Comments on: Upcoming RWD Subaru coupe causes worry

By: ridesbikesanyway

ridesbikesanyway — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 22:31:32 +0000

The advantage of the Subie engine is that it’s REALLY light which lessens the sting of the compromises of AWD (front-engine, extra weight). If the engine were pushed back, over the front axle, the car would be wickedly light and have plenty of front-wheel traction. I don’t think Americans have difficulty differentiating between the advantages of the different systems or understanding why RWD makes sense from a handling perspective (except the ones posting over and over that it is fundamental to Subaru’s brand image). I hope they make it a pure front-mid-engine, rwd car. Subaru could contribute further by developing a cool active diff. Next-Gen handling should be the basis of their image (try searching for ProDrive). The Evo has one and it’s currently making the STI look silly in the slalom. I think the real concern is this car outperforming the WRX (which is currently missing the rear LSD!?!?!?!) and being as cheap as a base impreza. Frankly I’d REALLY like to see Subaru put that compact little engine under the rear seat of a mid-engine super-hatch and let passengers sit on TOP of it. They don’t have a transverse tranny but Toyota could solve that. You’d solve the market overlap problem and it would be a total monster

By: topgunthang

topgunthang — Tue, 06 May 2008 13:24:45 +0000

oh well. theres alot of things that can be adjusted to thier respective final products. just sharing the underpinnings only. just make it look good and drive good as good as u can and as cheap as u can and let the buyers think of which one to buy.

By: mitlanevo

mitlanevo — Tue, 06 May 2008 03:16:08 +0000

if the new car is not boring as the current hatchback Impreza, then AWD or RWD makes no difference……

By: autoindustrie

autoindustrie — Tue, 06 May 2008 02:36:54 +0000

Hmm…I beg to differ on that scoop news. Maybe the marketing guys have a cause of concern as it would be harder to project Subaru’s brand – which has always been synonymous with boxer engines and AWD.

However I believe there is no question that the engineers and management of Subaru will be ditching its AWD on all models philosophy. Such a mentality is out of touch with the reality of rising fuel cost and increasing customer’s preference for small fuel efficient cars especially in Europe and USA where this car will be targetted.

In fact I remember reading that Subaru Australia’s boss has mentioned something about its concern on the viability of Subaru’s AWD philosophy against USD 120 crude oil prices.

BTW Paul, you might interested to know a diesel boxer for Subaru is in the plan as well.

By: abtm

abtm — Mon, 05 May 2008 23:09:52 +0000

Subaru don’t brag yourself with only making AWD, the only car you make which does’nt understeers is the Spec C, so there’s nothing wrong with this rear driver ok, besides, toyota is pushing your buttons now i believe

By: csv

csv — Mon, 05 May 2008 17:21:14 +0000

yes a subaru. fantastic engine and reliability.

2 litre putting out 175 horses. even my 1999 a6 2.4 only puts out 170.

amazing what technology can do. or the type.

maybe design a all wheel drive version for subaru and rear wheel drive for toyota?

or special track version with all wheel drive.

Paul Tan: normally track version would be rear wheel drive, just like the porsche 911 gt3 versus the 911 turbo’s all-wheel drive

By: topgunthang

topgunthang — Mon, 05 May 2008 16:15:54 +0000

takumi will buy the toyota. the dad will buy the subaru

By: Farina

Farina — Mon, 05 May 2008 14:38:14 +0000

nice car, and hope can be a legend as well i the next 2o years

By: KF

KF — Mon, 05 May 2008 14:37:12 +0000

I doubt Subaru would have such a problem to differentiate it from the AE86 as Subaru has its own niche market.

By: gather

gather — Mon, 05 May 2008 13:48:15 +0000

Whats with this “I’m First” business,LHQ.Really childish.

Actually for me,I don;t think such a change in the layout will dilute the brand so long they can design a car that can live up to its name as a successor.

Boxer engine rocks

By: ah liew

ah liew — Mon, 05 May 2008 12:59:51 +0000

Maybe Subaru should design a selection of all wheel drive & rear wheel drive just a push of a swicth!

hee! hee! just kidding…

By: szw

szw — Mon, 05 May 2008 12:45:22 +0000

don make 1 if theres so much worries

By: mystvearn

mystvearn — Mon, 05 May 2008 11:59:59 +0000

Is Subaru being paranoid or just reinstating its own 4wd is better? Even though it makes good impreza, it still does not look as good as evo’s. Only other problem I see is that Toyota taking this brand for themselves and don’t give credit to subaru

By: LHQ

LHQ — Mon, 05 May 2008 11:21:32 +0000

And i think Takumi won’t worry to much bout this.

By: LHQ

LHQ — Mon, 05 May 2008 11:20:32 +0000

First