2008 Subaru Impreza Premium Wrx Wagon Awd on 2040-cars

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Successor to the Toyota 86 is on the way

Until now, Toyota and Subaru have been mum on the prospect of a follow up to the Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ. Although both cars received mild refreshes and even milder power bumps, they're both essentially the same cars that hit the market nearly five years ago. It appears a successor is indeed on the way, as Autocar confirms that Toyota is developing a next-gen 86. Karl Schlicht, executive vice-president at Toyota Motor Europe, said that the 86 will live on past the current generation. "The car serves a big purpose," Schlicht said. "We are not getting out of that business. Sporty cars go through their phases. It's our intention to continue with that car." Toyota seems to be back in the sports car business, as the company has partnered with BMW on a new Supra. Like the current Toyota 86, it seems likely that the successor will be co-developed with Subaru. Schlicht says that to get the low center of gravity and the handling characteristics that come along with it, a horizontally opposed engine is a necessity. He admits that there is no firm confirmation of a commitment from Subaru. While no Schlicht gave no details about the new car, he did nix any possibility of a convertible variant. "We wouldn't do it on the current model," he said. "That doesn't mean dealers wouldn't like one, but there are so many other priorities that I don't think we've got spare capacity for that." Related Video:

Subaru Impreza Sport Hybrid launches in Japan

Subaru is adding the Impreza Sport Hybrid to its lineup, but it's exclusive to the Japanese market for the moment. The latest Impreza variant is rated at 48 miles per gallon on the Japanese testing cycle, and it joins the XV Crosstrek as the only hybrids in Subaru's lineup. The brand doesn't currently list overall horsepower or torque specs for the new model. However, given that they share a 2.0-liter boxer four-cylinder engine, CVT, all-wheel drive, and battery packs mounted under the rear cargo floor, figures similar to the Crosstrek hybrid's 160 hp and 163 lb-ft of torque seem likely. Subaru's EyeSight system is standard on all models of the hybrid Impreza, and the tech is programmed to work with the adaptive cruise control to eke out the best fuel economy possible while driving. There are also some styling tweaks, including updates to the lower air dam, revised side sills, a roof spoiler, and LED taillights. Don't get too excited about parking an Impreza Sport Hybrid in your garage any time soon, though. Subaru of America's Jessica Tullman told Autoblog, "At this point, there are no plans to bring it here." The model goes on sale in Japan on July 10 with a starting price of the equivalent of about $18,900, before the country's consumption tax. A higher trim S model with an upgraded interior goes for around $19,900. Subaru Launches "Impreza Sport Hybrid" in Japan Tokyo, June 19, 2015 – Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the manufacturer of Subaru automobiles, will launch an "Impreza Sport Hybrid" on July 10, 2015, through Subaru dealerships in Japan. The new Impreza Sport Hybrid is the second fun-to-drive hybrid from Subaru, following on from the Subaru XV Hybrid launched in 2013. The motor assist function offers smooth, linear acceleration, which is teamed with sharp, sporty handling to bring out the distinctive enjoyment of driving a hybrid model while achieving fuel economy of just 20.4 km/liter (JC08 mode).*1 Designed to make optimum use of the low center of gravity and superior weight balance that characterize Subaru's unique Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) layout, the electric motor and high-voltage batteries of the hybrid version are positioned for superb driveability. The hybrid model further enhances the appeal of the Impreza Sport lineup by embracing Subaru design values to achieve its own sporty, top-quality exterior look and a refined, up-to-the-minute interior style.

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: