Suggestions to SOA: Ref. Future Models

[rsholland]

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show...&postcount=152

Bob

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[AKGC8]

Diesel, diesel, diesel!

C'mon SOA, what are you waiting for, Audi/VW to finally offer a quattro TDI and beat you to the punch. Their FWD TDI's are selling like crazy, how do you not see a market here. Especially with all the tree huggers in the Subaru community who like to spend extra money just to feel like they are helping the environment. If anyone could make a killing in the clean diesel market its Subaru.

I only bring this up now because I just got done driving my parents new Jetta TDI. I was really impressed. Their last new car was a Subaru and I'm sure they would have loved to get one with a diesel. So add them to the growing list of sales you've missed out on. If the new A3 TDI on the way ever gets a quattro option I may be a VAG convert too.

[Mike Wevrick]

^^agreed; bring the diesels ASAP!

[HB_Dad]

Originally Posted by Mike Wevrick

^^agreed; bring the diesels ASAP!

Bring a diesel Tribeca ASAP!

[Hondaslayer]

Aside from my usual diesel rant, I was speaking with AB from GLR today about some things such as a sub Impreza sized car, FWD with an AWD option.

More vibrant colors for sure, including a deep purple for the Outback.

[RichM]

Originally Posted by Eby

Diesel, diesel, diesel!

C'mon SOA, what are you waiting for, Audi/VW to finally offer a quattro TDI and beat you to the punch. Their FWD TDI's are selling like crazy, how do you not see a market here. Especially with all the tree huggers in the Subaru community who like to spend extra money just to feel like they are helping the environment. If anyone could make a killing in the clean diesel market its Subaru.

I only bring this up now because I just got done driving my parents new Jetta TDI. I was really impressed. Their last new car was a Subaru and I'm sure they would have loved to get one with a diesel. So add them to the growing list of sales you've missed out on. If the new A3 TDI on the way ever gets a quattro option I may be a VAG convert too.

Yes, SOA bring the Impreza 2.0D to the USA, pretty please with sugar on top.

@Hondaslayer, What does "AB from GLR" mean?

[rsholland]

I'm hoping Subaru is working on giving their cars the ability to constantly upgrade the NAVI and Bluetooth units as technology allows. Here's an interesting article from Edmunds on this problem. This is an issue that affects all automakers, and not just Subaru.

http://www.edmunds.com/ownership/aud...6/article.html

If I were to buy a NAVi/Bluetooth equipped Subaru, I'd like to be able to have the ability to upgrade those in-dash units as newer and improved NAVi/Bluetooth units are developed, and not be locked into a system that becomes obsolete in a year or so.

This is a huge negative for those considering buying a car with an in-dash NAVI and Bluetooth. If Subaru and their tech suppliers can come up with a way to keep these systems current over the span of vehicle ownership (and keep the upgrade price within reason), I bet a lot more people would be willing to opt for an in-dash NAVI and Bluetooth.

...And I'm not just taking about just upgrading NAVI maps here; we already have that. I'm talking about major software upgrades, and possibly even hardware upgrades which could even include a new dash interface.

Bob

[HB_Dad]

Originally Posted by rsholland

I'm hoping Subaru is working on giving their cars the ability to constantly upgrade the NAVI and Bluetooth units as technology allows. Here's an interesting article from Edmunds on this problem. This is an issue that affects all automakers, and not just Subaru.

http://www.edmunds.com/ownership/aud...6/article.html

If I were to buy a NAVi/Bluetooth equipped Subaru, I'd like to be able to have the ability to upgrade those in-dash units as newer and improved NAVi/Bluetooth units are developed, and not be locked into a system that becomes obsolete in a year or so.

This is a huge negative for those considering buying a car with an in-dash NAVI and Bluetooth. If Subaru and their tech suppliers can come up with a way to keep these systems current over the span of vehicle ownership (and keep the upgrade price within reason), I bet a lot more people would be willing to opt for an in-dash NAVI and Bluetooth.

...And I'm not just taking about just upgrading NAVI maps here; we already have that. I'm talking about major software upgrades, and possibly even hardware upgrades which could even include a new dash interface.

Bob

Remember when they made removable in-dash CD players where you simply press a button and slide the bad boy out? They sould do something similar to this where the units stay the same size and shape and simply slide into an existing dock/sleeve. It should require SOME installation though just to slow down would-be thieves.

[rsholland]

Originally Posted by HB_Dad

Remember when they made removable in-dash CD players where you simply press a button and slide the bad boy out? They sould do something similar to this where the units stay the same size and shape and simply slide into an existing dock/sleeve. It should require SOME installation though just to slow down would-be thieves.

Or some sort of lock, maybe hidden in the (lockable) glove box, like the trunk release lock on the Legacy.

Bob

[rsholland]

I'm really surprised that Subaru didn't taper back the lower part of the front and rear bumpers of the new 2010 Outback, like they did on the Forester. In doing so, the angle of approach and departure would improve-something that would be much welcomed for any vehicle with any off-road aspirations. I find this especially odd since this year's Outback seems more SUVish than ever before.

I hope Subaru will revise the shape of the lower portion of the front and rear bumper accordingly.

Also, with the 3.6 H6, let's see towing that can at least match that of the Tribeca. Better still, offer a tow package that will give it Class III towing (5K).

Finally, how about offering the Tribeca's 255/55x18 tires as an option on the Outback?

Bob

[Frank A]

it's probably been said, but performance diesel 4wd coupe. Maybe 250 hp stock. Then I could tune it for 300 whp and 30+ mpg. Awesome DD.

oh, and please continue development of the 6 cylinder using "normal" rods and not the cursed offset rods of the 3.6L. It would be nice to have a bigger-displacement option for a future supercar. Slightly more cylinder spacing and you have a viable 450 chp supercar engine to go toe-to-toe with Nissan and Toyota.

Frank

[HB_Dad]

After sitting in a 2010 Legacy AND Outback this past weekend, I must say that though both are vastly better than their predecessors in size, comfort, and overall styling there are some things they need to resolve next model year:



1) The Outback logo on the sides of the vehicle look like ****! Silver lettering on light grey rectangular background inset within black trim looks terrible as you can't even read the text (see above pic for example). At first glance, I could swear somebody tore off a piece of masking tape and stuck it on the black trim. Next year should have solid back trim with actual chrome lettering (not painted silver) affixed directly to the trim without the grey background. That way not only can you actually read it, but it looks classy as well.

2) Chrome on the rear gate of the Outback would be nice. The previous generation did a good job with this.

3) Chrome door handles would be nice.

4) The fake wood trim is crap! It screams fake and makes the car feel cheap.

5) Non-folding mirrors. Yeah, I don't want to open that discussion again but I would suggest not only bringing them back but also equipping the auto-fold feature seen on many American SUVs which helps protect them in parking lots.

6) How about real rims in either chrome or that really reflective silver that's not quite chrome?

7) I don't like how the dashes have lost the wraparound effect as seen on the Tribeca. They feel too generic now. Maybe in a couple of model years this can be adjusted?

[rsholland]

I'd like to see Subaru use a darker gray plastic that matches the lower cladding and roof rack rails in terms of color, for the horizontal bars beneath the logo and chrome wing in the grilles.

That will tone down those bars visually, which needs to happen. Right now they are too prominent and visually compete (rather than compliment) with the logo and chrome wing. That's why the current WRX/STI grilles works better, as the lower section is a very dark gray, which works better with the top logo and silver wing bar at the top.

Bob

[grafton]

for me i am not looking for too much if i go into a dealership i would love the option to sit down any say i want this, this and this in that car pay extra for getting the car i want from subaru not a "package" that is hit and miss but works for other people.
keep offering packages but custom orders would be awesome

[naimouasta]

the trunk area of the impreza hatch has more space versus the sedan, however the sedan's trunk is actually longer so its a toss up. also with the hatch being shorter, special exhaust placement resulted in no space for a tow hitch.

solution?

IMREZA WAGON!!!



pro's? trunk space of hatch + sedan, real roof rack, dual exhaust + tow hitch.

OBS might be better as a wagon

theres the jetta sedan + wagon, then golf hatch right? why not.

excuse my bad photochop skills but you guys get the idea.

[GuyLR]

Originally Posted by naimouasta

the trunk area of the impreza hatch has more space versus the sedan, however the sedan's trunk is actually longer so its a toss up. also with the hatch being shorter, special exhaust placement resulted in no space for a tow hitch.

solution?

IMREZA WAGON!!!




pro's? trunk space of hatch + sedan, real roof rack, dual exhaust + tow hitch.

OBS might be better as a wagon

theres the jetta sedan + wagon, then golf hatch right? why not.

excuse my bad photochop skills but you guys get the idea.

That actually looks pretty good to me. The sedan chassis is really the base for the Forester pan so it's easily doable if Subaru wanted to add another body style. I'd go for it as I'd like to replace my OBS but don't want to go as big as the new Forester.

[noodleface]

I have some suggestions that I've been pondering.

All models
- Electroluminecent gauges standard across each and every model. Not only does it lend an upscale look to a car's interior, but it makes up for cost cutting elsewhere. For instance, I've spent a lot of time behind my girlfriend's Civic EX coupe and found that though it is a compact, the gauges "lighting" up upon start up is very nice and makes it seem less a bargain compact and more upscale and also shifts attention away from hard plasticky areas.
- Ditch the 4EAT and adopt the CVT across all models where possible.
- Make a uniform gauge and interior lighting color for standard models, (i.e. not red on the Impreza 2.5i, and blue for Legacy, Forester and Tribeca. I'd suggest using white/blue schemes on regular models (2.5i/X etc.) and red on all sport models (GT, WRX, STI, XT). Also, keep the interior colors consistent! I hate seeing blue gauges but red dials. The electroluminescent gauges from the JDM base Impreza are a good design to incorporate across the model range for example.
- Direct Injection on the every N/A engine. Milk every drop of fuel for what its worth.
- Make the Harmon Kardon stereo an option for each model or part of the premium package.
- No more clear tail lights. Seriously. It's a horrible fad that should have died eleventybillion times already.
- Incorporate the use of LEDs. They're much more efficient and brighter. Use them as DRLs, brakelights, etc.
- Soft, rubberized grips on dials. Less of the silver plastic on everything. Mix it up, use matte grey or matte black.

Impreza
Have the following trim levels.
2.0i: Smaller more efficient (hopefully DI) 145-150 hp engine to compete with the more fuel efficient models out there (Corolla/Civic/Focus) while still retaining AWD. Make the premium package an option, CVT only.

2.5RS: Everything from the Premium package standard, plus more aggressive grille/sideskirts/lip spoiler/or just use the WRX aero effects and a EJ25 with DI. 5 speed only.

2.5d: diesel please with Premium package standard, 6 speed or CVT.

WRX: Unchanged, but with all-season tires as a no-cost option, particularly to those of us in the Northeast/Northwest. Possibly a rear-LSD? Premium package remains the same.

STI: Hopefully with uprated engine 320-350hp/300-330 tq, basically turn the regular STI into the Spec C.

STI Limited: In addition to a more powerful engine, with Nav/BBS/Leather/Sueded door inserts/additional soundproofing and current STI suspension. This could certainly justify the $38k pricetag.

Forester
Just add a diesel option and ditch the 4EAT. Redo the gauges, blue gauges with red interior lighting?

Legacy
- A wagon option would be nice but seeing as sales dictate the offerings, I'm not holding my breath.
- Do not make "wood" trim standard, make it an option. It's hideous and has no place on a Subaru.
- Spec B/STI model perhaps?
- Differentiate the GT from base Legacies more. A GT shouldn't have the same suspension as the base models. A more aggressive aero package couldn't hurt.

Outback
- Retain the Legacy grille for the new Outback. The Tribeca grille doesn't work so much on an otherwise attractive car.
- Diesel Outback would be nice.

Tribeca
- No more silver plastic, please! A matte black or grey would be fabulous. Also, red/blue mismatch of interior colors yet again.
- Increase the size to match the current Highlander.

Possibly an AWD dedicated hybrid?

[SubaruFan]

So took my mom car shopping last weekend. She needs to replace her 10yr old Altima.

My 2001 legacy gt has been the family 3rd car for some time now we simply can't bear the thought of selling it. She has driven it quite a bit due to the Altima being in the shop :-). She likes the Legacy the way it drives hated the seating position in the 01 etc.

So we go look at the new 2010 legacy and after sitting in it she demanded a test drive. I do have to say that the new legacy is fantastic! Also Mom found it to have everything she wanted and nothing she didn't want which goes to show that Subaru has paired its options well.

She drove the new Altima on Monday with out me. She called to say that the Subaru simply felt like a very solid and well built car and the Altima felt a little light and not as solid. She is going to go back and sit in each one again to compare seating position and ease of getting in and out of the car etc. From what I've seen I think Subaru has the advantage.

Now regarding my own car replacement - if subaru had a 170-180hp Turbo diesel outback wagon I'd be standing in line to order mine right now. Given they do not have a Diesel and I don't need the 6cylinder and the 4cylinder is a hair short on grunt for the hauling we do the fantastic new Outback just doesn't cut it for me.

So the wife and I are stuck - asking our selves do we go with the VW TDI wagon for light duty use and use the old gas hog SUV more? Or do we wait and use the old Gas hog SUV a bunch for another year or two given the new kid and dog do not fit in the sedan very well?

I was very impressed with the legacy and the new outback but I need a little more from Subaru to make it the purfect fit. Even better milege or solid 30mpg with a little more grunt either works for me but the current combo just misses the purfect combo by a hair to essentially replace the gas hog SUV.

[MazdaFan]

A special edition outback 3.6 or 2.5 turbo limited w/ 6spd manual transmission, real aluminum trim and sport suspension w/ lower profile tires.

[JamesHenry]

A truck. Yes, I said it. Not a BRAT/BAJA truck. A truck like the size of a Tacoma. A diesel would be nice.

Pretty please?

[Airborne_J]

Originally Posted by rsholland

I'm really surprised that Subaru didn't taper back the lower part of the front and rear bumpers of the new 2010 Outback, like they did on the Forester. In doing so, the angle of approach and departure would improve—something that would be much welcomed for any vehicle with any off-road aspirations. I find this especially odd since this year's Outback seems more SUVish than ever before.

I hope Subaru will revise the shape of the lower portion of the front and rear bumper accordingly.

Also, with the 3.6 H6, let's see towing that can at least match that of the Tribeca. Better still, offer a tow package that will give it Class III towing (5K).

Finally, how about offering the Tribeca's 255/55x18 tires as an option on the Outback?

Bob

Towing is a definite downside of a prospective subaru purchase for me. I'm looking for something that can tow and in my dreams it would be a diesel forester, but my dreams have a way of letting me down...

[HB_Dad]

Originally Posted by rsholland

I'd like to see Subaru use a darker gray plastic that matches the lower cladding and roof rack rails in terms of color, for the horizontal bars beneath the logo and chrome wing in the grilles.

That will tone down those bars visually, which needs to happen. Right now they are too prominent and visually compete (rather than compliment) with the logo and chrome wing. That's why the current WRX/STI grilles works better, as the lower section is a very dark gray, which works better with the top logo and silver wing bar at the top.

Bob

I'd love to see the grilles go full chrome ala Mercedes.

[HB_Dad]

Hey SOA, are we ever going to see a 3.6 H6 Turbo? The next-generation Tribeca could use it (unless a larger diesel boxer is available by then and in North America).

[keepclam]

PZEV emissions for the current 3.6, please.

[JamesHenry]

I'd love a Subaru truck. Not a small truck like the BRAT/Baja, but something along the lines of a Tacoma. Pair it with the Boxer Diesel and you have a winner.