Sketches of the upcoming RWD Subaru coupe

Sketches of the upcoming RWD Subaru coupe are posted along with some info on UK's Autocar.com.

It's been known for some time that Toyota and Subaru are doing a joint coupe, using the Subaru boxer engine, and that the Toyota version would be RWD. Now this article is stating that the Subie version would also be RWD.

As comedian Redd Foxx used to say on his TV show, Sanford and Son: "This is the big one! You hear that, Elizabeth? I’m coming to join ya!..." and then fake a heart attack. Well, if this comes to pass, that being a RWD Subie coupe, I too expect to have a heart attack...

Full story here.

Posted by Bob Apr 9, 2008 7:21 am

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Categories: Subaru | Toyota | Coupes


Comments

dougtheeng - Apr 9, 2008 7:48 am (#1 Total: 13)  

 
Niagara, Ontario, Canada  
Love it!

sabastian - Apr 9, 2008 9:14 am (#2 Total: 13)  

 
 
Okay I know Subaru is the AWD company and all, but RWD really isn't something I would complain about. Think about how much lighter it will be...

ateixeira - Apr 9, 2008 10:22 am (#3 Total: 13)  

 
Recife, PE, Brazil  
I'm a bit torn on this one.
 
On one hand, I do think AWD is a big part of their identity, and this would water that down significantly.
 
On the other hand, I've heard a lot of people asking for an affordable RWD alternative besides the Mustang V6. Something for the sport compact crowd.
 
Hyundai is coming, but that will likely be big and heavy.
 
If they can shave some weight off the front axle, this vehicle would have a lot of potential.
 
I still think Toyota (or even Scion) could market the RWD version, while Subaru sells an AWD-only version. A good compromise.

rsholland - Apr 9, 2008 10:24 am (#4 Total: 13)  

 
Ellicott City MD United States of America  
I still think Toyota (or even Scion) could market the RWD version, while Subaru sells an AWD-only version. A good compromise.
 
If wears a Subaru badge, it's gotta be AWD.

ateixeira - Apr 9, 2008 10:25 am (#5 Total: 13)  

 
Recife, PE, Brazil  
PS Wow, the article implies it would be RWD only! Holy cow. A Subaru that didn't even offer AWD? Not sure that would work.
 
PPS On the other hand, the idea of an open top Miata fighter I like. It's something I may even own in the future. :-)

moparbad - Apr 9, 2008 10:45 am (#6 Total: 13)  

 
USA  
I drove front wheel drive Subaru's when I was a bit younger, I expect I will be able to drive front wheel or rear wheel drive Subarus within the next five years.
 
Subaru can and will exist w/o AWD. Get over it.

rsholland - Apr 9, 2008 11:07 am (#7 Total: 13)  

 
Ellicott City MD United States of America  
No, I don't think they can survive without AWD.

estreka - Apr 9, 2008 3:28 pm (#8 Total: 13)  

 
subarctic north - Great Falls, MT  
As much as I dislike the idea of Subaru building something not AWD, I gotta say the idea of an affordable RWD boxer is exciting. STI coupe, anybody?

firstwagon - Apr 9, 2008 4:13 pm (#9 Total: 13)  

 
 
I agree with ateixeira, RWD for Toyota and AWD for Subaru. There's a market for both and it will make everyone happy.

kurtamaxxxguy - Apr 9, 2008 6:05 pm (#10 Total: 13)  

 
portland or  
It should be badged, if possible, as a Scion RWD vehicle to which Subaru shares / contributes some unique technology.
 
That will give Gen Z and anyone else another small RWD roadster to satisfy their driving desires.

stovt001 - Apr 9, 2008 10:32 pm (#11 Total: 13)  

 
 
I wonder if Subaru or Toyota will actually be building this. I hope Subaru takes the lead, as it would be a shame to see this thing hit with Toyota's endless stream of recalls.
 
If Subaru plays a big role in the development (given that it will use a Boxer engine, I imagine they'll play a good role) then this thing will probably be a decent performance car. For Toyota's part, I wonder how hard it will be for them to break out of the "a car is a soulless appliance" mentality.

carlisimo - Apr 10, 2008 6:24 pm (#12 Total: 13)  

 
United States of America  
It has the shoulder lines of a Celica. Coincidence? I think not!

moparbad - Apr 11, 2008 11:48 am (#13 Total: 13)  

 
USA  
Subaru will build it at a Subaru plant in Japan in Gunma Prefecture.
 
Toyota is designing the exterior and Subaru the platform and mechanical.
 
The Subaru and Toyota models are to differ significantly as stated by Toyota, I expect minor differences.






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