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Motor 1
02-07-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
There's a Reason Why Subaru WRX Sales Are Way Down
People aren't buying the Subaru WRX, or so it would seem. Through June of this year, the company has only sold 6,431 examples of its iconic sports sedan, marking a 30.8 percent decrease from last year. In June, only 350 of them made their way to buyers—a significant 74 percent drop compared to last year. But it's not just that people aren't interested in the new WRX (although the numbers would indicate that many buyers are shying away from the latest generation). According to Subaru, in a statement to CarBuzz , WRX sales are down largely due to production shifts at the automaker's Gunma Prefecture manufacturing facility in Japan. Photo by: Subaru According to a spokesperson, Subaru has reduced WRX production to meet the demand of the Forester and Forester Hybrid models. The Forester is Subaru's best-selling vehicle of 2025 so far, with 95,972 units moved. The recent arrival of the Forester Hybrid means that even more customers will be eager to get their hands on the brand's compact SUV. Subaru also cites "very low inventory levels" for WRX. The company notes that "there are fewer than 500 units of WRX on the ground at the moment." The silver lining for the WRX is that Subaru will soon shift production of the Forester to its Lafayette, Indiana, manufacturing facility alongside other SUVs like the Ascent, Crosstrek, and Outback. That could, in theory, make room for higher WRX production numbers in Japan. Photo by: Subaru These sales figures from June only compound the WRX's struggles in 2025. In May, sales were down a whopping 71.2 percent, with just 482 examples rolling off dealer lots. That marks a 23.6 percent year-over-year. Subaru as a whole has seen its sales decrease slightly in 2025, with the entire brand down 10.4 percent in May, and down still by 0.2 percent in June. That said, the Crosstrek, Forester, and even the BRZ sports car are all on pace for sales increases in 2025. The Latest From Subaru We're Not Getting Another WRX STI. But That's Okay Subaru Is Teasing a New Performance Model. Could It Be an STI? Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Source: CarBuzz Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Car and Driver
01-07-2025
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
2026 Acura TLX Review, Pricing, and Specs
Overview The TLX is Acura's mid-sized sports sedan, one rung up from the smaller Integra. Its athletic proportions help this Acura stand apart from mainstream four-doors, but also exact a toll in rear-seat space. The upscale interior is nicely finished and not overwhelmingly techy—just make sure you're comfortable with the infotainment system's touchpad interface. A standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine can be had with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, while the performance-oriented Type S gets turbo–V-6 power and standard AWD. The Type S also gets a sportier suspension with adaptive dampers (which can be had on the mid-grade Advance model as well), although we like the standard setup just fine. Acura's pricing is more attractive than that of the BMW 3-series—particularly the six-cylinder M340i xDrive—but the Genesis G70's pricing is more attractive still. Expert Tip: If you regularly carry adults in the rear seat, the smaller Acura Integra actually has more rear legroom. What's New for 2026? The TLX is still fairly fresh following a styling update for the 2024 model year, so we expect to see no significant updates for 2026. Pricing and Which One to Buy The price of the 2026 Acura TLX is expected to start around $47,000 and go up to $60,000 depending on the trim and options. Technology $47,000 (est) A-Spec $52,000 (est) Type S $60,000 (est) 0 $10k $20k $30k $40k $50k $60k $70k $80k $90k The 355-hp Type S occupies the top spot in the TLX lineup in both performance and price. While its verve makes it our favorite, it comes standard with luxuries such as adaptive dampers, leather upholstery, and an ELS premium audio system. Engine, Transmission, and Performance Engines: 272-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder; 335-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 272-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder; 335-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 Transmission: 10-speed automatic 10-speed automatic Drivetrains: front-wheel-drive; all-wheel-drive The regular TLX features a 272-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder lashed to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, and Acura's all-wheel-drive system, which is called SH-AWD and shuffles power among the wheels to improve agility and traction, is optional. The TLX's well-tuned chassis makes it very entertaining to drive and shows that Acura can still build a sports sedan. This sentiment is especially true of the higher-performance Type S, which boasts a 355-hp turbo 3.0-liter V-6, a responsive 10-speed auto, SH-AWD, and a sportier suspension setup. Unlike the regular TLX, it's available with stickier summer tires on 20-inch wheels. Our latest test drive showcased its gutsy engine, engaging steering, terrific body control, and strong brakes. However, the Type S does have a firm ride that doesn't mask road imperfections, and it didn't feel as nimble as shorter, sportier competitors such as the Audi S5. 0–60-MPH Times In Comparison: While the Type S model is notably quicker than the base TLX, it's still behind the BMW M340i, which managed a 3.7-second 60 mph time in our testing. View Photos Marc Urbano | Car and Driver Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG C/D 75-mph Highway Fuel-Economy Test: 30 mpg (base AWD) 30 mpg (base AWD) EPA City Ratings: 19-22 mpg 19-22 mpg EPA Highway Ratings: 25-31 mpg The EPA hasn't released any fuel economy information for the 2026 TLX yet, but the 2025 model earned ratings as high as 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway for the front-wheel-drive four-cylinder version. The V-6 Type S had lower estimates of 19 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. All versions are a few mpg lower than their equivalent BMW 3-series rivals. The all-wheel-drive, four-cylinder model we ran on our 75-mph fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, returned 30 mpg. For more information about the TLX's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website. Interior, Comfort, and Cargo First Row: The TLX has an expressive cabin design that highlights the car's sporty character. That's particularly true of the Advance and Type S models' available two-tone black-and-red or black-and-white (called Orchid) color treatments. Build quality is excellent, and the TLX also boasts premium cabin materials, including open-pore wood, real aluminum, and standard leather. The dash is sculpted and still features a good number of physical buttons and controls rather than over-relying on screens. Customizable ambient-lighting settings are each named after iconic driving destinations and racetracks, such as "Pacific Coast" and "Suzuka." Second Row: Although the sedan feels spacious in width, rear-seat knee clearance is somewhat wanting, and the smaller Integra has more rear legroom. Otherwise, the seats are well-cushioned and comfortable. Cargo Capacity: The trunk measures 13.5 cubic feet, and the rear seatbacks can fold down to expand cargo capacity. We managed to fit six carry-on suitcases inside the trunk and packed in an extra 10 cases when we folded the rear seatbacks. View Photos Marc Urbano | Car and Driver Infotainment and Connectivity Infotainment: 12.3-inch display with touchpad 12.3-inch display with touchpad Connectivity: Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Audio System: 13-speaker ELS stereo (standard); 17-speaker ELS Studio 3D stereo (optional) Every TLX features a 12.3-inch infotainment system that's primarily controlled through a touchpad on the center console. A padded resting place for your wrist below the touchpad makes it more comfortable to operate, but hitting the right spot on the screen by moving your finger on the touchpad is a somewhat awkward disconnect—more so if you use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, because their targets are smaller than the native Acura system's. Thankfully, some functions can also be manipulated via steering-wheel buttons and physical controls next to the touchpad. Besides Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (both wireless), the TLX also includes a Wi-Fi hotspot. Those who want the fancier ELS sound system and a wireless charging pad will have to opt for the Advance package or the Type S. Safety and Driver-Assistance Features Every TLX comes standard with AcuraWatch, which includes a host of driver-assistance features. The sedan also has other equipment, such as traffic-sign recognition and a driver-awareness monitor. For information about the TLX's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include: Standard Safety Features: automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control Optional Safety Features: 360-degree exterior camera system Warranty and Maintenance Coverage Acura provides one of the longest powertrain warranties on the market, and its limited warranty aligns with most of the TLX's rivals, such as the Alfa Romeo Giulia and Mercedes C-class. Limited Warranty: four years or 50,000 miles four years or 50,000 miles Powertrain Warranty: six years or 70,000 miles six years or 70,000 miles Complimentary Maintenance: two years or 24,000 miles C/D Test Results and Specs We test every vehicle we can. Data in the chart below may be for a different model year if the model remained unchanged from when we last tested it. Specifications Specifications 2024 Acura TLX Type S Vehicle Type: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan PRICE Base/As Tested: $58,195/$62,478 Options: 20-inch copper-colored wheels with Pirelli P Zero summer tires, $3441; Urban Gray Pearl paint, $600; premium carpeted floor mats, $242 ENGINE turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection Displacement: 183 in3, 2997 cm3 Power: 355 hp @ 5500 rpm Torque: 354 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm TRANSMISSION 10-speed automatic CHASSIS Suspension, F/R: control arms/multilink Brakes, F/R: 14.3-in vented disc/13.0-in disc Tires: Pirelli P Zero PZ4 255/35R-20 97Y Extra Load DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 113.0 in Length: 194.6 in Width: 75.2 in Height: 56.4 in Passenger Volume, F/R: 53/40 ft3 Trunk Volume: 14 ft3 Curb Weight: 4212 lb C/D TEST RESULTS 60 mph: 4.6 sec 100 mph: 11.8 sec 1/4-Mile: 13.3 sec @ 105 mph 130 mph: 21.9 sec Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec. Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 5.2 sec Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.1 sec Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 3.9 sec Top Speed (gov ltd): 156 mph Braking, 70–0 mph: 155 ft Braking, 100–0 mph: 311 ft Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.99 g C/D FUEL ECONOMY Observed: 21 mpg EPA FUEL ECONOMY Combined/City/Highway: 21/19/25 mpg C/D TESTING EXPLAINED More Features and Specs
Auto Blog
01-06-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
End of an Era? The Lexus IS 500 Ultimate Edition Hints at the Model's Farewell
The Lexus IS 500 F SPORT Performance Ultimate Edition is here with special features and the same V8 engine. Limited to just 500 units, it could be the last IS. Lexus is making an already wonderful V8 sports sedan more appealing with a final iteration The naturally-aspirated V8-powered Lexus IS 500 isn't the quickest sports sedan around, but there are few that look and sound this good. You might be sad to hear that with the introduction of the IS 500 F Sport Performance Ultimate Edition, Lexus could be signaling the end of the road for the venerable IS. The Ultimate Edition retains the IS 500's naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine, producing 472 horsepower, unchanged from stock. While Lexus hasn't officially confirmed the IS's discontinuation, the limited-run nature of this model and its debut as a 2025 model year vehicle suggest there may not be a 2026 IS. How is the IS 500 Ultimate Edition different? 2025 Lexus IS 500 Ultimate Edition Mechanically, the Ultimate Edition is unchanged from the standard IS 500, retaining the powerful V8 paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive only. The Ultimate Edition retains the handsome body and sporty interior but adds some special touches. It gets a special exterior paint color called Wind, a metallic light gray finish that's probably better looking in person than in photos, where it appears as a variation on the model's Ultra White paint. It also gets 19-inch matte-black BBS wheels, red brake calipers, and special IS 500 Ultimate Edition badging. The cabin features a two-tone red and black colorway, complemented by racy red seatbelts, a numbered 1-of-500 plaque, and unique door scuff plates that signify its special designation. 2025 Lexus IS 500 Ultimate Edition The IS 500 F Sport Performance Premium is a beast in itself 2025 Lexus IS 500 Ultimate Edition — Source: Lexus The 472-horsepower V8 sports sedan will launch to 60 mph from a standstill in the mid-fours, which is properly quick, about the same as the Genesis G70 3.3T. The top trim IS 500 F Sport Performance Premium, gets a 14-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, voice command, configurable gauge cluster, a panoramic view monitor, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround sound system with QuantumLogic surround technology. The upholstery features NuLuxe faux leather wrapped over heated and ventilated front seats (19-way power adjustable for the driver), a power moonroof, embossed door trim, and numerous physical controls for audio and climate. One vestige of the previous IS that we could do without is the wonky touchpad, which unfortunately remains in the IS 500. 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance When it comes to safety, the IS 500 Sport Performance comes standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 and includes features like pre-collision warning with pedestrian detection, lane tracing assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The IS 500 also boasts a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. 2025 Lexus IS 2025 Lexus IS Pricing for the 2025 IS 500 F Sport Performance Ultimate Edition has not yet been announced, but the stock IS 500 F SPORT Performance starts at $60,595, while the F SPORT Performance Premium variant begins at $65,095. The Ultimate Edition will, no doubt, exceed that price point. Too bad it won't be offered in some of our favorite colors from the IS 500's palette history, like Flare Yellow and Molten Pearl. Final thoughts We don't care if the IS 500 F Sport Performance Ultimate Edition isn't the quickest, most tractable sports sedan around. The IS 500's naturally aspirated V8 offers a refreshing and nostalgic driving experience, as well as an absolutely intoxicating sound, appealing to enthusiasts who love sport and luxury. The Ultimate Edition will be totally worth the extra money, especially since the V8 will likely disappear from the Lexus stable in the next few years.
