By Mark Atkinson for MSN Autos

Subaru has been very bullish about the success of its latest Forester - with good reason. We were impressed with its additional space, improved engines and big gains in fuel efficiency. But equally impressive was its newfound 'fun-to-drive' factor, especially on the turbocharged XT models, something that's now more akin to a WRX on stilts.

And what is the WRX most known for? Rally. Every generation has been used in everything from regional and national events all the way up to International series like the WRC and IRC. Rally is at the core of what makes Subarus tick and has been for decades, so when it needs to let people know about its new product's abilities, well, they just rally one.

Thus the Forester Family Rally, a campaign that's getting real families behind the wheel of the new Foresters on a closed rally stage with the winner taking home a new 2014 Forester. There's already been a first event with four different families competing, but the next will apparently be held this August in Mont Tremblant, QC.

On the Forester Family Rally page, you can check out how the families did along the 'stage road' and compare their times, speeds and heartrates with Subaru's Black Stig - ahem - 'professional' driver.

Although it's difficult to tell, we'd assume that the Siggurdson family went home with the prize thanks to being the fastest by far...

Would you be interested in trying an event like this? Does it do its job by making you more likely to consider a Subaru Forester or maybe just the opposite? Tell us what you think in the comments.

By Mark Atkinson for MSN Autos

The list of true competitors for the Mazda Miata has been pretty small since its introduction back in 1989. Most similarly sized rear-drive roadsters have either been too expensive (Audi TT, BMW Z3/Z4, Mercedes-Benz SLK, Porsche Boxster), too compromised (Toyota's last US-only MR2) or have been driven by the wrong wheels (third-gen Mercury Capri).

Well, the long-running rumour that Toyota (and by default, Subaru) would take another crack at it, this time using its fantastic GT 86 has finally been confirmed. (The GT86 is sold as the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ here in Canada.)

From appearance, it looks like the concept retains the coupe's 2+2 seating, and we'd guess the top is powered canvas rather than a heavy folding-metal hardtop. The larger wheels and low-profile tires are tucked way up into the arches, but that's pretty standard autoshow-preview stuff... Production versions would probably ride on the same modest 17-inchers found on regular models, although perhaps a different style to differentiate the two.

The biggest improvements appear in the cabin, which gets a leather-covered padded dash, some additional gauges and new radio, and some screaming yellow/gold interior accents and carpets.

We'd guess the addition of the convertible top probably adds about 100 kg to the GT 86, but it would retain most of the fun and rewarding behaviour we've grown to love so much.

Don't hold your breath on these ever coming to Canada... Maybe the US, but there are too few potential buyers up north.

The GT 86 Open Concept will be shown at the Geneva Motor Show later in March.

By Mark Atkinson for MSN Autos

The Subaru Forester can certainly lay claim to being one of the first 'crossovers' - its original tall-wagon design launched in 1997. However, the current generation of Forester realized that it needed to become more user-friendly and less divisive in its styling, which led to a huge increase in sales.

Now, the Forester is ready for a major update for 2014 and Subaru's released some juicy details ahead of its global debut at next month's Los Angeles Auto Show.

From what we can tell, the new Forester keeps the same basic body-shell as before, but has given it a thorough styling refresh, that's more in line with the latest XV Crosstrek. The red model pictured above is actually the high-end turbocharged XT model, which loses its hood-scoop in favour of a more unique front fascia and bumper, along with larger wheels. 'Regular' Foresters look less dramatically changed.

Underhood, base models use a 2.5-litre horizontally opposed 'boxer' four-cylinder with 170 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque, while the XT gets a brand-new 2.0-litre (previously 2.5L) turbocharged version that pushes out 250 horsepower. Every Forester uses all-wheel-drive to transfer that power to the ground. Base models use a new six-speed manual transmission and optional CVT that replaces the old four-speed automatic; turbos now exclusively use a 'high-torque' CVT that promises six- or eight 'steps' built in to simulate gear shifts.

No photos of the interior yet, but given the company's general improvement in that area, we're holding out hope for something less creaky. Especially given that competitors like the Ford Escape, Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, Honda CR-V and others are much improved over their predecessors.

By Mark Atkinson for MSN Autos

What happens when you take two enthusiastic Subaru dealers, one favourite charity and add in a famous race? The Rally for the Kids Challenge, that's what. 

The owners of Davenport Subaru in Orillia, ON and Capital Subaru in St. John's, NL are competing to see who can raise the most money for their respective local Ronald McDonald Houses, and they're using the 11th annual Targa Newfoundland as their main attraction.

The Mike Davenport and John Howard have done this twice before, and the friendly competition raised over $60,000 for various charities in Ontario and Newfoundland. This year, the plan will have all money raised go towards RMH Toronto and RMH Newfoundand and Labrador. That's Davenport's 2002 Subaru Impreza WRX hatchback parked at Subaru Canada HQ in the photo above, while Howard uses an '04 WRX sedan.

As a bonus, Subaru Canada, a long-time RMH supporter and sponsor, announced that it will match up to $30,000 towards this year's goal, and said that they're passed the halfway mark of raising $100,000 through its dealer network before Targa Newfoundland.

Targa kicks off in St. John's on September 8, and teams will compete over five days and 2,200 km of roads in one of only three such events in the world.

By Mark Atkinson for MSN Autos

Although we're still waiting to drive one on Canadian soil, the new Toyota GT86 (i.e. the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ) is creating all kinds of anticipation. A light, well-engineered rear-drive sports car that has adequate power (200 hp) and won't break the bank (around $26,000 to start). 

While we've been eagerly awaiting word on hotted-up models from the factory, but  nothing really substantive has appeared on our radar. Until now.

Gazoo Racing, a company with plenty of history for modifying and racing Toyota products not only in Japan but in Europe too, has released a few photos of what it calls the Sport FR Concept. Besides the bigger rear wing, different wheels and brakes, the 2.0-litre boxer-four has not only a turbocharger, but a supercharger too! Combined, the engine is rated at 320 horsepower (and probably similar torque), a significant increase over stock.

'Twin-charging' isn't really new; the infamous Lancia Delta S4 rally car where it helped produce over 500 horsepower for that Group B monster. The '80s Nissan March Super Turbo and more recently most 'warm' versions of the Audi A1/Seat Ibiza/Skoda Fabia/Volkswagen Polo.

Gazoo has also prepared and will run a pair of GT86 racecars - presumably with similar engine mods to the Sport FR - along with its usual Lexus LFA in the 40th-anniversary of the Nurburgring 24-hour race this coming weekend.

Would you be interested if the Sport FR became a package available from your local Scion dealers?

By Mark Atkinson for MSN Autos

We are eagerly anticipating the arrival of Subaru's first rear-drive sports car coming later this June. Co-developed with Toyota, the Subaru version doesn't differ much from its Scion FR-S twin, but it will differ in price.

The lowest priced six-speed manual Subaru runs $27,295 while the Scion is $25,990. Adding an automatic transmission bumps the BRZ to $28,495 and we'd assume a similar amount for the FR-S... But that's still a $1,300 premium for the Subaru, at least at first glance.

The answer may come later when Scion reveals exactly how its cars will be equipped. For now, we only have details from Subaru and it appears even the 'base' BRZ will come with niceties like a touch-screen navigation system and HID headlights. The $2,000 Sport-tech package will bring leather seats, foglights and keyless ignition. Knowing how Scion prefers to 'mono-spec' its cars - meaning well-equipped one-spec models where the buyer only chooses colour and transmission - the FR-S could come with most of those toys standard.

In the U.S., the price gap is less than $1,000. Still hefty, but more understandable.

So what would you pick? Would the $1,300 price gap be enough to send you to Scion? Or does Subaru command a more premium place in the market than the youth-oriented Toyota brand?

By Mark Atkinson for MSN Autos

It wasn't long after the Chevrolet Avalanche was introduced in 2002 that I had one as a press vehicle - still one of my first. The 'truck' garnered lots of attention for its flecked-grey flying buttresses between the cab and short bed and the weird material used as lower-body cladding, but otherwise seemed like a great proposition. I remember trying out the mid-gate in our underground parking garage, which required folding the rear seats flat first. I also remember my very patient girlfriend (now wife) helping me remove and then reinstall the three-part hard tonneau cover with much frustration and blue language. And later that week served perfectly as transport for our first foosball table home from Costco after the impulse buys of all impulse buys.

Anyway, the early '00s were a time of optimism for strange product packaging at GM. Besides the Avalanche and its Cadillac (?) version, the Escalade EXT, Pontiac was still offering the camping tent option on the Pontiac Aztek, and GMC Envoy XUV with its sliding glass tailgate would debut (and die) in 2004. Even Subaru got into the game with its Baja pickup, which was developed while under GM's ownership.

The Avalanche and EXT were the only ones to not only survive but hit a second generation (2007). However, sales peaked in 2003 at over 93,000 units and last year were probably a fifth of that.

Needless to say, Chevrolet is killing the Avalanche, but not without going out 'in style.' The final production models will be Black Diamond editions with body-coloured trim, lower prices and distinctive badges. 

By Jake Lingeman, AutoWeek

Subaru sent out details on the 2013 Legacy and Outback models on Thursday prior to the New York auto show. In addition to the EyeSight system we talked about earlier this month, the cars will get a light restyling, light retuning and a handful of interior and efficiency improvements.

We'll start with the 2013 Subaru Legacy, which gets a new grille, headlights and bumper cover. Base models will get a more efficient version of Subaru's 2.5-liter boxer engine with broader torque delivery. Power from the 2.5i will be transmitted to all four wheels through either a six-speed manual or Subaru's second-generation Lineartronic continuously variable transmission. Power is similar to last year's output, with the four-cylinder making 173 hp.

By Mark Atkinson for MSN Autos

The upcoming Scion FR-S (and its kissing cousin, the Subaru BRZ) also have a third member of the family: the Toyota GT 86. The Toyota version will carry the bulk of worldwide sales since Scion is exclusively a North American brand, and the '86' in GT 86 refers to the last real rear-drive sporty car that the company built for the general public: the AE-86 Corolla built in the mid-'80s.

So even though the AE and GT have over 25 years between them, they share certain qualities. They are both light-weight, have acceptable but not overwhelming power, have few frills and toys, and crucially, are enthusiasitically rear-wheel drive. Since GT 86 = FR-S, then the same goes for the new Scion too.

Which brings us to the question of the day: Since '80s music is influencing music and fashion again, what other '80s driving hero car would you bring back? Let us know...

By Mark Atkinson for MSN Autos

I'm still getting used to living in a province that requires annual vehicle inspections, a point proven quite vividly this morning when I was pulled over not once, but twice - by the same officer, no less! - for having a burnt-out headlight. The headlight popped last night when I started the car to come home from visiting family, and made a mental note that I'd have to replace it today before the big snow and ice-storm hit.

This morning, while rushing a little to get my daughter to daycare, we passed an RCMP officer sitting in a driveway on the other side of the road, facing the opposing morning traffic. It only took a second for him to hit his emergency lights, which prompted some 'blue' language from my wife about me speeding... Turns out he'd spotted the lone headlight and that was the reason for him pulling me over. After fumbling around in the glove box and not finding my registration (the renewal sitting on our kitchen table) or insurance (new pink card effective Feb. 1 and on my desk) I figured it would be an expensive morning...

We did manage to find the documents, and he'd only prepared a written warning to have the headlight fixed "should you be pulled over by another officer" for the same issue.

You'd think that was the end of the story, right? Of course not. After dropping my daughter off at daycare, not 10 minutes after he let us go the first time, the very same officer pulled us over again coming back in the opposite direction. This time, I just put down my window, leaned over a little and held out the written warning. You could see the embarassment as he spotted his mistake. After a little wave of apology, we were back on our way.

Needless to say, I'm off to get those bulbs as soon as this post is finished...

Have you had similar experiences? Would love to hear about it in the comments!