subaru

MySpace hangs on with a thread

Links for Monday's episode of Loaded:

Netflix is going to launch in Canada in the fall MySpace acquires Threadbox, a messaging collaboration program Facebook updates Events pages Sony adds a karaoke feature to the new line of Walkman devices The Zune Pass launches in the U.K. The 2011 Subaru Outback will be a Wi-Fi hot spot

Subaru Outback to double as Wi-Fi hot spot

The Subaru Outback, a "crossover" SUV and yuppie icon that seems naked without a ski rack on top and several Whole Foods grocery bags in the backseat, is now offering wireless connectivity with Autonet Mobile in-car Internet service for its 2011 incarnation.

This means the Outback is the latest in a parade of models to feature built-in Internet connectivity. The next generation of Ford's Sync service, a multimedia system in partnership with Microsoft, can hook up to USB modems. And Autonet Mobile has already debuted as an option in some Cadillac vehicles and in Chrysler's gimmicky "Web Edition" cars … Read more

Subaru's New EyeSight helps drivers watch road

Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd., better known as the maker of Subaru automobiles, announced that it has completed the development of a new driver aid system called "New EyeSight." The New EyeSight setup is based on Subaru's current old EyeSight system, which debuted in May 2008 and has been available since then in Japanese Subaru vehicles; it features dual forward-facing cameras to give the vehicle stereoscopic vision for pedestrian detection. The new rig integrates with the other driver assist systems to improve overall vehicle safety. How come we never see this sort of tech in Subaru's North … Read more

Car Tech Live 162: New York auto show special (podcast)

We take you on a walking tour of the New York show, including the hot BMW 335is, Hyundai Sonata Turbo & Hybrid, Chevy Cruze Eco, the supposedly compact Rolls Royce Ghost, and we even bump into Fudgie the Whale.

Subscribe with iTunes (audio) Subscribe with iTunes (video) Subscribe with RSS (audio) Subscribe with RSS (video) EPISODE 162 SHOW NOTES

• Wagons galore from Mercedes, Acura, Cadillac...

• ...though Volvo and BMW don't agree with that trend.

• Hot rod Sonata about to debut with a turbo

• Subaru WRX gets a hotter body, STi a trunk

• BMW puts an s back in its nomenclature… Read more

Subaru STI loses its hatch, WRX gains width

NEW YORK--Subaru used the New York auto show to show off the significant performance improvements it made to its WRX and WRX STI, but what will stand out for most observers are the body changes. The STI gets fitted into a nice little compact sedan package, while the WRX gets the STI's wide body design.

The new four-door STI, and addition in the model line-up to the current hatchback STI, means more than just the loss of some cargo area. Subaru fits it with a large wing, giving it zero lift, according to the company.

Sedan and hatchback STIs … Read more

Kia, Infiniti, Scion plan big splashes in N.Y.

NEW YORK--Several Asian brands plan world debuts at the New York auto show this week.

Kia will show a stylish redesign of the Optima sedan, Infiniti is rolling out a new QX56 luxury SUV, and Scion is expected to show either its new iQ minicar or the next version of the tC coupe.

Meanwhile, Acura, Subaru and Suzuki plan variants of models already on sale. Mercedes-Benz will unveil a freshened R-class crossover. And Cadillac, Chevrolet and Lincoln are expected to show derivatives of existing vehicles.

Press conferences are scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, March 31 and April 1. … Read more

Car Tech Live 161: We take to the track (podcast)

The Saab 9-5 rolls off the production line. GM comes up with two-seater. And in this special presentation of Car Tech Live, we drive at Laguna Seca in a track car, a commuter car, and a car you've never heard of before.

Subscribe with iTunes (audio) Subscribe with iTunes (video) Subscribe with RSS (audio) Subscribe with RSS (video) EPISODE 161 SHOW NOTES

• Saab resumes production in Sweden

• GM floats autonomous two-seater city car idea

• New York Preview: Subaru WRX goes widebody for 2011

Subaru shines on the ice track

Subaru put automotive journalists behind the wheel of the company's latest WRX, WRX STI, and Impreza models at the Subaru Ice Driving Event in Park City, Utah.

The high-altitude event was to highlight Subaru's all-wheel drive on a half-mile track. Subaru's latest models offer rally-style handling in the most extreme road conditions, including the combination of ice, snow, and gravel.

Ken Block presents his extreme snowcar

All of my friends back east are jumping for joy, as it appears to be finally warming up a little and melting the pounds of snow they've been hit with for the past month. And since it seems that the snow will soon be drained into our great country's sewer systems, I thought we'd send the snow off with this video blog post about the most badass snowcar I've ever seen. Check it out.

Rally team driver and Chief Brand Officer of DC Shoes, Ken Block, apparently took a Subaru Impreza WRX STI and transformed it … Read more