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.[Source: Go Auto via Straightline]
Audi A3 TDI Clubsport Quattro concept
Spy Shots: Production Audi TT Clubsport Quattro
Chevy Camaro getting early unveil at Indy in September
James Garner recovering from mild stroke
VIDEO: God's ringtone is a V10-powered Audi R8
First Drive: 2009 Ford Escapes, more of almost everything
Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy
In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Ford Shelby GT500 Mustang
Future Classic: 1984 Chrysler Minivans
_thumbnail.jpg "Lamborghini Reventon unboxed in Las Vegas")
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
Ilya @ Nov 20th 2007 9:06AM
Blasphemy! Please don't do that Subaru, you know that this won't do much good to you.
James Sonne @ Nov 20th 2007 9:07AM
It already offers both in the Asian market with its Honda Fit, Nissan Versa competitor.
Tim UF @ Nov 20th 2007 9:16AM
If its not practial to have awd or a boxer, then i understand. I think it'd be a miraculous piece of engineering to get the symmetrical AWD into a car the size of a yaris hatch or fit. The Subie Justy (i think it was the justy) was a FWD subcompact, for example.
Though, if they are considering brand engineering toyotas, its a sad sad day. I wouldnt mind seeing a diesel boxer with a hybrid synergy drive though ;)
(listening subaru???)
Bill @ Nov 20th 2007 9:22AM
The already did. The Justy was available with AWD, and it had a CVT too.
Craig @ Nov 20th 2007 9:27AM
A mid engined turbo boxer engined coupe would be great.
Alex @ Nov 20th 2007 9:39AM
NO! one of my most favorite cars was my 99 Legacy GT. The engine was solid as a rock and the AWD system was unbeatable. i was cruising through snow that SUVs were sliding in.
damn... now i miss that car even more.
Sam @ Nov 20th 2007 10:14AM
damn you, i wish i had an LGT. I'm stuck with the base model for '06, rock solid car, amazing to drive, just weak on performance (11 sec 0-60, 17 in the quarter). and how could you cruise through the snow? you never tried sliding that thing around? it was a monster in the snow!
010111 @ Nov 20th 2007 10:49AM
the 99 GT was less powerful than the 06 base model Legacy. i'm sure you realize that though.
mike k. @ Nov 20th 2007 9:42AM
Their whole brand recognition is AWD.. how will they sell a non-AWD drive? They need to think about that first. If they didn't have AWD, there are many many many other cars I would look to first before subaru for lots of reasons from styling to interior etc.. and of course price...
Ethan @ Nov 25th 2007 8:12PM
Add a new marque?
Hank @ Nov 20th 2007 9:46AM
OK, this is further proof that we Americans have a terrible case of both Alzheimers and ADD. Hello. Subaru has only been "All AWD All Boxer" in the US itself for the past decade. It's not like that's always been their identity. They also aren't saying they are abandoning either AWD or Boxer engines. They're saying that some products may have neither. You know, like they did for decades on the US market.
I would imagine two forces are at work: CAFE (Subies get terrible mileage for their size and cylinders) and the new Toyota folks sitting in some of the managing seats.
Tim UF @ Nov 20th 2007 10:51AM
My 2007 WRX gets me 25mpg combined, 28 on the highways. Real world, not the EPA numbers.
Not bad for a car making 230hp, with awd, and that can hold its own against a 300hp mustang gt.
Pat @ Nov 20th 2007 12:33PM
An all-AWD American lineup is a product of the mid nineties.
I had a 90 FWD Legacy L. At the time, you could get a FWD Justy, Loyale (once know as DL or GL), and an AWD XT something which looked pretty horrible.
While Boxster engines mean a whole lot to car buffs, it doesn't to Mr. and Mrs. Average Joe.
If you want Subie to bring you hot boxster AWD cars, you have to let it get its cash somewhere.
mac @ Nov 20th 2007 1:31PM
An 08 Subaru Impreza get the same gas mileage as a Scion TC and has a larger, more powerful engine.
Hank @ Nov 20th 2007 9:47AM
OK, that was supposed to read "for the past couple of decades." Oops.
more money than. @ Nov 20th 2007 9:48AM
If we are just talking a subcompact model like the Justy, which was FWD/AWD with an inline engine, then it's not a big deal. IF, Toyota is trying to bring them into its fold and standardize drivetrains by doing away with the boxers then say good bye to Subaru. FHI Subaru has had the boxer since the late 60's when it obtained the design from the remains of Lloyd in Germany.
RDL @ Nov 20th 2007 9:49AM
Seriously... who didn't see this coming?
It's just Toyota doing what it does best: kill any driving excitement.
hokiebird @ Nov 20th 2007 9:56AM
The boxer going away wouldn't bother me nearly as much as the AWD leaving.
Looks like my Legacy GT will be my last new Scooby.
Richard @ Nov 20th 2007 10:24AM
If you get rid of the horizontal engine all you are left with is a high center of gravity, nose heavy pig that will understeer like...an Audi!
Toyota doesn't own enough to be able to cause these changes. Hopefully, though, they can bring a diesel in the flat engines so they stay light in weight and well handling.
hokiebird @ Nov 20th 2007 2:05PM
You're right. No one has ever created a well balanced car without a boxer.
Subarus, just like pretty much every production car, have a good amount of understeer stock also.