New Subaru concept coming to Detroit Auto Show
by Jeremy Korzeniewski on Dec 8th 2008 at 10:29AM 
We awoke this morning to rumors of an impending concept car from Subaru that's supposedly headed to the Detroit Auto Show next month. That's exciting news, considering that many automakers, including Nissan and Infiniti, have announced they will have no official presence at the largest auto show of the year in the U.S. We're not sure what the new concept will be, but our best guesstimate would be the boxer-powered rear-wheel drive sportscar that we've been expecting for the last year or so. That coupe has been jointly developed with Toyota, which owns a large stake in Subaru and has been developing its own version of the platform, as well. Does this mean that Toyota (or its subsidiary Scion) will also be showing off its concept version of the upcoming RWD sports car? We have no idea, but it wouldn't be all that surprising. Stay tuned.[Source: Carscoop]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Jared 10:39AM (12/08/2008)
Well they all will need something to compete with the gensis.
Can you image... a market full of turbo 4cylinder RWD economy type cars?
I need to change my pants.
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Travis 12:41PM (12/08/2008)
If it's 3300+ pounds for a "lightweight 2+2 RWD coupe" like the Genesis, color me uninterested. Original rumor was lightweight, 2700-2800lbs and 200hp. Will have to see how close they come to that...
naggs 1:17PM (12/08/2008)
yeah, pretty exciting stuff
if they keep this up, they will finally force mazda into making a proper mx5 coupe
tekd 4:49PM (12/08/2008)
Subaru and Toyota announced their new concept car and I...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pXfHLUlZf4
spookiness 10:39AM (12/08/2008)
new SVX?
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Richard 12:13PM (12/08/2008)
After the election and pursuant economic meltdown, a new SVX would restore my faith that there is a benevolent God.
petee209 10:43AM (12/08/2008)
I hope its the RWD coupe, but if it isn't maybe a less bland, ugly, boring Impreza?
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Josiah 10:48AM (12/08/2008)
Is 16% a 'large stake' ?
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ebm14 10:54AM (12/08/2008)
A Subaru suppose to have AWD. This is completely stupid, but I am not against the idea of having a coupe.
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Stumpy 11:50AM (12/08/2008)
Well, they like many other companies are having to mix things up to keep sales going. I would LOVE a Suby/Yo RWD small coupe. I am going to start saving my pennies now.
Torrent 10:54AM (12/08/2008)
I always liked Subaru's concepts. I think this one is going to be good.
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2tall 11:17AM (12/08/2008)
Sure would be nice if many of these Jap car builders made a car that a 6'4" American could get in and out of easily and not have to sit in the back seat when driving. I for one am tired of turning my head and seeing door pillars, or reclining way back and looking out the rear side windows. If sunroof is open I can sit up but with my head poking out the top. I like the coupe idea but size is always a big concern for us tall people.
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naggs 1:22PM (12/08/2008)
i am 6'5" and i easily fit in gen 1 miatas
but then im not fat, maybe thats the issue?
masarak 11:37AM (12/08/2008)
This hasn't been a rumor since Subaru's official press release about it last week.
My guess is that it's some version of the Legacy/Outback since it's due for a new model... maybe with diesel. I find it difficult to believe that Toyota would let Subaru steal it's thunder about the rwd coupe.
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BoxerFanatic 11:54AM (12/08/2008)
It is almost certainly going to be the new Legacy, or maybe Outback, or both. Both are due for 2010, are rumored to be different sheetmetal on the same base chassis, and Legacy=Sedan, Outback=Wagon for all of North America. (Canada still gets the current Legacy wagon, built in Indiana, but the US doesn't.)
It is possible that it would be the new compact 2+2 RWD coupe, but we still haven't heard if Subaru even wants to sell a non-AWD car in the US, and it could be a Scion due to that... If it is the NAIAS Subaru concept announcement, I am anxious to see it, but I think it will be '10 Legacy, which I am also very interested to see. (whether I will eventually replace my '05 Legacy GT with an '09 Spec B, or an '10+MY Legacy...)
I have been hoping for a new SVX, based on the current or upcoming Legacy with platform sharing making the car more sale-able and profitable by being less prohibitively mechanically unique from other Subarus, and yet still a very good performance car with unique features in the marketplace... But I am not sure if that will ever happen. It would make too much sense, and I might actually get something I want. :D That means it'll never happen! :lol:
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Affalterbach 1:11PM (12/08/2008)
I only hope that the next Legacy is not based on a Camry platform. Toyota needs to realize that Subaru is a niche brand and has a dedicated following rather than a bland-house like Toyota.
I also hope that Subaru's version of the small coupe is more Impreza 22B STi (iconic!) than SVX (unloved).
BoxerFanatic 2:08PM (12/08/2008)
@Affalterbach
The camry won't fit Subaru's drivetrain. It will probably be based on the dimensions of the JDM-only Exiga that came out this year. A bit bigger than current, but not much.
Hopefully it isn't as ugly as so many Honda, Acura, Toyota, and others new sedans are.
As a Legacy owner, I will be really put out if it looks like a Camry, or new TL, TSX, Accord, or Maxima.
The Subaru/Toyota sport coupe will be small. It will be closer to the AE86 Corolla, or a RWD sort of Impreza GC8 coupe. Probably not a turbocharged AWD killer 22b STI in performance, but perhaps similar in size. More of a 2.0RS non-turbo with RWD.
I want a new, 21st century SVX, though, based on Legacy's size, with perhaps some power, suspension, and brake bits from STI, or tribeca. (5x114 wheels, robust brakes, STI H4 turbo, or 3.6 H6 engines, 5 or 6-speed sport-shift automatic, and STI/Legacy Spec.B 6MT transmission options. SI drive, Bilsteins, Brembos, etc.
Make it a 3-door GT coupe with flush canopy glass (I even kinda like window-in-a-window...), and an Legacy-like aerodynamic face, and current Legacy size, perhaps a slight bit shorter rear overhang, and a slight bit wider track width... with a driver-oriented interior design spiced a bit up from the Legacy's nice interior...
Make it 3400-3500lbs, with 300+ AWD Horsepower, with the turbo or H6 options, and the 6-speed or automatic sport shift options, and good brakes and suspension... What is NOT to love? G37x is not as well equipped as G37S, in coupe or sedan format. Audi A4/A5 is expensive, as is an AWD equipped BMW 3-series. All are available as sedans and coupe/convertibles...
Legacy needs an SVX platform mate to undercut all of those with standard AWD WITH sport equipment, offered together, for less than $40k.
dc11 1:06PM (12/08/2008)
its going to be some retarded hybrid car that looks like it should be driven by people from NO MA'AM.
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dc11 2:21PM (12/08/2008)
oops! I meant YES MA'AM
Torqued 2:23PM (12/08/2008)
We're all excited about seeing a new Subaru 22b with 450HP weighing 2500 lbs that does 0-60 in a nanosecond.
But you're right. It's going to be a hybrid electric shoebox with 7 headlights that runs on the laughter of children.
Well, I'll still keep my fingers crossed for the first one.