Subaru Crew - Future Models II

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Comments

  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    since this seems to be the proper place for this discussion...

    I just can't that image out of my mind of a Subaru concept vehicle like an Army BRAT all decked out in camouflage paint, and ready to tackle any terrain or enemy. Heck, if Subaru can do the strange Forester "Woodie," they can do something like this. It would certainly test the waters to see if there is any interest in a hard-core off-road vehicle.

    Bob
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    I think it's a real looker. It's a homerun for Acura, IMHO.

    Come on Subaru, give us something like that!

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Bob: I agree that the numbers should at least be significant relative to each other. But I'd have to measure on a VDC.

    Man, tastes are subjective. I don't like the new RSX at all. Kind of looks cartoonishly tall, a la Echo. Of course I didn't like the beady eyed Integra either.

    -juice
  • lark6lark6 Member Posts: 2,565
    Hey, I liked the Forester Woody - better than the PT Barnum - I mean Cruiser. Even with the wood it was a nod to the past rather than a wholesale attempt to recycle history. No one was going to find '37 Ford and other sedan delivery cues on the Forester.

    Ed
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    They may not be 100% DOT Legal, but I'd bet as HIDs become more and more popular, you are less likely to get pulled over and ticketed for em. If you are so anal that you won't drive a car that's a little modified, you probably don't really need the HIDs.

    -mike
  • barresa62barresa62 Member Posts: 1,379
    the RSX is really kind of bland. It didn't distant itself from the Honda side of things enough (not a new criticism to be sure). Acura seems to have a knack of late coming up w/design, while not by any means ugly, charitablely uninspired. The Acura TL and CL fall into this group as well. The only Acura that has a somewhat unique style going for it is the NSX. I'm overjoyed that Subaru went out on a limb w/the WRX styling. At least the limb didn't break and cause brain damage for the designers when they landed on their head, i.e. the Aztek! :-)

    Stephen
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    I drove my uncle's Best in Class TLS over the weekend and it's quite a car for the $. I hate hondas, but it is a nice car :)

    -mike
  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    The problem with aftermarket HIDs is that they're simply bulb replacements. Because of that, they're not beam corrected and the light is uncontrolled. Not only do oncoming drivers get blinded, but the light reflects back into your eyes too.


    Visit the Hella light tunnel and compare the difference between the halogen driving lamps, and the Xenon driving lamps. You may be astounded by the overall difference of the light distribution.

    http://www.hella.com/maineng/lev1b/lev2ba/lev3bab/lev4baba/index.htm


    Drew
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  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    I mostly meant not HID replacements, but HID driving lights like the ones that someone (the name escapes me now) installed on his OB. If I had more $ I'd have gotten the Hella 4000s in HID format for the Trooper. Also you can get replacement housing for around $1000 for a pair that includes not only the light source, but also the reflectors etc.

    -mike
  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    image

    Topic: July 10th: "Auto Mechanics - Ever been ripped off?"
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    need to check out the RSX in person. I bet it will be a HUGE success. Mark my words.

    Bob
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    http://www.subaru.co.nz/scrap_content.html#Story1

    Bob
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    But not because of it's prowess. It will live on the Honda/Acura name. I've heard the interior is pretty cheaply put together and it looks more like a civic in real life.

    -mike
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    You need to check it out for yourself. I've sat in one, and it's not cheap at all.

    I don't know how anybody can call a car with a 7900 rpm redline and a 6-speed bland. So far, everything I've read about the car has been glowing, despite the fact that it's built off the Civic platform.

    Bob
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    I will have to check it out, although I'm a torque lover, not a rev lover...

    -mike
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    hate the car. It's a screamer not unlike the S2000.

    Bob
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Yep, it's gotta have low end grunt off the line, or else the cabies get out in front of you! :) I think it's cause I've always driven a 6 or 8 cylinder car that I have this need for low end grunt.

    -mike
  • lark6lark6 Member Posts: 2,565
    The EJ25 flat four has the best grunt of a 4 cylinder car I've ever owned - and half of the cars I've owned (okay, 3 of 6) have had fours. One had a V8, one a V6 and one an inline 6.

    Ed
  • subearusubearu Member Posts: 3,613
    Coming from a 5.7L Chevy, the 2.5 H4 seems to have plenty of power. I was worried that it would be a big change coming from my truck, but the H4 does quite well.

    A light pressure turbo on the 2.5 H4 would be something...

    -Brian
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Might be the Altima or the RS not sure which. I really enjoyed my time with a rental Altima I had a few years back and the '99 that I learned stick on.

    -mike
  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    Interesting that you should say that because one journalist predicted that the RSX will have a huge following simply because there are enough Honda/Acura zealots out there that will simply not by anything else outside of those brands.


    Drew
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  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    You are either have been taken in my Honda's previous glory days of the 80s or not. I personally don't buy into their quality anymore. For reliability I go for Toyota now-days.

    -mike
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    Yes, many people will buy the RSX simply because it's a Honda/Acura and nothing else. Still, I'm impressed with how Honda has evolved the Integra over the years and now into the RSX. As for me, I'll gladly take a WRX over a RSX any day. ;-)

    Ken
  • kostamojen2kostamojen2 Member Posts: 284
    I checked out the RSX and was disapointed...

    I actually liked the interior more than I expected, especially the seats, but those silver plastic knobs and gauge cluster look cheap like a Hyandai Tiburon!

    The Exterior was the big disapointment... It looks like a 2001 Civic coup thats gained weight, stolen the 300m's headlights, and then stole the old paseo's rear lights, for real! Its horrible, especially that front overhang... blah.
    And look under the car, especially at the rear suspension... WHAT A MESS!!! No front LSD either... This car just cant compete with the SE-R and MINI when it comes out... Oh well.

    Cross your fingers for the Type-R... that seems more up the right alley.
  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    I think you mean Type-S :-)


    Drew
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  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    when it comes to Subarus, but not as far as the RSX is concerned. I think its a worthy successor to the Integra. I love the styling and content. I just wish it were AWD.

    Bob
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    Or RWD even. Basically anything BUT front wheel drive.

    -Colin
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    No, he does mean Type R. The US market Type S has 200hp, but the Type R will get 220hp.

    I think it'll sell fewer units than the Integra did, simply because it's priced higher. It'll make about the same profit, because I'm sure it costs only a little more to build.

    I just don't like the way it looks. Steve nailed it - I was thinking BMW headlights, but 300M they are.

    A buddy bought a TLS and I rode in it this weekend. It's very nice, but doesn't have the character of his previous cars (Civic Si and Eclipse GS-T convertible).

    I liked it, but a TL just makes more sense to me, with 4 door practicality (especially since the coupe isn't styled much differently). An AWD wagon on that platform would be hard to beat.

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    I don't know why you're so hung up on the headlight design? Everybody in the auto industry borrows ideas from other manufacturers. This is nothing new. Certainly Subaru has been guilty of this too.

    Honda and Acura both seem to be using the "notched" headlight design on all their new models. The just released new HRV has the same theme, as does the new Acura TL.

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Actually, I can explain why.

    I hated the beady eyes on the previous Integra, yet the Japan market version was really nice looking. We got two little lights, they got narrow flat lights that flared back aggressively. I always wished those would make it here.

    But it never made it here, and the new ones are big and ugly. So I feel US customers were robbed of a sleek design.

    Besides, I liked the TL better before it got those silly notches. It's just cleaner without them.

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    I think you will see much more of this. It seems to be the design flavor of the day.

    I don't mind them. It's like anything else; it can be done well, or it can be done poorly. Personally I like the trend towards very dynamic and expressive headlight design. I like the RSX headlights, the new Celica and Rav4 headlights, and some of the others too. I think it generates a visual distinctiveness that was lacking before. (now you're hearing the graphic designer in me speaking).

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Definitely. 300M, BMWs, Dodge pickups, and now Acura.

    I guess I like clean designs. To me there is no reason a circular projection lamp cannot fit inside a square (or oval) headlight. So the notches aren't necessary and make the lights look busy.

    I think the Celica's are a little overdone with the blister on top and all, but the RAV4's look OK.

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    and intentionally so, to contrast the (usually) very smooth shapes that surround them. I think it's good and interesting design. I'm all for it.

    The headlights are just one part of the design equation. It's how they, and everything else all fit together as a cohesive whole that matters. Again, I think the RSX design works, individually and as a whole, but that's just my personal (and professional) opinion.

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I like simple designs. From Honda, let's see, the last CRX was so purposeful you had to love it. The old wedge shaped (square) Preludes were classy - the last two generations haven't sold as well. The previous generation Civic coupe was sleek and clean.

    From Acura, the original Legend coupe. The 2nd generation Integra was it's nicest looking IMO.

    Then again, the designs aren't nearly as bad as what Nissan has done to its rear ends.

    -juice
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Give me the 2nd gen Maxima, 1st gen Altima, early 90s Accord, 2nd Gen Integra, last gen CRX. 1st gen Impreza. I like the nice squatty non-pop-up headlights. And of course the SVX has great projector headlights and squatty design with a cd of .29!

    -mike
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    Wow, so many opinions here!

    I think I'm in agreement with Bob. I personally like the RSX headlights/tailights with the 300Mesque design. It's kind of what draws my attention to an otherwise simple body shape.

    I think Honda did a good job since the design will probably bode well with the Integra installed base. It's not too controvesial but still hints of evolution.

    Ken
  • lark6lark6 Member Posts: 2,565
    Headlights, headlights. Sometimes I think I don't care what they look like as long as they illuminate properly. BMW has stuck with round ones and nobody seems to complain. In fact they're using them to advertise now, with the lit-up rings around the high beams which give them the appearance of "eyes." Wish I knew what that was supposedly for - looks silly to me.

    Ed
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    BMW's signature is their twin kidney grille. Do the ads show those as well (I have not seen them)?

    -juice
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Maybe the lit rings are used as DRLS? THey are required in 2002 IIRC?

    -mike
  • lark6lark6 Member Posts: 2,565
    juice: yep, you see the whole front end of the 5-series with the tag line "The eyes are the window to the soul."

    mike: Maybe DRLs. Will have to surf BMW's website to find out more - just thought someone here might already know.

    Ed
  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    Nope, not DRLs. The BMW DRLs are reduced intensity high beams. These rings are actually the parking lamps (in Europe the silly orange markers don't turn on). It's also for looks too and is pretty advanced. The rings are actually prism patterned circular light rods with fibre optics (there is only one bulb lighting the entire ring, so 4 bulbs in total). Hella calls it CELIS technology. FYI, the slightly facelifted '02 3-series will also have these lights.

    If you have an older 5-series, these lamps (Xenons or halogens, your choice) are available for retrofitting as well.
    image


    Drew
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  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    Drew,

    Wow, that looks quite fancy! Kinda looks like neon lights. I'd hate to know what it costs to replace a headlight assembly!

    Ken
  • lark6lark6 Member Posts: 2,565
    Well whaddaya know. I don't care for them but like the new Impreza's headlights maybe they'll grow on me.

    Ed
  • 1subydown1togo1subydown1togo Member Posts: 348
    My neighbor recently leased an M5 and took me for a drive in it on the highway...talk about intense..he stomped on it while we were still on the enrance ramp...the torque jus pushes you against the back of those really lovely blue and black leather seats (would look great in a WRX, BTW)..I thought we were doing around 90..I looked at the speedo..120 MPH in no time...not only was I amazed, I was scared s***less..the trip back was a repeat. The light are also pretty bright on the car.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Looks kind of weird to me. At least they seem less blue than older Bimmer lights.

    -juice
  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    Those are the parking lamps and the foglamps. The HID low beams or halogen high beams were not turned on in that picture above.

    As for the cost, it's can be anywhere from $600-$1200 per lamp. Here's a close-up:
    http://www.jimmy540i.com/front.jpg
    http://www.jimmy540i.com/front1.jpg


    Drew
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  • avalanche165avalanche165 Member Posts: 558
    thats one of my favorite parts about this car, the headlights...

    image
  • avalanche165avalanche165 Member Posts: 558
    the e-class have those oval lights, those are exclusive right? or did they copy as well. its like the music industry, you got the real music outta the 60's, 70's, etc, and then u got puff daddy in the 90's and today copying them word for word and adding a slower beat, what creativity.
    my bro has a wrx, personally, the tailights are goofy as hell, front lights are ok, especially when he gets the [non-permissible content removed]-spec ones...
  • kostamojen2kostamojen2 Member Posts: 284
    One of the things I like better about the WRX wagon are the taillights... I did see a aftermarket thing that changed the light area and made it look less like an echo though.

    But my problem with the RSX is that the whole front end has a 300m "essense" about it... Not just simular features. It looks nothing like the last-gen integra, the only thing that even seems remotly simular are the rear lights and shape.
  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    The E-class' headlamps are retro, from the E-class of the 1970's and before. Don't see too many of those running around nowadays though.


    Speaking of the E-class, what do you all think about the '03 E-class? Looks pretty sexy to me with the black paint! The new projector Bi-Xenons (I think) maintain the current look while evolving on it at the same time. Here's the all new '03 SL. Wow!

    The WRX taillamps look just fine to me. No complaints at all...now if only they could bring in those Japanese projectors... ;-)



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