Autos & Vehicles

2015 Subaru WRX: Subie’s Latest Pocket Rocket Gets Put to the Test! – Ignition Ep. 102

On this episode of Ignition, Jonny Lieberman gets his hands on the latest generation Subaru WRX. First in America in late 2001 as a 2002 model, the WRX has long represented the democratization of performance. Cheap to buy and tune, but packed with enough power and handling goodness to rival much more expensive cars, the WRX has long been an enthusiast favorite. For 2015, the engine has been resized from 2.5-liters down to just 2.0-liters. Power is up, but so is weight, the manual transmission has more gears, the wagon is gone and what’s up with a CVT? The big question is, however, is the latest iteration of the Subaru WRX as good as the ones that came before? Watch and find out! ... Read More | Share it now!

1978 Ranch Jeep Adventure: From Texas to Pie Town! – Dirt Every Day Ep. 25

On this episode of Dirt Every Day, Fred takes the Jeep CJ7 that was rescued from a Texas ranch in the last episode. After rewiring the jeep with the help of Painless Performance, he heads off on an adventure across Texas and New Mexico, just for a slice of pie. Will the Jeep stay together? Will they get lost in the wilds of these southern states? What flavor pie will he decide on? And will he get pie with or without ice cream? Find out now!... Read More | Share it now!

1978 Subaru Brat: The Greatest Chicken Tax Truck of Them All! – Ignition Ep. 101

On this episode of Ignition Jonny Lieberman gets to do something he’s dreamed about doing since he was 10-years-old — ride in the back of a Subaru Brat! Standing for Bi-drive Recreational All-Terrain Vehicle, the Brat was a lovable answer to America’s notorious chicken tax — the law that states all pickup trucks not built in the USA much pay a 25% import tariff. Many examples exist of work arounds, but none were quite so creative/dangerous as the Brat. Subaru has come a very long way since the late 1970s, but they’ve never really recaptured the magic of their mini-truck, the Brat. At least one former U.S. President agrees. ... Read More | Share it now!

700 Horsepower & 2,400 Miles! Crusher Camaro Engine Swap Aftermath – Roadkill Ep. 24

More than any other episode, this Roadkill reveals what it’s really like to work at HOT ROD Magazine. Follow along to get the behind-the-scenes dirt on how we pulled off the Roadkill Live engine swap in the Crusher Camaro at the 2013 Performance Racing Industry trade show, then watch the 2,400-mile trip home from Indy to LA in the Crusher Camaro–including visits with Funny Car Racer Tony Pedregon, Steve Schmidt Racing Engines, and Finnegan’s dad! It all ends with a session at the drag strip where the Crusher went quicker than it ever has.... Read More | Share it now!

2015 Subaru WRX vs 2014 Ford Focus ST! Head 2 Head Ep. 50

On this episode of Head 2 Head, Jonny Lieberman gets his hands on the all-new, 2015 Subaru WRX, as well as one of Motor Trend’s favorite pocket rockets, the Ford Focus ST. Each car costs about $30,000, sports a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with similar power outputs, and features a 6-speed manual transmission. The Subaru of course features a sporty version of the brand’s “symmetrical AWD” while the Focus makes due with just the front wheels driven. However, since it first appeared, the Focus ST has wowed the Motor Trend staff with ability to dance around corners and, generally, not drive and feel like a front-wheel driver. We like the Focus ST so much that we invited it to last year’s Best Driver’s Car. But does the Ford have what it takes to beat the latest street-tamed rally baby from Subaru? You’re going to have to watch and find out.... Read More | Share it now!

Randy Pobst Visits Volvo & Polestar in Sweden! – The Downshift Ep. 75

On this episode of The Downshift, Motor Trend’s resident hot shoe Randy Pobst visits Volvo in Sweden. After racing a Volvo for several years and driving an S60 on the road, Randy thought it was about time he visited the home of Volvo. During his adventure overseas, Randy visits the factory, engine plant, proving grounds, Polestar and takes a few hot laps at one of the most unique racetracks in the world.... Read More | Share it now!

2015 Porsche 918 Spyder: The Future of the Hypercar! Ignition Ep. 100

On this very special 100th episode of Ignition, Carlos Lago tests the Porsche 918 Spyder in Spain. Boasting an electric motor on the front axle and a parallel hybrid setup for the rear, this hypercar produces a combined 874 hp and 944 lb-ft of torque and aims to set a new precedent for performance and efficiency. To this end, it has dizzying amount of motorsports-derived technology — its carbon fiber passenger tub, engine, and chassis are derived from the concepts that created the RS Spyder ALMS racecar — but its European test cycle fuel economy results are comparable to the Toyota Yaris Hybrid’s. How well does this immensely complex hypercar work? This week, as Ignition celebrates it’s 100th episodes, we find out!... Read More | Share it now!