2014 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium on 2040-cars

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2015 Subaru WRX priced from $26,295*, STI from $34,495*

As you read these words, we're putting together our full First Drive report on the 2015 Subaru WRX STI. And back in December, we were given our first shot behind the wheel of the wingless 2015 Subaru WRX. Both cars will launch at the same time, hitting dealers this spring, and Subaru has now confirmed that pricing will start at $26,295 for the standard WRX, and $34,495 for the hotter STI, with both models subject to a *$795 for destination fee.
On the WRX, that price gets you a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine good for 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, mated to a six-speed manual transmission. There are three trim levels available - base, Premium and Limited - the latter of which will retail for $28,495 and $29,995, respectively. Premium and Limited models are also available with a new continuously variable transmission (it isn't bad - seriously), and the two-pedal setup adds $1,200 to the sedan's bottom line. Premium models add things like heated seats and mirrors, a sunroof, foglamps and a rear spoiler. The high-zoot Limited trim adds leather seating, a power driver's seat and automatic LED headlamps.
And then there's the STI, which, at $34,495, carries the same base price as the previous model. Like the standard WRX, the STI is a sedan-only affair, but boasts extensive chassis and powertrain upgrades (stay tuned for our full drive report next week). Under the hood is a turbocharged, 2.5-liter boxer-four, producing 305 hp and 290 lb-ft of twist, mated exclusively to a six-speed manual transmission.

2017 Subaru Impreza sedan spied for the first time

Subaru gave us a look at the attractive concept for the next-gen Impreza hatchback at the recent Tokyo Motor Show, but new spy shots present the opportunity to check out the production version as a four-door sedan. While camouflage makes the details harder to suss out, there are a few notable similarities. At the front, the concept's thicker grille and more angular headlights both appear present through the cladding. The shape of the A-pillar also looks alike. However, the visually interesting creases along the sides either aren't coming to production or are just very well hidden on this example. At the back, the taillight coverings suggest the C-shaped units from Tokyo might see production. In addition to the angular styling, the next-gen Impreza should see a mechanical overhaul by moving to Subaru's new modular platform featuring the company's more fuel efficient, direct-injected engine. Don't expect the brand's famous all-wheel drive to go anywhere. With production slated to move to the company's factory in Lafayette, Indiana, the latest Impreza should launch in the latter part of 2016 as a 2017 model. Hopefully we will get a better look at both the sedan and hatchback before then. Related Video:

Subaru's first hybrid drawing close

In 2011 Subaru parent company Fuji Heavy Industries confirmed that a hybrid Subaru would debut this year. Ever since, there's been speculation about what kind of technology the gasoline-electric hybrid would use - Subaru's own or some version of the Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive, which car would debut the new system - Forester, Legacy, or Outback - and whether it would come to America or be a Japan-only model.
A report in The Detroit Bureau says that whatever that first model is, it could be shown as soon as the New York Auto Show, and while the company feels it's a must-have offering for the Japanese market it will also come to the US. It will have a Subaru-developed mild hybrid system that could have been previewed by the Hybrid Tourer concept shown at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, and is not expected to be able to drive on electric power alone. The Hybrid Tourer used a direct-injected, 2.0-liter boxer engine connected to a CVT and assisted by an electric motor rated at 13 horsepower. Subaru has yet to give anything away about the details of its hybrid plans, so we'll look to New York for the long-awaited unveil.