'"

Subaru prices 2015 XV Crosstrek from $21,595*

Less than a month ago, Subaru announced a series of minor revisions for its ruggedized Impreza, the XV Crosstrek. And now it's revealed US pricing for that updated model. For 2015, Subaru has introduced a new entry-level model, the XV Crosstrek 2.0i, that starts at $21,595 (*plus an $850 destination charge). That's $400 less than it used to charge for what was the base 2.0i Premium, which has grown $300 more expensive but includes a new multimedia system. (The destination charge has also increased by $25.) Go for the CVT instead of the five-speed manual that comes standard and you'll be looking at $23,295 for the Premium model, and step up to the top-of-the-line Limited trim (which comes with the CVT) and you'll shell out $24,795 – again, those prices not including delivery. The hybrid version holds the same pricing as the previous model year at $25,995 or $29,295, depending on trim (plus the new $850 destination charge). The EyeSight system that earned its place on our Technology of the Year shortlist, bundled with the multimedia system, adds another $1,295, the moonroof another $1,000, but if you tick all the options (moonroof, nav, keyless entry, push-button start and EyeSight) it all comes bundled at $2,795. Certain trim levels encompass some of those options though, so prospective buyers will want to thumb through the full press release below. SUBARU ANNOUNCES PRICING ON 2015 XV CROSSTREK® MODELS - Well- equipped XV Crosstrek begins at $21,595 - Subaru-developed driver assist technology, EyeSight® now available - XV Crosstrek Hybrid pricing holds the line at $25,995 - New multimedia systems with rear vision camera standard Cherry Hill, N.J. - Subaru of America, Inc., which has posted record-breaking sales every year for the past six years, today announced pricing on the enhanced 2015 XV Crosstrek models. The 2015 XV Crosstrek models will arrive into retailers in December. Pricing on the newly added XV Crosstrek 2.0i begins at $21,595. With just a $300 increase over previous year, the new Premium and Limited trim levels feature the updated Subaru STARLINK Multimedia system. The XV Crosstrek Hybrid pricing remains at $25,995. The versatile, fun-to-drive XV Crosstrek combines bold five-door design, a highly capable chassis, best-in-class fuel economy and updated multimedia features. Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, 8.7-inches of ground clearance, 17-inch alloy wheels and ample room make Subaru XV Crosstrek a high-capability crossover.