As a little gift to you guys, here are some chuckles…

So I was browsing the internetz today and found this site: http://www.becauseracecar.org

I thought these were funny (featuring subies):

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We are still here and WITH BIG NEWS! Subaru Sports Coupe caught testing!

As much as we wish that this new upcoming Subaru Sports Coupe (aka Toyobaru) was AWD, we have started to see Toyota’s versions everywhere. Seems like Subaru has been keeping their designs under wraps.

Enter Road and Track online. They’ve snapped some images of the Subaru coupe testing (including their Get More G’s tennis ball).

I can’t post up the pictures on the blog due to copyrights but you can go on to their website here to see images.

My review on DiRT3

I have to say, I am actually disappointed in the game Dirt 3.
On the packaging it states more rally content then ever before in the series, when the first game alone was a 100% rally game. Not to mention it’s heritage predecessor the colin mcrae series.
So far I have done like three rally stages in the career mode, and that’s another thing I’m not a big fan of. Now I know that racing games aren’t known for their career progression, but I really think they should be, because if you aren’t racing you’re looking at menus and choosing where next to race.
It’s so linear. Unlike Dirt 2 where you really only had to do the races you are a fan of, the third instalment gives you a path to follow. Not only that, but the game is based on the archaic point system, so they force you to “race” races you don’t want to but also pretty much forces what car you will drive just to make the points to progress (driving certain cars gives you more points).The reason why I put the word race in quotes is because half the time you are in a gymkhana. I like watching Ken Block’s videos, but it’s not as fun to play, especially when you have to place just to move forward.Though I must add, the soundtrack is exceptional 🙂
That’s my spiel

2011 Subaru STi gains Homologation for FIA Group N!

Our good friends at Dirty Impreza tipped us off to this great news! The 2011 STi sedan has been approved for FIA Group N Homologation. So, what’s that supposed to mean? That means that  the 2011 STi Sedan chassis is approved for FIA Rally!

FIA Group N is one of the categories of vehicles based on production cars and used in competitions around the world. To enter such competitions, vehicles must be homologated according to FIA regulations. With strict limits on modifications to production models, the Group N is known as a category which best reflects the performance inherent to the base car.

*1: Vehicle type: GVB (6-speed manual transmission model), Homologation number: A/N5738 
*2: Please contact STI’s Group N Business Planning Department for compatibilities to existing parts for the Impreza WRX STI 5-door model.

Can’t wait to see these cars in action!

Source: Dirty Impreza

Here’s something cool… a drifting Saabaru from Wrecked Magazine!

Our friends at Wrecked Magazine took these pictures at a Club Loose drift event! What they captured is a drifting Saabaru. I don’t have much info on this wagon but it looks great going sideways!

Interview: We talk with Jeff Westphal about the GST Impreza, Possibly Rally Cross, and a chance to WIN A PRIZE!

Jeff Westphal has been one seriously busy dude. Between racing in different series, testing the world famous GST Motorsports Impreza, and doing his day to day thing, he still finds time to talk to us at Subie-Life.com!

Q: Hi Jeff! It’s been some time since we last spoke to you. What have you been up to? Any cool racing that you’ve been doing?

A: Hey. Since we’ve last spoke I’ve been racing with some clients of mine in an Endurance Race known as the 25 Hoursof Thunderhill, as well as with Insight Racing in their 328i Continental Tire Car.

Q: So on the vast universe known as the internet, we’ve been seeing a lot of images of the GST Impreza L under going a lot of changes. These changes seem significant. What things were done?

A: Wow, where to start.  Well, the car has basically been rebuilt minus the mounting points for the fuel cell.  Everything else has been modified or refreshed.  Some special attention was paid to aero profile, as was weight balance so not only did we shave considerable weight off the car, but it came off all the right places.  As many Subaru owners are aware, the cars polar moment of inertia is pretty far forward, which can be like trying to turn a shopping cart with all the goodies up front.  One of my requests was to get more of the vehicles mass over the rear of the car to engage the rear tire more since we never seem to hurt those.  We also added a proper pedal box setup with dual masters and a  bias bar.

Q: How much of your own input did they take into consideration when they modified the GST Impreza L from last season to this season?

A:  The direction to take the car has been a collaborative effort since day one, as 2 or 3 minds are better than one.  That said, one of the reasons GST called me to drive was for my professional input from other disciplines of motorsports that I’ve competed in, so when i ask for something to make the car better we all work pretty hard to get it done.

Q: Coming up next weekend is the Global Time Attack event at Willowsprings International Raceway and what I’ve heard is that this car will make an appearance. Is this true and if so, what can we expect?

A: Yes it is true we will be attending the GTA event next weekend.  The team and I have realistic expectations, we ran a 1.20.7 there in the early stages of development with the car last season and i think the car should be good for a high 19 in last years trim.  I’m hoping to challenge for the overall record that Billy Johnson has at a low 1.18.  We do need some time to iron out some logistical issues with the new platform we’ve created so I’m not putting all my eggs in one basket if you will.

Q: What other things are in the works for the GST Impreza and yourself this season? We’ve been hearing some rumors that you guys are actually going globally. Is this true?

A:  Yes, since it’s been officially released, we were afforded an invitation to the World Time Attack Finals in Eastern Creek, Australia so we will be going abroad to battle the best in the biz if you will.  This event I am really looking forward to.

Q: So, let’s get back to you. What have you been doing during the “off season”?

A:  I’ve been working on deals to bring with me in 2011, as well as enjoying some off season training.  Even though the weather isn’t the best, I love to cycle so i’ve racked up some mileage which feels great.

Q: I ran into you recently at Global Rally Cross a few weeks ago and we talked a bit about your feelings about the event? Can you share what your initial response was and will there be a possibility of you dabbling in Rally Cross?

A:  I loved the event, the AWD cars made me seriously consider how to become involved as they are very impressive.  I think if someone had an AWD car with high power and a sequential, it wouldn’t be too hard to prep it into a rally cross car…. “wink wink”

Q: You mentioned to me that you have picked up a new partner / sponsor and it’s Kicker Audio. Tell our readers more about this!

A:  I am fortunate to be working with such a company like Kicker.  We’ve actually been talking for a while, and finally it seems all of our goals were aligned so we are partnering in 2011.  I am one of their professional athletes, and I’ll be awarding Kicker Audio gear to fans of mine, motorsports ,and the Kicker brand all year.

Q: Jeff has been kind enough to give us an Kicker iPod docking unit! All our readers have to do is “like” Jeff Westphal Racing’s Facebook Page, “like” this article on our Subie-Life.com page and subscribe to Subie-Life.com’s email notification! If you do all three of these, you have a chance to win this awesome prize! Thanks Jeff for taking your time to talk to us and please take a moment to thank anyone that is helping you out this season!

A: Thanks to all the readers who continue to support this industry, without you guys we wouldn’t be here so this one is for you!  Like the pages and sign up, a Kicker Ipod Docking unit will be yours courtesy of Jeff Westphal Racing, Subie-Life.com, and Kicker Audio.

So you can learn drifting in this STi, if you understood what he was saying

So I was snooping around the Facebook universe when I ran into this video:
CLICK HERE TO WATCH

The driver’s name is Abdo Feghali and looks like he’s got a pretty well set up Rear Wheel Drive STi. A few things I noticed was it was pretty basic. Meaning, it had no competition roll cage, no racing / safety interior bits, or anything crazy. Also did a quick search on him and looks like he’s a Redbull Driver for Rally and looks like he’s their spokes person for Redbull in their drifting competition going on in Abu Dhabi. Looks like a simple demo vehicle. There are series of these videos on their website. Check it out when you have a chance.

Say good bye to the Tribeca… the one that no one cared about

It’s hard to say good bye. It’s hard to see someone that is part of the family depart. However, the mass population has spoken and the Subaru Tribeca has been voted off the island (see, I can do some pop culture references).

With lack luster sales since its introduction Subaru has decided to close the curtain on the CUV that no one bought. They’ve only sold 900+ units this year so far. Far lower than Subaru has anticipated. We at Subie-Life want to say good bye to the Tribeca.

Source: Autoblog

Subaru predicts a 50% increase in sales of the 2012 Impreza

Couple of weeks ago, the 2012 Subaru Impreza was released to the masses at the New York Auto Show. Although the “performance” community of Subaru fans jeered at the new looks (hey, at least it comes with fender flares!) however the general population was jubilant about the 36mpg with symmetrical all wheel drive standard. According to Autoblog Subaru of America is predicting over 60,000 units sold held against the current 40,000 units sold.

This is a bold statement from Subaru but we hopefully will see the increase and being one of few manufacturers that has not suffered a loss, this should be an impressive outlook!

We’re still alive… I promise you that

So, it’s been a little hectic here with myself. I know there have been a few things developing about the new Impreza and even in the motorsports world, things have been buzzing around. I’ll be blunt, I’m sorry for not doing as many updates as I should.

In light of what has been going on, I’ll be doing more editorial pieces when things are slow in the news world. It helps that (I know it sounds like I’m gloating, but I’m not… I swear) I know some people in the industry of motorsports and racing and I’ll get their perspective on things. I’ll try to get more insight on the GST Impreza and even talk to their driver, Jeff Westphal about their season.

Also, I’m still waiting on a few things to develop because two things are coming up. One, our 1 year aniversary is coming up fast (and furious… did anyone catch that 2011 STi drifting in the movie?) and two, Xgames is coming up and you bet your ass we’ll be doing a meet, cruise, and give away like we did last year.

I love this site, I love you guys, and I love talking, writing, and blogging about Subies. Hopefully in my personal life, I’ll be able to come up with a few things like shirts, stickers, and such so you can show your support and love for Subie-Life.com. Thank you all for sticking with us for about 10 months and I promise things will get better. I love you guys (and gals)!!!