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Subaru Previews Fully Electric STI E-RA And Three More STI Performance Concepts For Tokyo Auto Salon

Subaru will join the Tokyo Auto Salon 2022 with a bunch of interesting concept cars that were previewed today in a press release. The most important launch will be the STI E-RA Concept signalling the electric era of the performance brand, but we are also going to see “STI Performance” variants of the WRX S4, Levorg, and BRZ in concept form.

The STI E-RA Concept is described as a “study model of motorsport vehicles for the carbon-neutral era,” so don’t get your hopes up for a production vehicle anytime soon since this is probably a racing car prototype. However, as suggested by the teaser, the model will introduce new design elements that could be used in future Subaru vehicles like the C-shaped LED headlights mounted on the fenders, the double vented bonnet, the red illuminated STI badge on the low nose, and the front bumper with a prominent splitter. Subaru didn’t give us details on the powertrain, other than it will be fully electric.

Besides the motorsport concept for the new era, Subaru will also showcase three “STI Performance” concepts of the WRX S4, the Levorg, and the BRZ. The first one was previewed in an official picture showing additional aero components, which will likely be the case with the other two as well.

Compared to the WRX S4 STI Sport R that is already on sale in Japan and served as a base for the concept, the new aero includes a splitter, side sills and rear bumper extensions painted in pink, matching mirror caps and STI emblem, plus a large carbon-fiber rear spoiler. The bumpers seem to be slightly redesigned for a sportier look while there is a new set of black rims shod in performance tires. We are not sure if there will be any mechanical upgrades over the production model but Subaru also mentioned a performance muffler.

Similarly, the Levorg STI Performance concept will be based on the recently announced Levorg STI Sport R trim. It will feature cherry red accents on the additional aero components, a performance muffler, plus items “that will improve the usability” of the performance-oriented wagon. As for the BRZ STI Performance concept, it will add performance parts to the BRZ S grade painted in the same cherry red shade.

Lastly, the BRZ GT300 2021 racing car that won the class victory this year will be also exhibited at the Subaru booth, where the automaker will make announcements for the 2022 motorsport team. A lucky visitor of the Tokyo Auto Salon 2022 will drive away in a brand new WRX STI Sport R EX that will be this years’ questionnaire prize.

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Subaru Driver Attempts To Pass Semi Truck With Two Wheels On The Grass, Barely Makes It Through

Most drivers can surely relate to attempting a risky overtake, but few are as risky as what this Subaru Crosstrek driver did to overtake a truck with almost all his wheels off the pavement.

The incident took place in North Carolina on US-321, where the video begins with the truck driver making his way down the road in the middle lane. After about 15 seconds, the lane to his right ends, obviously forcing cars in that lane to merge. However, the Subaru driver next to him appears out of nowhere on the right side to attempt a pass. By the time the truck driver sees him and lays on the horn, the Crosstrek is already alongside him and passing with two of his wheels in the grass – and the other two not far from it.

He did eventually make the pass, but only by a matter of inches. Had he been a bit closer, with almost all of his wheels off the road, a tap from that semi truck would’ve sent him rolling into the embankment. According to the original Reddit post, the truck driver was doing 62 mph (100 km/h) in a 65 mph (105 km/h) zone and couldn’t move over to the left due to the passing traffic in that lane. Additionally, the original poster states that there was a sign indicating the lane ending, which means the Crosstrek driver should have had ample time to merge before encountering the truck.

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Automakers Post Record Sales In May Despite Inventory And Supply Issues

While the automotive industry continues to grapple with semiconductor shortages, new vehicle sales soared across the United States in May.

A number of automakers reported sales increases last month not just over May 2020 but also May 2019. For example, Hyundai sales rose to 90,017 units in May, a 56 per cent increase over May 2020 and a 36 per cent increase over May 2019. This came despite the brand’s inventory dropping to 26 days and according to senior vice president of sales at Hyundai, Randy Parker, could be attributed to new products, including the Palisade.

“We’re certainly not immune to the chip shortage, and we’re just trying to fight our way through it,” Parker said in an interview with Automotive News. “Even though we had this huge sales month, our job now is to keep the supply chain moving and replenish the stock as quickly as possible.”

Toyota also reported an increase in sales of 47 per cent over May 2020 even though its inventory fell to just 8 days after the Memorial Day weekend. General Motors also recently announced that it is expecting significantly better second-quarter results than previously expected thanks to improved supplies of semiconductors.

Not all car manufacturers enjoyed huge spikes in sales, however. Ford’s sales rose by just 3.7 per cent over May 2020 and of the car manufacturer’s to report May sales, Ford and Subaru were the only ones that didn’t surpass sales figures from May 2019.

“May sales appeared to be strong but probably left many automakers wondering what would have been if inventory were more plentiful,” executive director of insights at Edmunds, Jessica Caldwell said. “One thing that is working for automakers and dealers is that Americans are ready to spend money and want to buy cars.”

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Subaru Of America Brought This 216k Mile 1990 Legacy For Its Private Collection

A pristine 1990 Subaru Legacy that has been lovingly cared for was recently purchased by Subaru of America after being listed up for sale on Craigslist.

Shortly after the car found its way online, it was quickly picked up by the guys over at Jalopnik. At first glance, you could be excused for thinking the car has never been driven for it has been so well taken care of. However, it actually has 216,000 miles on the clock which is a testament to how well it has been cared for over the years.

The seller purchased the car 14 months ago and put 2,500 miles on it during his ownership and during this time, invested roughly $6,000 into it in a bid to ensure it drove just like it would have when it was new. Parts that were replaced include the struts, control arms, bushings, brakes, clutch, timing belt, water pump, tires, shifter bushings, and speakers. The car has been garaged its entire life, hence why the paint looks as good as it does.

Speaking about the Legacy with Jalopnik, the seller said that the original owner had the car for 28 years and then donated it to a community college. It is not just the exterior of the car that looks superb but also the interior that is clad in tan-colored materials and certainly gives off those 1990s vibes.

The car was listed for $6,800 and writing on the Craigslist auction after the sale, the owner says he received three solid offers at the asking price but he ultimately decided to sell it to Subaru of America that intend on placing it in their private collection in Camden, New Jersey. In its new home, the car will rest in a climate-controlled environment and only be driven to car shows and other events.

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