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Motor Authority - blog Category: WRX

  • Subaru holding WRX games in California

    Subaru holding WRX games in California July 31st, 2009 ByJeremy Weber Jeremy Weber, Author, July 31st, 2009 Jeremy Weber 0 Comments

    Subaru holding WRX games in California Residents of California will be in for a treat this weekend when Subaru holds its first ever WRX games - an event that will feature a full day of Subarus and driving experiences. According to Todd Lawrence, the promotional manager for Subaru America, the WRX games will allow people to experience what it's like to be part of "the Subaru community".

    A number of activities will be held throughout the WRX games, but doubtless the highlight will be driving demonstrations from Subaru factory drivers, as well as guest drivers. Ken Block is already confirmed to be driving his Gymkhana 2 vehicle for the event, which is reason enough to check out the... Residents of California will be in for a treat this weekend when Subaru holds its first ever WRX games - an event that will feature a full day of Subarus and driving experiences. According to Todd Lawrence, the promotional manager for Subaru America, the WRX games will allow people to experience what it's like to be part of "the Subaru community". A number of activities will be held throughout the WRX games, but doubtless the highlight will be driving demonstrations from Subaru factory drivers, as well as guest drivers. Ken Block is already confirmed to be driving his Gymkhana 2 vehicle for the event, which is reason enough to check out the WRX games, but also present will be legendary drifter Steven Verdier and race-driver Kristian Skavnes. Apart from the driving demonstrations, there will also be some activities that allow WRX-games attendees to get behind the wheel, including a 2010 Legacy 2.5GT driving experience where Subaru will let drivers loose on a custom course. There will also be a Subaru Freestyle Gymkhana where visitors can drive alongside a professional driver and compete against other visitors in a timed driving competition. Finally, there will also be a video games center with Subaru racing games and a miniature rally stage complete with jumps - for remote-controlled Subaru cars that is. The WRX Games will take place Saturday, August 1, from 10-4 p.m. at the Fairplex, 1101 W. McKinley Ave, Pomona, California.Driven: 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX Read More

  • Subaru launches new Impreza WRX STI Spec C in Japan

    Subaru launches new Impreza WRX STI Spec C in Japan July 23rd, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, July 23rd, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 4 Comments

    Subaru launches new Impreza WRX STI Spec C in Japan We first heard about the latest edition Spec C as far back as April 2008 when reports emerged claiming Subaru was working on building a lighter and more hardcore version of the new Impreza WRX STI. Today, the automaker has released the first details of the car, which goes on sale in Japan this week.

    Based on the Impreza WRX STI, the new Spec C model features enhanced engine and chassis performance as well as a lighter body derived from the automaker’s motorsports program. The turbocharger also gets new ball bearings for the turbine axle bearing, and the ECU program was also exclusively tuned.

    Thus the engine of the spec C model... We first heard about the latest edition Spec C as far back as April 2008 when reports emerged claiming Subaru was working on building a lighter and more hardcore version of the new Impreza WRX STI. Today, the automaker has released the first details of the car, which goes on sale in Japan this week. Based on the Impreza WRX STI, the new Spec C model features enhanced engine and chassis performance as well as a lighter body derived from the automaker’s motorsports program. The turbocharger also gets new ball bearings for the turbine axle bearing, and the ECU program was also exclusively tuned. Thus the engine of the spec C model provides quicker response and improved accelerating performance. Peak output from the turbocharged 2.0L four-banger stands at 304hp (227kW) and 311lb-ft (422Nm) of torque. Thanks to its specially designed front and rear suspension and improved body rigidity, the chassis offers stable and linear driving control even when traction reaches its limits. Engineers have also swapped the standard model’s Torsen type rear limited slip differential for a mechanical type to obtain the steady and powerful traction during cornering. Furthermore, the adoption of an aluminum engine hood, laminar window panels and a downsized battery resulted in a lighter body, which further improves the model’s driving performance. Other changes include newly designed 19in wheels, the addition of a flat tire repair kit instead of a full-sized spare, gold-colored Brembo brakes, Alcantara and leather Recaro seats, and two new exclusive colors; Sunrise Yellow and Pure White. Only 900 cars are planned for production and there’s no word on whether the Spec C will be launched in other markets.Subaru Impreza WRX STI Spec C Read More

  • Video: The Building of Ken Block's Gymkhana 2 WRX STI

    Video: The Building of Ken Block's Gymkhana 2 WRX STI May 26th, 2009 By Nelson Ireson Nelson Ireson, Author, May 26th, 2009 Nelson Ireson 0 Comments

    Video: The Building of Ken Block's Gymkhana 2 WRX STI Every automotive enthusiast with an internet connection has likely seen the video of Ken Block drifting his Subaru Impreza WRX STI around a closed airbase Gymkhana style - it's the sort of stuff that builds legends. But for Ken Block, that's not enough, and he's planning a second video that promises even more incredible displays of car control.

    The video below is the second teaser for the upcoming exhibition, and while it doesn't show any actual sideways, backwards, tire-smoking, pirouetting, donuts-around-a-moving-Segway action, it does document Crawford Performance's tear-down and build-up of the stock 2009 Subaru WRX STI that will be... Every automotive enthusiast with an internet connection has likely seen the video of Ken Block drifting his Subaru Impreza WRX STI around a closed airbase Gymkhana style - it's the sort of stuff that builds legends. But for Ken Block, that's not enough, and he's planning a second video that promises even more incredible displays of car control. The video below is the second teaser for the upcoming exhibition, and while it doesn't show any actual sideways, backwards, tire-smoking, pirouetting, donuts-around-a-moving-Segway action, it does document Crawford Performance's tear-down and build-up of the stock 2009 Subaru WRX STI that will be used for filming. Enjoy.Ken Block Gymkhana 2 WRX STI build video Read More

  • Volkswagen Golf Mark VI declared 2009 World Car of the Year

    Volkswagen Golf Mark VI declared 2009 World Car of the Year April 9th, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, April 9th, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 7 Comments

    Volkswagen Golf Mark VI declared 2009 World Car of the Year Not to be outdone by the North American Car and Truck of the Year awards from the Detroit Auto Show, the organizers of the New York Auto Show are heavily promoting their own ‘World’ and ‘Performance’ titles and today revealed the winners for this year’s awards.

    We already saw the Nissan GT-R and Honda FCX Clarity take out the respective Performance and Green car titles, and now we can confirme that Volkswagen’s Mark VI Golf, which will be coming Stateside in just a matter of months, has been declared the 2009 World Car of the Year.

    The Golf VI was chosen from an initial entry list of 51 entries... Not to be outdone by the North American Car and Truck of the Year awards from the Detroit Auto Show, the organizers of the New York Auto Show are heavily promoting their own ‘World’ and ‘Performance’ titles and today revealed the winners for this year’s awards. We already saw the Nissan GT-R and Honda FCX Clarity take out the respective Performance and Green car titles, and now we can confirme that Volkswagen’s Mark VI Golf, which will be coming Stateside in just a matter of months, has been declared the 2009 World Car of the Year. The Golf VI was chosen from an initial entry list of 51 entries nominated by 59 World Car jurors from 25 countries throughout the world. The jurors observed that, “The new Golf VI employs a Scirocco styled grille and headlights and larger tail lights. However, it also feels more expensive than other family hatches, thanks to its solid build and high quality cabin. Customers get a choice of nothing less than six engines including the punchy and efficient 158hp 1.4L TSI unit that features both a turbo and supercharger. The Golf is also available with VW’s new 2.0L common-rail diesel motor with either 108 or 138hp. It goes without saying that choosing between the slick 6-speed manual and superb DSG twin-clutch gearbox can be difficult. Sitting on an outstanding chassis, the VW is more refined than its rivals, especially when highway cruising. Wind, road and engine noise are kept to a minimum, making the Golf a relaxing long distance companion.” The WCOTY organization has been choosing its award winners since 2005, starting with the Audi A6. Since then the BMW 3-series (2006), Lexus LS460 (2007), and Mazda2/Demio (2008) have won the overall award. 2009 Overall World Car of the Year finalists: - Audi A4 / Avant - BMW 7 Series - Citroen C5 Sedan / C5 Tourer - Fiat 500 - Ford Fiesta - Honda Fit / Jazz - Jaguar XF - Mazda Atenza / Mazda6 - Nissan GT-R - Toyota iQ - Volkswagen Golf VIVW Golf Mark VI official photos Read More

  • Subaru’s sporty WRX STI now available with automatic gearbox

    Subaru’s sporty WRX STI now available with automatic gearbox February 24th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, February 24th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 3 Comments

    Subaru’s sporty WRX STI now available with automatic gearbox Subaru’s WRX STI has always been about extreme performance. The car itself was developed by the Subaru Tecnica International (STI) division, the same group responsible for development of Subaru’s World Rally Championship cars, and thus next-to-little compromises to performance were accepted in its gestation. For this reason, the WRX STI has traditionally been available with a manual transmission as its only option, however, Subaru has now announced the addition of an automatic version in the form of the WRX STI A-Line.

    Based on the regular Impreza WRX STI, the WRX STI A-Line model was developed to offer its distinctive driving... Subaru’s WRX STI has always been about extreme performance. The car itself was developed by the Subaru Tecnica International (STI) division, the same group responsible for development of Subaru’s World Rally Championship cars, and thus next-to-little compromises to performance were accepted in its gestation. For this reason, the WRX STI has traditionally been available with a manual transmission as its only option, however, Subaru has now announced the addition of an automatic version in the form of the WRX STI A-Line. Based on the regular Impreza WRX STI, the WRX STI A-Line model was developed to offer its distinctive driving performance to a wider range of customers by integrating the 2.5L turbocharged Boxer engine with a five-speed automatic transmission. For some sense of manual control, the transmission also features the company’s Sportshift pseudo manual paddle shifters. Other changes to the performance hatch include the addition of eight-way adjustable power front seats and a new Satin White Pearl paint scheme. No changes were made to the car’s high-strung turbocharged Boxer mill, which means output remains at 296hp (221kW) and 258lb-ft (350Nm) of torque. The new A-Line model goes on sale in Japan today and is expected to be released in other markets in the following months. Perhaps now that Subaru no longer competes in the World Rally Championship the company can afford to go a little soft.Subaru Impreza WRX STI A-Line Read More

  • Subaru designs custom Impreza WRX STI for rally champ Travis Pastrana

    Subaru designs custom Impreza WRX STI for rally champ Travis Pastrana February 9th, 2009 ByRalph Hanson Ralph Hanson, Author, February 9th, 2009 Ralph Hanson 1 Comment

    Subaru designs custom Impreza WRX STI for rally champ Travis Pastrana Subaru may no longer be a competitor in the World Rally Championship (WRC) but the carmaker is still showing its support for rallying with the unveiling of a one-of-a-kind Impreza WRX STI. The special edition model has been designed for Subaru’s factory rally driver Travis Pastrana and it is set to be on display at this week’s Chicago Auto Show.

    Subaru worked closely with Pastrana to create a brilliant yellow "199" liveried WRX STI to commemorate his third consecutive Rally America National Championship. Motorsport workshop Vermont SportsCar also worked on the car, using an array of Subaru Performance Tuning (SPT) and STI parts,... Subaru may no longer be a competitor in the World Rally Championship (WRC) but the carmaker is still showing its support for rallying with the unveiling of a one-of-a-kind Impreza WRX STI. The special edition model has been designed for Subaru’s factory rally driver Travis Pastrana and it is set to be on display at this week’s Chicago Auto Show. Subaru worked closely with Pastrana to create a brilliant yellow "199" liveried WRX STI to commemorate his third consecutive Rally America National Championship. Motorsport workshop Vermont SportsCar also worked on the car, using an array of Subaru Performance Tuning (SPT) and STI parts, along with unique custom pieces to complete it. Most of the components, such as the SPT and STI engine, exhaust, chassis and interior parts showcased on the Travis Pastrana WRX STI are available for sale as dealer accessories. The vehicle features an SPT front strut tower brace and lower chassis brace, new Work Evolution 18in alloys shod with BF Goodrich tires, red Brembo brake calipers, custom yellow paint and graphics, a carbon-fiber hood, carbon-fiber rear wing, and a newly designed mesh grille. The final touch is a set HID driving lights located on the front bumper. Under the hood, the vehicle is equipped with a number of modifications including a performance-tuned ECU and custom down pipe. Inside, there is blue Alcantara trim, yellow stitching, an STI short-throw shifter, and carbon-fiber panels on the dash, doors and console.Subaru Impreza WRX STISubaru Impreza WRX STI Travis Pastrana edition Read More

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