Q&A's with SOA Blog Here

[AWDPilot]

I can tell you the reasons I didn't buy it.

1. Cable shifted transmission didn't feel right
2. Infotainment/Nav was garbage/hard to use/ 5 years behind

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[Snow Drift]

Legacy GT is a great idea, but unfortunately the AWD Turbo Sport-Sedan/Wagon niche rarely does well.

Mazda Mazdaspeed6 - Gone
Volvo S60R / V70R- Gone (R-Design isn't the same)
Legacy GT / Outback XT - Gone

The only two that remain are the S4 and 335xi. Those cars are in a much higher price bracket than the GT.

We all want an STI in a suit, but it is hard to create profitably. (But I think they should still build it).

I believe the GT could be better and could fit an aging WRX buyer. Unfortunately, it is hard to make a business proposal in Japan when the volume is low and frankly, no one is ever happy. Enthusiasts think they are too weak, and volume buyers don't want the extra power/price.

I have always thought that the Legacy should battle publicly with the A4, 325xi, G37X, etc. Pay some magazines to compare them and show the Subaru is the alternative for people who can afford more. It needs to stop being an Altima alternative and move up to where AWD sedans are appreciated and paid for.

[keepclam]

Originally Posted by SOA Blog

But you knew that much already. (it was in the press release) We were anticipating the second question... (engineering details).. which we usually can't get too deep into.

You must be using "you" in the plural sense, i.e. "the public". And hey, as much as this might surprise you, "we" don't memorize your press releases. Personally, I didn't remember what all of the specific changes were, but I remembered where to look, so I could help chanomatic find the info that had been made available.

(Hope I'm coming across as cheeky, 'cause that's my intent rather than critical or snotty. Glad you - are you still plural? - are posting here again.)

[SOA Blog]

Originally Posted by keepclam

You must be using "you" in the plural sense, i.e. "the public". And hey, as much as this might surprise you, "we" don't memorize your press releases. Personally, I didn't remember what all of the specific changes were, but I remembered where to look, so I could help chanomatic find the info that had been made available.

(Hope I'm coming across as cheeky, 'cause that's my intent rather than critical or snotty. Glad you - are you still plural? - are posting here again.)

You are indeed coming over as cheeky. In a good way. Sorry - we do tend to think that you guys read every part of our releases and we usually can't give out more than is said there. Dealing with such technical experts as you all is tricky... one wrong move and all that...

[SOA Blog]

Originally Posted by Snow Drift

SOA Blog, please look into this question. We have always been told that if a nominal had to be given to the Active AWD system it is 90:10 or 80:20. The Subaru Global website says 60:40. Please help us.

We think that it's impossible to say. There is never a time when there is "no" input to the system... either acceleration, tires, load etc. Given that it's truly theoretical, we think it doesn't matter. What matters is how much power can go where, the moment it's needed.

[a2cpc]

Originally Posted by ST Eye

SOA Blog, it was mentioned that the next generation WRX/STI will split off the Impreza platform, is this still the intention? Can we expect both models to come out the same year? If you can't remark I understand... I just want to mentally prepare for my next STI.

Not even an...I can't remark?

[SOA Blog]

Originally Posted by a2cpc

Not even an...I can't remark?

you know we don't discuss future product.

[ST Eye]

Originally Posted by SOA Blog

you know we don't discuss future product.

I do appreciate the response Mr. Blog!

If the spy photos are correct I am happy there will be a turbo! :-)

[Sub!eDr!ver]

Originally Posted by Snow Drift

<snip>

We all want an STI in a suit, but it is hard to create profitably. (But I think they should still build it).

<snip>

I have always thought that the Legacy should battle publicly with the A4, 325xi, G37X, etc. Pay some magazines to compare them and show the Subaru is the alternative for people who can afford more. It needs to stop being an Altima alternative and move up to where AWD sedans are appreciated and paid for.

I agree with these comments:

I DO want an STI in a suit. The Impreza STI has been a little too boy-racer for me, though the latest versions have been looking more mature. I still like the maturity of the Legacy over the Impreza.

Re: A4/325/G37 comment: That's what I really like about the '05-09 Legacy - it aspired towards up-market, but the '10+ shifted back towards Camry/Accord. That's probably another reason for lost interest in the GT (that, and the cable-operated shifter, and the non-sporty looks, and little marketing (aside from the hood-scoop ad), and...).

So, SOA Blog, here's what I think happened: the '05-09 models pushed the boundaries of near-luxury, bringing Legacy buyers upmarket, then the Legacy back-pedaled and moved back down-market, Legacy buyers didn't want to move back down-market, so we then started looking at Audi & BMW instead of following the Legacy back down.

The downside for us enthusiasts still in the Subaru fold is that mainstreaming the Legacy has been rather successful for bringing in new buyers, meaning that Subaru will probably continue that trend.

Can we bring back the SVX? or produce the B11S? Oh, forget it. Just give us an 8-seat minivan.

[kenzo]

Originally Posted by SOA Blog

Gee, it's tough to say.. we thought the car was a nice offering (accepting that nothing is perfect). It was cut solely due to lack of demand. Why that was is difficult to say. Cue a debate now about how the car could have been so much more.

I usually buy new every 2-3 years; we've owned an '02 WRX 5MT, an '04 STi, a '05 LGT 5MT, an '08 Tribeca and an '08 Spec.B. I intended to replace my '08 Spec.B with a new LGT, but test drives of a 2010 and a 2011 a year later convinced me to keep the Spec.B (which I still have).

The new LGTs felt like an Accord sedan with a sloppy shift mechanism and an interior designed for retirees. The significant steering wheel shimmy they both exhibited also didn't help.

I'm glad for Subaru's sake that some people did appreciate the changes and buy the 2010-2012 LGT, and hope that we'll have a similar model in future to complain about and perhaps buy.

[laufu]

Originally Posted by SOA Blog

We think that it's impossible to say. There is never a time when there is "no" input to the system... either acceleration, tires, load etc. Given that it's truly theoretical, we think it doesn't matter. What matters is how much power can go where, the moment it's needed.

Ok I can accept that. I figured it was bordering on being too technical for an answer.

Changing gears, I really enjoyed Batman The Dark Knight Rises. Did you guys help with the scene that involved Blake going to see Commissioner Gordon?

[KC]

Originally Posted by kenzo

I usually buy new every 2-3 years; we've owned an '02 WRX 5MT, an '04 STi, a '05 LGT 5MT, an '08 Tribeca and an '08 Spec.B. I intended to replace my '08 Spec.B with a new LGT, but test drives of a 2010 and a 2011 a year later convinced me to keep the Spec.B (which I still have).

The new LGTs felt like an Accord sedan with a sloppy shift mechanism and an interior designed for retirees. The significant steering wheel shimmy they both exhibited also didn't help.

I'm glad for Subaru's sake that some people did appreciate the changes and buy the 2010-2012 LGT, and hope that we'll have a similar model in future to complain about and perhaps buy.

I concur.

I've had 14 Subarus in my life. My last one was the '05 Baja Turbo. Don't want boy racer anymore (why I went from '99 2.5RS to WRX wagon instead of sedan in '01) and nothing since '08 appeals to the grown-up sport in me... especially not the '10+ 'Camry looking' Legacies... which is why I have/love the G8 GT... an understated sedan with great balance, handling, and power. If it were AWD...

--kC
(Yesterday I found out that Dodge Chargers have a 5.7L AWD option... never knew that)

[SOA Blog]

Originally Posted by laufu

Ok I can accept that. I figured it was bordering on being too technical for an answer.

Changing gears, I really enjoyed Batman The Dark Knight Rises. Did you guys help with the scene that involved Blake going to see Commissioner Gordon?

Glad to hear you liked it - yes, that was our car.

[laufu]

Originally Posted by SOA Blog

Glad to hear you liked it - yes, that was our car.

Nicely done. Looking forward to seeing Blake in a Legacy 2.0 DIT for the next movie. White with a black interior. I am sure Blake does not mind the CVT.

If that is not going to happen, offer to put me in a Legacy 2.0 DIT, white with black interior! I don't mind the CVT either! See what I did there?

[chanomatik]

Originally Posted by laufu

Nicely done. Looking forward to seeing Blake in a Legacy 2.0 DIT for the next movie. White with a black interior. I am sure Blake does not mind the CVT.

If that is not going to happen, offer to put me in a Legacy 2.0 DIT, white with black interior! I don't mind the CVT either! See what I did there?

If the next Wolverine movie takes place in Japan like it's supposed to, maybe Logan can drive the Legacy 2.0 DIT with CVT?

[laufu]

Originally Posted by chanomatik

If the next Wolverine movie takes place in Japan like it's supposed to, maybe Logan can drive the Legacy 2.0 DIT with CVT?

Lol, isn't he with that other comic book company?

SOA Blog, you know Jimmy Olsen and Lois Lane will need the Legacy 2.0 DIT with the 6 spd manual to keep up with a certain man of steel. And make sure Lois fills the tank, we all remember what happened in the 1st movie.

[keepclam]

While we're on the movie topic: I read BRZ will be featured in The Fast & The Furious 6. Those (I read there were several) your cars, too?

[chanomatik]

I believe Subaru provided 5 BRZ's, so that means we could see some good screen time for them compared to the STI in Fast Five.

[53x12]

Originally Posted by laufu

Nicely done. Looking forward to seeing Blake in a Legacy 2.0 DIT for the next movie. White with a black interior. I am sure Blake does not mind the CVT.

If that is not going to happen, offer to put me in a Legacy 2.0 DIT, white with black interior! I don't mind the CVT either! See what I did there?

Speaking of which SOA Blog, white with black interior would be awesome. Please offer that to us loyal Subaru customers SOA. We would be forever grateful.

When was the last time white with black interior was offered on an Impreza?

[SOA Blog]

Originally Posted by keepclam

While we're on the movie topic: I read BRZ will be featured in The Fast & The Furious 6. Those (I read there were several) your cars, too?

Not something we can talk about I'm afraid.

[keepclam]

Originally Posted by SOA Blog

Not something we can talk about I'm afraid.

Oh, well. I understand. Not a huge FF fan, but maybe I'll catch this one.

[nashcarr]

Originally Posted by kenzo

I usually buy new every 2-3 years; we've owned an '02 WRX 5MT, an '04 STi, a '05 LGT 5MT, an '08 Tribeca and an '08 Spec.B. I intended to replace my '08 Spec.B with a new LGT, but test drives of a 2010 and a 2011 a year later convinced me to keep the Spec.B (which I still have).

The new LGTs felt like an Accord sedan with a sloppy shift mechanism and an interior designed for retirees. The significant steering wheel shimmy they both exhibited also didn't help.

I'm glad for Subaru's sake that some people did appreciate the changes and buy the 2010-2012 LGT, and hope that we'll have a similar model in future to complain about and perhaps buy.

I tend to buy new every few years as well, and am looking for a bit more upscale. I have owned 5 (currently own 2) Subarus; 01 2.5 Rs, 02 WRX, 05 FXT, 06 WRX TR, 10 STi.

I am not really interested in the Leggy, but if the new STi isnt a huge improvement then I will probably gothe BMW 1M way. Sad, but true. I wish you guys would at least release some information and or renderings...

[Velvet_Kevorkian]

SOA Blog,
by chance would you know what profit margin Fuji Heavy Industries is making with every GT86/FR-S made for Toyota Motor Co.?

[HB_Dad]

SOA Blog, are puddle lights available on the latest lineup? I never see them any more or hear about them anymore either. It would be sad for them to not be available as they not only enhance night time safety but look cool too!

[G-Omaha]

Tried to get them with my 202 Impreza Limited Sport - No Go. I do have them on my 2013 Outback SAP.