2015 Subaru Outback

With previous models receiving a steller performance rating in safety, the all new 2015 Subaru Outback is announced bringing with it all-road capabilities and refinement. 

                                            

Looking past the 2015 Outbacks upgraded front fascia, raked windshield, and the light weight aluminum hood, Subaru has upped the safety features as well. All Outback models will receive side curtain airbags that will be set off by rollover sensors and seat-cushion airbags to help keep occupants in place during a frontal collision. Subaru Rear Vehicle Detection System, standard on the Limited trims and optional on the 2.5i Premium, offers several functions including blind spot detection through the side view mirror mounted LED's. Best of all, the 2015 Outback offers EyeSight driver assist system, which is the highest rated front crash prevention system ranked by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. 

The 2015 Outback will be offered with a 175 hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder or a 256 hp 3.6-liter six-cylinder BOXER engine. All the Outback models will feature Subaru's Lineartronic CVT transmission, with the six-cyliner receiving a high-torque version. The CVT transmission does not shift gears, which in return gives the driver smoother performance, but also has a "manual mode" for those sportier driving days. Upgraded McPherson front struts and double wishbone rear suspension keep the car firmly planted in the turns, while the All-Wheel drive keeps the car on the road. 

The Outback premium will bring 10-way power driver's seat, dual climate controls, All-Weather Package, leather wrapped steering wheel, fog lights, and dark-tint privacy glass.

 

The Outback Limited trim brings the highest level of luxury for an Outback by adding perforated leather upholstery, memory 10-way power driver's seat, 4-way power front passenger seat, dual-mode heated rear seats, and a power rear gate with memory height. 

With a quieter ride, more safety features and interior space, the 2015 Subaru Outback is a winner in Subaru's line-up.

Source: Subaru

2015 Subaru WRX and STI Pricing Announced

The rally-bred cars are back this spring in their wide-body sedan form. The all-wheel drive 2015 WRX and STI will bring with them a new list or perks in not only styling, but performance.

The 2015 WRX price starts at $26,295 and will be delivering more power and handling than ever before. The new, direct-injected, turbocharged BOXER engine will deliver 268-horsepower backed by a 6-speed manual transmission. This marks a first for the WRX, which previously received a 5-speed manual transmission. An optional performance automatic transmission, the Sport Lineartonic, is available which offers two manual modes and paddle shifters. 

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The WRX is also receiving a mixture of handling upgrades including- bigger brakes, a new Active Torque Vectoring system that allows for improved agility, a stiffer chassis, performance tuned suspension, and a driver-focused interior to keep with the WRX character.

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Three trim lines are available- Standard, Premium ($28,295), and Limited ($29,995). The trim lines will all include audio by Harman/Kardon, multi-purpose 4.3-in LCD display (boost gauge, rear camera, audio controls), Bluetooth, iPod control capacity, USB ports, SiriusXM (subscription required) and an audio jack.

Subaru

The 2015 WRX STI, starting at $34,495,  is back with its legendary 305-horsepower 2.5-liter turbocharged BOXER engine backed by a reinforced 6-speed manual transmission.

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 Also included is Active Torque Vectoring, Multi-Mode Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Multi-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control, and a Brembo Performance Brake System with Super Sport ABS controls.  All the features one would expect from this rally-bred STI.

Subaru

The body of the car follows previous models with its special hood, fenders, doors, bumpers, headlights and taillights. Subaru has also brought back the "park-bench" style rear spoiler that does provide meaningful down-force.

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The interior, sharing many characteristics from the WRX, will also include a 3.5-in central LCD screen in the instrument cluster, dual climate control, heated seats and mirrors, and soft-touch materials from the door trim, dashboard, and center console armrest.

Subaru

For more detailed information please visit Subaru's Press Release

2013 Scion FR-S

Marianne Sauls Photography

For the past few years, I've found myself admiring the FR-S as they drove by. Whether it was factory-stock or heavily modified, the car has always grabbed my attention. Being a fan of the original 1980's AE86 (Hachi-Roku) Corolla, I had to give one a shot. Long story short- I'm glad I did.

I made a call to a friend of mine, and my old employer, Brian Bennett at Legacy Toyota in Tallahassee, Florida. After a few emails and phone calls, the car was lined up- 2013 Scion FR-S in Firestorm red equipped with a TRD Borla exhaust system. A color I would highly recommend for anyone looking into this car. 

Marianne Sauls Photography

When I arrived to Legacy Toyota, and after mingling with former co-workers, I was taken to the car. While a 6-speed manual would have been my first choice, as I love changing my own gears, this car was equipped with a 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters. Different, I thought, but I was intrigued as to how Toyota and Subaru would keep the sportiness of the car with an automatic transmission. 

Marianne Sauls Photography

With the turn of the key and a rumble from the Borla exhaust, I pulled out of Legacy and onto the streets of Tallahassee to see what this car was made of. Immediately, I turned off all assists, put the car in sport mode, and moved the shift to M so I can give the paddle shifters a try. While the cars 200bhp does not seem like enough, its plenty to have fun with. The lightweight chassis give you the nimble, yet exhilarating driving experience. The motor feels great throughout the RPM's and the Borla exhaust gives the car just the right tone from its flat 4-cylinder boxer motor. The best part about this exhaust was the blip you would get between gear changes. 

Marianne Sauls Photography

Taking this car down several winding roads showed me just how agile this car was. The car felt very planted through every turn and it almost begged for it to be pushed harder. It probably could handle it, but being that these cars come equipped with Prius tires, I knew it wouldn't take much more for the rear end to kick out (not saying I wouldn't love to do this). The suspension was firm, yet forgiving and allowed you to feel everything the road had to offer. There's also something enticing about changing the gears with the paddle shifters as opposed to a manual gearbox as I was going down these curvy roads. With the flick of the paddle and a blip of the exhaust, I was in a different gear without having to take a hand off the wheel.

Marianne Sauls Photography

The interior of the car is very simple.The seats hold you in very well and were very comfortable considering they are styled as racing seats. Being that I'm 6'5, I tend to get back pain from like-styled seats, however, throughout my five hours of driving my back never once bothered me. The steering wheel is simple with only the paddle shifters and cruise control located on it. The 8-speaker Pioneer audio system sounded great and the touchscreen fit very well with the dash layout. The only downside I had with the interior was the rather useless rear seats, which is expected for a small car, and the road noise. While the road noise did not bother me at all, to some this might be bothersome. 

Marianne Sauls Photography

For an affordable, fun, compact, sport car, you can't go wrong with the FR-S. I'll even go far enough to say that while a 6-speed manual would be fun, I am happy I tried the 6-speed auto. A huge thank you to Legacy Toyota and Marianne Sauls Photography.