Welcome to the North American Subaru Impreza Owners Club Thursday March 28, 2024
Home Forums Images WikiNASIOC Products Store Modifications Upgrade Garage
NASIOC
Go Back   NASIOC > NASIOC General > News & Rumors

Welcome to NASIOC - The world's largest online community for Subaru enthusiasts!
Welcome to the NASIOC.com Subaru forum.

You are currently viewing our forum as a guest, which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our community, free of charge, you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is free, fast and simple, so please join our community today!

If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact us.







* As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 
* Registered users of the site do not see these ads. 
Closed Thread
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 02-13-2008, 11:07 AM   #1
Digitalfiend
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 54823
Join Date: Feb 2004
Chapter/Region: E. Canada
Location: Whitby, Ontario
Vehicle:
2009 WRX
DGM

Default Rumor: CarCrazy.com interview with SoA President on new WRX?

This is obviously complete BS, but someone brought this to our attention on IWSTI.com. I ended up finding a reference to the "interview" on Road and Track's forums:
http://forums.roadandtrack.com/cars/...thread.id=2094

There are so many things "wrong" with that interview, namely:

- Since when does a president of a company "let slip", to a virtual nobody, plans that could impact stock prices, give competitors a leg-up, impact current sales of '08/'09 WRXs, etc.

- I highly doubt the president of SoA would call the new Ralliart "stylish and aggressive"
Quote:
Mahoney: Absolutely, its going to get a huge power boost in order to steal sales away from the stylish and agressive looking Ralliart.
- Subaru is generally very secretive about future models, especially those that are 2 years away.

- Sales for the new Impreza are actually up, not down.

This was probably just a made up interview by some disgruntled Subaru owner that can't get over the new Impreza's success.

Does anyone even have a link to the article/interview? Does it even exist or is it just some newb's wet dream?

Discuss.
* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.
Digitalfiend is offline  
Sponsored Links
* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.
Old 02-13-2008, 11:23 AM   #2
mattejb
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 90786
Join Date: Jul 2005
Vehicle:
09 WRX
Silver

Default

I say fake.
mattejb is offline  
Old 02-13-2008, 11:51 AM   #3
JC
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 692
Join Date: Dec 1999
Chapter/Region: SCIC
Vehicle:
2021 Tacoma TRD Pro
White

Default

That's clearly fake, no executive talks like that let alone to the press. On an unrelated note my company's Vice President's name is Tim Mahoney too. Weird.
JC is offline  
Old 02-13-2008, 11:56 AM   #4
Lantec
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 48685
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Coquitlam, B.C.
Vehicle:
2010 Prius
Silver

Default

sooooo fake
Lantec is offline  
Old 02-13-2008, 01:02 PM   #5
rsholland
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 5769
Join Date: Apr 2001
Chapter/Region: MAIC
Location: Ellicott City, MD, USA
Vehicle:
'09 WRX Prem 5-dr
Dark Gray

Default You never know...

Yeah, these guys are very guarded in what they say, but who knows, maybe he caught him at a weak moment...

It would be great if someone could contact that poster and get a link, if it still remains. I searched but couldn't find one. That doesn't mean it didn't get posted, however. I've posted some stuff in the past from SOA, only to be contacted by them asking me to take it down. That could have happened here.

My take—even if it were fake—is that what he posted is entirely possible, knowing what I know of Subaru, and how they operate.

Bob
rsholland is offline  
Old 02-13-2008, 01:18 PM   #6
Digitalfiend
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 54823
Join Date: Feb 2004
Chapter/Region: E. Canada
Location: Whitby, Ontario
Vehicle:
2009 WRX
DGM

Default

If it weren't for the comments about the Ralliart being "stylish and aggressive" and how Impreza sales are down, I would be more apt to believe that this actually took place. Also, revealing information about a future, more powerful model could drastically affect sales of the current line.

I just can't see the president of SoA making those comments to a journalist.

There are just too many weird things about that interview. I don't doubt that Subaru has plans to counter the Ralliart though. I can't wait to see what they have in store for us.

Quote:
Originally Posted by rsholland View Post
Yeah, these guys are very guarded in what they say, but who knows, maybe he caught him at a weak moment...

It would be great if someone could contact that poster and get a link, if it still remains. I searched but couldn't find one. That doesn't mean it didn't get posted, however. I've posted some stuff in the past from SOA, only to be contacted by them asking me to take it down. That could have happened here.

My take—even if it were fake—is that what he posted is entirely possible, knowing what I know of Subaru, and how they operate.

Bob
Digitalfiend is offline  
Old 02-13-2008, 01:21 PM   #7
subyski
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 202642
Join Date: Nov 2007
Chapter/Region: RMIC
Location: Centennial, Colorado
Vehicle:
08 Impreza,80Vette
68 Impala, 15 SantaFe

Default

I was at Arapahoe Basin, Colorado last Saturday and Subaru was sponsoring a ski/snowboard event. I talked to a Subaru rep and he was mentioning a new WRX coming out in October. The only thing he said about it was going to have a 260 hp engine while the current 224 hp version will become a GT trim. Not sure how true this is but seems to support some rumors.
subyski is offline  
Old 02-13-2008, 01:29 PM   #8
Coati
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 9106
Join Date: Aug 2001
Chapter/Region: SCIC
Location: 2020 Crosstrek Hybrid
Vehicle:
2015 FXT - DGM
2008 STI - Aspen White

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Digitalfiend View Post
If it weren't for the comments about the Ralliart being "stylish and aggressive" and how Impreza sales are down, I would be more apt to believe that this actually took place. Also, revealing information about a future, more powerful model could drastically affect sales of the current line.

I just can't see the president of SoA making those comments to a journalist.
Maybe he was drunk at a bar and the questioner was a hot chick?
Coati is offline  
Old 02-13-2008, 01:35 PM   #9
rsholland
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 5769
Join Date: Apr 2001
Chapter/Region: MAIC
Location: Ellicott City, MD, USA
Vehicle:
'09 WRX Prem 5-dr
Dark Gray

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Digitalfiend View Post
If it weren't for the comments about the Ralliart being "stylish and aggressive" and how Impreza sales are down, I would be more apt to believe that this actually took place. Also, revealing information about a future, more powerful model could drastically affect sales of the current line.

I just can't see the president of SoA making those comments to a journalist.

There are just too many weird things about that interview. I don't doubt that Subaru has plans to counter the Ralliart though. I can't wait to see what they have in store for us.
I find it hard to believe too, but you never know. I've gone one-on-one with these guys on several occasions, and yes, while they are very guarded, they do sometimes let things slip.

Also keep in mind the following:

***8226; The Tribeca got an earlier than expected refresh due to poor consumer response, I expect the same to be true for the WRX, and 2010 would be the year for that to happen.

***8226; 2010 we will get the new Legacy, Outback, and maybe the diesel too? Maybe other mechanical upgrades such as CVT, more 6-speed manuals, direct injection and who knows what else?

***8226; Everything he posted in terms of upgrades, and his comments on the Ralliart, sounded (to me) to be entirely possible and within reason.

Maybe the poster is just a great "storyteller," but then again maybe there's some truth here. We won't know until we can get some confirmation one way or the other. That's why I'm asking everyone to do some detective work on their own here. I'm not registered with that R&T site. I tried, but was having problems. Maybe someone here who is registered there can send him a private message, and try to get this clarified? A link to this interview would be great if it exists.

Bob

Last edited by rsholland; 02-13-2008 at 01:42 PM.
rsholland is offline  
Old 02-13-2008, 01:40 PM   #10
Acostafan
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 67398
Join Date: Aug 2004
Chapter/Region: South East
Location: Chattanooga, TN
Vehicle:
2002 Now with 100%
RDA of 2.5l Goodness!!!

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by asesls View Post
I was at Arapahoe Basin, Colorado last Saturday and Subaru was sponsoring a ski/snowboard event. I talked to a Subaru rep and he was mentioning a new WRX coming out in October. The only thing he said about it was going to have a 260 hp engine while the current 224 hp version will become a GT trim. Not sure how true this is but seems to support some rumors.
While that may make perfect sense, it comes too close to knocking on the STI's door unless they up the power in the STI.
Acostafan is offline  
Old 02-13-2008, 01:57 PM   #11
kyosho
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 53079
Join Date: Jan 2004
Chapter/Region: SCIC
Location: Crapangeles
Vehicle:
2005 RIP 2005 WRX
236/243 CA91 Tim Bailey

Default

i don't think it's really that close to knocking on STI's door. You're still missing the STI suspension, wide fender flares, etc. 300+ is still more than 260. Then again, one would have to wonder what would be the difference between the GT trim and this "new" trim other than power if this were to happen.
kyosho is offline  
Old 02-13-2008, 02:10 PM   #12
Acostafan
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 67398
Join Date: Aug 2004
Chapter/Region: South East
Location: Chattanooga, TN
Vehicle:
2002 Now with 100%
RDA of 2.5l Goodness!!!

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by kyosho View Post
i don't think it's really that close to knocking on STI's door. You're still missing the STI suspension, wide fender flares, etc. 300+ is still more than 260. Then again, one would have to wonder what would be the difference between the GT trim and this "new" trim other than power if this were to happen.
True, but I think what you might see is that people may start to pass up the STI if they can get a WRX that's almost there powerwise, and could be made to come close(still no DCCD,etc) to an STI's performance for only a little bit more money in the aftermarket. I would expect a 260hp WRX to have uprated springs and the like. We'll see, sure would be interesting to see what they do since they know they effed up when you look at what Mitsubishi is doing. I really expected the STI to stomp the EVO this time, and in some respects it does, but not where it counts. But then again, Subaru may be content to do their own thing and not worry about what Mitsu is doing.
Acostafan is offline  
Old 02-13-2008, 02:34 PM   #13
AVANTI R5
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 73805
Join Date: Nov 2004
Vehicle:
24 TypeS ZO6
White

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by rsholland View Post
I find it hard to believe too, but you never know. I've gone one-on-one with these guys on several occasions, and yes, while they are very guarded, they do sometimes let things slip.

Also keep in mind the following:

• The Tribeca got an earlier than expected refresh due to poor consumer response, I expect the same to be true for the WRX, and 2010 would be the year for that to happen.

• 2010 we will get the new Legacy, Outback, and maybe the diesel too? Maybe other mechanical upgrades such as CVT, more 6-speed manuals, direct injection and who knows what else?

• Everything he posted in terms of upgrades, and his comments on the Ralliart, sounded (to me) to be entirely possible and within reason.

Maybe the poster is just a great "storyteller," but then again maybe there's some truth here. We won't know until we can get some confirmation one way or the other. That's why I'm asking everyone to do some detective work on their own here. I'm not registered with that R&T site. I tried, but was having problems. Maybe someone here who is registered there can send him a private message, and try to get this clarified? A link to this interview would be great if it exists.

Bob
Sent PM Bob,I will get back to you if he responds.It was wierd the first did not go through,the second time I did it,the pm worked.I think this guy is getting alot of PM's
AVANTI R5 is offline  
Old 02-13-2008, 02:42 PM   #14
Jon [in CT]
*** Banned ***
 
Member#: 2992
Join Date: Nov 2000
Chapter/Region: NESIC
Location: Connecticut, USA
Vehicle:
02 WRX Sedan
Silver

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by rsholland View Post
Yeah, these guys are very guarded in what they say, but who knows, maybe he caught him at a weak moment...
So weak that he'd use the phrase "stylish and agressive looking Ralliart," as if he thought the WRX wasn't? And an assistant editor for "Car Crazy.com" (what the heck is that?) can't even spell aggressive?
Jon [in CT] is offline  
Old 02-13-2008, 02:43 PM   #15
rsholland
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 5769
Join Date: Apr 2001
Chapter/Region: MAIC
Location: Ellicott City, MD, USA
Vehicle:
'09 WRX Prem 5-dr
Dark Gray

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by AVANTI R5 View Post
Sent PM Bob,I will get back to you if he responds.It was wierd the first did not go through,the second time I did it,the pm worked.I think this guy is getting alot of PM's
Thanks.

Bob
rsholland is offline  
Old 02-13-2008, 02:53 PM   #16
AVANTI R5
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 73805
Join Date: Nov 2004
Vehicle:
24 TypeS ZO6
White

Default

^^ I wrote a nice letter asking for links,truth and info.Also I gave him the link to this thread so he can read what we are saying about the so called interview.Might be true,who knows.You would know better then anyone.
AVANTI R5 is offline  
Old 02-13-2008, 03:11 PM   #17
gotsol
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 17346
Join Date: Apr 2002
Chapter/Region: South East
Location: All Over NC
Vehicle:
08 Cayman S
White

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by asesls View Post
I was at Arapahoe Basin, Colorado last Saturday and Subaru was sponsoring a ski/snowboard event. I talked to a Subaru rep and he was mentioning a new WRX coming out in October. The only thing he said about it was going to have a 260 hp engine while the current 224 hp version will become a GT trim. Not sure how true this is but seems to support some rumors.
I too have heard that information from reliable sources.

Oh, and Impreza sales may be up but someone check WRX sales or better still, Months supply
gotsol is offline  
Old 02-13-2008, 03:30 PM   #18
Jon [in CT]
*** Banned ***
 
Member#: 2992
Join Date: Nov 2000
Chapter/Region: NESIC
Location: Connecticut, USA
Vehicle:
02 WRX Sedan
Silver

Default

How is it that this Savannah charity rally (where the Mahoney interview occurred) doesn't seem to be mentioned by anyone in either the NASIOC Southeast Region Forum or the WRX Atlanta forums?
Jon [in CT] is offline  
Old 02-13-2008, 03:30 PM   #19
Oldnslow
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 4572
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Seattle,Washington,USA
Vehicle:
2015 WRX
WRB

Default

250-260hp is what the new WRX should should have had to begin with. Then Mitsu would be building an enthusiast car to try to keep up with Subaru, not the other way around......
Oldnslow is offline  
Old 02-13-2008, 03:48 PM   #20
Coati
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 9106
Join Date: Aug 2001
Chapter/Region: SCIC
Location: 2020 Crosstrek Hybrid
Vehicle:
2015 FXT - DGM
2008 STI - Aspen White

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jon [in CT] View Post
How is it that this Savannah charity rally (where the Mahoney interview occurred) doesn't seem to be mentioned by anyone in either the NASIOC Southeast Region Forum or the WRX Atlanta forums?
Must be part of the Super Secret 50th Anniversary functions to which NASIOC has not been invited.
Coati is offline  
Old 02-13-2008, 04:08 PM   #21
b4wantab
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 21293
Join Date: Jul 2002
Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: Oak Park, IL
Vehicle:
05 OB Black Bean
1969 W-30

Default

I think gotsol hit it. While the number are saying the Impreza sales are up the WRX reception has been warm at best. This would be a move to try and address the situation, so it is possible.

Peace,

Greg
b4wantab is offline  
Old 02-13-2008, 04:21 PM   #22
Mike Wevrick
RIP 1/19/64 - 7/23/11
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 24654
Join Date: Sep 2002
Chapter/Region: NESIC
Location: saraseager.com
Vehicle:
1957 Taggart Comet
atlasshruggedpart1.com

Default

^^I can understand a power boost and facelift for the WRX to counter the Ralliart, but two different versions at 224 and 260 hp? Why not just one model the same as the LGT (245 hp IIRC)?
Mike Wevrick is offline  
Old 02-13-2008, 04:41 PM   #23
Oldnslow
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 4572
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Seattle,Washington,USA
Vehicle:
2015 WRX
WRB

Default

Article sounds completely made up, probably by Jon (in CT)
I agree with Mike, WRX needs only to be one model, with about 30 more hp/tq. Get with the program, Subaru. If you don't want to spend the bucks on direct injection, at least dump the Legacy motor in the WRX (and bump the Spec B Legacy to at least 280hp)
Oldnslow is offline  
Old 02-13-2008, 05:07 PM   #24
cobbler
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 70947
Join Date: Sep 2004
Chapter/Region: SCIC
Default

a 260 hp wrx is comin way to close to sti territory, the current wrx is already to close to sti territory. with a 260 hp wrx they would need a tranny to handle that power, and if a stronger tranny comes along they've lost my sti sale
cobbler is offline  
Old 02-13-2008, 06:12 PM   #25
Big_Ed
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 112858
Join Date: Apr 2006
Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: Dayton, Ohio
Vehicle:
2008 STI
Lightning Red

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Digitalfiend View Post
There are just too many weird things about that interview. I don't doubt that Subaru has plans to counter the Ralliart though. I can't wait to see what they have in store for us.
You misspelled "I can't wait to see what they have in store for the JDM".

Ed
Big_Ed is offline  
Closed Thread

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Swedespeed.com Interviews Volvo NA President Doug Speck Tim-H Non-Subaru News & Rumors 0 02-05-2010 07:14 PM
Interview with Project GM of New Forester flyinpig News & Rumors 30 01-18-2008 08:27 PM
02/12/06 Interview With SOA VP Fred Adcock Jon [in CT] News & Rumors 5 02-15-2006 01:40 PM
VA 02 wrx with 2000 miles on new engine+GT35 16K must sell VA fastca18det Private Vehicle 'For Sale' Classifieds 7 09-09-2005 09:44 PM
My conversation with SoA factory rep: official WRX specs rossi46 General Forum Archive 59 11-17-2000 09:14 AM

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 10:19 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.7.0
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Powered by Searchlight © 2024 Axivo Inc.
Copyright ©1999 - 2019, North American Subaru Impreza Owners Club, Inc.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission
Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.