Suggestions to SOA: Ref. Future Models

[MidnightBlackPearl]

I'd really like a rear wiper and a 60/40 fold-down rear seat in my sedan. Better paint would also be nice.

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[Sir_Xenon]

Please, for the love of all people that love the boxer rumble sound, PLEASE do not get rid of this sound in your efforts for power or low-down torque.

This is a key feature of the subaru driving experience and what separates this brand from other, soulless, more clinical brands out there. It's not always about sheer speed, point A to B progress but also about driving experience; sound, feel of the chassis to my butt/hands, and feedback.

Keep the character alive!

PS. keep it simple, please no need for Mercedes level of complexity, elgantly simple, reliable, durable but well engineered cars, this is how I see Suby.

[akinasdevil]

Originally Posted by Sir_Xenon

Please, for the love of all people that love the boxer rumble sound, PLEASE do not get rid of this sound in your efforts for power or low-down torque.

This is a key feature of the subaru driving experience and what separates this brand from other, soulless, more clinical brands out there. It's not always about sheer speed, point A to B progress but also about driving experience; sound, feel of the chassis to my butt/hands, and feedback.

Keep the character alive!

PS. keep it simple, please no need for Mercedes level of complexity, elgantly simple, reliable, durable but well engineered cars, this is how I see Suby.

I think this is one of the best generalizations about Subaru.^^

Specifically, I own 04 STi and love my car. In terms of things that I would like to see added to the car:
1. Telescoping steering wheel
2. Ipod connection
3. Folding rear seat, or at least a pass through arm rest

I'm also in the market for another car and would absolutely purchase this:

Originally Posted by Rallyroo

HOT!

I want a WAGON to fit my lifestyle and it should have:
1. 6 Speed Manual Trans...I don't want an automatic.
2. Good supportive seats , NOT interested in leather
3. Manually adjustable seats w/ lumbar adjustment
4. Telescoping steering wheel
5. HID's......please
6. That wonderful boxer rumble
7. 17x8 wheels
8. Navigation as an option

[bozzo]

bring 3.0 Legacy sedan and wagon.
Kill B9 style. Do what BMW and MB doing. Their X3 - X5 and ML -GL are hard to tell a part. Subaru have grate selling SUV - Forester. Just make a bigger one.

[Hondaslayer]

Originally Posted by MidnightBlackPearl

I'd really like a rear wiper

Good one!!

My wagons rarely use the rear wiper, the sedan needs one!

[bakadayo]

On all models:
- telescoping wheel (been asking for this since 2000!)
- provide better stock tires

On sedans:
- rear split-folding seats (been asking for this since 2000 as well, the Legacy sedan finally has it, but lets put it in all sedans please!)

Offer an econo class - ala Yaris/Fit/R1 class. Hybrids (electric) would also be nice.

[bakadayo]

Sorry server kacked on me and I ended up double-posting.

[Sir_Xenon]

We should all remember that for the price we get a lot for the money... once you start adding all these components (telescoping wheel, wipers, electronics, etc,) the price goes up, we lose in the chasis department. Unless they increase the price

[motohead125]

+1 on the Legacy STI. That would steal a lot of thunder away from BMW, Infiniti, Audi...etc. Especially if it can out run them. This would be a cool after college/business man car.

-Floor mats that stay put..haha
-Trunk lining that doesn't fall off its lines
-Less understeer on the STI in stock form. After sway bars my old WRX handled better than my STI.
-Boost gauge option that doesn't cost $400+ Defis are like $200.

Surprised no one has mentioned it yet, I know it will never happen but. S204 trim available in the states. If yall coax a little more power out of that you would sell each and every one.

[Sub!eDr!ver]

Originally Posted by motohead125

+1 on the Legacy STI. That would steal a lot of thunder away from BMW, Infiniti, Audi...etc. Especially if it can out run them. This would be a cool after college/business man car.

-Floor mats that stay put..haha
-Trunk lining that doesn't fall off its lines
-Less understeer on the STI in stock form. After sway bars my old WRX handled better than my STI.
-Boost gauge option that doesn't cost $400+ Defis are like $200.

Surprised no one has mentioned it yet, I know it will never happen but. S204 trim available in the states. If yall coax a little more power out of that you would sell each and every one.

We know you meant S402 rather than S204, right? After all, you did say +1 on the Legacy STI....

Unfortunately, neither the S20x series or the S40x series ever were sold outside of Japan, as far as I know. But now's as good a time as any to start selling them here!

[sasquatch95]

Originally Posted by darknightohio

Bring this to the US:

just switch the steering wheel and bring this over! don't change the front bumper, wheels or seats.

I can't even count the number of WRX wagons I've seen cruising around in this area many of which are modded. SOA has a goldmine opporunity if they came out with an Impreza STi wagon. I would have a pickle of a time choosing between a Impreza STi wagon or an Legacy STi sedan. Please force me to make that desicion for my next car!

Also, take a look at Scion and how they allow the customer to completely customize their cars. With the vast array of products already in the JDM and ADM markets, open those up and let the customer accesorize their vehicles through Subaru. We're going to mod our cars, if you made the products readily available to us, our lives (and YOUR bottom line) would be better off!

hondaslayer's comments are spot on.

[06_Aspen_STI]

I just have one thing and i hope it hasen't been said:

More Boost and/or Bigger Turbo

2006 STI = 14.5 psi
2006 EVO9 = 22 psi

[SUBE555]

Another thing that would be very nice to have would be a setup similar to Acura's SH-AWD, which actively moves torque not only front to back but more importantly (in a handling sense) to bias side-to-side. The MDX small ute is getting rave reviews of this system for what it contributes to handling.

If Subaru wants to stay on top of the AWD game, I believe they need to further advance the differentials of their top models. Not only will this make cars more fun and predictable, but safe as well. I understand there is a slight additional weight penalty as well as the added complexity and cost, but I believe it is worth it, particularly if you are trying to cator to a more esteemed crowd.

[BOY]

Originally Posted by SUBE555

Another thing that would be very nice to have would be a setup similar to Acura's SH-AWD, which actively moves torque not only front to back but more importantly (in a handling sense) to bias side-to-side. The MDX small ute is getting rave reviews of this system for what it contributes to handling.

If Subaru wants to stay on top of the AWD game, I believe they need to further advance the differentials of their top models. Not only will this make cars more fun and predictable, but safe as well. I understand there is a slight additional weight penalty as well as the added complexity and cost, but I believe it is worth it, particularly if you are trying to cator to a more esteemed crowd.

Sorry, I'll take a good LSD over a one-wheel-drive rear diff on an Acura. SH-AWD is a compensator for a very front weight biased AWD car which, as you have already figured out, would understeer terribly w/out the assistance of the "SH". Personally, I think Acura should've called it:

Super
Handling
Intelligent
Traction

[gargleblaster]

^

[blackattack]

1. Better Paint!!!
2. Smoother Transmissions
3. Anything that Japan or UK get that we dont! Its just not fair!!

[parker]

I'd like to see equal treatment as-well.

I dont know if anyone has mentioned it... but

(this is more for FHI than SOA) how about a complete redesign of the trani and front diff so the motor can be placed lower, the wheels can be placed more towards the corners, and the intake manifold could be inverted to work with a front mount intercooler in stock format.

Small request I know, but the trani re-design needs to be done anyways, so why not make it a good redesign?

Also, I like other nice popular features.

Overall, I think common problems that we have had to "live with" should be addressed things like thin paint that chips easily on the road. Parts that rattle prematurly (interior and exterior).

But overall I think SOA needs to get the model editions that will improve it's brand with non-subaru loyalists. Models that establish Subaru in america as the performance manufacturer it is seen as through out the rest of the world.

[BOY]

Originally Posted by blackattack

1. Better Paint!!!
2. Smoother Transmissions
3. Anything that Japan or UK get that we dont! Its just not fair!!

smoother transmissions? That's one thing that Subaru gets very right.


The paint is a lot better but still on the suck end of the spectrum

[Chuck H]

I'd like to see a little more differentiation among the model lines. In my opinion, all of the Japanese manufacturers suffer the same problem of continuing to make their base models bigger and heavier with more content, and the distinction between the various model lines becomes smaller and smaller, both in terms of content and price.

I think both the Impreza and Legacy line-up need STi sedans and wagons, but I'd like to see the Impreza STi get de-contented a bit and be the raw barely street-legal race car to compete with the Evo, while the Legacy STi can be the more luxurious highway cruiser to compete with the high end BMW's and Audis. Leave the bells and whistles like i-Drive, navigation systems, leather interiours, etc. for the Legacy lineup, and keep the Impreza lineup simple and functional.

[HB_Dad]

Originally Posted by iamtherealwoody

R1e



BRING ME AN ELECTRIC CAR THAT IS FAST!!!

PRETTY PLEASE

Wow, that is a conflicting statement if you are using it to describe the R1E. Both Subaru "R" vehicles in Japan look like toasters and are not even remotely attractive.

By the way, the grille is NOT the main problem, it is both vehicles' overall shape!!

As for me on the hybrid thing, I'd like to see two models go hybrid first:

1) Tribeca

2) A small hatched sports coupe similar to an old Datsun 280Z in shape
(but with seating for 5 somehow). Perhaps this would be a revised
production car based on the B5?

[Ender81]

All I want is a two door Impreza again. Definately keep the four door and wagon options but would it be so bad to have a two door? Also maybe a slightly more aggressive package for the STI and also an understated package, like the limited edition. Besides that just keep up the same trends you've been on since the mid 90's when the Legacy got the GT and the Impreza got the 2.5rs. All in all though it's nice to say to my friends and family, who don't know cars, that I drive a Subaru and they don't automatically assume it's an Outback lol.

[scorpboye]

Since my family has purchased nothing but subarus since the mid '90's (7 cars) I have a few suggestions for SOA...

1) FIX THE HEAT SHIELDS. It's incredibly annoying. Every car we had/have starts to rattle after 20-30k miles. Cafe sipping onlookers sitting outside are left with a great impression as I pass by rattling down the road. I'm sure they ALL want to run out and buy a subaru after that. Nice marketing.

2) MORE FUEL ECOMONY (I only get 22 mpg no matter what) Better yet make it a hybrid or ELECTRIC.

3) BETTER VISIBILITY - HID and LED please.

4) MORE ACCOUNTIBILITY for bad engineering practices - this includes CRACKED HEADS, blown gaskets, fuel gauge failures on ALL cars, electrical problems, squeaks, rattles ...etc. Stop making me feel like I have to purchase an extended warranty after the 36k is up. (like I did on this car)

There u go SOA. Start with those. My Family's allure with subarus in the past was the all wheel drive, but just about everyone has all wheel drive these days and there are many other cars out there that give a considerably BETTER driving experience all around.

I'll probably go with something else once my lethargic, hummer-thirsty 04 impreza blows up.

[Hondaslayer]

Originally Posted by scorpboye

Since my family has purchased nothing but subarus since the mid '90's (7 cars) I have a few suggestions for SOA...

1) FIX THE HEAT SHIELDS. It’s incredibly annoying. Every car we had/have starts to rattle after 20-30k miles. Cafe sipping onlookers sitting outside are left with a great impression as I pass by rattling down the road. I’m sure they ALL want to run out and buy a subaru after that. Nice marketing.

2) MORE FUEL ECOMONY (I only get 22 mpg no matter what) Better yet make it a hybrid or ELECTRIC.

3) BETTER VISIBILITY - HID and LED please.

4) MORE ACCOUNTIBILITY for bad engineering practices - this includes CRACKED HEADS, blown gaskets, fuel gauge failures on ALL cars, electrical problems, squeaks, rattles ...etc. Stop making me feel like I have to purchase an extended warranty after the 36k is up. (like I did on this car)

There u go SOA. Start with those. My Family's allure with subarus in the past was the all wheel drive, but just about everyone has all wheel drive these days and there are many other cars out there that give a considerably BETTER driving experience all around.

I'll probably go with something else once my lethargic, hummer-thirsty 04 impreza blows up.

Heatshield problem is pretty much remedied (most shields except those on the cats are non existant and the cat shields never came loose anyway)

Better fuel economy. It's getting better, but 30+ MPG on base models in the city would be fantastic.

Visibility. Have you driven a new Legacy yet, B9 or Impreza yet? The projector headlamps are great, even better than the HIDs that I have driven ( Nissans, maybe their HID just suck)

Cracked heads? Not since the old turbo XT.
Headgaskets? Yeah.....anyways.....
Fuel guage failures? Only on the 99 Outbacks. Everything else has been rock solid.

[Illan]

Originally Posted by MidnightBlackPearl

I'd really like a rear wiper and a 60/40 fold-down rear seat in my sedan. Better paint would also be nice.

i agree with him and offer the makitosh sound system as a dealer option on the imprezas,

[aaykay]

I would love to see the SI-drive to appear in a 5EAT WRX. Since the WRX already comes with the VTD, I would think it should be a piece of cake to put in the 5EAT from the Legacy line. Putting a 4EAT into the WRX is crippling it and when it does not even have a sportshift (when the boaty legacy gets it), it is pathetic and is purposely designed to kill its sales.

Also, the 'limited' version of the WRX should include HID lights too, in addition to leather, moonroof and heated seats. I guess the 'limited' package currently costs $2500 and the included bits are definitely not worth that much...HID is a must at that price, especially since an off-the-shelf HID is available off of the STi.