2008 Subaru Impreza 2.5i 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.

Subaru XV Crosstrek gets special edition model, retina-searing paint

It's not going to be hard to spot the buyers of the upcoming 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek Special Edition driving around town thanks to the model's exclusive, blazing Sunrise Yellow paint. But you can think of the loud color as Subaru's way of celebrating a record year in 2014 with 513,693 vehicles sold, easily beating its half-million-car goal. The Crosstrek was also the company's third-best-selling vehicle last year, behind the Forester and Outback. Limited to 1,000 units that begin arriving in the spring, the Special Edition is priced at $25,290, plus $850 destination and delivery. For that money, Subaru gives buyers a compact crossover based on the 2.0i Premium with some extra kit. In addition to the sunny paint, all of these models come with a power moonroof, body-color folding mirrors and blackened headlight bezels. The all-weather package is also standard with heated exterior mirrors, a windshield wiper de-icer and heated front seats. The biggest upgrade inside is Subaru's Starlink multimedia system that includes a seven-inch touchscreen with voice-activated controls, multi-touch support and two USB ports. Keyless access with push-button start and leather wrapping for the shift lever and steering wheel also come with this version. There's nothing new underneath the bright paint and improved interior, though. The Special Editions get the same 2.0-liter boxer four-cylinder engine making 148 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque as the rest of the lineup. As expected, power is routed through a CVT to Subie's all-wheel drive system. Read more below about Subaru's limited take on the Crosstrek. SUBARU ANNOUNCES XV CROSSTREK SPECIAL EDITION - Limited edition production model with 1,000 units - Based on 2.0i Premium trim - New exterior color Sunrise Yellow - Priced at $25,290 Cherry Hill, N.J. - Subaru of America, Inc., which has posted record-breaking sales every year for the past six years, today announced the introduction of the 2015 XV Crosstrek Special Edition. The Special Edition will be limited production of 1,000 models arriving into retailers in Spring 2015. Based on the well-equipped 2.0i Premium trim, the Special Edition is priced at $25,290 (plus $850 d&d). The versatile, fun-to-drive XV Crosstrek combines bold five-door design, a highly capable chassis, best-in-class fuel economy and in-demand multimedia features.

Driving the 2020 Lotus Evora GT, and Defenders at a trickle | Autoblog Podcast #631

In this week's Autoblog Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Greg Migliore is joined by Senior Producer Christopher McGraw and Road Test Editor Zac Palmer. First, they talk about driving the 2020 Lotus Evora GT. Then they take some time to update any new happenings and opinions on our long-term Subaru Forester and Volvo S60 T8 plug-in hybrid. In the news this week, the new Land Rover Defender is in short supply, and Tesla is rumored to be creating a 12-passenger shuttle for use in The Boring Company tunnels. Finally, we reach into the mailbag to help a listener replace a Mazda3 hatch with something to better match their lifestyle. Autoblog Podcast #631 Get The Podcast iTunes – Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes RSS – Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator MP3 – Download the MP3 directly Rundown Cars we're driving: 2020 Lotus Evora GT 2019 Subaru Forester long-term update 2020 Volvo S60 T8 long-term update The 2020 Land Rover Defender is in short supply Tesla may be working on 12-passenger shuttle for The Boring Co. Spend My Money Feedback Email – Podcast@Autoblog.com Review the show on iTunes Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.