2013 Subaru BRZ Prices to Start from Around $24,000 in the U.S

According to Motor Trend's newly appointed editor-in-chief Ed Loh who spoke to Subaru representatives during the first media drive of the 2013 BRZ in Japan, the rear wheel drive sports coupe will be available in the States in two flavors, the Premium and the Limited, and similar pricing to the Impreza WRX.

Subaru's people told Loh that they estimate the base BRZ Premium to start in the States from around US$24,000 (€17,900), and the better equipped BRZ Limited from approximately US$27,000 (€20,150).

To get an idea of what these prices mean, the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro has an MSRP of US$23,200 (€17,300) with a 323HP V6, and US$32,750 (€24,450) with the 426HP V8. The Nissan 370Z that's fitted with a 332HP V6 starts from US$31,450 (€23,480).

The current 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata with a 167HP 2.0L engine stickers for US$23,190 (€17,300) while the 2011 RX-8 with a 232HP rotary unit for US$26,795 (€20,000).

Subaru reps said that the base BRZ Premium will come equipped with a Torsen limited-slip differential, 17-inch alloys, six-speed manual, aluminum pedals, leather steering wheel, shift knob and hand brake lever, an 8-speaker audio system and Navigation as standard.

The Limited model will add several other standard amenities such as leather-Alcantara seats, a boot spoiler and foglights.

Like the Toyota 86 and the Scion FR-S, the BRZ is powered by a 2.0-liter flat-four engine with direct-injection technology delivering 200-horses and 205Nm (151 lb-ft) of peak torque.

Story References: Motor Trend

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Report: GM to Unveil New Buick Encore Crossover and Two Chevy Concepts at the Detroit Show

As we're nearing closer to the 2012 edition of the North American International Auto Show [NAIAS], more details are coming out on the new models that will make their debut in the city of Detroit.

Last week, General Motors told us that it is preparing four-world premieres for Detroit including the 2013 Cadillac ATS premium sports sedan, but declined to elaborate on the other vehicles.

However, the Detroit Free Press is reporting today that GM spokeswoman Stephanie Rice said that the other three world premieres will be a "global production Buick crossover" and two never before-seen Chevrolet concepts.

The new global Buick mode is rumored to be named Encore and is believed to be a small crossover based on a similar production model currently being developed by GM's Opel division in Europe (pictured in the above spy shot).

As always, we'll keep looking for more information and update this post as soon as we learn more.

2012 Renault Laguna Coupe Receives Subtle Updates Plus New Diesel Engine

As the year is nearing to its end, Renault is certainly busy churning out one update after another. Following the refreshed Scenic and Grand Scenic MPVs and the new Floride edition of its Megane Cabriolet, it was time for the Laguna Coupe to receive a mid-life facelift three years after its initial launch.

The “Collection 2012” Laguna Coupe made its debut at the Bologna Motor Show and it has received some minor updates, such as new LED daytime running lights and 17-inch diamond-effect alloy wheels fitted as standard.

The pearlescent white color of the Monaco GP limited edition is now available in the GT 4Control and Initiale versions and a two-tone livery with a pearlescent black roof combined with any metallic color is also available on the GT 4Control trim.

Changes to the cabin are minimal and are restricted to the visible dashboard stitching, which is standard, and the new mixed TEP/fabric upholsteries that are available to all versions.

In fact, the most important change for 2012 is the addition of the new 2.0-liter dCi 150 diesel engine with auto stop/start and brake energy recovery systems. It consumes just 4.5 lt/100 km (52.2 mpg US) and emits 118 g/km of CO2, a reduction of 13% compared to the previous engine it replaces.

Depending on the market, the updated Laguna Coupe can also be ordered with two petrol engines, a turbocharged 2.0-liter in 170HP and 205HP guises and a naturally-aspirated 3.5-liter V6 with 240HP and an auto transmission as standard.

Apart from the new dCi 150, the Laguna Coupe is also available with four more diesel engines, the M9R 2.0 dCi in three versions, with 150HP, 175HP or 180HP respectively, and the 240HP 3.0-liter V9X dCi.

The Laguna Coupe is already available to order in Europe. Pricing begins from €31,500 (approx. US$41,200) in France, and deliveries will begin in February 2012.

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