The Polo GTI gets a similar rounded five spoke wheel design to its big brother, the Golf GTI, along with the obligatory red brake calipers and trim on the grille. Note, too, that this is the first Polo to get LED eyeliner running lamps and corner markers along with bi-xenon headlamps. In proper GTI fashion, the seats are covered in a plaid fabric just like the originals of three decades ago. In fact, with the growth of the Golf over six generations, this Polo is actually almost the same size as the original Golf.

Interestingly, the Polo GTI only comes with the quick shifting seven-speed DSG gearbox and sprints to 62 miles per hour in just 6.9 seconds, and handling will be aided by VW’s electronic differential lock, which is said to reduce oversteer.

[Show as slideshow]

[View with PicLens]

Subaru has done it again.  They combined all the best parts from Spec C and added all the great parts and what did they get, an all new Impreza STI R205.  Some of these additions include six-pot (front) and four-pot (rear) brakes with slotted rotors, cast 18-inch aluminum wheels wrapped with Potenza RE070 (245/40R18) tires, inverted strut and coil springs, a front strut tower bar, and a lower arm stiffening brace.  

Engine was not left alone as you could have imagined.  A remapped ECU, new exhaust and turbo, complete this beautiful car.  The outcome is a very healthy 316 horsepower and 319 pound-feet of torque.

To differentiate it from a standard STI, the exterior has been modified with an accented black front grille, front and rear diffusers and a black spoiler.  

If you are the lucky one who lives in Japan, you can have this beautiful vehicle for a mere 4,510,000 yen (A little under $49k US), and even that is not a guaranty because Subaru only plans to produce 400 R205 vehicles.  For a complete press release please read below.

[Show as slideshow]

[View with PicLens]

PRESS RELEASE

STI to introduce the Subaru Impreza “R205″

Displacement; 1,994 cc
Transmission; 6 speed manual transmission
Maximum output; 235kW (320PS)/6,400 rpm
Maximum torque; 431Nm (44.0kg.m)/4,000 rpm -Overall length X width X height; 4,415 X 1,795 X 1,465 mm

So with out any more words and further a due here is the video.

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQ7R_buZPSo&feature=player_embedded

It stands on 17-in. Sira’ wheels that compliment its already athletic looks.  

The beautiful interior really stands out with red, white, and black theme.  Bolstered sport seats wear unique rhomboidal stitching and beautifully matched flat-bottom, stitched, steering wheel.  Some of the other beautiful accents include aluminum pedals, black trimming, and a number of badges indicating its special self.

Under the hood it caries a VW-sourced twin-turbo 1.4L four-cylinder making either 148-hp or 187-hp powers the front wheels, while a with a help of seven-speed DSG transmission.  What are the chances you’ll see it here, probably None, Again.

Source: SEAT 

[Show as slideshow]

[View with PicLens]

The Koreans have the advantage due to the dollar sharp decline, which leaves some room for greater incentives.  

But what about Subaru, how do they do it?

They have no hybrids or electric cars, the fuel efficiency is nothing spectacular, and to top it off, Subarus are definitely not the prettiest cars.

The company sells around 600,000 vehicles a year worldwide, making it roughly the 20th largest automaker.

Its major markets are Japan and then the U.S., with 187,699 sales here last year, outselling only Mitsubishi, and Suzuki.  Subaru’s idea is that you don’t have to be huge to hold your own in the world of giants.

Subarus that are sold in the U.S. are all-wheel-drive, somewhat even dull looking, family-type wagons and sedans, for the exceptions of the WRX and STI models. They are not the hottest cars ether, but these models are not for the faint of hearts.  People usually fall in to the category of you ether love them or hate them. 

So why the success?  Subaru has good quality vehicles, and they are always recommended by Consumer Reports.  They were one of the first to market with all-wheel-drive vehicles.  You can not forget one of the most important factors of Subaru cars, and it’s their 4 or 6 cylinder horizontally opposed “boxer” engines.

But the main reason to Subaru success is not only the pricing scheme (between $20,000 to $35,000 for the most cars, and up to $40,000 for a selective few models).  I personally think that Subaru crowd is very loyal to their brand, and hardly ever hear a bad word about them.  I just really hope Subaru will be true to their roots and their loyal customers, and stay that way with out trying to sway in to the wrong direction.