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Subaru Unsure Of Bringing RWD Sports Car To U.S.

 
8 2,002 views Dec 21, 2009
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Toyota and Subaru joint sports coupe spy shots

HI-RES GALLERY: Toyota and Subaru joint sports coupe spy shots

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]





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Comments (8)

  1. By kumonga Posted: 12/21/2009 6:11am PST

    So just make it AWD & leave the RWD to Toyota ... ?
     
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  2. By  Woody Posted: 12/21/2009 7:37am PST

    Leave it AWD and have Toyota import the RWD version only. It will tarnish Subaru rep in the US otherwise.
     
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  3. By bepsf Posted: 12/21/2009 8:59am PST

    "It will tarnish Subaru rep in the US otherwise."
    If the styling doesn't, RWD certainly will...
    (what's with those unfashionably low-cut doors and the mile-high roof?)
    ...seems a no-brainer tho - simply make it AWD.
     
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  4. fb_100000275684479 avatar Michael Escobar Posted: 12/21/2009 9:27am PST

    Why would having a real RWD sports car, that's actually affordable tarnish Subaru's reputation? I could see if they released a FWD econobox, but this is an enthusiast's car, by an enthusiast's brand. Subaru has had a gap in their lineup since they ended production of the two door 22B Impreza in the early 2000s. I don't get the AWD exclusivity thing, even Audi sell FWD cars, and that hasn't tarnished their reputation for their AWD offerings.
     
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  5. By themishmosh Posted: 12/21/2009 3:03pm PST

    HERESY!!!!! Don't do it!
     
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  6. By  valentines day gifts Posted: 12/21/2009 6:58pm PST

    Great post.All we know about the Toyota-Subaru partnership is that both cars will use the same platform along with a Subaru engine. Expect rear-wheel-drive for the Toyota model, while Subaru might offer all-wheel-drive.
     
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  7. By  r4 card Posted: 1/6/2010 8:43pm PST

    Hi Guy's,
    now im not gonna pretend that they aren't extremely aggravating to work on (i have pulled the engine before, just to replace the transmission, it was a huge headache). But the redeeming value of the ST165 and ST185 celica's is definitely there in the driving experience. heavy, maybe. but i have never felt my alltrac was slow.
     
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  8. By  m2 card Posted: 2/3/2010 8:23pm PST

    Hi Guy's,
    the struggle to save Saab from history's trash bin goes on at Spyker even after GM shut down the purchase process last Friday. Spyker's efforts may not be in vain, but we don't know yet if GM will be satisfied with the Dutch company.
     
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