Subaru WRX News

These pictures show the STI tackling some of the unique challenges at Mount Panorama, from the twisties out of The Dipper to the left-right flick through The Chase. Subaru says they are pictures that celebrate the car’s motorsport heritage, moving on from its World Rally Championship days into a new era of track racing.Except... Except the STI has never been to Bathurst. Not yet, anyway. "We haven’t had a car in Australia. This is all news to me," the managing director of Subaru Australia, Nick Senior, tells Carsguide. "There definitely wasn’t a photo shoot."Which means the pictures are faked, in the nicest possible way of course. And it’s a flattering tip to Bathurst. They are new-age COMGEN files, which means they are computer generated images which combine pictures of a real STI inserted into a fake background.Mount Panorama is easy to find in the world of computer gaming, which is probably where the pictures originated. The shots are clear and full of impact, although missing the latest advertising billboards - we know for sure after racing for Team Abarth in the Bathurst 12-hour race - and any on-track officials or spectators.But the pictures have got some people thinking at Subaru, especially at the STI race team which has built a car to compete in this year’s Nurburgring 24-hour race in Germany. The racer is based closely on a road car, although it does have big wings and lightweight panels, and it would sit comfortably inside the rules for the 2015 running of the Bathurst 12-hour.This reporter is on Twitter: @PaulWardGover

Subaru took the wraps off the new sixth-generation Liberty just last week, and there’s already talk of new engine options for the mid-size sedan in the near future.The US-spec Legacy shown in Chicago featured almost-carryover 2.5-litre four and 3.6-litre six-cylinder boxer engines from the existing fifth-generation model, with minor efficiency tweaks and a CVT auto available with the six for the first time.However, a report by Car and Driver suggests that a version of the 2.0-litre turbo four found in the Forester XT and new WRX will soon be added, and likely to replace the performance-focused 2.5-litre turbo GT for the Australian market.The report also suggests the 3.6-litre six is set to be replaced by a smaller-capacity, yet more powerful unit within the next couple of years. Subaru are yet to release consumption figures for the CVT-equipped 3.6, but the existing five-speed auto paired version sips a relatively thirsty 10.3L/100.Expect this figure to drop significantly with a new smaller engine, which is likely to embrace direct injection along with a CVT auto to rival the 9.3L/100km achieved by the Liberty’s Toyota Aurion and Nissan Altima V6 rivals.The new engine is not expected to be ready for the new Liberty-based Outback’s debut at the New York motor show in April, with a debut in the Tribeca SUV’s replacement being more likely.This reporter is on Twitter: @Mal_Flynn 

Twenty years after the first WRX STI Impreza appeared, Subaru has unveiled the all-new latest car, promising more refinement and agility.See the 2014 Subaru WRX STI in action on our desktop site. 

Twenty years after the first WRX STI Impreza appeared, Subaru has unveiled the all-new latest car, promising more refinement and agility.The STI will continue with a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder -- an uprated version of the mill in the current car, with power raised 6kW to 227kW but  a drop of 14Nm at 392Nm of torque. Both power and torque hit carryover peaks of 6000rpm and 4000rpm respectively.  The engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission -- there's no sign of the five-speed auto -- and Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive system split 49:51 per cent front/rear.The STI also gets  faster steering, a retuned and stiffer suspension set-up with 16 per cent less body roll, upgraded Brembo brakes and new vehicle dynamics technology including active torque vectoringFollowing the leaked photos of the STI last week, we've already had a decent look at its more aggressive bodykit treatment -- in signature WRC hero blue set off with gold BBS wheels -- with the expected high rear wing, which will feature on a limited-edition 1000 unit launch model that also scores a short-throw shift. The WRX STI will go on sale in April in overseas markets and arriving here after mid-year. The sedan (also unveiled in Detroit in a more sober silver) will be the only body for the STI, with Subaru axing the hatch variant in the face of shrinking buyer interest.However the brand is determined to prove the STI can continue to be hot without a hatch, and last week revealed a race version armed for the Nurburgring 24-Hour -- in which it's won the SP3T class three times in seven years -- with an arsenal of track kit, including bolt-on wheel-arch flares, high-performance rear wing, bar and diffuser, and carbon-fibre splitter and ailerons at the front.Subaru US president Tom Doll also signalled Subaru's intentions for the 2014 World Rally Championship with the news that Travis Pastrana will return to the helm this year.

Subaru have revealed a new circuit-prepped version of its new WRX STI ahead of the roadgoing model’s official debut in Detroit next week. The single rendered image of the new racer in sponsors’ livery is our first official look at Subaru’s new flagship WRX model – although we’ve already seen multiple leaked images showing the WRX STI from every angle earlier this week.Compared with the production model, the racing version sports bolt-on wheelarch flares on all corners, extra bonnet vents, carbon-fibre splitter and ailerons added to the front bar, plus a race-spec rear bar, diffuser and rear wing. Race-spec forged wheels are also visible, with upgraded brakes with compote rotors for coping with the rigours of racing.The Japanese brand’s performance arm – Subaru Tecnica International – or STI have developed the car to take on the Nurburgring 24-Hour race in June, where it will aim for its third victory in the SP3T class in seven years. Along with the Nurburgring 24-Hour, STI will field entries in the Japanese Super GT Series with a BRZ-based racer in 2014, plus privateer rally entries in the WRC2 and ERC.    

In Russia, drift and rally fans don’t need big power to finesse their skills thanks to the Federation’s near perennial abundance of snow and ice.As a result, any old Lada Riva or Samara can be slewed sideways through the snow and slush, or even a GAZelle commercial van – if you’ve got one handy.The above video captures all of these in super slow-mo, with a dash of Ford Fiesta and Sierra, Subaru WRX and Toyota Celica GT-Four to showcase the yaw potential of front, rear, or all-wheel drive. Watch the desktop version of the budget Russian drift video here. This reporter is on Twitter: @Mal_Flynn 

Subaru plans to take the wraps off the new WRX STI on January 14 at the Detroit motor show, but it's just been given an early unwrapping with images from just about every angle leaking onto the internet.Posted by a Mexican website, the photo set has the WRX STI in its WRC hero blue livery and shows the visual differences that set it apart from the standard WRX -- the signature STI cue being the massive rear wing.It also gets the gold-toned STI wheels -- behind which we expect will be upgraded brakes -- and more aggressive bodykit treatment, likely to be matched by a similarly firmer-dealing suspension set-up and vehicle dynamics technology.We'll have to wait until the show (or another leak) to find out what's under that World Rally Blue bonnet. But chances are it will either be a revised version of the carryover  turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder -- with outputs squeezed above the current 221kW of power and 407Nm of torque -- mated to a six-speed manual transmission, or a higher-tuned version of the new WRX's 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder.That possible four was seen in the Levorg concept at Tokyo show in November with outputs of 221kW and 400Nm, a rise of 21kW and 50Nm over the 2014 WRX revealed at LA show the same month and test-driven in December.As we've previously reported, the sedan body you're seeing here is the only one we'll get for the WRX and STI, with Subaru deciding to discontinue hatch versions as the buyer market dwindled against the sedan variants.

We'll see the wraps come off the 2015 Subaru WRX STI on January 14 at Detroit motor show, and more importantly we'll also get to see what's under the bonnet -- and what it can do.The high-performance -- and high-winged -- version of the WRX will possibly carry on with the turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder, but with outputs raised above the current model's 221kW of power and 407Nm of torque, and still delivered with a six-speed manual transmission.However, there's also a chance it could be powered by an uprated version of the 2014 WRX's 2.0-litre turbo four -- as seen in the Levorg concept at Tokyo show with outputs of 221kW and 400Nm. That's 21kW and 50Nm more than the 2014 WRX revealed at LA show in November, and which our test drive in December proves is itself a great engine.Expect to see more aggressive styling -- including likely the customary wing -- stiffer suspension set-up and possibly some weight-saving strategies, particularly if it's using the smaller engine.What we'd like to see, but won't, is a hatch body emerge from underneath the Detroit silk. But Subaru has said the WRX will continue only as a sedan -- cue the violins.  

There are exciting new releases planned across the board; from budget hatches to practical SUVs, to exotic supercars. We’ve broken them down into segments and likely price categories to help you. We've based our price estimations on the current market, but some estimations could change in the future, and some model ranges span across price categories, so be sure to check our other stories...New cars for 2014 | less than $20,000New cars for 2014 | $20,000-$40,000New cars for 2014 | $59,000-$100,000New cars for 2014 | over $100,000 LIGHT CARSMini Cooper: Mini will bring the all-new third-generation ‘new Mini’ Cooper to our shores from May, with the entry models using a new 1.5-litre three cylinder turbo petrol or diesel engine, and the hot Cooper S to step up to a new 2.0-litre turbo petrol from the same family. The three-door hatch will be the only bodystyle to lob in 2014, with convertible and a new five-door hatch (at least) to follow later. (Approximately $31,000-$46,000)SMALL CARSAudi A3 sedan: Audi will add a sedan version of its A3 small car to the existing Sportback hatch lineup from January, with the hot S3 version to follow in April, and the drop-top A3 Cabriolet (from about $57k) to complete the lineup in about September. (Approximately $65,000)BMW 2 Series: The discontinued 1 Series coupe will be replaced by the new 2 Series coupe in around May, and will likely mirror the petrol and diesel drivetrains of the existing 1 Series hatch. A soft-top convertible is also in the works, but its launch date is still up in the air. (Approximately $45,000-$85,000)Lexus CT 200h: Lexus will complete the spindle grill-ification of its Australian lineup when it launches the mid-cycle refresh of the CT 200h hybrid hatch before July. Along with the stylistic alignment with the rest of the range, the new CT will feature revised suspension tuning and interior trim, with the possibility of sharpened pricing in the pursuit of sales volume. (Approximately $40,000-$58,000)Renault Megane: Also due around June is a mid-cycle refresh for the Megane coupe, cabriolet, and wagon models. (Approximately $20,000-$50,000)Subaru Impreza WRX: Underwhelming or otherwise, Subaru’s new WRX performance sedan is due in late March, ahead of a hotter-again STI version by mid-year. (Approximately $40,000)Volkswagen Golf GTI Performance: The upgraded Golf GTI Performance pack will complete the GTI lineup during 2014, with an extra 7kW, bigger brakes, tricky diff, plus xenon headlights, LED taillights, 19 inch wheels, and alcantara added to the tartan cloth interior trim. (Approximately $47,990)Volkswagen Golf R: The all-wheel drive Golf R performance flagship is also expected in 2014, with 206kW and 380Nm promising performance to trump all before it. (Approximately $50,000)FAMILY CARSFord Falcon: The once-mighty Falcon range is set to undergo its final facelift in the fourth quarter of 2014, ahead of it’s now certain doom in 2016. Minor styling revisions are expected, but the addition of Ford’s SYNC multimedia system and the return of the XR8 V8 model (as FPV is wound up) are likely to be the biggest changes. Approximately 37,000-56,000Infiniti Q50: Infiniti models are set to become a more common sight on Australian roads before June, with the Mercedes C-Class and BMW 3 Series-rivalling Q50’s arrival, boasting fresh styling, rear-wheel drive, and a choice of diesel or hybrid drivetrains. (Approximately $51,900-$73,900)Skoda Octavia RS: The Czech brand will launch the hot Octavia RS in the second quarter, with the petrol version matching the new Volkswagen Golf GTI mechanically, and the diesel version is expected to continue with the same spec as the Golf GTD available overseas. (Approximately from $40,000)Volvo S60 and V60: Volvo will introduce the first of its new Drive-E engines to the S60 sedan and V60 wagon range in March, with power and efficiency gains promised, along with a new eight-speed auto. (Approximately $49,000-$78,000)PEOPLE MOVERSHonda Odyssey: An all-new Odyssey eight-seat people mover will follow in February, with fresh styling, improved features and safety and a more efficient drivetrain. (Approximately $35,000-$43,000)Kia Grand Carnival: Later in the year, Kia will replace the segment-champion but ageing Grand Carnival model. Improvements to safety, features, and efficiency are expected, and should be a winner if the smaller new Rondo is anything to go by. (Approximately $39,000-56,000)SUV/4WDBMW X1: The baby bimmer SUV is also in line for a refreshing in March, with styling and interior tweaks expected. (Approximately 46,000-63,000)Ford Territory: The Territory SUV will also score similar SYNC-inclusive revisions at around the same time, ahead of the same 2016 fate. (Approximately $40,000-$63,000)Honda CR-V diesel: Honda will kick off 2014 by adding the first-ever diesel variant to the local CR-V SUV lineup in January. The 2.2 litre unit produces 110kW/350Nm, and will be available in six-speed manual or five-speed auto with all-wheel drive only. Official fuel consumption is as low as 5.8L/100km. (Approximately $35,000-$45,000)Isuzu MU-X: Isuzu will introduce the seven-seat MU-X in January, with the company’s first SUV sharing much of its design with the D-Max ute and Holden Colorado and Colorado 7 models. The MU-X will be equipped with the same 3.0-litre diesel engine as the D-Max, and offer family 4WD toughness for a lot less than Toyota’s Prado. (Approximately $40,500-$53,500)Kia Sorento: The final Kia model for 2014 is likely to be a significantly revamped Sorento seven-seat SUV, with a comprehensive design update inside and out to bring it in line with the fresher styling of its Hyundai Santa Fe mechanical twin. (Approximately $38,000-$51,000)Land Rover Range Rover Evoque: The stylish Range Rover Evoque is due for an update before June, with a new nine-speed auto delivering fuel economy gains of about 10 per cent, plus styling tweaks to bring it in line with the new full-size Range Rover and Sport models. (Approximately $50,000-$91,000)Mercedes-Benz GLA: Mercedes will bring the new A-Class-based GLA SUV to our shores in May, with the all-new model taking the fight to the Audi Q3 and BMW X1 in the premium compact SUV segment. Priced from about $45,000, the GLA will be available in front or 4MATIC all-wheel drive and engines from launch will include the 115kW/250Nm 1.6-litre GLA200 and 155kW/350Nm 2.0-litre GLA250 petrols, and 100kW/300Nm 2.2-litre GLA200 CDI and 125kW/350Nm 2.2-litre GLA220 CDI turbodiesel options. (Approximately from $45,000)Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV: Mitsubishi will introduce its first hybrid model in April, in the form of the plug-in hybrid Outlander SUV. Priced from about $50,000, the Outlander PHEV promises Holden Volt-rivalling efficiency for about $10,000 less, and wrapped within a more practical SUV body. (Approximately from $50,000)Nissan Pathfinder hybrid: Nissan will complete its new Pathfinder SUV lineup in the second quarter, with the addition of a new petrol-electric hybrid variant to help silence the naysayers lamenting the lack of a diesel option in the new model. The 187kW/329Nm hybrid drivetrain uses a 15kW electric motor paired with a supercharged 2.5 litre four cylinder petrol engine, resulting in a claimed 25 per cent fuel efficiency gain. (Approximately $55,000-$60,000)Nissan X-Trail: Nissan will replace its hugely successful X-Trail medium SUV in about July, with the bigger design offering seating for seven for the first time, and improved refinement to go with its softened exterior design. (Approximately $30,000-$47,000)Skoda Octavia Scout: The Octavia RS will be followed by the jacked-up Scout AWD variant in about mid-year. (Approximately $40,000-$45,000)Toyota Kluger: Toyota will introduce the third-generation of its Kluger large SUV in the first quarter, with the all-new larger model promising improved seating for seven and fresh styling, but its continued reliance on a petrol V6 might threaten its sales success next to the diesel and hybrid options offered by most rivals. (Approximately $40,000-$60,000)Volvo XC60: Volvo’s new Drive-E engines will also appear in the XC60 SUV in March, with power and efficiency gains promised, along with a new eight-speed auto. (Approximately $57,000-79,000)COMMERCIAL VEHICLESFord Transit: Ford’s commercial lineup will receive a boost in January with the arrival of an all-new Transit van model, with the light-duty Transit Custom touching down ahead of the heavy-duty Transit Cargo range in April. (Approximately $36,000-$52,000) 

Subaru has launched an online ordering process for the new 2014 WRX sedan, months away from its arrival on local soil, and even before nailing down Australian-market pricing. In the meantime, Subaru has put together this video of the new WRX being put through its paces over both gravel and tarmac surfaces. Watch the desktop version of the official 2014 Subaru WRX video here.  2014 Subaru WRXPrice: $39,990 (estimated)Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder boxer turbo; 200kW/250Nm Transmission: six-speed manual, CVT autoThirst: 9.8L/100km (manual, 11.2L/100km (auto)  RIVALS Price: from $38,290 Engine: 2.0L turbo four, 184kW/340NmTransmission: 6-speed manual (no auto), FWDThirst: 7.4L/100km, 172g/km CO2   Price: from $49,900Engine: 2.0L turbo four, 155kW/350NmTransmission: 7-speed dual-clutch auto, FWDThirst: 6.6L/100km, 152g/km CO2   Price: from $41,490Engine: 2.0L turbo four, 162kW/350NmTransmission: 6-speed manual or DSG auto, FWDThirst: 6.2L/100km, 144g/km CO2