Subaru has built itself a reputation for safety on the back of its symmetrical all-wheel drive system, at least in North America, but with the development of a new rear-wheel drive sports car, the automaker’s image may be jeopardized.

This is an issue that has Subaru’s management worried, so much so that it is even considering excluding the upcoming rear-wheel drive sports car from sale in North America.

“We’re an all-wheel-drive brand,” company spokesman Michael McHale explained to Ward’s Auto. At question is whether brand loyalists would “forgive us a one-off exception,” he said.

McHale went on to reveal that the Subaru and Toyota versions will be very similar, except for unique styling at the front and rear.

For more information on the upcoming duo, check out our previous spy shot story by clicking here .

[Ward’s Auto]