Today, our 2022 Subaru Crosstrek finally crossed over 1,000 miles! But shortly before that, we installed yet another modification, this time in the form of a Nameless Performance Strut Tower Bar. This modification is done to help increase handling and structural rigidity and decrease chassis flex on the Crosstrek. If this helps to increase handling, we’re all for it.
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We’re Ready For the 2022 Alcan 5000 Summer Rally!
We Bought a 2022 Subaru Crosstrek
There’s a new ride in the Crankshaft Culture driveway. No, not the Alcan 5000 Outback Wilderness, but close. We actually bought a 2022 Subaru Crosstrek—like, with our own money. It was time to retire our steadfast 2007 Toyota Yaris liftback and add a go-everywhere (at any time) daily driver. We’re totally going to keep it…
Continue reading →We’re Partnering With Subaru of America for the 2022 Alcan 5000 Rally
It’s officially official: We’re partnering with Subaru of America for the 2022 Alcan 5000 Rally. The ’22 Alcan 5000 is a summer rally vs. 2020’s winter edition. This means less worry about freezing to death, more worry about massive mosquitoes and traversing thousands of miles of Canadian tarmac, dirt, and gravel. And this year’s vehicle?…
Continue reading →Our After Alcan 5000 via Dirt Sports World
It’s hard to believe it’s been just over a month since we finished the 2020 Alcan 5000 Winter Rally. It was an incredibly challenging and rewarding adventure! We’ve returned from driving the Pajero over 5,400 winter Arctic miles. There’s so much to talk about, so much to share. So, here’s our first feature story via…
Continue reading →2019 Oregon Trail Rally: Racing and Rally Culture.
Oregon Trail Rally is the state’s biggest stage rally event. It brings out both the big dogs, such as the Subaru Motorsports USA team that includes David Higgins and Travis Pastrana—as well as privateers campaigning a host of various rally cars. And if you were wondering, Higgins and his co-driver, Craig Drew, took first place…
Continue reading →Mudfest: The 2019 NW Outdoor Activity Vehicle of the Year
ABOVE: Still one of my favorites, the runner up in the Subcompact and Compact Family class, the 2019 Jeep Renegade Trailhawk. Photo: Ryan Douthit, MediaSpigot LLC The Northwest Automotive Press Association’s Mudfest event brings in the newest 4WD/AWD vehicles for judging by a host of automotive writers. Now in its 25th iteration, this year’s event…
Continue reading →Crankshaft Chronicles: Marlon Chopra’s Subaru Crosstrek
Marlon Chopra was living in Portland, Oregon when he learned his sister wanted to get rid of her Tangerine 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek. He jumped at the chance to buy it from her. One thing: his sister was 3,000 miles away in New Jersey. So he did what any raging gearhead would do: He flew…
Continue reading →Crankshaft Chronicles: Eric’s 2014 Subaru Forester
Subaru’s cars have long been known for their AWD prowess, foul-weather capability, and storied rally racing history. However, more and more owners are taking these vehicles and transforming them into more capable off-roaders. Eric Green of Portland, Oregon is one of those people.
Continue reading →My Top 7 Picks from Mudfest 2017
Photos by NWAPA / Josh Mackey Every year the Northwest Automotive Press Association (NWAPA) gathers 30 journalists together to test SUVs, crossovers, and pickup trucks to determine the Northwest Outdoor Activity Vehicle of the Year at Mudfest. The members-only event is a playground for journalists and automotive manufactures alike, because it takes place at The…
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