Here’s how you know you’ve stumbled onto a good idea—two versions of a model of car perform so well that the automaker decides to actually split them off and turn them into their own brands. This doesn’t happen often, obviously, but it’s happening right now with the Subaru Impreza and its WRX and STI performance [...]
We had hoped that this year’s SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) Show would give us our first real opportunity to get a closer look at the upcoming Subaru BRZ, a rear-wheel drive sports car that’s likely to knock the socks off of any die-hard Subaru fan, however, Subaru has chosen to keep that particular vehicle [...]
Change—real change—can’t be subtle. If you wanted to change your entire image, starting with a new hair style, people shouldn’t have to ask you, “Hey, did you get a haircut?” It should be pretty clear that some inches were lopped off, or that the hue was entirely new. So it goes with increased fuel efficiency, [...]
Over the course of the last ten years or so, satellite radio has completely changed the way people entertain themselves while driving. Oldschool tower radio is still fine if you live in the same town as your favorite stations and don’t mind extensive commercial breaks and some occasional static, but people’s reasons for enjoying satellite [...]
Here’s how you know you’ve stumbled onto a good idea—two versions of a model of car perform so well that the automaker decides to actually split them off and turn them into their own brands. This doesn’t happen often, obviously, but it’s happening right now with the Subaru Impreza and its WRX and STI performance models. … Continue Reading
We had hoped that this year’s SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) Show would give us our first real opportunity to get a closer look at the upcoming Subaru BRZ, a rear-wheel drive sports car that’s likely to knock the socks off of any die-hard Subaru fan, however, Subaru has chosen to keep that particular vehicle under wraps for the time being. Instead, we did get a look at four other iconic Subaru vehicles, so here’s the latest from this year’s SEMA Show, at least as it relates to our vehicles:
2012 Subaru Impreza Sport
This is exactly the sort of 2012 Subaru Impreza Miramar dealerships are hoping customers are going to fall in love with, especially with the Impreza Sport’s long lists of accessories tailored specifically to lovers of our vehicles. For starters, it’s got roof rack crossbars, a roof-mounted bike rack, and a really energetic-looking exterior, highlighted by the front under-spoiler and mesh grille. It’s a gorgeous car, and it’s a functional car. Eat your hearts out, Subaru nuts.
Mark Higgins’ 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Sedan, Isle of Man Record Holder
The part of this WRX STI that really stuck out most was its massive spoiler, which in this case was used to help set the record for the fastest time ever by a four-wheel-drive vehicle around the Isle of Mann TT course, known for being particularly grueling. Mark Higgins, the record-setting driver, topped out at 162 mph on the course on the way to breaking the record.
David Higgins’ Subaru Rally Team USA WRX STI Rally Car
Yes, Davis is Mark’s brother, and this Rally Car was stationed right across the isle from the record-breaking WRX STI discussed above. Dave’s car, however, has a record of its own—it broke the record for the fastest Mt. Washington hill climb, and it smashed the old mark by almost 30 seconds.
1986 Subaru XT Coupe
Once upon a time, this car was the most aerodynamic production car of its era. Today, it looks undeniably dated, but still undeniably cool. Known primarily for its low drag, the XT Coupe is no BRZ, but it’s certainly enough to tide us over while we wait.
The SEMA Show is always good for a few bells and whistles, and Subaru certainly wasn’t left out of the mix this year.
Change—real change—can’t be subtle. If you wanted to change your entire image, starting with a new hair style, people shouldn’t have to ask you, “Hey, did you get a haircut?” It should be pretty clear that some inches were lopped off, or that the hue was entirely new.
So it goes with increased fuel efficiency, which so far in the auto industry has come in the form of baby steps. We all know that the government has instituted stricter environmental policies for cars and trucks, but thus far most automakers have been nickel-and-diming their way to improved fuel economy. Subaru doesn’t want to wait around to make massive changes possible. They don’t want people wondering whether or not they recently had their hair dyed and cut, so to speak. … Continue Reading
Over the course of the last ten years or so, satellite radio has completely changed the way people entertain themselves while driving. Oldschool tower radio is still fine if you live in the same town as your favorite stations and don’t mind extensive commercial breaks and some occasional static, but people’s reasons for enjoying satellite services like Sirius XM aren’t exactly a huge secret. No matter where you are, the same stations are available, the commercial breaks are much more limited, and the huge selection of music, talk, sports, and even comedy are enough to keep any driver happy. … Continue Reading
Sometimes, I like to drive in silence. Usually, this is late at night after a long day, and I can see the stars out my window as I cruise down a deserted highway in peace and quiet. No music or talk radio would be appropriate for so meditative a trip. In these instances, only silence will suffice.
But in the other 99.9% of the time I’m in my car, I want AC/DC blaring, or Stevie Wonder belting out soulful vocals, or Louis C.K. cracking me up with his ingenious stand-up comedy albums. In short, I (like everybody else in the world) love music and talk radio in my car because I don’t want to feel alone when I’m driving. I want to be entertained. I want the time to go by quickly, and few things have revolutionized the way we’re entertained in our vehicles like SiriusXM. … Continue Reading