I love the front and rear views. From the side, the flares are a bit exaggerated, but this is a concept, after all.
I hope the production model stays true to this concept.
Also, they imply it is a through-the-road AWD system, well, I wonder if the motor will power the front axle or the rear axle only? Electric power only to the other axle, I read.
Unfortunately, with Subies releases lately, the concept gets watered down... alot. I'm hopeful that this one will be different but I'm not holding my breath. Still, the good news is maybe Subie will bring back the Legacy wagon!
Well, as AJ said, the BRZ is pretty close to the concepts that were shown. That said, for this type of vehicle, real-world reality will set in negating some of the extreme styling aspects. Still, I'm sure it will be better than the current frumpy-looking Legacy and Outback.
One thing in its favor: Kia and Hyundai have shown that really attractive cars will sell to mass-market customers—and Subaru knows that! That plus the current Legacy and Outback are a clear step backwards in terms of looks—and Subaru knows that as well.
So the pressure is on the Subaru decision-makers to let the designers do what they do best—design!
The current Legacy and Outback easily outsell the outgoing model, though likely due to size, not styling.
Still, when the 2005 Legacy came out, people called it boring, Camry-like. Then again people complain no matter what Subaru does. I'm surprised few are complaining about the BRZ, first non-controversial looking new product I can recall.
2005 Legacy was nothing like Camry. It was smaller and nimbler (which of course for many was a negative - not for me), it had a great looking wagon (2005 and 2006 - then discontinued). I was really disapointed with this new one. It's a barge. The specs etc. may be all good, but the size is not for me. OTOH Impreza is already too compact, both in terms of size and and equipment. Even current STI (I own 2008) is not exactly "premium" - $18K Impreza roots are visible.
I really liked the older one, especially in GT trim, it was a true sports sedan/wagon, but I understand why they did what they did (pretty much same as Mazda). For one lost customer they probably picked up couple of new ones.
All those things made me pony up additional 10 grand for 328 wagon w/ manual tranny :P .
Seems like Subaru and other companies have better luck tagging numbers and initials onto words, at least in North America. It's not the WRX, it's the Impreza WRX (or WRX STi). The B9X concept became the B9 Tribeca and then just the Tribeca.
Most people in NA never say MX5; they drop that and just say Miata. But Audi and BMX get away with the hard to decipher names.
I wonder if it will end up being nicknamed "Breeze", not the best association IMO - one of those lovely cars with stickers instead of actual emblems, IIRC.
Yeah, BMX gets away with a lot, darn those Redline and Mongoose people :P
Here's the time line of the peanut gallery's reactions to Subaru:
1998: The Forester is just a tall wagon! 2002: OMG what's with the bug eyes on the Impreza, and the rear looks like a Kia! 2005: The Legacy looks like a Camry! 2008: This new Impreza is so conservative, I miss the character of the bug-eye model! 2009: This new Forester is just another SUV, I miss the old wagon! 2012: Horrors! The old Legacy was the best looking sedan ever, now this?
Simple fact: everyone's favorite design is one generation back. This is always the case, even as time goes on.
The BRZ is shocking, absolutely SHOCKING, in terms of the lack of controversy. Besides whining about little things like wheel design, at least.
1998: it was, right? 2002: greatest crime was the loss of the coupe 2008: the notchback sedan is almost Corolla-esque in its invisibility. I liked the weird bullnose Saab inbetween year Impreza, just to look at it and say "what the hell?". 2012: Nobody will look back at the current Legacy as being a styling benchmark.
BRZ is non-controversial because of the Toyota DNA and that it has been hyped up for so long, everyone has seen it before and become used to the overall shape.
Impression off the bat, it's average but I don't think I'm in the intended audience. My guess is a 20 year old mustang/camaro with a couple of suspension mods could make it's life a challenge.
2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
OK, they added DI tech (to a boxer), but it's even being made in Gunma Prefecture. Subaru said the Toyota staff were invited to attend some meetings only when they were needed.
This is a Subaru at the core.
And you guys are right, the controversy is the lack of AWD, not styling related.
Look at it this way - what does it have in common with ANY other Toyota? Nothing.
I think the Hyundai Genesis Coupe is probably closer, but I'm sure it will get cross-shopped with the Mustang, Camaro, Challenger, 370Z, and maybe even G37c and 1 series.
Heck, plus Miata, while I'm at it. I own a Miata and without a doubt that would have been cross-shopped had it been available.
If it really does come in at $24k, it'll be a hit. That may be too cheap, and result in markups.
TRD will supposedly offer a supercharges, but at 26xx lbs it shouldn't really need one. I think we're all used to bloated 3000+ lbs vehicles even when we're talking about compacts.
The styling is more Toyota to my eyes, and the body of the car is what makes the impression. I can't believe Toyota had more or less zero input - but claiming so certainly couldn't help sales or image.
Big boats like the Challenger, V6 and V8 cars, prestige brands that cost 50% more? Nah, I don't know about that one. Maybe the prestige brands when they are about 3 years old. Miata though, I can believe, Scion tC for sure. Maybe even some sedans bought by people who want something like the Breeze but can't get it.
There will have to be severe supply limits to get away with the ADM game, however...the economy isn't quite that strong in many areas, and younger buyers often have less money than they have in a long time. This thing won't sell to many boomers.
I do like how Toyota had to hit up someone else to make a cool car. I also like the "Boxer" emblem I have seen pics of, it made me think of an "SS" symbol, and I don't mean the one on a Chevy. Funny.
For the BRZ the sales forecast is unusually low, IIRC 5-7k units annually. I think that estimate is nuts.
Guess it depends on how many Toyota will get, will the US allocation be split 50/50 or what? Maybe 60/40 in favor of the one with bigger pockets?
I like the boxer emblem also, and ironically it goes on the Scion!
At least they did a good job with the overall shape and styling. The best part about it, despite a couple of iffy details, is that you can't say "that looks just like a ___".
It's inspired by the 2000GT, early Z cars, the fenders seem familiar, but it does not look like any other car on the road, and that's cool.
Toyota did add their DI, which I think is a good thing.
Early reviews are positive towards the sounds and revving nature of the FA20, not something Subarus have been known for. Actually Subaru's been the opposite way for a while now, more torquey, less revs.
That is low. Initial demand will be double that at least. This thing has been hyped up for years and some no doubt have simply saved the cash to buy one.
Allocation is a good question, I wonder over the life of the model which will be the better seller. Subaru will attract more sport minded people, but the RWD will be troublesome.
I don't find it offensive, the design doesn't wow me, but there's not a lot to complain about. It's a hell of a lot cooler than a tC anyway.
it is nothing like Toyota (and maybe should never be)
Hopefully. Amen.
I was hoping the BRZ would get AWD, even if they did electric power to the front axle.
Or...let Toyota do HSD versions of the platform-mates, while Subaru could market diesels.
Genesis coupe is a car I thought I would like, but I hate that they used a Genesis name and didn't bring the much nicer interior from the sedan. It is such a disappointment when you sit in them side-by-side. Even if it had cost a lot more, it would have made more sense to me.
Hyundai will add some nice powertrain upgrades now but for me it's too late. It needs a new interior.
Supposedly the FT's interior is a bit nicer, plus the name doesn't promise things the interior can't deliver.
Comments
I think this is more of an SPT catalog item than a new model.
Man I would love to this one come to market unchanged but I won't get my hopes up
I love the front and rear views. From the side, the flares are a bit exaggerated, but this is a concept, after all.
I hope the production model stays true to this concept.
Also, they imply it is a through-the-road AWD system, well, I wonder if the motor will power the front axle or the rear axle only? Electric power only to the other axle, I read.
Unfortunately, with Subies releases lately, the concept gets watered down... alot. I'm hopeful that this one will be different but I'm not holding my breath. Still, the good news is maybe Subie will bring back the Legacy wagon!
We'll never see anything like it on the road, but it sure holds promise, doesn't it?
I suspect that would be the wife's next car. If they don't make it it's probably on to an Outback.
I don't expect the Legacy to look like that, but at least the concept is inspiring.
One thing in its favor: Kia and Hyundai have shown that really attractive cars will sell to mass-market customers—and Subaru knows that! That plus the current Legacy and Outback are a clear step backwards in terms of looks—and Subaru knows that as well.
So the pressure is on the Subaru decision-makers to let the designers do what they do best—design!
Bob
Still, when the 2005 Legacy came out, people called it boring, Camry-like. Then again people complain no matter what Subaru does. I'm surprised few are complaining about the BRZ, first non-controversial looking new product I can recall.
The new cars are just better at being "family" vehicles; thanks to increased size, better content and pricing.
Just imagine how well they would be selling if the styling was exceptional. The dealers would be sold out.
Bob
I really liked the older one, especially in GT trim, it was a true sports sedan/wagon, but I understand why they did what they did (pretty much same as Mazda). For one lost customer they probably picked up couple of new ones.
All those things made me pony up additional 10 grand for 328 wagon w/ manual tranny :P .
2018 430i Gran Coupe
I happened to like it a lot.
Subaru BRZ gets sideways to some adult contemporary in first film
Looking forward to test driving this one!
Seems like Subaru and other companies have better luck tagging numbers and initials onto words, at least in North America. It's not the WRX, it's the Impreza WRX (or WRX STi). The B9X concept became the B9 Tribeca and then just the Tribeca.
Most people in NA never say MX5; they drop that and just say Miata. But Audi and BMX get away with the hard to decipher names.
Yeah, BMX gets away with a lot, darn those Redline and Mongoose people :P
1998: The Forester is just a tall wagon!
2002: OMG what's with the bug eyes on the Impreza, and the rear looks like a Kia!
2005: The Legacy looks like a Camry!
2008: This new Impreza is so conservative, I miss the character of the bug-eye model!
2009: This new Forester is just another SUV, I miss the old wagon!
2012: Horrors! The old Legacy was the best looking sedan ever, now this?
Simple fact: everyone's favorite design is one generation back. This is always the case, even as time goes on.
The BRZ is shocking, absolutely SHOCKING, in terms of the lack of controversy. Besides whining about little things like wheel design, at least.
So everybody is OK with it not having AWD?? :P
In the tradition of "Hot" Subies, I would like to see the option for the trademark STIi Gold wheels tho, that would be killer.
2002: greatest crime was the loss of the coupe
2008: the notchback sedan is almost Corolla-esque in its invisibility. I liked the weird bullnose Saab inbetween year Impreza, just to look at it and say "what the hell?".
2012: Nobody will look back at the current Legacy as being a styling benchmark.
BRZ is non-controversial because of the Toyota DNA and that it has been hyped up for so long, everyone has seen it before and become used to the overall shape.
Bob
My guess is a 20 year old mustang/camaro with a couple of suspension mods could make it's life a challenge.
2018 430i Gran Coupe
OK, they added DI tech (to a boxer), but it's even being made in Gunma Prefecture. Subaru said the Toyota staff were invited to attend some meetings only when they were needed.
This is a Subaru at the core.
And you guys are right, the controversy is the lack of AWD, not styling related.
Look at it this way - what does it have in common with ANY other Toyota? Nothing.
Heck, plus Miata, while I'm at it. I own a Miata and without a doubt that would have been cross-shopped had it been available.
If it really does come in at $24k, it'll be a hit. That may be too cheap, and result in markups.
TRD will supposedly offer a supercharges, but at 26xx lbs it shouldn't really need one. I think we're all used to bloated 3000+ lbs vehicles even when we're talking about compacts.
That will slow down Subaru sales a tad... including the new Impreza. At least they caught it early on the Impreza, before many cars hit the roads.
I guess we're using the term DNA differently. DNA to me are the insides, which are pure Subaru.
Toyota just did the surface.
I hear Navi may be included at the $24k price. Get ready for markups.
I do like how Toyota had to hit up someone else to make a cool car. I also like the "Boxer" emblem I have seen pics of, it made me think of an "SS" symbol, and I don't mean the one on a Chevy. Funny.
Guess it depends on how many Toyota will get, will the US allocation be split 50/50 or what? Maybe 60/40 in favor of the one with bigger pockets?
I like the boxer emblem also, and ironically it goes on the Scion!
At least they did a good job with the overall shape and styling. The best part about it, despite a couple of iffy details, is that you can't say "that looks just like a ___".
It's inspired by the 2000GT, early Z cars, the fenders seem familiar, but it does not look like any other car on the road, and that's cool.
I'm so confused. If Subaru DNA includes AWD, where did the engineers hide the extra driveshafts??
Sorry, I'm just chuckling at diehard AWD Subaru fans praising love on a RWD Subaru. But I'm happy to see them accepting change.
Toyota did add their DI, which I think is a good thing.
Early reviews are positive towards the sounds and revving nature of the FA20, not something Subarus have been known for. Actually Subaru's been the opposite way for a while now, more torquey, less revs.
Allocation is a good question, I wonder over the life of the model which will be the better seller. Subaru will attract more sport minded people, but the RWD will be troublesome.
I don't find it offensive, the design doesn't wow me, but there's not a lot to complain about. It's a hell of a lot cooler than a tC anyway.
Toyota has more dealers, a much bigger marketing budget, plus Subaru dealers are concentrated in snowy states and this is RWD.
Tell you what, though, Florida and Texas Subaru dealers are dancing in the streets. I think we will see a bigger surge in more moderate climates.
I like the styling, but I would have been happy to see the return of affordable RWD coupes even if it had been ugly.
Genesis coupe is affordable and RWD, and another one that although not pretty isn't offensive either.
Hopefully. Amen.
I was hoping the BRZ would get AWD, even if they did electric power to the front axle.
Or...let Toyota do HSD versions of the platform-mates, while Subaru could market diesels.
Genesis coupe is a car I thought I would like, but I hate that they used a Genesis name and didn't bring the much nicer interior from the sedan. It is such a disappointment when you sit in them side-by-side. Even if it had cost a lot more, it would have made more sense to me.
Hyundai will add some nice powertrain upgrades now but for me it's too late. It needs a new interior.
Supposedly the FT's interior is a bit nicer, plus the name doesn't promise things the interior can't deliver.
Hopefully for the Breeze, the interior won't be typical of some recent Toyotas.
Can't stand those.
Navi is standard, oddly. HIDs and torsen LSD.
I think the Subaru engineers gave LSD to the Toyota bean counters for all that to happen. :shades:
I wonder if anything in the normal production Toyolex stable can even be equipped with LSD.">