Why doesn't Subaru make a car that actually looks good?
05-17-2005, 02:46 PM
#1
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Why doesn't Subaru make a car that actually looks good?
Disclaimer: I know that looks are subjective and that this thread might get ugly, but keep in mind that it's just my opinion...
I like what Subaru is doing with the performance of their cars, the AWD, and how they have awesome reliability...I just can't get over the fact that they all look "boxy", "boring", "non-aerodynamic", etc. And they all even look very similar.
Almost every other company I can think of has at least one car that looks "cool" (for lack of a better word) and/or stands out from its other cars:
- Ford has the Mustang and GT
- Mazda has the RX-8 and Miata
- Honda has the S2000
- Toyota has the MR-2 Spyder
- Nissan has the 350Z
- Chrysler has the Crossfire
- Chevrolet has the Corvette
- Dodge has the Viper
- Volvo even has the C70
- I won't get into the higher-end auto makers...
Anyways, why can't they make something that looks good? I realize they sell well the way they are now, but paaleeeease Subaru....!
I like what Subaru is doing with the performance of their cars, the AWD, and how they have awesome reliability...I just can't get over the fact that they all look "boxy", "boring", "non-aerodynamic", etc. And they all even look very similar.
Almost every other company I can think of has at least one car that looks "cool" (for lack of a better word) and/or stands out from its other cars:
- Ford has the Mustang and GT
- Mazda has the RX-8 and Miata
- Honda has the S2000
- Toyota has the MR-2 Spyder
- Nissan has the 350Z
- Chrysler has the Crossfire
- Chevrolet has the Corvette
- Dodge has the Viper
- Volvo even has the C70
- I won't get into the higher-end auto makers...
Anyways, why can't they make something that looks good? I realize they sell well the way they are now, but paaleeeease Subaru....!
05-17-2005, 02:52 PM
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Call me crazy, or call the issue subjective but, I kinda like the way the plain WRX (sans rear spoiler) looks like:
And let's don't talk about an STi sans-spoiler.
And let's don't talk about an STi sans-spoiler.
Last edited by RX8-TX; 05-17-2005 at 02:54 PM.
05-17-2005, 02:55 PM
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Yeah, but put it next to a Legacy and they look *very similar*...
I'm hoping they'll eventually put out a car that actually stands out from the rest of the fleet...
I'm hoping they'll eventually put out a car that actually stands out from the rest of the fleet...
05-17-2005, 02:59 PM
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I don't think the Legacy looks the least bit like the Impreza. In fact there is quite a bit of diversity in the Subaru lineup, some in a good way some in a bad way (read Baja). Subaru has always made cars that stand out and will continue to do so, if you think they're ugly then so be it, but one thing you can never accuse Subaru of being is ordinary.
05-17-2005, 03:05 PM
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^ I'm referring to Subaru's not standing out *from each other*, not from other cars.
Sorry if I'm not making this clear...sometimes I suck at explaining things..
I guess here's a way to look at it:
Someone might see an RX-8 and think "wow...is that the new Porsche!?". Someone might see a Viper and think "wow...is that the new Lamborghini!?".
Nobody would ever see a WRX and think "wow...is that the new [insert non-Subaru car here]"...it's quite obvious that the WRX is a Subaru, because it looks like all Subarus.
Sorry if I'm not making this clear...sometimes I suck at explaining things..
I guess here's a way to look at it:
Someone might see an RX-8 and think "wow...is that the new Porsche!?". Someone might see a Viper and think "wow...is that the new Lamborghini!?".
Nobody would ever see a WRX and think "wow...is that the new [insert non-Subaru car here]"...it's quite obvious that the WRX is a Subaru, because it looks like all Subarus.
Last edited by khtm; 05-17-2005 at 03:07 PM.
05-17-2005, 03:10 PM
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I don't think the Legacy is a bad looking car, either.
But overall I do think the Subaru line-up is a bit bland. But I don't think Toyota's is any better. Actually, I think Toyota's is worse.
But overall I do think the Subaru line-up is a bit bland. But I don't think Toyota's is any better. Actually, I think Toyota's is worse.
05-17-2005, 03:11 PM
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I think Subaru has done a good job of identifying a corporate identity which works for them. I am glad they are what they are. I thought the Legacy was also a nice design both inside and out.
I think they just need to bring back a new version of the 2 door P1 though it is more of a styling exercise since the 4 door does not weigh much more.
I think they just need to bring back a new version of the 2 door P1 though it is more of a styling exercise since the 4 door does not weigh much more.
05-17-2005, 03:21 PM
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I like the looks of the Legacy and while the WRX isn't swoopy--I like its looks. They actually are revising the front end of the WRX to mimic the LEgacy/B9 Tribeca.
05-17-2005, 03:23 PM
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Originally Posted by murix
I think Subaru has done a good job of identifying a corporate identity which works for them. I am glad they are what they are.
I'd still love to see the performance of an STI with a hot exterior and still an affordable price...
05-17-2005, 03:25 PM
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Originally Posted by DreRX8
I like the looks of the Legacy and while the WRX isn't swoopy--I like its looks. They actually are revising the front end of the WRX to mimic the LEgacy/B9 Tribeca.
05-17-2005, 03:33 PM
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Originally Posted by khtm
That's a good point...I guess whatever they're doing IS working, and they know it, so there's no point in making any radical changes.
I'd still love to see the performance of an STI with a hot exterior and still an affordable price...
I'd still love to see the performance of an STI with a hot exterior and still an affordable price...
"A completely new kind of supercar, based on tweaked Subaru Impreza components but barely bigger than a Ford Fiesta, is under development at Prodrive, the Banbury-based engineering group which builds both Subaru’s world rally cars and Aston Martin’s DBR9 GT racing car.
The 160mph hard-top two-seater, code-named P2, has no equivalent among current production cars, though it bears a superficial resemblance to rally-bred supercars of the past such as the Lancia Stratos and Ford RS200. Like these cars it is potentially extremely fast and agile, but unlike them it’s designed to use a far higher percentage of production components, and to be built to a ‘notional’ purchase price of around £40k.
The engine is a front-mounted version of Subaru’s familiar 2.0 litre turbocharged flat-four engine with well over 300bhp on tap. The car will weigh only about 1000kg, so performance should match a Ferrari F430’s or Lamborghini Gallardo’s. However, the Prodrive coupé’s small size, short overhangs, optimal weight distribution (from elements such as side-mounted radiators) – plus its Subaru-sourced 4x4 drive train – should make it considerably more agile than conventional mid-engined supercars. The suspension, brakes and steering are also sourced from the Impreza.
The project is the brainchild of David Richards, Prodrive’s founder and chairman, who describes the car as a technology demonstrator, intended to showcase his firm’s automotive design and engineering talents. The coupé will feature new stability and turbo anti-lag systems, both devised at Prodrive. Though the project is only three months old, the car is scheduled to be finished by the end of the year, because Richards wants to demonstrate Prodrive’s speed and flexibility at realising projects.
There is no production plan at present, and Prodrive hasn’t arrived at an official name for the project. But it seems unlikely that Subaru – with whom Prodrive has a long and fruitful relationship – will be unmoved by news of an enticing project which uses so many of its components in a revolutionary way. Sources at Prodrive are keeping tight-lipped about Subaru’s involvement, but an early viewing of the coupé project by the Japanese company’s bosses seems more than likely."
05-17-2005, 03:37 PM
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Prodrive also built Ferrari's Le Mans cars, so I have little doubt they could pull this off an possibly build a supercar killer should they desire. Should it happen it may be sold through Subaru dealers since Subaru has sold various prodrive models through their dealers in the past.
05-17-2005, 03:40 PM
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sti ,wrx there just plain ugly they spend most of there time doing the engine i guess :p and to know i almost bought an sti boy what was i thinking
I remember now 300 hp
I remember now 300 hp
05-17-2005, 03:42 PM
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I don't believe Subaru has ever had a true sports car in their line up (at least not in the last 10 years), the STi evolved and developed out of years & years of rally racing. So sports car styling doesn't seem to be a priority for them.
For ~$30K, really cool sports car looks and top notch performance seem to be kind of mutually exclusive. On the one hand, there are cars like the STi and EVO that offer killer performance, but in a plain jane econo-box shell. On the other hand there are cars like the RX-8, G35 and Z that are very nice on eyes, but a notch down in the performance category.
A car with the performance of the STi, looks of the RX-8, and the practical back seat/trunk of both, would be the king of the hill in its class. (That's why I'm still waiting for that MS RX-8.)
Actually, I think the new Mustang is probably the closest in matching great looks and performance at a less than $30K price. The Shelby GT500 concept looks to be something else, I can just imagine one in white with blue stripes. I love the 60's.
For ~$30K, really cool sports car looks and top notch performance seem to be kind of mutually exclusive. On the one hand, there are cars like the STi and EVO that offer killer performance, but in a plain jane econo-box shell. On the other hand there are cars like the RX-8, G35 and Z that are very nice on eyes, but a notch down in the performance category.
A car with the performance of the STi, looks of the RX-8, and the practical back seat/trunk of both, would be the king of the hill in its class. (That's why I'm still waiting for that MS RX-8.)
Actually, I think the new Mustang is probably the closest in matching great looks and performance at a less than $30K price. The Shelby GT500 concept looks to be something else, I can just imagine one in white with blue stripes. I love the 60's.
05-17-2005, 03:44 PM
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Originally Posted by guy321
I understand the context as to which the Ford Fiesta comparison was used. However, when describing a supercar, should the Fiesta be mentioned?
05-17-2005, 04:04 PM
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Originally Posted by IkeWRX
"A completely new kind of supercar, based on tweaked Subaru Impreza components but barely bigger than a Ford Fiesta, is under development at Prodrive, the Banbury-based engineering group which builds both Subaru’s world rally cars and Aston Martin’s DBR9 GT racing car.
The 160mph hard-top two-seater, code-named P2, has no equivalent among current production cars, though it bears a superficial resemblance to rally-bred supercars of the past such as the Lancia Stratos and Ford RS200. Like these cars it is potentially extremely fast and agile, but unlike them it’s designed to use a far higher percentage of production components, and to be built to a ‘notional’ purchase price of around £40k.
The engine is a front-mounted version of Subaru’s familiar 2.0 litre turbocharged flat-four engine with well over 300bhp on tap. The car will weigh only about 1000kg, so performance should match a Ferrari F430’s or Lamborghini Gallardo’s. However, the Prodrive coupé’s small size, short overhangs, optimal weight distribution (from elements such as side-mounted radiators) – plus its Subaru-sourced 4x4 drive train – should make it considerably more agile than conventional mid-engined supercars. The suspension, brakes and steering are also sourced from the Impreza.
The project is the brainchild of David Richards, Prodrive’s founder and chairman, who describes the car as a technology demonstrator, intended to showcase his firm’s automotive design and engineering talents. The coupé will feature new stability and turbo anti-lag systems, both devised at Prodrive. Though the project is only three months old, the car is scheduled to be finished by the end of the year, because Richards wants to demonstrate Prodrive’s speed and flexibility at realising projects.
There is no production plan at present, and Prodrive hasn’t arrived at an official name for the project. But it seems unlikely that Subaru – with whom Prodrive has a long and fruitful relationship – will be unmoved by news of an enticing project which uses so many of its components in a revolutionary way. Sources at Prodrive are keeping tight-lipped about Subaru’s involvement, but an early viewing of the coupé project by the Japanese company’s bosses seems more than likely."
The 160mph hard-top two-seater, code-named P2, has no equivalent among current production cars, though it bears a superficial resemblance to rally-bred supercars of the past such as the Lancia Stratos and Ford RS200. Like these cars it is potentially extremely fast and agile, but unlike them it’s designed to use a far higher percentage of production components, and to be built to a ‘notional’ purchase price of around £40k.
The engine is a front-mounted version of Subaru’s familiar 2.0 litre turbocharged flat-four engine with well over 300bhp on tap. The car will weigh only about 1000kg, so performance should match a Ferrari F430’s or Lamborghini Gallardo’s. However, the Prodrive coupé’s small size, short overhangs, optimal weight distribution (from elements such as side-mounted radiators) – plus its Subaru-sourced 4x4 drive train – should make it considerably more agile than conventional mid-engined supercars. The suspension, brakes and steering are also sourced from the Impreza.
The project is the brainchild of David Richards, Prodrive’s founder and chairman, who describes the car as a technology demonstrator, intended to showcase his firm’s automotive design and engineering talents. The coupé will feature new stability and turbo anti-lag systems, both devised at Prodrive. Though the project is only three months old, the car is scheduled to be finished by the end of the year, because Richards wants to demonstrate Prodrive’s speed and flexibility at realising projects.
There is no production plan at present, and Prodrive hasn’t arrived at an official name for the project. But it seems unlikely that Subaru – with whom Prodrive has a long and fruitful relationship – will be unmoved by news of an enticing project which uses so many of its components in a revolutionary way. Sources at Prodrive are keeping tight-lipped about Subaru’s involvement, but an early viewing of the coupé project by the Japanese company’s bosses seems more than likely."
05-17-2005, 06:21 PM
#25
Mentalhealth is overrated
Originally Posted by s13lover
SVX
the car with some visual character and they don't make it anymore...
...they make a solid car...just make then look better.