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Wagons Subaru Crew Subaru Crew - Future Models II
21533 messages, Last post on Dec 01, 2009 at 8:05 PM
You are in the Subaru Crew Forum. Your Host is kcram
Your Community Leaders are ateixeira and rsholland.
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Want to start a rolling brainstorm -- predict the 2005 Subaru lineup. Rules are: Make it a combination of your preference and prediction -- don't assume Subaru has unlimited $, even w/GM. Do assume Subaru wants to sell more cars, and that means reaching more market niches if not mainstream market, yet does not want to stray from core strengths. To stir it up, here's my lineup suggestion using existing platform lineup: IMPREZA -- becomes sub-brand and expands ... 1.base model -- sedan and sta wgn., 2.5 engine but better mpg figures, price kept low to challenge Civic, Corolla, Protege, Focus it's a dealer advertising loss leader 2. Plus model -- same engine, 6 sp. manual, nicer insides including opt. leather, seat warmers, power driver seat, trip computer 3. WRX -- 6 sp. man., Recaro seats, possible Panoz model (appearance add-ons only), finds itself in buff book comparos with BMW 3-sries and winning handily. coupe returns 4. High-mileage hybrid-engine model? Only if GM pops for it. FORESTER -- becomes sub-brand w/3 models 1. current model redesigned 2002/2003, bigger than current model or new Impreza (backseat woes solved) now called the Forester Sacajewea (can't spell it) after the FEMALE scout who led Lewis & Clark; breakthough name to aggressively appeal to female market (hey, it's a brainstorm, Okay? no bad ideas in a brainstorm) 2. STX pickup -- base modeal and LL Bean model with outdoor add-ons to execute Aztek concept the right way 3. Macho looking but slightly undersized minivan (a la new Mazda), but has the six cyl. to solve Mazda's problem, AWD of course, nicely tricked out to further eat away at big 3 minivans, handles well, accelerates well, designed for the soccer mom w/attitude who doesn't mind breaking a nail now and then, and the husband who feels embarrased in an Odyssey, Town and Country or other. LEGACY -- fading, loss leader base sedan and wagon (blaah --stays in lineup only so dealers have newspaper ad price leader along with Impreza base) OUTBACK -- expanded to three models 1. Outback Classic -- continuation of current wagon with current features, engine w/ more low-end torque, possible addition of nav. system, OnStar, smoother transmission thanks to GM; appeals to people whose previous car was Grand Cherokee or other landed gentry SUV, but now want something smaller, more manageable -- but still virile -- in their AARP years. 2. Outback Summit -- new, true SUV, built off Legacy platform but 4-6 inches longer, 1-2 inches wider and 3 inches higher with more macho look (Sub's version of Toyo Highlander)and the 6-cyl with hp. beef-up, hits the 20 mpg EPA city mark, auto. only of course. Possible name: Summit (used before, but don't forget, Plymouth once called their wagons "Suburbans" yet Chevy continues to succeed w/the name) 3. sedan -- I'm stumped -- more GT-like or more Outback like? Does it die -- if so, no Legacy sedan at all because Legacy base model sales won't fund cost of the sedan body. Sub. should not try the Accord/Camry/Taurus/Intrigue/etc. Hopefully learned its lesson in the mid 90s.
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Nate - there was a concept called the Exiga built a few years ago. Haven't heard anything lately though. http://www.subaru.net/prototype/exiga.html Dennis |
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I think each model line will become more focused. We're already seeing that with the Impreza - moving more towards performance, and less as a entry-level model. I think the Forester and ST-X (or whatever they end up calling it) will have dual-range transmissions, and have better towing capability. The Forester will become a bit more utility-friendly/capable than it currently is. I think both will offer some sort of power upgrade, as an option; either the H-6 or supercharged H-4. My bet is the H-4 w/SC. I don't think the Legacy will disappear. I think the "L" will evolve into a "TS" with standard alloy wheels, and perhaps a few other goodies, such as an optional H-6, with a 5-speed manual choice. I think the GT will get a high-output and/or larger version of the H-6 as standard. Whereas the WRX is more hard-core performance, I think the GT will become a "true' GT; meaning both luxury and excellent performance to be part of the package. I think the Outback lineup will consolidate into fewer models. I think the VDC and LL Bean will merge into one vehicle. I see the Limited being dropped as a model, but offer leather and moonroof as options on the base Outback. The base Outback will get the same H-6 as an option as does the "TS" Legacy, and with a manual 5-speed choice. I think we will see some sort of coupe roadster, base upon WRX/Legacy GT components. There is reportedly a larger SUV/wagon in the works with 3-row seating. I would expect it to have a larger than 3.0 H-6, probably at least 3.5L, or larger. As you may have guessed, I'm hoping for 5-speed automatics to replaces 4-speed automatics, and performance models (WRX/Legacy GT/coupe-roadster) to offer 6-speed manuals and 5-speed tiptronic automatics. I also think Subaru, as a brand, will be positioned between the mainstream brands (Honda, Toyota, etc.) and the upscale brands (Audi, BMW, etc.) Bob |
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I think between now and 2005, you will see Subaru make a HUGE marketing effort to sell AWD as a year-round advantage, and not just for snow. Those of us here in the Church of Our Holy Subaru already know this. The rest of the world doesn't. Subaru sales are not do nearly as good in the sun-belt states, as they are in snowy climates. I'm betting Subaru is going to make a big effort to change that perception - to make owning a Subaru desirable, no matter where you live. That means selling PERFORMANCE! The launch of the new Impreza is I predict the first phase of this new marketing effort. With that in mind, I here's what I also think we could also see: In addition to what we know is coming to the Impreza lineup, I think we could also see a 3.0 H-6 model added. Subaru has always stuffed large engines into small packages. I can see a 3.0 H-6 going in there - and I think it would appeal to a different customer than the WRX does. I can see additional variations of the H-6, such as: 3.2L (Forester, Legacy TS [see above post], Outback) 3.4L or 3.5L (Legacy GT) If Subaru is gong to make a performance push, as I predict, I think they will offer some "startling" engine/model combinations, to really catch the public's attention, such as I've described. Bob |
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| I would like to see an Audi S4 Avant fighter or some kind of super wagon. | |
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the name's WRX wagon. I think the STi WRX wagon already stomp all over the S4 Avant. Not sure about the RS4 Avant though. You mean performance wise right? And not luxury. Also I believe the Legacy GTB wagon is 280hp twin turbo goodness. ain't she a beaut? |
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Amen brother Sudhir, amen! A Legacy platform with RS4 Avant features.. yum! A4 and Impreza platforms are too small for my tastes; A6 too expensive and styling too bland; Legacy is just right -- not too small, not too big. Man, what a sleeper that would be, even with a hood scoop (but skip the rear spoiler). Oh that's right, ramon, they already make that the GT-B; wish it were imported here. Agnatically yours, ..Mike |
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I thought I read somewhere that the new WRX was going to have the VTD system which would indicate no LSD on it... I vaguely remember hearing that somewhere... -mike |
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| Re: the Legacy disappearing...check the slaes figures from the SoA press releases...Legacy outsells the other models each month....not everyone likes the Outback's high look...one reason we ordered the Legacy... | |
The Legacy L is a very good car  under $20K. We compared em to others in it's class and it can't be beat.-mike |
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