Thoughts on that Subaru Toyota Thing

[Whizbang]

Im confused on how the car companies are going to go about having two identical cars for sale. Its a odd approach that reminds me more of the late 80s early 90s approach (think isuzu / geo). But aside from badging they seem to be identical.

I think the idea of the car, simple, affordableish etc, but I think it looks a touch akward. Like the rear is larger than the front.

[speedjunkie]

Wait, they're both going to have the boxer engine? That is just strange. I thought they were only sharing the chassis. They do look a LITTLE bit different, but not by much.

[Whizbang]

yea they are going share the same engine and everything.

[RX-7 Chris]

they will have the Subaru engine with Toyota electronics. I don't have a problem with this. Mazda and ford did it for years, Chrysler and Mitsubishi did it, Geo, Subaru, and Suzuki did it.

The Geo Metro was the same car as:
-Suzuki Cultus
-Suzuki Swift
-Chevrolet Swift
-Pontiac Firefly
-Holden Barina
-Maruti Suzuki 1000
-Maruti Suzuki Esteem
-Subaru Justy
-Suzuki Cultus
-Chang'an Suzuki Lingyang

[RichB]

I can't find any good pics of the Subaru variant....

[RX-7 Chris]

Subaru: http://japanesenostalgiccar.com/2011/11/29/this-is-the-new-subaru-brz/#more-17843
Toyota: http://japanesenostalgiccar.com/2011/11/28/this-is-the-new-toyota-86/#more-17817
Scion: http://japanesenostalgiccar.com/2011/11/30/this-is-the-new-scion-fr-s/#more-17885

[RichB]

Thanks!

I think I like the Subaru the best but it looks like the Scion showed some sweet options.

I'm guessing these are all RWD also which would kill Subaru's marketing scheme that states that their entire line up is AWD.

[RX-7 Chris]

[RX-7 Chris]

Thanks!

I think I like the Subaru the best but it looks like the Scion showed some sweet options.

I'm guessing these are all RWD also which would kill Subaru's marketing scheme that states that their entire line up is AWD.

Yup they are all RWD

[erod550]

I like it. I just hope it doesn't end up like the Genesis.

Decent looks? Check.
RWD Coupe? Check.
Enough power? Um.. nope.

200hp isn't going to cut it these days. They need to be at least above the STi's current 305hp. Probably more like 320 and up. But even if they aren't I think it will sell well based on its looks alone. I just wouldn't even consider buying it unless it's got balls.

Then again, with drivers getting worse and worse, the public may steer away just because it's RWD and it seems no one knows how to drive a RWD car these days, especially in inclement weather. Although V6 Mustangs and Camaros still sell well.

[RichB]

Enough power? Um.. nope.

Agreed. 200HP is kinda weak for today's standards...

Maybe this is just the base model and they will have various options that give you a more powerful set-up.

[erod550]

I'm sure they will. There's supposed to be a turbo version. Just waiting to see if it's WRX power levels or STi+ power levels.

[RX-7 Chris]

the key to the car is the 2,650 lbs curb weight. My RX weighs the same and with 135hp.

[Huzer]

I like it. I don't even mind that it "only" has 200 hp. However if the price creeps too much up the $20k ladder, it's less and less of a value.

[erod550]

I guess it depends on what it's trying to be. If it's trying to be a sports car, it needs more power. If it's just trying to be another stylish economy car, like the tC or something, then it's fine with 200hp. I thought it was trying to be a sports car.