Subaru considering offering non-boxer, non-AWD models
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]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
Ilya 9:06AM (11/20/2007)
Blasphemy! Please don't do that Subaru, you know that this won't do much good to you.
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James Sonne 9:07AM (11/20/2007)
It already offers both in the Asian market with its Honda Fit, Nissan Versa competitor.
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Tim UF 9:16AM (11/20/2007)
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???)
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Bill 9:22AM (11/20/2007)
The already did. The Justy was available with AWD, and it had a CVT too.
Craig 9:27AM (11/20/2007)
A mid engined turbo boxer engined coupe would be great.
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Alex 9:39AM (11/20/2007)
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.
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Sam 10:14AM (11/20/2007)
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 10:49AM (11/20/2007)
the 99 GT was less powerful than the 06 base model Legacy. i'm sure you realize that though.
mike k. 9:42AM (11/20/2007)
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...
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Ethan 8:12PM (11/25/2007)
Add a new marque?
Hank 9:46AM (11/20/2007)
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.
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Tim UF 10:51AM (11/20/2007)
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 12:33PM (11/20/2007)
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 1:31PM (11/20/2007)
An 08 Subaru Impreza get the same gas mileage as a Scion TC and has a larger, more powerful engine.
Hank 9:47AM (11/20/2007)
OK, that was supposed to read "for the past couple of decades." Oops.
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more money than. 9:48AM (11/20/2007)
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.
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RDL 9:49AM (11/20/2007)
Seriously... who didn't see this coming?
It's just Toyota doing what it does best: kill any driving excitement.
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hokiebird 9:56AM (11/20/2007)
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.
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Richard 10:24AM (11/20/2007)
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 2:05PM (11/20/2007)
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.