Motor Trend March 2005 - SVX Mention

Sidewinder · #1 02-05-2005, 01:45 PM

In the March issue of Motor Trend, there is a mention of the SVX. The issue is about upcoming cars. Anyway, they talk about the new Mitsubishi Eclipse. Here's what was said in the paragraph:

... Interesting details are the low cut doors with a beltline so plunging that the front portion of the side glass is fixed--otherwise, the glass wouldn't lower all the way down. Partial fixed slide glass was a feature of the unappreciated Subaru SVX coupe from a decade ago, and, in the new Eclipse, the feature helps reduce winde buffeting inside the car.

Unappreciated.

#2 02-05-2005, 04:27 PM

I think that they mean the general public did not appreciate the SVX. If Motor Trend didn't like the car, they would have said so more bluntly.

#3 02-05-2005, 04:30 PM

Motor Trend loved the SVX. The whole automotive press did.

Mike

n00b on demand · #4 02-05-2005, 07:17 PM

I have the issue of car and driver with the M3 on the cover and it has a page about the SVX. I havent read all of it yet but it doesnt sound like they like the SVX.

#5 02-05-2005, 07:25 PM

*covers ears* LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA OF COURSE THEY DO!

heh.

Mike

rmjjensen · #6 02-06-2005, 08:42 AM

They made a special magazine dedicated to the SVX's production. I think all the automotive people loved it. Heck - it was amazing to say, "wow, a car company is actually going to produce their concept."

What I'm kind of confused about is this - When there is a concept car, doesn't the manufacturer get input from people at the auto shows to see how well the car attracts customers? It would've had to have been a good response for them to bring it into production. I'm still confused why it didn't sell. Yes, the price point was high, especially in a subaru dealership at the time, but I mean - this car is incredible to drive. There's no way someone could refuse after a test drive.

svxcess · #7 02-06-2005, 09:32 AM

Read "Where the Suckers Moon" by Randall Rothenberg. It is facsinating reading which chronicles the advertising story of Subaru and highlights some of the reasons why the SVX wasn't as successful as it could have been. It gives insight into its development and follows the triumphs and complications of bringing this car to the public.

TIMING: The SVX (which stood originally for Specialty Experimental Vehicle) was introduced to the U.S. in the winter of 1991, when car sales were the lowest they had been in 8 years. A recession was looming, along with the imminent Gulf War and a total lack of consumer confidence.

ADVERTISING: Long known in the automotive industry for producing cheap, reliable cars (SUBARU: inexpensive. And built to stay that way), Subaru wanted to change their image to be more of a mainstream competitor. They wanted to showcase their superiority and technology and end the auto critic's complaining about the poor quality of Fuji's styling. The print and early TV ads for the SVX glorified speed and performance. The NHTSA at the time frowned on this approach and put pressure on the networks not to air these ads.

Its funny how just 10 years later, the WRX ads were successful using speed and performance as their main focus. If these standards were allowed at the time of the SVX introduction, there would probably be a greater acceptance.

Early SVX ads that didn't make it:

Subaru SVX: The car for the 911 driver with brains

Subaru SVX: Experience the feeling of having your head flattened by g forces.

We guarantee that you'll be able to use all of the speedometer. (later changed under pressure to a toothless "you'll be able to go as fast as the law allows")

Rotorflyr · #8 02-06-2005, 11:11 AM

Wasn't one of the ad's along the lines of:

You'll Drive So Fast, You'll Get So Many Tickets, You'll Loose Your License!?

SubaSteevo · #9 02-06-2005, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Rotorflyr
Wasn't one of the ad's along the lines of:

You'll Drive So Fast, You'll Get So Many Tickets, You'll Loose Your License!?

Yup

along with..."State troopers aren't the only ones writing up our new Sports Car"

Matthewmongan · #10 02-06-2005, 12:38 PM

Subaru SVX: Experience the feeling of having your head flattened by g forces.

that one is awsome and the one about useing all the spedo. to bad "the Man" has to keep the svx down. stupid fuzz

svx_commuter · #11 02-06-2005, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by sidewinder
Partial fixed slide glass was a feature of the unappreciated Subaru SVX coupe from a decade ago, and, in the new Eclipse, the feature helps reduce winde buffeting inside the car.

Unappreciated.

So the new Eclipse has a window in the window? How's it look? I find it hard to believe that another car company would try to repeat the SVX mistake. That was the number one gripe about the looks of the SVX. Those funny windows........

Rotorflyr · #12 02-06-2005, 03:59 PM

IMHO it looks ok, as you can see it's the forward portion of the glass that is fixed in place:

#13 02-06-2005, 04:14 PM

Windows aside, I think the front end and headlights look way too similar to the Dodge Stratus.

SubaSteevo · #14 02-06-2005, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by deruvian
Windows aside, I think the front end and headlights look way too similar to the Dodge Stratus.

Agreed

There are only a few minor changes from the concept, but I like the concept much more

n00b on demand · #15 02-06-2005, 08:26 PM

I dont think either look good at all.