SVX prototype brochure

[svxistentialist]

I have just bought a Subaru brochure from a guy in Belgium. This shows the SVX in pre-launch format when it was a show prototype for the 28th Tokyo show in 1989.

It also lists features that never made it to the road car, such as hydraulically adjustable suspension and voice activated on-board controls.

As against that, the interior is probably 90% plus the car as we now know it.

When I get time to scan it I will post pictures, they are very clear. Interestingly the four wheel arches are a good deal wider than the finished product. Tyre size is 245/50/16.

The 1989 Tokyo Show has a link here: http://www.tokyo-motorshow.com/eng/s...istory_28.html

The silver car in the top picture is another prototype from the Subaru brochure. It's called the Caspita. In the background you can see the engine. It is a Subaru flat 12 of 3.5 litres, having 5 valves per cylinder. I'm wondering if it would fit in the SVX? This car never made production SFAIK, probably the Honda NSX stole its thunder.

That's a pity, because it is prettier and more interesting than the NSX.

Even more interesting still is the SRD 1 design study from California. SRD 1 It runs on SVX engine and mechanicals, has four doors and an estate car/station wagon body with lots of glass . That would be a nice car to own.

I'll do some scans tonight.

Joe

[ensteele]

Interesting. I will look forward to the scans.

[svxistentialist]

You have a lot of material Earl. You may already have this.

The Japanese brochure is about 1.5" wider than my scanner platen, which does A4 or a little wider. To get all information I will have to scan each page twice.

I'll try scanning some tonight, see what they look like.

Joe

[svxistentialist]

well, I did a few scans last night. Because the catalogue is bigger than A4 I had to take multiple scans and then juggle the image orientation and size to get them acceptable for the picture gallery.




I thought a few might be interested in the rear view of the prototype above. Note how wide the arches flare at the left and right. Somebody needs to recreate this, it looks butch.

Maybe Danny with his grp skills? Eh? Danny?

Joe

[svxistentialist]

This is the other picture of the specifications. The voice control thing is interesting, as is the Active Hydraulic Suspension.



To get a full picture of the car is more difficult, it generally spreads across two pages. I may have to get familiar with stitching software.

[svxistentialist]

The front end of the prototype:



and now, bringing up the rear, as we say in horse racing.......



That's your lot for now.

Joe

[Sean486]

Thanks, very interesting. What's with the yellow covered headlights and grill?? I also got a kick out of some of the wording. "the joy of bounteous and pure driving.." "The canopy gleaming like wind-polished onyx,.." and "conveying the impression of active, vivacious running". Hah, that writer earned his paycheck.
I wish Subaru would have kept those rims, and I kind of like that center grill treatment too. (Minus the yellow cover ofcourse)

[svxistentialist]

This would be an interesting drive, very clean design:


It's a pity they never went to production on it. I suppose they lost enough money on the SVX.

[svxistentialist]

Originally Posted by Sean486

Thanks, very interesting. What's with the yellow covered headlights and grill?? I also got a kick out of some of the wording. "the joy of bounteous and pure driving.." "The canopy gleaming like wind-polished onyx,.." and "conveying the impression of active, vivacious running". Hah, that writer earned his paycheck.
I wish Subaru would have kept those rims, and I kind of like that center grill treatment too. (Minus the yellow cover ofcourse)

You're welcome Sean.

I agree with you about the rims, they really suit the car. Regards the plastic yellow screen over the lights, does not do much for me. Looks tacky.

One thing does occur; we have had euro bumpers and bumpers from kStaff that are too low. It's a pity nobody cloned this one, it's the nicest of the lot IMO.

Joe

[Freeman]

I was thinking about how much I love the wheels and really like the side skirts.. But WOW that yellow stuff is ugly. We want clear lenses for a reason. Also, did you notice how the spoiler is different too? It sits much too high to be the Subaru version and too wide to be the Alcyone version. I don't really like it either. To each is own I guess. Glad they changed a few things though. Although the voice thing would be amazing but way too ahead of its time I suppose.

[Sean486]

I like the SRD-1 too. I comes off much better than that other concept wagon based on the SVX. (the name escapes me) Do you have any pictures from the front?

[LetItSnow]

Originally Posted by Sean486

...that other concept wagon based on the SVX. (the name escapes me)

Amadeus.


This is the side that made you want to puke:


From the front? Cool. From the back? Loaded diaper. Oof!

I, too, dig the SRD-1, rockin' the 245s. Nice!

[svxistentialist]

Originally Posted by Sean486

I like the SRD-1 too. I comes off much better than that other concept wagon based on the SVX. (the name escapes me) Do you have any pictures from the front?

Not yet Sean. These scans are HUGE at 400 dpi, just to be nice to you guys

They take a long time to scan and longer to process for the upload.

If you click on the SRD 1 link in the second last paragraph of post #1, you can see a few different angles including the front view. I believe the red car shown was displayed in Chicago that year, if anybody knows different, please correct me.

Joe

[Sean486]

Originally Posted by LetItSnow

Amadeus.


This is the side that made you want to puke:


From the front? Cool. From the back? Loaded diaper. Oof!

I, too, dig the SRD-1, rockin' the 245s. Nice!

It's too bad they never sold it, it would have given us another source for parts, and maybe lowered the price of the Windshields.

[Sean486]

Originally Posted by svxistentialist

If you click on the SRD 1 link in the second last paragraph of post #1, you can see a few different angles including the front view.

Man I have been on that site for like an hour now looking at all those concept cars. Pretty cool site.