Subaru BRZ

[svxxx26]

Originally Posted by icingdeath88

I feel like you might be missing the point of this car........

No, not really...I get the point, but like I posted - I'm still trying to get the point that a Subaru is being marketed without AWD.
I like it for what it is, am glad to see Subaru with a car like this - and it should help that broaden their appeal. Could be the right car at the right time for them (unlike the SVX )

[Green1995SVX]

The car will, no doubt, be a fantastic drivers car. I predict that these will become extremely popular and competitive autocross vehicles.

That said, I think it's a poor idea from a marketing standpoint to not at least offer the car with optional all wheel drive. Subaru can no longer tout that all of their cars are all wheel drive (or at least available with it), and that is a significant portion of their brand identity.

[bwb3]

It is just sad when their design looks like a copy of the Genesis.

Well said Danny, great platform but no originality. Copy, copy, copy something appears to be the history of most Asian designs.
Gene

[dbarnblatt]

Originally Posted by Green1995SVX

The car will, no doubt, be a fantastic drivers car. I predict that these will become extremely popular and competitive autocross vehicles.

True... there is no question that this will happen. It's Miata like in size. Just looking at it you can tell it is nothing like any other Subaru and it will be a blast to drive.

Originally Posted by Green1995SVX

That said, I think it's a poor idea from a marketing standpoint to not at least offer the car with optional all wheel drive. Subaru can no longer tout that all of their cars are all wheel drive (or at least available with it), and that is a significant portion of their brand identity.

Can't happen with the current layout of the BRZ.... the engine sits right where the front diff would be positioned. It would have to be a completely different platform and engine/drive train layout.

I think that this might be a first step towards Subaru migrating and positioning themselves in other markets. Subaru has offered many different type of vehicles overseas and it has just been the US that has had only AWD vehicles from them. It is a sign of growth.

It's good move, and will help increase their fuel economy requirements average... which it needs desperately.

[Conn SVX]

Did I miss it ? What is the power? CC HP

[dbarnblatt]

Originally Posted by Conn SVX

Did I miss it ? What is the power? CC HP

Subaru 2.0L DOHC 16-valve flat-4 - 200-hp/170-lb-ft.

[svxfiles]

An AWD conversion/upgrade is not out of the question.
The problem of the transmision being too far back could be rectified by installing an AWD transmission, and installing short halfshafts transferring power into two belt drive mini transfer boxes to transmit power to the newly installed front axles.
Yes, you have a weight gain, and a slight power loss/drivetrain drag increase, but we have been living with THAT aspect for a long long time.
In my humble opinion, the traction increase is well worth the weight penalty!

[dcarrb]

I'd say this is a car Subaru needs to sell. Still wish they'd get back to a shiftable 4WD wagon/Brat platform, now that the Outback has become so bloated and the Impreza hatch has so little cargo room.

Subaru has squandered their AWD advantage for 20 years (except perhaps in New England and the Rockies); now most every automaker offers AWD in some form or another. They may as well get over it and move on to some other marketing hook (read: good looking cars and competent advertising).

dcb

[LetItSnow]

Car and Driver claims the FRS lends toward neutral steer, while the Subaru offers a share of understeer. Bah! Stock class goes to the Scion.

[Hocrest]

Originally Posted by svxfiles

An AWD conversion/upgrade is not out of the question.
The problem of the transmision being too far back could be rectified by installing an AWD transmission, and installing short halfshafts transferring power into two belt drive mini transfer boxes to transmit power to the newly installed front axles.
Yes, you have a weight gain, and a slight power loss/drivetrain drag increase, but we have been living with THAT aspect for a long long time.
In my humble opinion, the traction increase is well worth the weight penalty!

Or make it a hybrid-hybrid and run electric motors on the front wheels.

[Mike621]

Personally, I like the BRZ.

I'd like to see how the first year plays out, sales wise, and what option packs are offered. This is a car I'd consider purchasing after finishing my undergraduate studies and get settled once again around early 2014.

[Ron Mummert]

Why the 3rd brake light down there where only squirrels have a view, & render it useless unless backed into a curb, so a body shop can cash in on the repair?

Taking styling cues from OT, I guess.

Ron.

[dbarnblatt]

Originally Posted by Ron Mummert

Why the 3rd brake light down there where only squirrels have a view, & render it useless unless backed into a curb, so a body shop can cash in on the repair?

That is the rear fog and reverse lights below the rear bumper. The third brake light is located in the usual Subaru place these days... lower center of the rear window.

[LarryIII]

I saw the BRZ at the Philly auto show. I was wearing an SVX shirt & cap at the show. An SOA executive and I had a conversation about the BRZ getting AWD. He was not specific but left me with the impression that it was quite possible and may be a future option.

[bwb3]

Here's a good video i got off speedhunters that has the engineers discussing the design.

http://www.speedhunters.com/2012/04/...z-documentary/

-Ben