2014 Subaru WRX: Hopefully More BRZ than Impreza

What It Is: Two years after the redesigned Impreza, Subaru's four-wheel-drive proto-rally car is reborn.

Why It Matters: The WRX kick-started the affordable rally-rod craze back in 2001. This all-new model will be further separated from the plebeian, cut-buck Impreza.

Platform: It'll borrow the Impreza's chassis, but Subaru's engineers will tune the components to maximize stiffness and handling prowess. Rumors indicate that Subaru also is prepping this WRX for a return to the World Rally Championship.

Powertrain: A turbocharged and direct-injected 2.0-liter flat-four. We're expecting at least 275 horsepower.

Competition: Mitsubishi Lancer EVO, Mazdaspeed3, Ford Focus ST, girlfriends.

What Might Go Wrong: Purists will scoff if too much of the limp-boned Impreza leaks through. The BRZ gives us hope that Subaru's engineers can deliver.

Estimated Arrival and Price: Expect to pay close to $30,000 when it goes on sale at the beginning of 2014.

2013 Honda Civic Hybrid

The 2013 Honda Civic hybrid might not be quick, but its lightning-strike development sure was. After a fully redesigned Civic lineup debuted for 2012 to disappointment, Honda forced a speedy update down the pike. The fruit of its hurried labor has now ripened, and impressively, the shotgun fix remedied many of the shortcomings, at least on the conventional Civic sedan. Now we’ve run the revised hybrid model through our testing to see how it was affected by the rapid relaunch.
Smile, It’s a Hybrid!
As does the entire 2013 Civic lineup, the hybrid inherits a rash of structural, chassis, and styling tweaks designed to turn the 2012 car’s frown upside down and address its unsavory refinement levels, lackluster aesthetics, and floppy handling. And speaking of changing facial expressions, like other Civics, the hybrid inherits a pair of upturned chrome accents for the grille and lower intake, which impart a less-droopy, sad-looking countenance. 

Behind the revised look are slightly beefier springs, thicker anti-roll bars, and a stiffer front-end structure—all of which deliver subjectively better handling and body control over last year’s car. Thanks to a quicker ratio and reduced friction in the rack, the electric power steering is more accurate, too. The hybrid version, however, rides on fuel-economy-optimized Bridgestone Ecopia tires, their hard, narrow construction limiting lateral grip to 0.77 g on the skidpad. The low-rolling-resistance Ecopias also contributed to an abysmal 196-foot stop from 70 mph to 0. So even though the 2013 car feels more tied down and responsive, lateral grip and stopping performance are unchanged from the 2012’s.
Keep Calm and Slow Your Expectations
As mentioned, the Civic hybrid’s primary mission is to conserve fossil fuel. So we shouldn’t have been surprised when a geriatric piloting a Buick Lucerne—apparently unaware of our impromptu race—poignantly demonstrated this truth by smoking us from a stoplight. At the track, the hybrid took 9.9 seconds to reach 60 mph and topped out at 111 mph. Even though the 2013 model still pumps 127 combined horsepower from its 1.5-liter gas engine and 23-hp electric motor, acceleration figures are 0.2 second quicker and 1 mph lower than those of a 2012 hybrid we tested last year. Performance still trails off considerably when the battery pack is depleted. Despite our lead-footed driving style, we did manage 38 mpg—about 15 percent shy of the 44-mpg EPA combined figure and, truthfully, this hybrid’s most-important performance metric. 

Since you’ll have plenty of time to soak in the Civic’s inner sanctum while trying to keep up with other slow-laners, it’s a good thing it’s been improved. The dash layout is a tad more conventional, and there are now better materials as well as a padded vinyl dashboard and upper-door trim. Added soundproofing, plus thicker windshield and front-side window glass—they took the edge off wind and tire noise—added only two pounds to our test car relative to an identically equipped 2012 model.
Despite the multiple updates and improvements, the hybrid’s price inflates by a few hundred bucks, and bidding opens at $25,150. Our leather- and navigation-equipped test example rang in at a steep $27,850, but similarly optioned competitors such as the Volkswagen Jetta hybrid and Toyota Prius carry similar price tags.
Were it our money, we’d still check out nonhybrid, C-segment offerings like the Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cruze, and Honda’s own Civic HF. Besides being capable of returning mid-30-mpg fuel efficiency for less money, they are quicker and more fun to drive

New 2012 Ferrari 458 Italia Prices

Carried over for 2012, the Ferrari 458 Italia is a RWD mid-engine two-door supercar, available in coupe and convertible trims levels, that seamlessly blends performance and style. The 458 Italia is powered by a 4.5-liter direct injected V8 engine that produces 562 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a dual-clutch 7-speed F1 transmission the 458 Italia has a 0-60 time of 3.3 seconds, top speed of 202 mph, and redlines at 9000 rpm. A performance suspension consisting of twin wishbones at the front and a multi-link set-up at the rear provides the driver with superlative handling. The superior aero-dynamic styling, stretched headlights, and triple exhaust give the car a distinct flair. The interior is a driver oriented cockpit adorned with carbon fiber and leather trim. Steering wheel controls allow for preferred driver settings. The 2011 458 Italia is expected to get similar gas mileage as the previous model year, around 15 mpg. The 458 Italia is backed by a new 7-year maintenance program. 

New 2013 Lincoln MKT Prices

New for 2013, the Lincoln MKT is a full-size luxury crossover utility vehicle with seating for seven. The base MKT, equipped with FWD, is powered by a 3.7-liter V6 engine that produces 303 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque. For upgraded performance Lincoln offers an optional 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 twin-turbocharged engine, equipped with AWD, that produces 365 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with the same SelectShift™ 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle activation. Fuel mileage falls within an EPA estimated range of 16 mpg city to 25 mpg highway, depending on engine selection. Features include fixed-glass vista roof, keyless entry, power liftgate, active park assist, HID headlamps, capless fuel filler, leather seats, voice-activated navigation, THX® surround audio system, rear view camera, HD radio, cooled seats, push button start, and ambient lighting. Safety is comprised of six airbags, electronic stability enhancement system, electric power assist steering, anti-lock braking, and collision warning. The MKT is backed by a 4-year/50,000-mile warranty.  

New 2012 Lamborghini Aventador Prices

Replacing the Murcielago in Lamborghini's lineup, the 2012 Aventador is a two-door/seater mid-engine supercar with a 0-60 time under 3 seconds. Under the hood drivers will find a 6.5-liter V12 engine that produces a whopping 700 hp and 509 lb-ft of torque, granting the Aventador the highest power-weight ratio in its class. Electronically controlled 4WD is paired to a 7-speed semi-automatic transmission to enable an EPA estimated 11 mpg city and 17 mpg highway. Features are comprised of double wishbone front/rear suspension, front and rear parking sensors, steering wheel mounted controls, iPod/iPhone integration, voice activated navigation, and hands-free phone capabilities. Safety is comprised of anti-lock braking, dual front side-mounted airbags, xenon HID headlights, stability control, traction control, electronic brake distribution, and tire pressure monitoring. The Aventador is backed by a 3-year/unlimited-mile warranty.