New SVX in 2003?
 

Gang, I found this on the Autoweek site. Looks like a new SVX might debut in 2003 with 280hp and targeting the Audi TT (and if so then the new 350Z as well). Check it out:
http://autoweek.com/search/search_di...12768&record=1

I can't wait til some pics surface! Anyone else heard of this animal coming out?

Pardon me for being so harsh, but this is bull****.

The SVX was never intended to compete with cars like the TT. True enough, they're both impressive design statements, but from a vehicular standpoint the SVX was originally designed as"..a world class performance luxury coupe which can hold its own againast the likes of the Toyota Supra, the Nissan 300ZX and the Mazda RX-7.." (I'm quoting from the Offical Technical Overview manual which Dave was gracious enough to give me at the last meet)

Now I don't think I'm alone in thinking that NONE of these cars run in the same league as the TT.

If indeed the SVX is to be re-enstated, it should be based on a tweaked Legacy chassis and powered by a massaged version of the new 3.0 liter six. I don't think I'm asking too much here.. The original SVX is a relatively big car, and I'd like to see a new one stay true to its roots. True enough, a turbocharged four might actually push out a few more ponies than the NA six, but I've actually learned to love NA motors for their smooth, predictable power delivery. If the six cannot be pushed to provide enough power in NA form, I think that it would behoove SOA and FHI to keep the SVX tradition of using the most advanced technology avaliable by unveiling a turbocharged version of the 3.0 six specifically for the new SVX.

Just thoughts..

-Adam

The original we own might not have been designed to compete with that class of car but the new one might be. Perhaps they are concerned about weight and believe the turboed 4 banger to be a better compromise than a heavier 6. Personally I'd like to see them use a six as well. I'm also a fan of naturally aspirated engines but after seeing what they did to the 4 cyl I'd love to see what they can do with the 6 and a couple turbos, maybe a supercharger instead (better low end response). Either way I think it's awesome that they are thinking to ressurect the SVX name.

Since the original was so far ahead of it's time, I think they could actually sell the same car again as a new model with much success. But then I'm biased :D

Look at the date of that artical, back in 2000. We asked about this when at the 10th anniversary meet, and they didn't indicate that this was in the cards. But, who know! :rolleyes:

:eek:
Damn! I didn't even look at the date. I just did a search on "SVX" and saw it. I guess I was too excited by the very prospect :)

How embarrassing...
 

:o I've become a rumor monger :o

the date gives it away. the car magazines predictions and rumors are bad even just a year in advance, but two?

Due to the success (or lack thereof) of the original, I doubt they would enstate any of the features that make the SVX an SVX. I think if anything ever comes out, we will see some kind of a flattened WRX STI. But that's just my opinion. Busnesses don't think in terms of what people like, they think in terms of what sells, and the original did not.

As much as I had hoped it would be true I am let down! But my thoughts anyway. As I think back to 92 one thing stands out to me and it is the Lexus SC 300-450. The stlye, size, and shape sorta remind me of a bland version of the SVX. That is who I considered the SVX to be in competition with a expensive grand tourer. A snuffed up somewhat sport car is what the Lexus was. Now look at it. It too is a competitor of the Audi TT or Daihatsu Kopen. So would I be surprised to see Subaru compete once again with Lexus, NO. But I would hope they would keep in some kind of tradition and make it upscale. Not an impreza frame. My mother, a Subaru fanatic has gone away from Subaru because of their lack of enthusiasm to people who want more. My mother went from an SVX to a BMW 740. She wants a new Subaru but feels they do not make anything worthy of her needs now. Like something with less cladding on it. You know what they need a 5 series BMW competitor! Like a spiffier Legacy GT with a real H-6 in it and an interior that has class like an SVX not the cheap looking interior that they put in the GTs now. A boy can dream can't he? I sure wish I could get a job with Subaru. There possibilities are endless!;)

-G

More or less my thoughts exactly. The SVX sold poorly at the time because it was so far ahead of it's time. Now we have cars very similar too it although still not as radical. The Lexus sports coupes are perfect examples of what our SVX would compete against today. I think it would sell much better today were it released as a new model than it did 10 years ago.

Granted the windows are a love 'em or hate 'em characteristic that probably hurt its sales more than any other factor. Personally I LOVE the windows and think they are the defining styling factor for the car. Other than that, as I look over my car in my mind's eye, three really isn't anything in it or on it that I think would need to be changed in order for the car to be seen by the public as a brand new model (ok, the seatbelt mice in mine are a dead giveaway but they got rid of them in later years). How many cars 10 years ago had projector headlamps?

As much as I'd love to see them dust off the old machinery and start producing our SVX exactly as it was as a new model (sure would make parts easier to come by ;)), I realise that could never happen and updates would have to be made, for better or for worse. But I think Subaru would do well to dust off the SVX moniker and produce a car that would be nearly as radical today as ours was 10 years ago.

:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

- Lwin

Re: New SVX in 2003?
 

I've been an Autoweek subscriber for several years and I remember this piece. As has already been observed, that was the last mention of it. Like DSM, Nissan, Toyota and Mazda, FHI seems to have been left with a bad taste from their performance / luxury sports coupe adventures. However, I take the fact that Nissan has returned to this market (and Mazda is coming) to be encouraging. SUV market demand, which ate the lunch of the SVX, Supra, Z, et al, is approching the crest of its curve. Cars are the next big thing.

Re: Re: New SVX in 2003?
 

unfortunately, "cross-over" vehicles are the next big thing. you know, those ugly little things that aren't quite an SUV, but not a car, either. Pontiac Vibe/Toyota Matrix, Focus ZX3, etc. it seems all the car makers have a version of one, or will soon. see how many of these are at the auto shows now. at least they don't hog the road like a giant SUV, but they're still not easy to look at.

The rumor I heard was that there *may* be a 3.0t coming out and there *may* be a legacy GT coupe in MY05 which *may* be dubbed SVX, but in name only. I wouldn't expect anything that spectacular as the original SVX in it.

-mike

a guy in Japan who works with Subaru said on the i-club that the Legacy B4 WILL be coming to the U.S. soon. Subaru made a big mistake not bringing it here sooner. it was a raging success in Japan, #3 car sold there, period. imagine having an Audi S4/ BMW M3 killer for $25,000!!! (the $U.S equivalent of what they were selling them in Japan for) not sure about the "SVX" badge, though. Subaru wised up and they won't be that cheap here, but they guy said they will be adding enough to the new one to still make it WELL worth the extra money. :D :D :D