trub.com

“To drinkers in a Darlington pub, this could well have been a manifestation of the Holy Spirit.”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/1920154/Drinkers-see-Jesus-in-a-bottle-of-cider.html

The big achievements of note are that a) the engine is back together, b) we’ve got the brakes back together, c) we’ve got the seat-frame back in the car and lowered, and c) we’ve got the main hoop bent-up the way we want it.

Bernice, Mike, Pel have put in a couple of weekends of work to help move us along. Once the cage is built, we can get to putting the motor back in!

Took some shots of the Mini for a magazine that’s expressed some interest in it. We’ll see where it goes. Sorry about the glare. Broke my polarizer on the Death Valley trip, and haven’t had time to get a new one.

Recently back from a motorcycle trip to Death Valley. 1400 miles in approx 3.5 days. Photos capture only a fraction of what was to be seen and experienced there. Check the picasa link below for more photos.

The guys over at CarScoop (see article title link) have posted a writeup of the Subie Diesel currently available in Europe. A few blogs have rumored the arrival of a diesel powerplant, but when I asked a booth droid at the SF Auto Show last year whether or not Subie will release a diesel…I was told emphatically “No". Further, when I asked the local dealership service manager if they knew of one…I was told “If they were, our techs would be in training by now.”

Despite all the denials, looks like it’s a reality…and, if the price is kept in check, could be a real winner.

So, why am I so hot on the Subie diesel?

• First off, check the MPG number… 40mpg(us) for a 4wd wagon. That’s nearly 12mpg better than our current petrol burner.
• Second, check the torque number….256lb*ft, in a 4wd wagon. Can you say “tow vehicle"??
• Lastly, packaging. Compact with a low center of gravity, and with the balance of the boxer…a lot of the clatter and vibration that’s normally associated with diesels should go away.

I’ve always remarked that our 2002 Subie Outback wagon is probably *the* best car we’ve ever owned. I’ll echo the thoughts of other bloggers/reviewers that Subaru is it’s own thing when it comes to driving experience. The handling of this car is quite enjoyable (and I can say this having driven some pretty serious hardware), but it brings with it all the practicalities and worry-free ownership that lets you get on with your life. While our Subie has not been trouble free, but any troubles it did have were never enough to leave you stranded (more than I can say for other vehicles I’ve had).

The styling of the ‘02 is still a bit, um, agricultural…but the latest interior trim levels have really upped the game. However, Subie would be wise to not try to compete with the Germans at their own game…as it will only end in tears for the Japanese. If Subaru sticks to the utilitarian nature of what it represents, keeps the pricepoint down, and delivers a solid car…all that’s left is for consumers to just get over their issues with oilburners.

Having driven diesels in Europe, they can be a real hoot to drive…especially around town (as their pull off the line is breathtaking). Seems highway performance is a question, but cest la vie.

Here’s hoping my prediction pans out…I’m already thinking of what color ours will be.