Subaru considering offering non-boxer, non-AWD - Riots Ensue

[SilentRacer]

"Subarus have sported standard AWD since the 80s, well before most other automakers even bothered with the technology. That, partnered with its boxer engine, goes together like peanut butter and jelly. But the Japanese automaker has to begin worrying about fuel efficiency and emissions, so the two features that have defined the brand for decades may become optional on future models. Thankfully, it's got Toyota to pilfer from, so the implementation of new drivetrains will be a bit easier if and when it makes the shift. Subaru of Australia Director Nick Senior broke the news of the possible switch, but he also emphasized that any changes wouldn't be made before 2010 and that no product plans are without AWD or the boxer engine in the foreseeable future." -straightline

O and about the riots....that was in my head.

[sansMYSTi]

Subaru, what are you doing? Stop trying to be other auto makers - you have a good thing going here. I hope this is not true.

[Huffer]

Word is optional.

Which means those of us that buy cheaper used vehicles will have less AWD to choose from in 10 years.

[2.5GT]

toyota?

[jyunderwood]

That kind of talk goes against the current slogan in the US, "It's what makes a Subaru, a Subaru."

What happened to the boxer diesel engine that would have better fuel eco or doing something like Mazda were not all the cylinders fire to increase mpg.

How about a smart AWD system that constantly monitors how the car drives and can adjust from AWD/FWD/RWD based on conditions and driving styles to save mpg?

*edit: I don't really know how the subaru awd system works so I don't know if that's even possible.

[Huffer]

toyota?

Toyota bought the majority share of GM's ownership in Fuji Heavy Industries, which owns Subaru.

Toyota is currently utilizing some 30% of Subaru America's Indiana plant to make Corrolla's, thus keeping a number of Subaru workers in employment.

[Huffer]

That kind of talk goes against the current slogan in the US, "It's what makes a Subaru, a Subaru."

What happened to the boxer diesel engine that would have better fuel eco or doing something like Mazda were not all the cylinders fire to increase mpg.

How about a smart AWD system that constantly monitors how the car drives and can adjust from AWD/FWD/RWD based on conditions and driving styles to save mpg?

*edit: I don't really know how the subaru awd system works so I don't know if that's even possible.

Diesel engine not planned for US release until 2010.
Reducing the cylinders on freeway cruise is a good idea.

Smart AWD won't work to improve the MPG anyway, because it's more to do with the weight of the system... What they should do is start using lighter components, but that drives up the cost of production.

[subba]

lol toyotarus, i dont like the way things are heading, i see myself gettin a mitsubishi in the future.

Non AWD subarus are gonna be cheap, i bet you the AWD models gonna cost a arm and a leg.

[HotBoxer]

sounds like its time for everybody to start swapping. Get the Subie of your dreams before they go away forever!!!

[Sarra]

Yeah, no kidding. With how they screwed up the 08 model year, I'm probably not going to ever own a brand new Subaru. Ever.

Just gonna work on what I got, when it explodes, maybe I'll get an RX-8.

[ivwarrior]

"Subarus have sported standard AWD since the 80s,

Did you make that up, or does someone else have their facts wrong? I don't think AWD even appeared on a Subaru until 1990 model year, and it didn't become "standard" until the mid 90's. At least for USDM cars.

[Jedi Taxi]

subaru XT. look it up. subaru justy. look it up. he has his facts right, don't be a wise ass.

[Sarra]

Yeah, they had all time all wheel drive on the XT, back in the mid-late 80's. They had 4WD available on a bunch of cars before that though. Moved over to the full time since it's a bit simpler, no transfer case or any BS like that.

[warrior]

I don't know what the big deal is.. not like any of us have any car other than a BD or BE. I don't know anyone on this forum with an '07? Maybe one or two.

Even so, I would never buy a new car anyway, that's such a waste of money.. in 2015 or whatever if Subaru stops with it's AWD and what not.. I'll be in the market for an '07 which has everything that I still enjoy about Subaru.

[Reason]

I don't know what the big deal is.. not like any of us have any car other than a BD or BE. I don't know anyone on this forum with an '07? Maybe one or two.

Even so, I would never buy a new car anyway, that's such a waste of money.. in 2015 or whatever if Subaru stops with it's AWD and what not.. I'll be in the market for an '07 which has everything that I still enjoy about Subaru.

You couldn't be more right. You guys talk about Subaru as if they are your favorite sport team and they just traded the susperstar for a scrub. It's ok people, it's not the end of the world.

[Plays_with_Toys]

Personally I'd love to see a FWD little boxer powered hatch. Or a better yet a little convertible miata killer with a flat four. Talk about some serious race potential getting a low CG motor in a small lightweight rear drive platform.

[Huffer]

Screw the FWD, get me into a RWD flat-four turbo diesel...

With the enhancements to ABS, Traction control and torque distribution, RWD cars are nearly as stable as AWDs, with the right parts...weight distribution is key, along with a good chassis.

[subba]

sounds like it cost a shit load more to get it stable lol

[ivwarrior]

subaru XT. look it up. subaru justy. look it up. he has his facts right, don't be a wise ass.

Justy: 88-89 on demand 4 wheel drive. Front wheel drive also available.

XT: 89 4 wheel drive. Part-time (push button) on manual trans, full-time (SIMILAR TO AWD, but not) on autos. FWD models were also available.

It was 1997 (later than I thought) until AWD became STANDARD on the Legacy. 1996 for the Impreza. Until then, front wheel drive was available on some models.

YOU should look stuff up next time, before making yourself look like a fool.

[Reason]

Cool stuff to know guys, lets cut out the insults from here on.

[SilentRacer]

"Subarus have sported standard AWD since the 80s,

Did you make that up, or does someone else have their facts wrong? I don't think AWD even appeared on a Subaru until 1990 model year, and it didn't become "standard" until the mid 90's. At least for USDM cars.

The article was quoted as you can see from straightline. Take it up with them.

[Perdue]

I don't see why anyone is bashing silent for something he was simply quoting from somewhere else.

Personally, I don't see the AWD being dropped completely right away, if ever. Making some 2wd vehicles to get some fuel economy would be sweet. A Miata-style platform with a RWD Boxer drivetrain would also be cool.

[badbasser98]

Making some 2wd vehicles to get some fuel economy would be sweet. A Miata-style platform with a RWD Boxer drivetrain would also be cool.+1

Though the article does suggest them going away from the boxer engine, so maybe the lack of AWD will go hand-in-hand with no boxer engine. Assuming this change happens, it would be more cost efficient for them to keep the boxer/AWD platform and just design the FWD(RWD)/I4 [or whatever they move to]. I don't see them making three new driveline configurations so that we get the boxer with FWD or RWD or the [new engine] with AWD/FWD/RWD.

[BE-Fresh]

Subaru stopped making cars in '06...

[Reason]

Subaru stopped making cars in '06...

:shock: He said it again! I don't like the newer styles either.

[ivwarrior]

IF Subaru was to go away from AWD and the boxer for fuel economy concerns, it wouldn't surprise me at all if it's just a rebadged Corolla or Camry. Why develop a new engine/platform when you can just "borrow" from Toyota?

[Sarra]

IF Subaru was to go away from AWD and the boxer for fuel economy concerns, it wouldn't surprise me at all if it's just a rebadged Corolla or Camry. Why develop a new engine/platform when you can just "borrow" from Toyota?

It's obvious that that would be exactly what they would do. I think it might get a big 'FAIL' though. If They went back to offering the Impreza with a 2.2 and FWD, that might be a little better. I can't see Subaru doing that though.

[Matt S.]

What Subaru does globally and what they do for the US market are two different things.

SOA went to 100 percent all-wheel drive back in the mid/late 90's, not Subaru as a whole.

I can't imagine Subaru of America spending the last 10 years building up a reputation for "ALL all-wheel drive" here in the US, to abandon it and start offering FWD again. The majority of people didn't buy them in the first place(Legacy's and Imprezas)

Globally, totally different story.

I think this is a mountain out of a mole hill.

And while I love my GT and all(or most) of my Subes before that, the newer Subarus are so much more refined in every way, safer, etc, to dismiss the newer Subarus simply on style is absurd in my opinion. Drive an 08' Impreza vs an 07', a current gen forester vs a first gen Forester, even a 02' RS vs an 01' RS. I don't know any model change that Subaru hasn't improved everything about the model(except looks which are a matter of opinion).

Like I said, I love my GT Wagon, but my wife's 07' 2.5i Wagon is better in every way. I will quit buying Subarus when they stop offering something I love to drive.

[subba]

no joke but this wagon is going to be the last subaru i own.


The Beauty of all wheel drive is getting ugly.
Its just a matter of time before they kill the legacy, they already took away the legacy wagon.



Next car is gonna be a Mitsubishi no doubt.. or maybe a Audi.




2010 Headlines:The All New, Redesigned Subaru Legacy, now available with 3rd row seating and a fuel efficient Front wheel drive 1.6L Inline 4 Cylinder engine and a optional electronic sliding door.

[BE-Fresh]

2010 Headlines:The All New, Redesigned Subaru Legacy, now available with 3rd row seating and a fuel efficient Front wheel drive 1.6L Inline 4 Cylinder engine and a optional electronic sliding door.

Ew

[Rockgod]

http://www.worldcarfans.com/9071123.005 ... ced-for-uk (http://www.worldcarfans.com/9071123.005/all-new-subaru-justy-announced-for-uk)

instead of of screwing around with our legacy's and impreza's for those who have them. They can bring this out.

[Sarra]

Whoa, ONE FUCKING WHOPPING LITER. There are guns with bullets with more displacement. And they get better gas milage.

[subba]

daihatsu Sirion
http://www.carpages.co.uk/daihatsu/daihatsu_images/daihatsu_sirion_29_03_06.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2007/11/daihatsusirion-1.jpg


Subaru Justy?
http://images.worldcarfans.com/articles/2007/11/23/9071123.005/9071123.005.1M.jpg
http://images.worldcarfans.com/articles/2007/11/23/9071123.005/9071123.005.Mini1L.jpg


The Justy will be built at Daihatsu's main plant, Ikeda, in Osaka Japan.

All they did was change the badge lol

[SubiFlow]

I'll consider a 2008 Lincoln MKZ in 2010, but only if Subaru screws it up, I like the 2008 model Legacy but can't afford a car now anyway. Personally I hope the keep the flat four and four door sedan, but given what they have done to the WRX we might be seeing something different down the road for the Legacy.