I've actually been shocked a few times to encounter out-of-staters who think those "Don't Mess with Texas" bumper stickers are just some sort of weird jibe at the rest of the United States. Although the "Don't Mess With Texas" slogan is part of a humorous state-sponsored anti-litter campaign, I've had non-Texans, just out of the blue (I don't have any such bumper stickers on my cars), cite the slogan to me as an example of how excessively macho my state is ... and they sometimes refuse to believe me when I tell them it's just a highway cleanliness thang ...
I tend to agree that an H6 in a Legacy sedan would appeal to a wider U.S. market than a turbo model, so I personally believe that would be the smarter marketing approach for Subaru to try to broaden its sales base in America. I can definitely see the logic behind the turbo-to-pursue-the-niche-sports/youth-market argument, but I think the WRX family covers that niche quite well (though I don't at all understand why there isn't a coupe?), while I think an H6 Legacy GT could appeal better to the U.S. sports sedan market, especially if Subaru wants to go more upscale.
A 5EAT transmition thats actually GOOD. That might actually give more people reason to buy them and consider models like the Legacy GT Limited upscale.
And, I rode in a brand new Saab V6 Turbo yesterday (My cousins car got wrecked, and he had to decide between 3 cars left at the rental lot... Grand Cherokee $79 a day, Seabring convertible $69 a day, and the Saab for $69 a day... You make the choice ) I can honestly say that that Automatic transmition coupled with the Turbo is flawless. Especially when you put it into "sport shift" mode, that thing takes off even with FWD!!! I couldnt feel any turbo lag, neither could my cousin... The WRX is much different, it has more kick and higher revs but less low-end power, and the WRX's wheels dont chirp when the EAT shifts when flooring it :P
And a Turbo GT would be great in the US, especially if its the WRX's turbo... But, the H6 would probably sell more cars cause of the stupid American Stereotypes An aluminum hood would be good with either the Turbo or H6 to relieve some of the already-heavy front end. Subaru needs to do something to help with the Legacy Sedan sales...
I disagree, and think that a Turbo Legacy Wagon (Namly the B4 wagon) would be a waste unless it was severly limited in numbers... (say, 1000 only?) The Outback sells enough wagons for subaru, and the WRX wagon fits this purpose well.
and it looked great. It was silver and it looked wonderful with the blue and red State Trooper lights flashing over it's shiny finish. I wonder if the officer was asking for a test drive?
Axiom looks good on paper (despite the over-the-top styling), but I'm guessing it will compete with the Montero Sport, 4Runner, and Pathfinder more than the Outback.
Sorry I haven't posted for some time, very busy with the WRX launch, etc. I have been trying to visit the site as often as possible though to ensure that Ash and everyone else is enjoying their cars!
Hope everything is well with all the Canadian Subaru owners out there!
The comments on the WRX and other models are great. I try to forward as many of them, or at least the spirit of the comments, to other Product Planning and Marketing people in the office here. Your enthusiasm and support of the brand is appreciated!
On the comments that Subaru will never be thought of at the same level as an Audi, I suggest that it is long road of continuing to produce quality cars and to really make the value that each vehicle has apparent. It wasn't that long ago that the Audi 5000 was being compared in national car magazines to cars like the Ford Taurus and Chevy Eurosport. In fact, I still have memories of the old Audi Fox, which was hardly a luxury, or high performance vehicle.
Granted, Audi and VW has done a great job over the last decade or so getting over controversy and branding and positioning their lines to reach the status and reputation that their brands enjoy.
There is a lot if hidden value that goes into each Subaru. It is the recognition of this value and an increased focus on overall performance, that will see Subaru recognized as a premium brand.
Nice to know that you are still alurking 'round here. I do have one question for you. I have noticed that there has been a recall for O2 sensors on many Legacy and Forester cars in the States, but I have heard nothing about it for Canada. Do you know what is happening here? Thanks.
To be honest, I'm not sure that Audi is there yet, either. They're really a 2nd tier luxury brand, not quite matching Mercedes, BMW, and Lexus. Their pricing reflects that reality. Plus they still have a ways to go in terms of quality.
One of the benefits of turbo / supercharger technology is that it compensates for the reduction in ambient air pressure when driving at higher altitudes. The amount of air being forced into the engine is thus always the same, irrespective of the altitude above sea level. Normally aspirated gas engines can loose up to something like 20% of power at an altitude of 6000 feet above sea level whereas turbocharged motors do not suffer from this penalty.
Other benefits are smaller engines and thus weight, for the same power output and also possibly reduced fuel consumption.
Air induction technology unfortunately got a bad name in the past due to reliability issues. There are though major benefits in applying more of the technology for every day transport.
I actually went and test drove one of the Axioms last night. It's definitely sitting in the OB, Escape, CRV, Forester area, the rodeo is gonna take on the 4runner etc. Other than the front end it's a really nice cruiser, and gets something at or above 20mpg on the highway.
Yeah, maybe I should have said Highlander instead of 4Runner. I'll have to go drive one.
I borrowed an old Rodeo for a weekend and it was OK. Felt the cross winds a bit, and gas mileage wasn't very good. Plus it actually felt small in Texas, where I was using it.
My best bud is an Isuzu guy. He had an I-Mark, then a Stylus, remember those? Then his mom bought a Trooper (generation before yours) and he traded in for a Rodeo recently. He's had luck with them, so he's been loyal to them.
I do like the idea of a bigger engine in a more car-like Rodeo. Do you think they distinguished it enough, though?
Yep, they got rid of the lever for 4wd-lo, and all the controls are car-like, as well as the seating positions. It's definitely more wagon-like than car-like. I liken it to what was previously the v8 powered wagons (chevy caprice, olds cruiser, marque,etc) Full frame, low range, awd, 2wd, or 4wd lo, the hood is low, the roof is low, the whole thing is low. The suspension really made strides for a non-uni-body non-IRS truck. I probably would have gotten it if it was out when I was looking @ the GT wagon, cause it definitely moves with 230hp @ 5400rpms, and 230lbs torque @ 3000rpms, weight of 4100lbs. 17" rims are also pretty classy, and the in-dash computer/stereo/hvac/compass/clock is what they should have put in the VDC.
Daniel, you're right about turbochargers but wrong about positive-displacement superchargers. They make a set amount of pressure determined by the RPM they spin... which is mechanically determined by the belts & pullies, unlike a turbo that spins on exhaust gasses. At high altitudes, the loose overall boost just like a naturally aspirated motor. However since it's still making boost, it will be more powerful than a naturally aspirated motor of course.
It's only turbochargers that make power referenced against atmospheric. The can compensate for lower atmospheric pressure so long as they have compressor efficiency to spare.
It was a co-worker in our Tech. Department pushing it a bit (95 in a 65). The officer really liked the car but wrote a ticket anyway. The funny thing was that his ID was in the trunk. Along with his rifle (he was going to the shooting gallery to prepare to hone his skills. He had fun explaining that, but he did have the appropriate documents.
Sniff, sniff, he may have hell to pay with our Risk Management group.
hehe, that's kinda funny. Bummer for your co-worker but it does make for a funny story. Sounds like he was in a hurry to hone his shooting skills. Tell him we're laughing with him.
Jsut washed my car yesterday. Arrived at a traffic light which leads up to a curvy hill. Here's what ensued.. I was sitting waiting for the light to turn green when a red car pulled next to me. I wasn't bothered. But when i glance to the right there was this middle age man with a daughter. The man kept gesturing me to roll down my passenger side window. So I did with some hesitation... father : Sweet car you got there! Me : Err...thanks. father : is that 2001!!! Me : Yeah. (I thought how can he tell! I can;t even tell a 2000 and a 2001 RS apart!) father : must be fast. Pretty good 0-60 times too. me : I guess. (7.7 seconds fast? I don't think so...) father : how long did you wait for it? me : not long. father : very nice. Functional hood scoo too.
Then i realised he thought my car was a WRX. hahahah.... however before I could say no, the light turned green and father : Let's see her go!!! Go! Let's Go! Come on!!!
And father and daugther there hauled [non-permissible content removed] with their Legacy L. Caught up to them at the other side of the traffic and proceeded to blew past them at the uphill curve. Gave them a wave and a honk and proceeded on my ways. Well looks like the aging RS still gets attention. hahahaha.... It made my evening pleasant. she still got it!
Hi, My last visit up to the Sierra's with my VDC was spectacular. From Yosemite to Lake Tahoe there was nothing but Subaru's everywhere. I could not believe how many Subaru's we saw. My wife thought I was crazy because I kept saying,"there's another one, there's another one". There were old ones and new ones. There were Outbacks, Legacy's, GT's, Forester's and Impeza's. Being up in the Sierra's is like running with the pack. It was like a Subaru convention. I have to tell you I didn't see any Audi's or VW's. I did see a few old Volvo's. There were quite a few 2000, 2001 Outbacks. They seem to be very popular. What's amazing is in the eastern Sierra side from Palmdale/Lancaster, CA to Reno, NV (that's about 340 miles) there aren't any Subaru dealers. There are a few dealers on the western side. If they put the H6 in the GT's, Wagon's and Sedan's I think they'll really pop out and become a big time manufacturer. I think they're better than Honda or Toyota. They certainly can do more. Thank you very much. Bobby
I just finished watching a 1/2hr program (only 1 commercial!) on Speedvision all about Subaru's new lineup. They showed a very brief shot of a pickup truck that is due out "18 months from March". Can you direct me to further information? It seemed to have an off road look... roll bar, KC type lights, etc. Thx!
Looks like Subaru is doing another early 2002 model release, if they've just announced the pricing and model changes.
DRLs, 2-speed rear wiper, leather option for "S" Premium and standard cargo cover are most of the changes. The color on the "S" lower cladding is slightly different (same as new OBS), so I think we can safely assume that change will also occur on the 2002 Outback too.
I just hope Subaru isn't too slow to the market on the ST-X. For example, wagons are HOT now. SUVs are loosing steam. Will crossover trucks be big sellers in 18 months?
Anyway, the ST-X is being ramped into production because GM will sell a GM-branded version too. The concept was all Subaru, but let's see what the production car/truck ends up as.
are starting to catch up with the Canadian. DRLs are required for all cars and the Forester S has had the cargo standard along with chrome tail pipe extension, arm rest, tweeters and a few other goodies. 10 mph bumpers too. All for a lower price. :-)
would spell trouble for this boy-racer wanna-be... maybe a supercharger that was there all the time?... feeble argument, but fun to dream. My dad (76!!) has a 95 ParkAvenueUltra... GM 3800 V6, but there's that little "supercharger" badge on the dash. Great straight-ahead oomph, but too much the boat in the turns. Incredible highway MPG, since it's only turning about 1800RPM @ 65mph. Good thing he buys the gas when I drive him around town... that blower sure sucks the gas under my foot!
Just got my May issue of C&D in the mail today, and there's a full page devoted to new the WRX-STi. They say it will be state-side by late 2002 or early 2003, for around $30K.
I just visited the New Zealand Subaru site, and they are scheduled to get the STi this June.
That's the good news (for them). The Bad news (for them) is that the whole country is only getting 15 vehicles.
Why? The new 6-speed tranny is a in-house product (the first new in-house manual in 20 years according to the May issue of C&D), and they simply cannot meet the demand. Subaru is having problems supplying enough 6-speeds just to meet the demand for the home market. So, it sounds like the STi orders are way backlogged.
Bottom line: The rest of the world won't be seeing many 6-speed STis until Subaru can dramatically find a way to increase production of these transmissions.
BTW, the May C&D article on the STi said the new 6-speed was, in their words, "delicious," with great gear ratios and very short precise throws.
I cannot tell you how often in the last year I've wished my '00 had a 2-speed rear wiper, or at least an intermittent feature. I hate having to reach over and flick the rear wiper knob manually when I don't want or need to have the rear wiper going constantly. Reminds me of driving the Stude, expect there the reach is longer and it's for the fronts. That's something I'd have retrofitted even before dual front cupholders!
One thing I saw on UK-spec Foresters that I wish we had here was the headlamp-leveling system. There have been occasions where I've been loaded for bear and would've found that helpful. Why don't we get them?
Our '01 Forester has an intermittent rear wiper speed, but no fixed speed—so that's equally frustrating. Our '98 Explorer has a fixed speed, plus two intermittent speeds for the rear wiper. That's a great solution.
I find that with the rear deflector I no longer have any need for continuous rear wiping. Having it installed after the first 6 months was the best move I made other than choosing the Forester in the first place.
So Subaru is knocking on the wrong side of CAFE standards, hence the tall gearing in the H6. They don't have any small cars anymore, and AWD doesn't help.
So how about a hybrid? Could go the Insight route and stick an electric motor in versus a flywheel, or maybe it could fit in at the center differential?
The other idea is less is keeping with the full-time AWD mantra. Instead of sending engine power to the back wheels, just have an electric set-up, similar to what the new hybrid SUVs are sporting, except on different wheels.
Agree that intermittent rear wiper would be the FIRST thing I would add on my OB... but Bob, my Exploder had the same rear wiper, and I found the difference between the two intermittent speeds to be negligible. I put an aftermarket wiper delay box on a Nissan pickup I used to have... long way from the tailgate to the dashboard for the wire run on the OB, though... Wishful thinking....
I timed the difference between the different speeds once. There's not a great difference between the two intermittent speeds, but there is a difference. If I remember correctly, one has a 3 second interval, and the slower speed has a 6 second interval, give or take a little. It would be better if the slower speed were around 9-12 seconds.
I think this was one of the most common request that I sent up to product planning a few weeks ago. That and seat comfort. I'm sure they will take a look at it!
I haven't heard anything about a hybrid, but they are cutting it close on CAFE. IIRC, one of the deals Subaru gets in the GM/FHI agreement is GM's fuel cell technology. I haven't read too much on fuel cells, but I think that would be further down the road than hybrids.
They just ditched all thier small engines this year leaving only 2.2 and 3.0l engines and the turbo 2.0. Pushing AWD is not an easy task for a small engine, they may have to bite the bullet and take the $ hit on the CAFE.
Bob: our best hope is US production of the trannies. Though that would mean it would only end up in a high-powered Legacy, and maybe the next Forester.
I could live with that!
paisan: you mean 2.5l instead of 2.2l.
Beanboy: sounds interesting, but a hybrid would eat up too many development dollars. I say wait for GM to come out with something.
Even then, a FWD Impreza with electrically assisted RWD doesn't seem to fit in with the product line. And it would be such a low volume model that it would not impact CAFE numbers much.
I say work on getting a 10% gain in efficiency via varialbe valve timing.
Comments
A 5EAT transmition thats actually GOOD. That might actually give more people reason to buy them and consider models like the Legacy GT Limited upscale.
And, I rode in a brand new Saab V6 Turbo yesterday
I can honestly say that that Automatic transmition coupled with the Turbo is flawless. Especially when you put it into "sport shift" mode, that thing takes off even with FWD!!! I couldnt feel any turbo lag, neither could my cousin... The WRX is much different, it has more kick and higher revs but less low-end power, and the WRX's wheels dont chirp when the EAT shifts when flooring it :P
And a Turbo GT would be great in the US, especially if its the WRX's turbo... But, the H6 would probably sell more cars cause of the stupid American Stereotypes
I disagree, and think that a Turbo Legacy Wagon (Namly the B4 wagon) would be a waste unless it was severly limited in numbers... (say, 1000 only?) The Outback sells enough wagons for subaru, and the WRX wagon fits this purpose well.
Patti
Bob
Hope that wasn't Hutch you saw!
-juice
Sorry I haven't posted for some time, very busy with the WRX launch, etc. I have been trying to visit the site as often as possible though to ensure that Ash and everyone else is enjoying their cars!
Hope everything is well with all the Canadian Subaru owners out there!
The comments on the WRX and other models are great. I try to forward as many of them, or at least the spirit of the comments, to other Product Planning and Marketing people in the office here. Your enthusiasm and support of the brand is appreciated!
On the comments that Subaru will never be thought of at the same level as an Audi, I suggest that it is long road of continuing to produce quality cars and to really make the value that each vehicle has apparent. It wasn't that long ago that the Audi 5000 was being compared in national car magazines to cars like the Ford Taurus and Chevy Eurosport. In fact, I still have memories of the old Audi Fox, which was hardly a luxury, or high performance vehicle.
Granted, Audi and VW has done a great job over the last decade or so getting over controversy and branding and positioning their lines to reach the status and reputation that their brands enjoy.
There is a lot if hidden value that goes into each Subaru. It is the recognition of this value and an increased focus on overall performance, that will see Subaru recognized as a premium brand.
Ross
They've got styling pinned, though.
-juice
Other benefits are smaller engines and thus weight, for the same power output and also possibly reduced fuel consumption.
Air induction technology unfortunately got a bad name in the past due to reliability issues. There are though major benefits in applying more of the technology for every day transport.
Daniel
-mike
I borrowed an old Rodeo for a weekend and it was OK. Felt the cross winds a bit, and gas mileage wasn't very good. Plus it actually felt small in Texas, where I was using it.
My best bud is an Isuzu guy. He had an I-Mark, then a Stylus, remember those? Then his mom bought a Trooper (generation before yours) and he traded in for a Rodeo recently. He's had luck with them, so he's been loyal to them.
I do like the idea of a bigger engine in a more car-like Rodeo. Do you think they distinguished it enough, though?
-juice
-mike
It's only turbochargers that make power referenced against atmospheric. The can compensate for lower atmospheric pressure so long as they have compressor efficiency to spare.
-Colin
Sniff, sniff, he may have hell to pay with our Risk Management group.
See ya!
Patti
..Mike
..Mike
I was sitting waiting for the light to turn green when a red car pulled next to me. I wasn't bothered. But when i glance to the right there was this middle age man with a daughter. The man kept gesturing me to roll down my passenger side window. So I did with some hesitation...
father : Sweet car you got there!
Me : Err...thanks.
father : is that 2001!!!
Me : Yeah. (I thought how can he tell! I can;t even tell a 2000 and a 2001 RS apart!)
father : must be fast. Pretty good 0-60 times too.
me : I guess. (7.7 seconds fast? I don't think so...)
father : how long did you wait for it?
me : not long.
father : very nice. Functional hood scoo too.
Then i realised he thought my car was a WRX. hahahah.... however before I could say no, the light turned green and
father : Let's see her go!!! Go! Let's Go! Come on!!!
And father and daugther there hauled [non-permissible content removed] with their Legacy L.
Caught up to them at the other side of the traffic and proceeded to blew past them at the uphill curve. Gave them a wave and a honk and proceeded on my ways.
Well looks like the aging RS still gets attention. hahahaha.... It made my evening pleasant. she still got it!
Gun in the trunk - sorry officer!
-juice
My last visit up to the Sierra's with my VDC was spectacular. From Yosemite to Lake Tahoe there was nothing but Subaru's everywhere. I could not believe how many Subaru's we saw. My wife thought I was crazy because I kept saying,"there's another one, there's another one". There were old ones and new ones. There were Outbacks, Legacy's, GT's, Forester's and Impeza's. Being up in the Sierra's is like running with the pack. It was like a Subaru convention. I have to tell you I didn't see any Audi's or VW's. I did see a few old Volvo's.
There were quite a few 2000, 2001 Outbacks. They seem to be very popular. What's amazing is in the eastern Sierra side from Palmdale/Lancaster, CA to Reno, NV (that's about 340 miles) there aren't any Subaru dealers. There are a few dealers on the western side.
If they put the H6 in the GT's, Wagon's and Sedan's I think they'll really pop out and become a big time manufacturer. I think they're better than Honda or Toyota. They certainly can do more.
Thank you very much.
Bobby
But, theres a Subaru dealer in Auburn(I80), One in Tahoe, and one in Shingle springs(50), so its a pretty well covered area...
http://www.mrtrally.com.au/performance/St-Xcar.htm>
Also you can go to http://www.subaru.net
Look under future products (or something like that).
Dennis
Grr, no Speedvision on Cox Cable.
Subaru Truck eXperimental = ST-X. It's a Legacy based 4 door pickup with a short bed.
For production, looks like we might get a 2.5l turbo, which would be pretty cool. Looks like a butch crossover, basically.
It ought to compete with the Explorer Sport Trac, Frontier Crew Cab, Dakota Crew Cab, etc. But it is by far the most car-like in its class.
-juice
http://www.auto.com/reviews/ulrich29_20010329.htm
Looks like Subaru is doing another early 2002 model release, if they've just announced the pricing and model changes.
DRLs, 2-speed rear wiper, leather option for "S" Premium and standard cargo cover are most of the changes. The color on the "S" lower cladding is slightly different (same as new OBS), so I think we can safely assume that change will also occur on the 2002 Outback too.
Bob
http://www.autonews.com/html/main/stories/subaru329.htmz/a>
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/010329/phth019.html
Anyway, the ST-X is being ramped into production because GM will sell a GM-branded version too. The concept was all Subaru, but let's see what the production car/truck ends up as.
-Colin
Prices are actually flat for all models, only freight is up $30. That's pretty amazing.
So the cargo cover and DRLs are basically free. Cool.
-juice
Ross
Ken
Dennis
-juice
Bob
Cheers!
Paul
Leo
-juice
Bob
-juice
That's the good news (for them). The Bad news (for them) is that the whole country is only getting 15 vehicles.
Why? The new 6-speed tranny is a in-house product (the first new in-house manual in 20 years according to the May issue of C&D), and they simply cannot meet the demand. Subaru is having problems supplying enough 6-speeds just to meet the demand for the home market. So, it sounds like the STi orders are way backlogged.
Bottom line: The rest of the world won't be seeing many 6-speed STis until Subaru can dramatically find a way to increase production of these transmissions.
BTW, the May C&D article on the STi said the new 6-speed was, in their words, "delicious," with great gear ratios and very short precise throws.
Frustrated yet? You know I am.
Bob
One thing I saw on UK-spec Foresters that I wish we had here was the headlamp-leveling system. There have been occasions where I've been loaded for bear and would've found that helpful. Why don't we get them?
Ed
Bob
Ross
So how about a hybrid? Could go the Insight route and stick an electric motor in versus a flywheel, or maybe it could fit in at the center differential?
The other idea is less is keeping with the full-time AWD mantra. Instead of sending engine power to the back wheels, just have an electric set-up, similar to what the new hybrid SUVs are sporting, except on different wheels.
Thoughts? Comments? Ideas?
I put an aftermarket wiper delay box on a Nissan pickup I used to have... long way from the tailgate to the dashboard for the wire run on the OB, though...
Wishful thinking....
Cheers!
Paul
Bob
Patti
-mike
Dennis
-mike
Whichever; c'mon, SoA, put it in a *car*.
Cheers,
-wdb
I could live with that!
paisan: you mean 2.5l instead of 2.2l.
Beanboy: sounds interesting, but a hybrid would eat up too many development dollars. I say wait for GM to come out with something.
Even then, a FWD Impreza with electrically assisted RWD doesn't seem to fit in with the product line. And it would be such a low volume model that it would not impact CAFE numbers much.
I say work on getting a 10% gain in efficiency via varialbe valve timing.
-juice
-mike