Suggestions to SOA: Ref. Future Models

[unclemat]

Originally Posted by rsholland

Not sure if this has been mentioned, but I would love to see Subaru incorporate a delayed power feature, so that you could operate the power windows and moonroof for a minute or so after the engine has been shut off.

Bob

Exacty. It's typically called Retained Accessory Power... it's XXI century Subaru!!!! Time to wake up!

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[Hondaslayer]

One touch down AND up drivers window.

[unclemat]

Originally Posted by hondaslayer

One touch down AND up drivers window.

+1

EDM/JDM Legacies have that. I heard swapping the switch from EDM Legacy works.

Interestingly, Forester uses Nissan switch - swapping one with auto-up from a Nissan/Infiniti should work! (Infinity QX I believe have ALL auto up/down).

[BigElm]

Not only that, my MS6 has it on all four windows independently as well, oh.. and with anti-pinch. A little sense of safety that Subaru can add as well.

[SUBE555]

One-touch windows down and up would be very much appreciated.

[Hondaslayer]

Looks like I hit a sweet spot

BigElm: Nice touch with the anti-pinch. IIRC one of my fathers old company cars (Taurus maybe?) had that on all the windows, and this was essentially a rental grade car!

[Hondaslayer]

Originally Posted by unclemat

+1


Interestingly, Forester uses Nissan switch - swapping one with auto-up from a Nissan/Infiniti should work! (Infinity QX I believe have ALL auto up/down).

Hmmmmm

I might just have to look into that.

I know it is a Nissan switch, and the thought had crossed my mind (my recent rental 350Z had the same switch with one up/down).

[Scooby-Doode]

Interesting tid-bits on the switches. I'd like to know the outcome if some one does try this.

[NVAKeith]

Same as everyone else is saying...

Manual transmission and navigation in a turbo legacy wagon (for me)

More HP in the B9 (for the wife)

[Hondaslayer]

Originally Posted by NVAKeith

Same as everyone else is saying...

Manual transmission and navigation in a turbo legacy wagon (for me)

More HP in the B9 (for the wife)

The B9 has enough HP, it needs more torque, especially on the low end.

[BOY]

Originally Posted by hondaslayer

The B9 has enough HP, it needs more torque, especially on the low end.

And it's coming... rumor has it, of course

[MudBoogers]

I haven't read through all of the suggestions but how about a (larger displacement h-6/or h-6 turbo) Baja, that could actually compete in the Baja 1K race (albeit w/requisite racing upgrades to susp. cooling, roll cage, etc), if one wanted to pursue it (w/out having to totally re-do the vehicle)?

What I envision is a Legacy or Tribeca-based Baja (offer both 2 and 4dr models), but taller than either w/Bilsteins w/sufficient lift, 3 diff's (lockable), 6spd stick, etc...

Something like if you took the latest gen Baja, stuffed an H-6T in it, w/6spd, and added that aftermarket lift ("Scorpion"?) or something like that, perhaps?

I know I'd be tempted....

[BOY]

Originally Posted by MudBoogers

I haven't read through all of the suggestions but how about a (larger displacement h-6/or h-6 turbo) Baja, that could actually compete in the Baja 1K race (albeit w/requisite racing upgrades to susp. cooling, roll cage, etc), if one wanted to pursue it (w/out having to totally re-do the vehicle)?

What I envision is a Legacy or Tribeca-based Baja (offer both 2 and 4dr models), but taller than either w/Bilsteins w/sufficient lift, 3 diff's (lockable), 6spd stick, etc...

Something like if you took the latest gen Baja, stuffed an H-6T in it, w/6spd, and added that aftermarket lift ("Scorpion"?) or something like that, perhaps?

I know I'd be tempted....

You are sick and twisted... I like it

For a Baja-like model to compete it'll need a larger bed, period. The turbo motor made more than enough power/torque to compete in the small truck class... it was the bed that killed it.

[LastResort]

Bed? I thought it was a just a large, open, wash out trunk. . It's sad to see that car go.

[BOY]

Originally Posted by LastResort

Bed? I thought it was a just a large, open, wash out trunk. . It's sad to see that car go.

if it sat 3 in the back, I'd pimp a turbo.

[02slvrwgn]

1. All models need an ipod jack. Everyone has an mp3 player and there is no sense just putting it into more expensive models.
2. The wrx needs a sports package. Most are modded which should tell what people want. I believe it should be a package though for the people who do not want to go that route. The legacy gt could use one too.
3. There should be a legacy sti or equivalent. I own a wrx and have no model to upgrade to. I will look at the impreza sti but the legacy gt is not the answer. (i have not driven the specB) I personally do not want a family car with power. I want a bigger sti and now that i am older will have the buying power to afford it.
4. Who ever picked the tires for the subarus i have seen should be fired and shot. The wrx tires horrible. I noticed you put the same tires on my wifes OBXT. (dealer wanted a sale though and swapped them for better tires) Same thing, horrible. Just give us a decent all season. The customer ends up paying in the end anyway when they have to be pulled off, just give us decent tires in the beginning and add the price on. Even in comparisons by the magazines everyone says the cars suffer due to poor tire selection.
5. Why not add a section like this at the end of the customer surveys.

[BOY]

Originally Posted by 02slvrwgn

1. All models need an ipod jack. Everyone has an mp3 player and there is no sense just putting it into more expensive models.
2. The wrx needs a sports package. Most are modded which should tell what people want. I believe it should be a package though for the people who do not want to go that route. The legacy gt could use one too.
3. There should be a legacy sti or equivalent. I own a wrx and have no model to upgrade to. I will look at the impreza sti but the legacy gt is not the answer. (i have not driven the specB) I personally do not want a family car with power. I want a bigger sti and now that i am older will have the buying power to afford it.
4. Who ever picked the tires for the subarus i have seen should be fired and shot. The wrx tires horrible. I noticed you put the same tires on my wifes OBXT. (dealer wanted a sale though and swapped them for better tires) Same thing, horrible. Just give us a decent all season. The customer ends up paying in the end anyway when they have to be pulled off, just give us decent tires in the beginning and add the price on. Even in comparisons by the magazines everyone says the cars suffer due to poor tire selection.
5. Why not add a section like this at the end of the customer surveys.

1: its coming
2: the WRX has a sport pkg, the STI... or hit the SPT/STI parts catalog
3: spec.B is a driver's car that could use a tad stiffer spring... GT is a great family hauler than can be made much more than a spec.B for less $$
4: Subaru knows the RE-92's suck, they are working on changing that I'm told. Notice that the 2.5i Legacy gets yoko's, as do the Foresters (although the geosquealers aren't much better than the RE-92's) and the Tribeca gets Goodyear. Next gen Impreza should tell the tale if we're finally rid of the 92's
5: Subaru customer surveys are already amongst the most confusing in the business... please don't further muttle things.

[Team22B]

Thanks to Nasioc.com for this cool site and for this thread -- the best market research is getting straight from the customers.

Anyway, here's my laundry list of ideas---

1. For any Subaru in the future -- keep the primary fundamentals going on what makes Soobs great: boxer motors, all-wheel drive, and FUN to drive (specifically, keep the cars somewhat light--don't add the pounds!).

2. Add to the STi line -- my wish list would be STi Forester, STi Legacy, and an STi Impreza wagon.

3. Introduce a smaller, more fuel economy-minded car -- with boxer motor and awd of course. 2.0L or so, with a 3 door -- more geared for daily driver and economy. It'd be cool if the rear seats were either totally removable for a flat storage area or if they folded down.

4. Investigate an VW/Audi-like DSG semi-auto tranny. I've only heard good things about those types of transmissions.

5. Offer the STi Impreza with a small wing, or no wing (yes, I know the Limited fits that request, but apply it to all Impreza STi).

6. Partner up with Mobil 1 or equivalent to offer a range of synthetic fluids for use on the cars from the factory.

7. Offer more HID lighting across the board, including HID projector fog lamps where possible.

8. Offer snow tire/wheel packages -- granted Tire Rack and others do that already.

9. Try to do more with Prodrive in the US for Prodrive-Subaru special edition models (like that of the UK, etc.).

10. For Impreza sedans, allow the rear seats to fold down.

I'm sure there's more ideas rattling around, but that's it for now!

Thanks,
JP

[jackiechan78]

...Or market research opinions from potential customers. I drive a '94 Mustang GT and previously a '95 Civic EX, both modified mildly. My dream car right now (and for the last 4 years) is the EVO. I did convince my Mustang loving Ford-guy father to purchase a '03 WRX, which he has put over 85k miles on since May '03. Here's my nickels worth:

1. A raw sport compact car similar in concept to the EVO RS and use some Suby heritage with todays technology/improvements-manual window cranks, manual door locks, manual seats, simple radio (single disc CD if you must) no flippin' sun roofs, etc.
1.1 Goal of this "Lightweight 25B" would be 2700-2800 lbs, 2 door preferred (4 door is you must) with 2.5L 300hp/tq STi powerplant or 280hp 2.0L, lsd's all around, big brake package, spoiler optional, 17x8 to 17x9 wheels with 245/40/17 tires and sell for $25k.
Sign me up
Chris

[parker]

Here is a good one:

Disable all Day time running lights as part of the P.D.I.. That way you can simply list it as a dealer installed option and maybe make money plugging it back in.

I see way to many Subarus on the road at night with their day time lights on only and no tail lights (just because they're daytimes light up the road). I'm not so sure dtr's are safe anymore.

[josh...just josh]

DIESEL!!!

[SoDealer]

Originally Posted by parker/slc/gc8fan

I see way to many Subarus on the road at night with their day time lights on only and no tail lights (just because they daytimes light up the road). I'm not so sure dtr's are safe anymore.

This was addressed with the 07 models.

[imprezaL2345]

Originally Posted by Jeff B

Consider having upgrade programs for cars, similar to how Scion lets you upgrade their cars. I think there is a huge potential for these types of sales if the program is done properly. Having the same wheels (nothing fancy) available in Black or bronze would be a good start. Perhaps the STi should come with a base for the wing (as in a spoiler), but add the full wing as an add on.

IF ANYTHING, DO NOT MAKE SUBARUS INTO TC'S WITH THEIR BULL**** UPGRADING, even though it would benefit SOA, we'd be seeing sti's in the newest F&F and we dont want that.

[parker]

Originally Posted by SoDealer

This was addressed with the 07 models.

goodonya!

How was that done? (assuming I didnt get it exactly right)

[SLegacy99]

Originally Posted by josh...just josh

DIESEL!!!

Diesel Hybrid.