Latest news with #WRX
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Subaru Wants To Give You The Chance To Race Against Travis Pastrana (Just Don't Expect To Win)
Screaming down the forest rally stage at Goodwood Festival of Speed with Travis Pastrana at the wheel of Subaru's WRX ARA25 rally car is probably as close as you can get to the forrest defenders scene in "Star Wars: Return of the Jedi." My stomach gets cozy with my spinal column as a blur of green leaves and black tree trunks blur past the windows. A few "wahoos" escape, along with some violently delightful horn honks during the donut portion of the track (hey, don't put the horn button at my feet and not expect a few toots) and then I let my rally-mashed brain ask a pretty stupid question: Does it ever get routine? Is it boring, screaming around the same track 20 times with some 20 journalists? Is this just another day at the office? "Never. I never get tired of it," Pastrana said. After our ride, Subaru rally co-driver Rhianon Gelsomino takes my helmet from me, with a grin as wide as mine. She, too, never gets tired of the speed, the sound and the challenge of rally driving. Seeing the joy on people's faces when they experience that familiar thrill is just as good. It's a joy Subaru wants to share, not just with some journalists, but with fans of the sport. Which is why Subaru is putting this legendary duo into a more accessible, closer-to-stock Subaru WRX ARA25L car, to bring this mad-cap joy to the masses and show that you — yes, you — can drive the same track as Pastrana and Gelsomino. Read more: These Mods May Look Good, But They'll Just Make Your Car Slower Do You Have The Car Of A Winner? The car we enjoyed a hot lap in is not the car Pastrana and Gelsomino will be driving in upcoming races. We did our laps in the WRX ARA25 car, which is the ride of American drivers Brandon Semenuk and co-driver Keaton Williams — the pair that nabbed the Subaru WRX ARA25 its first win in the car during its inaugural race at the Ojibwe Forests Rally in August 2023. The WRX ARA25 is meant for the Open series, so it is pretty far from stock. The team analyzed every inch of the WRX and, in conjunction with the World Rally Championship rule book, and made a faster, stronger version of the OEM car. Though it has the original chassis of a WRX and is recognizable as a WRX, everything underneath the bodywork is pretty specialized. While the WRX ARA25 still comes with a 4-cylinder boxer engine, this one took 18 months to develop and cranks out 320 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. That's actually less torque than the ARA25L's 460 lb-ft, but the ARA25 is still the toughest, more race-focused of the two builds. The ARA25L is closer to 90% stock verses the ARA25's 65%. When it comes to the engine, however, in the ARA25L is 99% stock, with the familiar 2.4-liter FA24 boxer engine coming out nearly unchanged. If you have such a fantastic rally car, why put your most famous driver in the Limited series, where the rules are much stricter about what teams are allowed to modify on their vehicles? Because the Limited car is all about aspiration. Rally has been around in the U.S. for around 50 years, but Subaru practically popularized the racing form in the U.S. by providing everyday fans with the chance to get behind the wheel of an affordable and powerful vehicle that could easily be upgraded for rallying. The sport is not in danger of losing its foothold in per se, but the accessibility is in danger as OEM builds get beefier and more specialized. Subaru, once again, aims to challenge those new norms with the WRX ARA25L. It's meant to open up the sport to regular joes like us, and encourage civilians with the dream of driving the same track as absolute legends like Pastrana and Gelsomino. Will you win? Hell no. But will you get to see a blue-and-yellow streak similar to your car scream by as you rebuild your suspension from the pits? Yep. Over The Hill And Through The Woods The WRX ARA25 car was built for performance from the ground up by Subaru and its partner Vermont SportsCar, plus many different suppliers besides. And all those special parts make the ARA25 shine. The car is so quick, Pastrana used every inch of his lightning-fast reflexes to pilot the car through the narrow Goodwood track and its slippery, dusty curves. All of southern England was brown and dusty from a drought, making the ARA25 skid around corners as if there were ice on the track. The Limited car doesn't sound like quite Pastrana's cup of tea, as his trademark style of throwing a car into the curves and pulling out when the ancestors speak to him won't quite work well with such a comparatively delicate build. "When I think I'm going to die? I'm really, really good at that," Pastrana said. "I like to go all out. The ARA25L might as well be a Cadillac compared to this car (the ARA25)." But in terms of importance to the sport? It could mean the world. While standing around in the paddock discussing the car with Subaru's engineers, Pastrana interrupted journalists for the sake of a young fan. "This guy says he's going to be a race car driver!" he said, while helping the kid, who couldn't have been more than 12, into the driver's seat of the ARA25. More smiles all around from drivers and pit crew. Maybe that kid will be the next one running in the Limited series in a WRX of his own. Only time will tell, but it's clear that both the WRX ARA25 and ARA25L are the stuff that dreams are made of. Want more like this? Join the Jalopnik newsletter to get the latest auto news sent straight to your inbox... Read the original article on Jalopnik.
Auto Blog
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Subaru Offers Compelling WRX Lease Offer for July 2025
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. If you're considering short-term Subaru WRX ownership, now might be the time Need all-wheel drive, but don't require the cargo space of an SUV? There are few better options than the Subaru WRX, which can even be had with a manual transmission for added driving thrills. There's good news for fans of this iconic sedan looking to get behind the wheel, too. Subaru's July lease deal allows you to hop in the driver's seat for just $429 per month for 36 months. You'll need $3,179 due at signing and have 10,000 miles allotted per year. 0:04 / 0:09 What is the Jeep Wrangler 4xe Backcountry? Watch More 2024 Subaru WRX 2024 Subaru WRX The lease offer stipulates an MSRP of $38,920, which gets you a 2025 Subaru WRX Premium. The offer is available in every market in the contiguous US that we checked against. That includes Pacific Northwest markets, the New York metro, Miami, Chicago, Los Angeles, and the Southwest. That said, picking up a WRX definitely makes more sense for shoppers in the northern parts of the country who will be able to take full advantage of the car's all-wheel drive powertrain. Finally, these figures don't include tax, title, or other fees, and you should check the latest offers on the Subaru special offers page. Want a $0 down Subaru WRX lease? By spreading the down payment across the 36-month term, we can get a rough idea of what a $0 down lease looks like in July 2025 on the Subaru WRX. Your new monthly payment sits at $518, but after local taxes and other fees, your payment will likely be higher. This isn't an official quote, and as usual, please ask your Subaru dealership for the most up-to-date pricing. More about the Subaru WRX There's a lot to love about the Subaru WRX. Thanks to an optional manual transmission, it's a hit with enthusiasts, and for good reason. Its peppy, turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer four-cylinder puts up solid numbers: 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel drive is standard, of course, and it comes with almost everything drivers really need. Dual-zone climate control, an 11.6-inch central display, plenty of USB ports, and keyless access are all standard. Neat touches like red contrast stitching, aluminum pedal covers, and a flat-bottomed steering wheel further give the WRX a bit of performance car cred. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Final thoughts The WRX remains a great alternative to models like the Golf GTI, GR Corolla, and Elantra N, delicately balancing performance with usability and price. With the lease offer Subaru is running in July 2025, we think the car remains a solid buy. Leasing performance (or performance-adjacent) cars is also a fairly safe route to go if you're dipping your toes into quick, engaging cars. It's a good way to experience different models and also reasonably fiscally responsible, as you'll dodge any long-term issues or have them fixed under warranty. *Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. The information presented herein is based on manufacturer-provided lease offer information, which is subject to frequent change and may vary based on location, creditworthiness, and other factors. We are not a party to any lease agreements and assume no liability for the terms, conditions, availability, or accuracy of any lease offers mentioned. All terms, including but not limited to pricing, mileage allowances, and residual values, require direct verification with an authorized local OEM dealership. This article does not constitute financial advice or an endorsement of any particular lease or vehicle. About the Author Steven Paul View Profile
Canberra Times
20-07-2025
- Automotive
- Canberra Times
Subaru says it isn't concerned about the influx of cheap Chinese cars
While Subaru sales were up 3.4 per cent last month compared to June 2024, they were down 8.4 per cent in the first six months of 2025, and several models are selling more slowly than they did last year, including the Impreza with just 939 buyers so far this year – fewer than even the sportier and more expensive WRX.
USA Today
07-07-2025
- Automotive
- USA Today
10 Japanese cars that just became legal to import to the US in 2025
As of now, cars produced from the beginning of 2000 are becoming legal for import into the United States, month by month. The 25-year import rule includes the month the vehicle was built, so with each month a great number additional of vehicles can be imported. As the years have ticked by, the rule has moved past the greatest 1990s JDM legends and a few lesser-known (cheaper!) options to boot. Here we'll look at some of the best freshly legal Japanese domestic market automobiles, in addition to some of the coolest JDM cars overall. Toyota Caldina GT-T (T210) A station wagon with an all-wheel-drive system like the rally homologation Celica GT-Four, and an upgraded version of the engine from the MR2 Turbo, the Caldina GT-T packs a punch for being relatively unknown. At the top of the Caldina range, the GT-T often comes with a four-speed slushbox but can be found with a five-speed manual. In any case, this 256-horsepower Japanese wagon comes with enough boost to still make it both worth your while and a worthy and interesting alternative to stateside WRX wagons. Prices vary from roughly $10,000 to $15,000 for good examples. Suzuki Alto Works RS/Z (HA22/HA12) While the previous HA11 generation of this adorable little Kei-hatch is the most sought after, the Works version of the fifth-generation Alto often comes in at half the price of its trendier forebearer. Like other cars of its era that followed Japanese Kei car regulations, it makes roughly 63 horsepower and weighs next to nothing, with the turbo AWD manual versions maxing out at 1,630 pounds soaking wet. Unlike other generations, the HA22sand HA12s come with a five-door body style, at least in theory making the little vehicles more practical. HA12s came with the turbocharged F6A engine, with 59 quoted horsepower, while the HA22 was the same car with the much torquier K6A. Capable of over 50 mpg and often going for well under $10,000 before import costs, the later Alto would certainly make an interesting runabout. Subaru WRX Type STi (GC8) We import cars from Japan to get forbidden fruit, and a factory-turbocharged first-generation Impreza was historically not for us. While the following Bugeye would eventually be offered here in the States as a turbocharged WRX, the GC8 generation got the full STi setup in Japan. In addition to having less insectoid looks compared to the following generation, the WRX STi boasts extra boost and plenty of gadgets depending on the specific version. Some came with intercooler sprayers, while selectable Driver's Control Center Differential (DCCD) offered an extra degree of fine-tuning for the AWD system's dynamics. Prices hover around the $15,000 range, which doesn't seem crazy considering what modern STis often list for. Top 10 largest SUVs for 2025 and 2026: Which offers the most room? Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI Import cars from Japan rarely get better than this 4G63T-equipped rally legend. Powerful, lightweight and bursting with character, this is the kind of vehicle that makes a modern Evo X feel like a minivan. Beyond being a much more hardcore rendition of the Evos that were exported to the States (starting with the VIII), the Evolution VI carries the cool factor of a full homologation racecar. Unfortunately, all this earned clout renders the Evo VI out of reach of many, with prices pre-import often ranging from $30,000 to above $50,000. Honda Accord Wagon SiR (CL2/CH9) All-wheel-drive Honda wagons are increasingly common in the aftermarket scene, but if you go JDM you can get a much sleeker one from Honda itself. Built in relatively small numbers right after the turn of the century, this surprisingly classy wagon is only just beginning to be available for import. Unlike many import cars from Japan, the CL2 Wagon can still be had for under $5,000 before import. Granted, this is a vehicle better suited to cruising than destroying competition (at least in stock form), but its H23A engine stands atop the pile of Honda four-cylinders from the factory. Toyota Century G50 Sitting above any Lexus, the Toyota Century has long been the vehicle of choice for the most elite Japanese dignitaries, with luxury quite literally fit for an emperor — the Century Royal serves as the official state car. Imperial halo effect aside, these understated cars are comically inexpensive for their Rolls-rivalling plushness and buttery-smooth V-12 engine. Late-model G50 generation examples, produced from 1997 to 2017, can frequently be had for under $20,000. In many ways the Century is the top of the JDM luxury automobile ladder, and yet few in the U.S. will recognize one when it drives by. Nissan Silvia Spec-R (S15) Last in the line of legendary S-Chassis drift machines, the S15 generation of Silvia is still very much a 180SX/240SX underneath. Still equipped with either a naturally aspirated or turbocharged SR20 engine, the S15 is a poster car for JDM nerds the world over, with sub-communities springing up for the myriads of builds and use cases it commonly falls into. Whether pursing greatness in grip, drift or anything else, someone has done it in an S15. Unfortunately, all that clout, and street drifters' propensity to leave them at the bottom of ravines, means prices are often high. Expect to pay $20,000 and up for decent examples of the Spec-R turbocharged models. Top 10 Ford Mustangs of all time: A legendary ride through history Nissan Skyline R34 While the Silvia is a poster car, the R34 generation of the Nissan Skyline remains the ultimate JDM poster car. This is especially true in top-spec GT-R form, where the R34 continued the Skyline's main character-esque racing dominance on circuits around the world, in addition to childhood-defining roles in media including Gran Turismo and 2 Fast 2 Furious. Similar to the biggest and baddest factory versions of classic American cars like the 'Cuda and Chevelle, the R34 GT-Rs commonly auction for dream-destroying rates. That said, for those more inclined to drive their Skyline than just trailer it to car shows, lower-trim R34s can easily be had for $25,000 or less before import. These include coupes and sedans with and without all-wheel drive, and with smaller but tunable engines, all of which can be built up to GT-R spec or beyond in the aftermarket. Now the full breadth of the Skyline GT-R history is available for import into the U.S., as the GT-R became its own model for the R35 generation. Toyota Chaser 2500T X100 A critically underrated and generally underrepresented JDM tuner icon, the Chaser and its fancier Cresta sibling are dad-mobiles frequently turned into street demons. Often equipped with the 1JZ engine from the factory and a chassis that makes maleficent driving easy, Chasers are respectable cars near-universally used for hoodrat activities. Ever since Daigo Saito soared sideways at an Ebisu drift competition, the Chasers and their platform-mates have been used by Japanese grassroots drivers for just about every type of competition. Blasting down the Bayshore Route, sliding through the mountains, and even notching times on the circuit are common examples. All from a comfortable sedan with a reputation for reliability and a common asking price way under $10,000 before import. Autozam AZ-1 Mid-engined, turbocharged, composite body-paneled and equipped with gullwing doors … these are not attributes you'd expect in a sub-$30,000 car. The catch is that with the Autozam AZ-1, there's just not that much car to go around. Powered by an engine that looks like something you'd find in a snowmobile, displacing barely two-thirds of a liter, this vehicle is about two-thirds the size of a Miata. Drivers a few inches under 6 feet will fit fine, but expect to stack elbows with your passenger. By far the most exotic and expensive of the 1990s 'ABC' Kei sports cars (AZ-1, Honda Beat, Suzuki Cappuccino), the little car's renown has unfortunately doubled along with its prices over the past few years. But with handling similar to an SW20 MR2 on steroids and easily upgraded power, it's hard to say no to such a cute JDM face. Photos by MotorTrend staff, manufacturer, Bring A Trailer
NZ Autocar
16-06-2025
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
Subaru WRX 2.4T tS Spec B has arrived in all its manual glory
This special 2025 WRX model is engineered to deliver a more engaging driving experience. The manual-only WRX features Drive Mode Select, with four different drive options. This $69,990 model also includes electronically adjustable dampers, enabling drivers to customise their driving dynamics. Among the performance-oriented additions is a large rear spoiler enhancing aerodynamics and styling. The Spec B name is a tribute to Brembo, signifying the high-performance braking system that sets this variant apart. Uprated brakes deliver improved stopping power and precision for a more connected drive. The WRX Spec B model comes solely with a six-speed manual transmission, for a purer connection between driver and vehicle. Kym Mellow, General Manager of Inchcape New Zealand, reckons: 'The WRX has always stood for an authentic, driver-focused experience, and the 2025 WRX AWD tS Spec B stays true to that heritage. 'Plus, our performance fans made their requests pretty clear – give us a manual! So, we did. And we made sure it's as fun to drive as you can imagine. 'With exclusive enhancements, this model offers something special for those who love the journey just as much as the destination. It's a perfect example of Subaru's commitment to delivering capability, confidence, and genuine excitement on every road.' Other WRX Spec B special features include: Recaro sports bucket front seats A new 12.3-inch full LCD instrument cluster, introducing a fully digital driver display with three selectable display modes for a more immersive and intuitive cockpit experience. Emergency Driving Stop System (EDSS), a further safety addition to Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist technology. 19-inch alloy wheels (matte grey finish) with high-performance Bridgestone Potenza S007 tyres. Brembo high-performance braking system featuring gold-painted six-piston front and two-piston rear callipers. Ventilated and drilled front and rear brake discs for optimal stopping power. Eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat. Exterior tS badge (tuned by STI). The WRX AWD tS Spec B will also be available in the new Galaxy Purple Pearl hue. It replaces the Solar Orange Pearl, adding a fresh colour choice to the model. Also recently arrived in Subaru Authorised Centres are the 2025 All-Wheel Drive WRX 2.4T tS and All-Wheel Drive WRX 2.4T tS Wagon variants. These two Boxer-engined machines share many of the premium features of the Spec B model, including the Recaro sports bucket front seats, new 12.3-inch full LCD instrument cluster, Emergency Driving Stop System (EDSS), and the new Galaxy Purple Pearl colour. Those interested in learning more or placing an order can contact their local Subaru Authorised Centre. For more details, go here. The WRX AWD tS Spec B will also be available in the striking new Galaxy Purple Pearl, which replaces the Solar Orange Pearl, adding a fresh colour choice to the model. Also recently arrived in Subaru Authorised Centres are the 2025 All-Wheel Drive WRX 2.4T tS and All-Wheel Drive WRX 2.4T GT tS Wagon variants. They too go for $69,990. These two Boxer-engined machines share many of the premium features of the Spec B model. Included are the Recaro sports bucket front seats, new 12.3-inch full LCD instrument cluster, Emergency Driving Stop System (EDSS), and the new Galaxy Purple Pearl colour.
