While it’s slow going, the revival of the American economy can be clearly linked to the renewed strength of our domestic automobile industry. At a rally yesterday at Cuyahoga County Community College in Ohio supporting President Obama, Bruce Springsteen gave thanks that General Motors is still making cars, remarking ”What else would I write about?”
That quote got me thinking about the wealth of automotive imagery in Bruce’s songs over the years, dating all the way back to his very first album, Greetings From Asbury Park. There’s The Angel’s mention of VW – “The interstate’s choked with nomadic hordes in Volkswagen vans with full running boards dragging great anchors,” and the pure American brother in Lost in the Flood, “dull-eyed and empty-faced, race(ing) Sundays in Jersey in a Chevy stock super eight.” Continue reading →
MPG-o-Matic 2012 Subaru Impreza 2.0i Sport Review Summary:The 2012 Subaru Impreza is the most fuel-efficient AWD vehicle on the highway in America, bar none. The closest challenger for the Impreza’s remarkable 36 miles per gallon (MPG) are the 2012 BMW 528i xDrive , 2013 Audi A4 quattro, and 2013 Audi A5 quattro at 32 MPG … all of which are significantly more expensive than the Impreza’s starting MSRP of $17,495.
The 2012 Subaru Impreza is powered by a sequential multi-port fuel injected DOHC 2.0-liter Boxer (horizontally opposed) four-cylinder engine that produces 148 horsepower (HP) and 145 foot pounds of torque. The Impreza is available with a five-speed manual transmission or CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) automatic, as either a five-door hatchback or four-door sedan, but only in All-Wheel-Drive (AWD). Manual-equipped Imprezas use Continuous AWD with a viscous-coupling locking center differential, while CVT-equipped models use Active All-Wheel Drive with an electronically managed continuously variable hydraulic transfer clutch. All 2012 Impreza’s are equipped with the naturally-aspirated 2.0 liter Boxer. The WRX and WRX STI are fitted with the 2.5-liter turbocharged Boxer.
Just when you thought you’d seen every possible form of televised automotive entertainment, something new comes along. The new new is Battle Cross and the pilot episode airs this Thursday, November 17th on the SPEED Channel. Battle Cross answers the question: Have you ever wondered what it would be like to drive a pro rally car through an industrial setting, flat out?
MPG-o-Matic 2010 Subaru Legacy Review Summary:The 2010 Subaru Legacy offers a trio of legendary Boxer engine choices along with Subaru’s renown Symmetrical all-wheel-drive (AWD). The Legacy is an excellent alternative for folks that need the safety and security of AWD to deal with adverse weather conditions, but have no desire to drive a SUV or crossover. Legacy drivers in search of more gusto will likely opt for the 2.5-liter turbo four or 3.6-liter six.
MPG-o-Matic Subaru Forester Review Summary:As a tall AWD wagon, the Subaru Forester forges its own trail amongst its peers, with a comfortable ride, roomy interior, generous headroom, and excellent visibility.
The Subaru Forester competes most closely with the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Saturn VUE, and Nissan Rogue in the compact crossover all-wheel-drive (AWD) market. Subaru’s reliable Symmetrical AWD and less truck-like demeanor have won the Forester (and the brand) a loyal following.
