Flat Over Crest releases video of Dave Mirra’s Rally debut

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The boys over at Flat Over Crest have put together a great video of BMX legend debut in his rally debut. It’s pretty cool that Mirra’s first event was the historic Rally of The Tall Pines here in Ontario. Visit FOC to see the video.

Photo by Dave Campbell for FOC

2008 WRX STi has arrived

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As I mentioned on the weekend, the 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STi has finally arrived in stores. I know that many folks are iffy about the switch to a hatchback format, but I think the car looks great. The only complaint I have is the front fenders end too abruptly, looking more like a homebuilt GT-3 car rather than a world class rally car.

Gallery after the break
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If only there was something to do…

So now that Winter is here and the family insist we take them to the Lake Tahoe for the weekend where I have to sit at the bottom of some damn hill and watch them go snow boarding. For those of us who frequent such familiar road courses such as Laguna Seca, Infineon, Firebird, Sebring and others we are left with no place to go and nothing to do except to sit in our cars with anticipation. But wait… It seems there is something for all concerned!

Subaru Canada teams up with Patrick Richard to campaign 2008 STi

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It was only a matter of time before the new Subaru WRX STi hit the trails in North America, so it makes sense that Subaru Canada is partnering with Rocket Rally Racing and past champion Pat Richard. Both a show car and the rally car will be built, in an effort to capture the 2008 Canadian Rally Championship.

Press release after the break
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Quick blast in a 2008 WRX STi

I just got back from a vary quick blast in a 2008 Subaru WRX STi! On cold, salty roads it’s hard to get too much of a feel of a car. Suffice it to say that the thing is very fast. Autocrossers will like the super short first gear, followed by a slightly longer second. The shift throws are one of the shortest I’ve seen in a production car.

Unfortunately, I don’t have my camera with me today.

Subaru announces US pricing for 2008 Impreza WRX STI

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At the LA Auto Show yesterday, Subaru announced pricing for the long awaited STI version of the Impreza. The 305 horsepower super hatch will hit US showrooms in January for $34,995. Fully loaded with BBS package and Navi, the STI will fetch $38,795.

Given that the 2007 STI retails for $48,995 here in Canada, it will be interesting to see where the price point falls on the north side of the border. One would think that execs at Subaru and Mitsubishi will be keeping close tabs on where their arch rival prices their rally star.

Get the full vehicle details after the break
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Police Blotter

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Want to get a 2008 Impreza for a steal? Here’s a scratch your head story from Dealers Edge, a trade publication I enjoy reading.

After hiring 20-year-old Benjamin Hammac as a sales trainee, Bennington Subaru’s sales manager (Bennington VT) had him study the Subaru products. On his second day at the dealership he was given a product knowledge written test. Obviously having difficulty with the test, Hammac asks for a break, goes outside and never comes back.
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Auto Passion

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Some people like to look at cars, others, like to drive them. Some believe in a car’s character, for others, its a needy utility, an expense, a liability…

They don’t know what they are missing.

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Mitsubishi reveals Evo drivetrain details

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In it’s latest salvo against rival Subaru, Mitsubishi has dished out the goods on how the next gen Evo will put it’s 300 plus ponies to the ground. With a new Super All Wheel Control system, Mitsubishi aims to take vehicle stability control systems to new heights, while a twin clutch sport transmission will provide super quick clutchless shifting. What does all of this mean? It means that Joe Average can look like a pro while attacking his morning commute!

The full Mitsubishi press release with all kinds of drool worthy tech details is after the break
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Honey, I shrunk the Soobie

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Over the past few months, Andrew Harvey has been playing with some funky new lenses or something, which have given many of his shots some really different perspectives. A cool example is the Subaru above, taken at the 35th running of the Susquehannock Trail Performance Rally last weekend in Pennsylvania. Be sure to visit Flat Over Crest for a bunch more killer shots.