NEWS: Subaru, Toyota to co-develop RWD Impreza-based coupe!

**Type 100** · April 16th, 2008 09:54 AM

Originally Posted by pup2

AFAIK po, it will be a Toyota car, just using Subaru engine and (we hope) design. Kung ganun nga, it's a good deal for Suby.

I don't think so bro...I think Subaru and Toyota will each sell their own version of this commonly developed car.

How it will fit in Subaru's AWD car lineup is tricky, but Subaru already sells FF cars in Japan (the R1 and R2 k-cars) so it's not such a big deal I guess.

**HyBrideVo** · April 16th, 2008 10:52 AM

change is good and i like it

**pup2** · April 16th, 2008 08:41 PM

Originally Posted by Type 100

I don't think so bro...I think Subaru and Toyota will each sell their own version of this commonly developed car.

How it will fit in Subaru's AWD car lineup is tricky, but Subaru already sells FF cars in Japan (the R1 and R2 k-cars) so it's not such a big deal I guess.

Does FF mean front wheel? yep, no biggie nga. Panalo pa din sila sa utilization ng plants, which was my main point.

Don't know how big a seller it'll be for them anyway since andyan naman yung Impreza. Maybe that's why they're not selling the Impreza sedan in asian and euro markets?

just hope some of their angst rubs off on Toyota rather than the other way around!

**blitzmage_89** · April 16th, 2008 10:33 PM

feel ko subaru magbebenta nyan dito. They shaved off the impreza to 1 million , so can they shave the price off this car :D

**Type 100** · April 16th, 2008 10:41 PM

Originally Posted by pup2

Does FF mean front wheel? yep, no biggie nga. Panalo pa din sila sa utilization ng plants, which was my main point.

Don't know how big a seller it'll be for them anyway since andyan naman yung Impreza. Maybe that's why they're not selling the Impreza sedan in asian and euro markets?

FF = front-engine, front-wheel-drive

There just may be a market for this car as a Subaru. The three facelift versions of GDB Impreza STis were notable for that trick center differential that could manually vary the torque split between front and back wheels. After road-testing them, a number of car magazines found the prospect of a sideways Subaru "M3" rather appealing

No points for guessing to which axle they sent the torque to, hehehe

We'll see. This will be interesting at the very least...and if it helps Subaru/FHI grow as a carmaker then it's all good

**pup2** · April 17th, 2008 05:38 PM

It can be known as a Subayota or a Toyobaru! hahaha. Pero sa FXT ko, no complaints whatsover sa speed, performance, drivetrain, whatever -- if anything, sa interior siya puwede iimprove. I wouldn't want THAT to be RWD.

Di ko pa nata try mag sideways though. Maybe sa tagulan?

**rufboxster** · April 19th, 2008 05:15 PM

my almighty! very nice looking coupe!
i think this will wear the subaru badge for sure. and it will help the subaru grow healthier as a company. toyota owns a small percentage of subaru but their excellent marketing strategies will give them a lot of positive outcomes.

**Type 100** · April 19th, 2008 05:46 PM

Keep in mind, those images aren't final by any means

We'll have to see if Subaru finally improves on its vehicle design with this coupe. Personally I'd love to see your ordinary Juan or Joe gawp with genuine longing for the beauty of a well-designed Subaru, not just car enthusiasts who know the company's WRC heritage.

This really, really might be that genuinely beautiful car Subaru needs. :D

**rufboxster** · April 19th, 2008 06:02 PM

you're right. a rally car is far more different from the everyday transporter that we practically need all day. and yes, theres always something lacking in subarus past designs. this should be the right time.

**pup2** · April 20th, 2008 05:46 AM

On Toyota's share in Subaru, please note the following:
Toyota to double stake in Subaru parent, Fuji Heavy

2 04 2008 Filed under: Subaru, Toyota

Emerging reports indicate that [COLOR=blue ! important][COLOR=blue ! important]Toyota[/COLOR][/COLOR] is preparing to nearly double its stake in Subaru’s parent company, Fuji Heavy Industries. Toyota initially bought into Fuji when that other [COLOR=blue ! important][COLOR=blue ! important]automotive[/COLOR][/COLOR] giant, General Motors, sold its 8.7% stake to its Japanese rival. The new share-grab, the door to which was opened by revised Japanese laws, would bring Toyota’s partial ownership of Fuji up to 17%, just short of double its current stake.
Since Toyota’s buy-in of Fuji, cooperation between the two companies has only increased, ranging from new product development to manufacturing. Insiders predict that with the increased stake will come even more integrated collaboration between the two Japanese automakers, which, considering Toyota’s enormous success worldwide, can only mean good things for Subaru’s operations.
Meanwhile, it’s worth noting that with Toyota reportedly considering following Honda into the sky, Fuji’s other core business in aerospace could prove an invaluable asset.
[Source: Indianapolis Business Journal via Straightline]

I just hope Subaru retains its identity, reliability, and SPEED/handling. It actually makes me happy for Subaru but sad for me. I don't know why ...