Subaru To Introduce Rugged Wilderness Sub Brand - Page 2

chanomatik · 02-22-2021, 11:22 AM

The local dealership in Anchorage, AK, at one point was the 4th largest in the U.S.. This was about 12 or so years ago, but it's probably still up there. With two military bases located in Anchorage, one of the first things a newcomer asks is, "What's a good car for Alaska?" Pretty much the answer is always, "Subaru".

I wouldn't be surprised if the OBXT and Crosstrek Sport have done pretty well. I used to know most of the staff, but everyone's moved on at this point. Otherwise I'd try to get some info on demographics. I will say that almost anywhere you go that isn't a main road is going to be a dirt path with tree roots and rocks. Even my driveway growing up was all dirt and rocks. The frost heaves make it no fun to pave your driveway because you're constantly having to redo/repair it.

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JustyWRC · 02-22-2021, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by heavyD

How hardcore can you make an Outback? Really? I get that they are trying to copy Jeep's Trackhawk thing but I just don't think the typical Subaru buyer is the same as Jeep's demographic as Subaru buyers take their cars off road no more than any typical SUV buyer.

Apparently dealers have been asking for a Jeep competitor. Why? Maybe cause their customers are asking? Go look at some northwest Subaru dealers and look how many offer lift kits for their cars at PoP.

Quote:

Originally Posted by heavyD

Absolutely but on the flip side you will see a heck of a lot more Jeeps in the wild than Subarus. Maybe this is a response to the Bronco popularity where Subaru wants people to know they can do rugged as well?

Which Jeeps?.....

Quote:

Originally Posted by subyski

I see a lot more Subarus in the wild doing normal outdoor activities but it could be I'm located in Colorado. Outside of Wranglers and old Cherokees, the rest act like mall crawlers and doing things that the Subarus are doing.

.....This. Wranglers are King. MAYBE the Grand Cherokee. The rest are "faux" Jeeps.

I'd like to see a study for both. What percentage of customers from each brand actually gets their tires more dirty?

gathermewool · 02-25-2021, 04:50 PM

Can you imagine something like an FXT with a modified or fully functional STI drivetrain, either in current form or whatever the new STI will come with (along with better MPG, too) MT in mid-trim level would be nice.

4S-TURBO · 02-25-2021, 05:17 PM

So an FXT with a manual transmission?

kayen · 02-25-2021, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4S-TURBO

So an FXT with a manual transmission?

We all know that isn't happening again.

4S-TURBO · 02-25-2021, 05:21 PM

Which part?

kayen · 02-25-2021, 05:57 PM

A manual transmission FXT.

4S-TURBO · 02-25-2021, 06:00 PM

Is the FXT happening again? Gotta have horse before cart. Or cart before horse? Carts and horses.

JP Chestnut · 02-25-2021, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4S-TURBO

Is the FXT happening again? Gotta have horse before cart. Or cart before horse? Carts and horses.

No third row.

chanomatik · 02-25-2021, 08:19 PM

Where's my 3 row rugged turbo manual coupe?

Subaru doesn't make?? Subaru doesn't care!?! THEN I DON'T CARE ABOUT SUBARU

4S-TURBO · 02-25-2021, 08:33 PM

Wipe it clean and start over.

kayen · 02-25-2021, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4S-TURBO

Is the FXT happening again? Gotta have horse before cart. Or cart before horse? Carts and horses.

Not yet, but Japan does have a Forester Turbo with the CB18 in it. So who knows...

gathermewool · 02-27-2021, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kayen

We all know that isn't happening again.

We do know that's it's unlikely, but the fact that this is likely going to be a unique trim of limited production leads me to hope they might get funky with it. I'd say the chance of it being MT OR standard trans is non-zero. "So [I'm] saying there's a chance!"

In all seriousness, I'm about five years from needing (ok, wanting) to replace either the 14 FXT or 15 Legacy. I'd like to step back into a manual, non-boy racer, mid-level trim. Even if it doesn't have LSD's all around, I'd still like a MT a forester or outback with a turbo. It would be a bonus if it didn't drone along at 3k RPM on the highway at 65 MPH. I'll keep dreaming, I guess.

Goempie · 02-28-2021, 10:49 AM

Is there demand for it and will they bring new customers? Or will they only lower the already existing sales...

chanomatik · 02-28-2021, 11:21 AM

New customers? Probably more than a few. But I'm sure it has a lot to do with customer retention. There are a lot of new Subaru owners who get an Impreza, only to realize they preferred the Crosstrek, only to then also realize that a Crosstrek Sport is more desirable. If Subaru can pepper enough in without much extra cost then there really isn't much reason to not offer it.

Like, I really like my Impreza Sport, but I'm waiting on the next STI to be something great. If it isn't, though, and I just really can't see myself in the WRX, then there isn't much doubt that if the Impreza Sport got the FB25DI engine that I wouldn't just trade in for that. Know what I mean? It cost Subaru relatively little to upgrade the Impreza, and they retained a customer. Win/Win.

Beanboy · 03-10-2021, 03:34 PM

Ha, I posted years ago somewhere about Subaru offering a more off-road oriented version of the Forester and Outback. Take a page from the aftermarket and offer a modest lift, maybe more aggressive tire package, and some skid plates. Maybe water resistant seating materials to boot.

Would help their margins, and those that don't want to deal with the aftermarket get a factory-backed vehicle they can finance.

Curious to see how many actual changes are offered beyond just looks.

subyski · 03-15-2021, 03:58 PM

I noticed that the Outback and Forester offer Steel and Aluminum, respectively, under trays as an accessory. The Outback also has a steel rear diff guard accessory. So either the Wilderness trims will have these standard or maybe beefed up.

moshter11 · 03-16-2021, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4S-TURBO

Wilderness BRZ

I wouldn't mind a Safari BRZ

torquemada · 03-16-2021, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moshter11

I wouldn't mind a Safari BRZ

moshter11 · 03-16-2021, 12:03 PM

Well, ****. I would have hoped to see it have as much elegance / cool factor as the Safari 911

Snow Drift · 03-16-2021, 12:59 PM

Something Wild is Coming...

World premier March 30, 2021:

https://www.subaru.com/something-wild

JP Chestnut · 03-16-2021, 01:04 PM

Just look at this wild man

I'm sure it will be amazing.

4S-TURBO · 03-16-2021, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Prepare for a new level of adventure. The next evolution of Subaru capability is coming, and it's packed with functional technology and rugged features, inside and out. Sign up to be one of the first to see the reveal.

Will back up over a stick!

JustyWRC · 03-16-2021, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snow Drift

Something Wild is Coming...

World premier March 30, 2021:

https://www.subaru.com/something-wild

The day our quarterly training is available for it. lol. The other part of the training is live now. It says the 2022 Outback will be available that day. I wonder if it will be before or after the reveal.

Stickee · 03-16-2021, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JP Chestnut

Just look at this wild man

I'm sure it will be amazing.

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02-22-2021, 11:22 AM	#26
chanomatik Scooby Guru Member#: 159474 Join Date: Sep 2007 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Whitinsville, MA Vehicle: 2017 Impreza Sport Lithium Red - OLDKID	The local dealership in Anchorage, AK, at one point was the 4th largest in the U.S.. This was about 12 or so years ago, but it's probably still up there. With two military bases located in Anchorage, one of the first things a newcomer asks is, "What's a good car for Alaska?" Pretty much the answer is always, "Subaru". I wouldn't be surprised if the OBXT and Crosstrek Sport have done pretty well. I used to know most of the staff, but everyone's moved on at this point. Otherwise I'd try to get some info on demographics. I will say that almost anywhere you go that isn't a main road is going to be a dirt path with tree roots and rocks. Even my driveway growing up was all dirt and rocks. The frost heaves make it no fun to pave your driveway because you're constantly having to redo/repair it. * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

02-25-2021, 04:50 PM	#28
gathermewool Scooby Specialist Member#: 143624 Join Date: Mar 2007 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: New England Vehicle: 14 FXTT (hers) 15 Legacy 2.5i Prem (his)	Can you imagine something like an FXT with a modified or fully functional STI drivetrain, either in current form or whatever the new STI will come with (along with better MPG, too) MT in mid-trim level would be nice.

02-25-2021, 05:17 PM	#29
4S-TURBO Scooby Guru Member#: 67807 Join Date: Aug 2004 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: PORTLAND (OR) Vehicle: /,,/ brokedick is a cancer	So an FXT with a manual transmission?

02-25-2021, 05:21 PM	#31
4S-TURBO Scooby Guru Member#: 67807 Join Date: Aug 2004 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: PORTLAND (OR) Vehicle: /,,/ brokedick is a cancer	Which part?

02-25-2021, 05:57 PM	#32
kayen Scooby Specialist Member#: 57287 Join Date: Mar 2004 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Kalamazoo, MI Vehicle: 2002 Bugeye STi MY07 WRB FXT	A manual transmission FXT.

02-25-2021, 06:00 PM	#33
4S-TURBO Scooby Guru Member#: 67807 Join Date: Aug 2004 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: PORTLAND (OR) Vehicle: /,,/ brokedick is a cancer	Is the FXT happening again? Gotta have horse before cart. Or cart before horse? Carts and horses.

02-25-2021, 08:19 PM	#35
chanomatik Scooby Guru Member#: 159474 Join Date: Sep 2007 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Whitinsville, MA Vehicle: 2017 Impreza Sport Lithium Red - OLDKID	Where's my 3 row rugged turbo manual coupe? Subaru doesn't make?? Subaru doesn't care!?! THEN I DON'T CARE ABOUT SUBARU

02-25-2021, 08:33 PM	#36
4S-TURBO Scooby Guru Member#: 67807 Join Date: Aug 2004 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: PORTLAND (OR) Vehicle: /,,/ brokedick is a cancer	Wipe it clean and start over.

02-28-2021, 10:49 AM	#39
Goempie Scooby Newbie Member#: 166202 Join Date: Dec 2007	Is there demand for it and will they bring new customers? Or will they only lower the already existing sales...

02-28-2021, 11:21 AM	#40
chanomatik Scooby Guru Member#: 159474 Join Date: Sep 2007 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Whitinsville, MA Vehicle: 2017 Impreza Sport Lithium Red - OLDKID	New customers? Probably more than a few. But I'm sure it has a lot to do with customer retention. There are a lot of new Subaru owners who get an Impreza, only to realize they preferred the Crosstrek, only to then also realize that a Crosstrek Sport is more desirable. If Subaru can pepper enough in without much extra cost then there really isn't much reason to not offer it. Like, I really like my Impreza Sport, but I'm waiting on the next STI to be something great. If it isn't, though, and I just really can't see myself in the WRX, then there isn't much doubt that if the Impreza Sport got the FB25DI engine that I wouldn't just trade in for that. Know what I mean? It cost Subaru relatively little to upgrade the Impreza, and they retained a customer. Win/Win.

03-10-2021, 03:34 PM	#41
Beanboy Scooby Specialist Member#: 4814 Join Date: Mar 2001 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Beantown Vehicle: 2005 LGT Wagon 5MT Garnet Red Pearl	Ha, I posted years ago somewhere about Subaru offering a more off-road oriented version of the Forester and Outback. Take a page from the aftermarket and offer a modest lift, maybe more aggressive tire package, and some skid plates. Maybe water resistant seating materials to boot. Would help their margins, and those that don't want to deal with the aftermarket get a factory-backed vehicle they can finance. Curious to see how many actual changes are offered beyond just looks.

03-15-2021, 03:58 PM	#42
subyski Scooby Specialist Member#: 202642 Join Date: Nov 2007 Chapter/Region: RMIC Location: Centennial, Colorado Vehicle: 08 Impreza,80Vette 68 Impala, 15 SantaFe	I noticed that the Outback and Forester offer Steel and Aluminum, respectively, under trays as an accessory. The Outback also has a steel rear diff guard accessory. So either the Wilderness trims will have these standard or maybe beefed up.

03-16-2021, 12:03 PM	#45
moshter11 Scooby Newbie Member#: 110190 Join Date: Mar 2006 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: NY	Well, ****. I would have hoped to see it have as much elegance / cool factor as the Safari 911

03-16-2021, 12:59 PM	#46
Snow Drift Scooby Specialist Member#: 75071 Join Date: Nov 2004 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: Long Island Vehicle: '19 xvPHEV,Tesla MY 05 08 11 WRX 18 STI 18TM3	Something Wild is Coming... World premier March 30, 2021: https://www.subaru.com/something-wild

03-16-2021, 01:04 PM	#47
JP Chestnut Scooby Specialist Member#: 504432 Join Date: Jul 2019 Chapter/Region: Tri-State	Just look at this wild man I'm sure it will be amazing.