Subaru worried that RWD coupe could dilute brand

[SilentRacer]

"One topic of debate that began raging after Toyota and Subaru officially announced their collaboration on a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive coupe was how the Toyobaru would be marketed, particularly with both brands getting their own models. Apparently, Subaru execs share our concerns.

Subaru has branded itself as the purveyor of competent, multi-purpose vehicles that begin and end with one distinct feature: all-wheel-drive. By adding another vehicle into its lineup lacking that core trait, Subaru risks diluting its hard-earned image, not to mention going toe-to-toe with the Toyota monolith by selling a badge-engineered variant.

Automotive News spoke with Fuji Heavy Industries overseas sales chief, Mat Nagato, who said, "We may lose our longstanding territory, or we may lose the great niche brand image. The potential risk is there. We have to be very smart on marketing strategy." This issue has to be weighed against the short-term gain of a new, inexpensive model for enthusiasts and Subaru's continued growth, but the simple solution would be to nix the Subaru version altogether, allow Toyota to brand the new coupe as its own and rake in the cash provided by the partnership. Unfortunately, that's not going to happen, so the only thing Subaru can do now is make an attempt to differentiate its own version from Toyota's, while praying that consumers won't forget what "Makes a Subaru a Subaru." - autoblog

[deadlydave]

If they keep the price under 20k new I won't give a shit what drive system it comes with. If they make a toyota version only, I'll buy it an throw friggin' badges on it. I was thinking about this dillemma the other day though.

I'm all in on the return of the Leone. In case you couldn't tell. The STi is still their halo car, screw it and sell a RWD version.

[Mr. Sociable]

Being completely honest, I wouldn't mind a fun little RWD car as a DD or Auto-x toy.

[Huffer]

And this is what makes Toyota a world leader. A big company not afraid to try some punches.

Subaru will forever be a small niche company.

What makes a Subaru a Subaru is a cheaper car with different options.
Oh wait, that's Kia.

[Hocrest]

They could bring back their Alcyone brand.

[JBearSVT]

They could always tack another $70K on the price and say it's a Subaru supercar, then for sure no one would care.

[subba]

Depressing topic for me, An AWD Addict.

[Wagonista]

I think I'd have a hard time choosing which badged one to get. I love both AWD and RWD, and I've always loved Toyota. But I love my subie too...

Oh the humanity! :grin:

[deadlydave]

I actually just talked to a parts manager and huge subaru enthusiast last night. He's well-informed to say the least. He brought up a great point:

With the CAFE standards on gas milage getting stricter, a small-displacement, RWD coupe would help Subaru achieve the nessescary rating.

He also suggested that subaru might screw up and try to make it a 4-door, but that's unlikely since the impreza fills the small 4-door niche.

[subba]

As long as Subaru keeps a 4wd Model they should be ok RWD isnt bad. It could be worst though subaru could have made a Boxer powered front wheel drive car with valve lift timing and call it Su-Tec.

[grayguy]

apparently I'm out of the loop, cause I've never heard of this thing. What engine are they going to use, cause as far as I'm concerned, it's not a subaru unless it had a box motor.

[SilentRacer]

apparently I'm out of the loop, cause I've never heard of this thing. What engine are they going to use, cause as far as I'm concerned, it's not a subaru unless it had a box motor.

Refer to this post: http://www.sl-i.net/FORUM/viewtopic.php?t=7199

[ryu_haneda]

Subaru could pull this off by specializing the vehicle as its own little RWD sports car. Since Subaru seems to want to make its mark on the tuner culture, they might even take a page or two straight out of the Scion playbook with customization options (...but let scooby RWD buyers pick from options like beefing up the engine, or installing autocross-ready suspensions, or putting in specialty seats, gauges, etc... basically let them really make a custom pocket rocket).

Subaru's underdog status could really work well for them in this case. It did for Toyota when it was coming up... look at where they are now as compared to 15-20 years ago.

I know I wouldn't buy one because I like all-wheel-drive and I live where it snows, but if someone likes the Subaru brand but was always put off by having to have all-wheel-drive in a sporty application, then this may be their ticket.

[JBearSVT]

I was really joking about adding $70K on the price and calling it a supercar earlier, but then something happened to me that changed my life on a fundamental level. Yesterday, I drove my friends Acura NSX. Now, it seems like the most logical thing in the world.

Imagine what would happen if Subaru and Toyota got together to produce a featherweight, low-slung two seat Toyota platform with a mid mounted Subie Boxer flat six and STi turbo. Holy ****!

[StatGSR]

^ u mean build the prodive p2 haha

[JBearSVT]

Oh GOD no. It's not the flat six, not mid mounted, not RWD, and uglier than a pig's asshole mounted on a Scion XB... not remotely like what I envisioned.