Suggestions to SOA: Ref. Future Models

[VWGrk1]

I'd like to offer some general comments, which are based on my work experience with many dealerships and franchises. I'll try not to focus on individual models. I strongly believe that the brand must differentiate itself from other brands in order to build its reputation. Subaru has loyal customers. Draw attention to the brand by continuing to focus on its strengths and improving on its weaknesses.

Areas For Improvement
Paint- Chips and scratches too easily.
Tires- Sti aside, these are a poor fit for an all-weather sporty vehicle.
Trans- Design is outdated. It could be smoother and have better ratios.
Trunk Opening- The volume of the trunk is great, but the opening limits the usefullness of the space.
Fold Down Seats- Should be standard on all models.
Steering Precision- The vague feel of the car does not match the sporty image. Should be closer to what Mazda offers, for example.
Suspension Tuning- Subies love to lean in the twisties. Again, Mazda manages to sell good-handling cars. But, so as not to offend the typical sedan/wagon buyer, a "sport" suspension should be optional.
Sound System- iPod jack, MP3 player, satellite radio, etc. No more double DIN radios.
Model Range- Might have already missed the boat on small cars and large SUVs. Hybrids, E85 and diesels seem promising. Perhaps hatchbacks and mini-crossovers are the next hot item? That Caliber is doing well.......
Product Depth- Honda, Hyundai and Toyota do so well in retaining customers because they have models in all price ranges. The buyer of a Civic steps up to an Accord or Acura model. A contender in the Cobalt / Civic price range would give Subaru access to the enrty-level consumer.
Insulation- Road noise is too high, even on low end models. Look at the sales leaders.
Turbo H6- A large segment of buyers want more than 4 cylinders. If you plan on playing in the mid-high $30,000, then you better offer more than a 4 cylinder. The current H6 is inadequate.
Fuel Economy- Could use improvement. Many of us regularly give it up for better performance, but we are the minority of car buyers.
MIA Technologies- Remote Start and Trunk Unlock, for starters.


Strengths
Interiors- Dated Impreza lineup aside, excellent and rapid improvement.
Technology- Great to see AVCS, for example, filtering down the model lineup.
Engines- Great motors. Can be easily upgraded by Subaru to keep up with competition. However, 250 hp is no longer leading the pack.
Weight control- Amazing that the current Legacy weighs less than the old one.
Reliability- Self-explanatory.
No Coupe- Sorry, guys, but coupes are fickle in the marketplace. Spend R&D money elsewhere.
Practicality / Value- 4 doors, reliability, good styling, great seating position and AWD at an affordable price make these cars a great value. Look at all of the copycats offering horsepower for cheap. Even 3+ years later, I'm still thrilled at the fact that I bought my WRX for $24,000.

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[rs2.5-3.0]

As far as I know, Subaru only has an H6, not V6. A coupe would be beneficial. Chevy sells the Cobalt in a coupe form. Bad comparo, but coupes do have their place.

[Kostamojen]

Oh snap, he did say v6... Grr I hate that

Anyway, there is a new H6 coming so thats covered.

[olappa]

SPEC C

To Subaru:

The STi and Spec C version are NICHE cars. Do NOT compromise their performance for the sake of comfort. The Subaru customer always has the option of buying a WRX, or Legacy for those purposes.

Include: Stiffer suspension
Lighter weight
Hatchback
Etc


I own an STi and have spent WAY too much money trying to source Spec C and RA parts - when the same vehicle could cost as much or cheaper from factory. Do your customers a favor and listen to them......the sheer numbers of modified STi's and WRX's should give you a hint at what people are trying to achieve.

And make your vehicles as attractive as their Japanese counterparts.

[Scooby-Doode]

Bring us a small compact to compete with the likes of the Civic Si.

Offer it in 2 door coupe or a 3 door hatch.

a) <2900lbs
b) 200-225 HP, turbo or NA
c) AWD
d) 30MPG

[BOY]

Originally Posted by Scooby-Doode

Bring us a small compact to compete with the likes of the Civic Si.

Offer it in 2 door coupe or a 3 door hatch.

a) <2900lbs
b) 200-225 HP, turbo or NA
c) AWD
d) 30MPG

Que? The Civic is as big as the Legacy now.

[HB_Dad]

Here are a few ideas:

Full Ipod integration standard, all vehicles. Somebody (Volkswagon perhaps?) had a stock stereo the entire Ipod would slid into like a cassette (remember those?) and the stereo would assume controls.

3-Door sports hatch coupe of some form.

Full mnivan

Large Tribeca-based Sedan

Refined B11S.

Traffic conditions on Nav systems standard.

Stella in the US. Maybe a larger version as well thats Scion XA sized.

More differences between the Legacy wagons and Outback to justify their existance. They're becoming the exact same car more and more. Make the Outback more rugged with dent-resistant cladding or something that speaks "tough".

Full-sized truck, maybe based on the Tribeca?

Hybrid that doesn't suck!

350HP Tribeca STI. Make sure all premium options are available on it (leather, nav, etc).

DVD entertainment system that plays Blu-Ray DVD or at the very least HD-DVD.

Bring back weather band! No one really used it much but it was such a cool convrsation piece (ex: "Listen, Stephen Hawking is giving us the weather!")

All Subaru's have with the Tribeca interior design styling, particularly the dash and console cluster.

More to come!

[tacomaprime]

STI wagon, Legacy STI.

[nos]

make the suspension and steering more sporty. And for gods sake, fire the moron who designed the bushings in the driveline that causes the rubberband feeling with manual tranny cars.

[Sub!eDr!ver]

Originally Posted by nos

...fire the moron who designed the bushings in the driveline that causes the rubberband feeling with manual tranny cars.

My KartBoy short-throw shifter feels great - very direct and mechanical feeling. I don't like the stock ones either.

[Catsmeow]

Originally Posted by ThrawlWRX

If you build it, we will buy it...

I'll second that motion. Build this car and make us all proud!
C'est absolument magnificient et très chic .
`

\\\=^..^=///

[Chromer]

A true small hatchback. Something smaller and with better economy than the Impreza. And get the gearing right, japanese city-car ratios don't work so well on US interstates.

Better approach and departure angles on the next Forester.

Diesels. Diesels that meet California emissions.

[JM530]

Originally Posted by darknightohio

Bring this to the US:

I would buy this over an M3, Audi, or anything similiar. Look at it - it has awd, it is fast, and it is quite the attractive vehicle. You price it at $35-$38K as some already stated, and you will have lots of buyers. Myself included.

Subaru already has performance and great AWD - now let's combine it with some looks and just a little more luxury (for the wrx/STi) and you will sell more cars.

[left footed whooten]

Originally Posted by ThrawlWRX

If you build it, we will buy it...

Originally Posted by Catsmeow

I'll second that motion. Build this car and make us all proud!
C'est absolument magnificient et très chic .
`

\\\=^..^=///

Subaru did not build this car. It could never be A) mass produced by Prodrive, who did build it B) built in such a way that would pass US crash standards without it looking drastically different, or C) sold in enough number to be profitable. It is foolish of us to ask for it from SOA or FHI. The B9 Scrambler on the other hand, or a more refined, modern equivalent would be a realistic request.

[WRXVFR]

For the Impreza and WRX.
Better brake feel. No more two step feel to the pedal. Make it one smooth motion with no lag in action.
Less or no understeer. The push can be annoying and unnerving.
Driving lights not fog lights.
Tie down points in the trunk.

[Sub!eDr!ver]

Originally Posted by left footed whooten

Subaru did not build this car. It could never be A) mass produced by Prodrive, who did build it B) built in such a way that would pass US crash standards without it looking drastically different, or C) sold in enough number to be profitable. It is foolish of us to ask for it from SOA or FHI. The B9 Scrambler on the other hand, or a more refined, modern equivalent would be a realistic request.

Yep, we know all that.

The P2 is based on the R1 chassis with the STI drivetrain stuffed in. It's also a two-seater. We know it will never see production as-is.

We just want that look, that styling, to be put on the Impreza by Subaru.

I am DEFINITELY liking the look of this STI, though I'd rather have a true Legacy STI than one just tuned by STI.
Stuff a turbo H6 in there and I'll be standing in line!

[SUBE555]

As far as names go, if a continuation is kept on the 'name' versus alpha-numerics, I would suggest shortening and simplifying some names.

example: Subaru Impreza WRX STI (that's a handful for anyone trying to understand)
I think Subaru Impreza STI (as I always tell people) is a bit easier to understand with the brand, model line, and trim

Therefore the Impreza line could be:
Impreza 2.5i
Impreza WRX
Impreza STI

and so on...
Legacy 2.5i
Legacy 2.5GT
Legacy STI

It just keeps names short and consistent. The less confusion, especially for those who don't know the brand, the better. I believe it presents the brand a bit better. Just food for thought.

[tacomaprime]

Originally Posted by JM530

I would buy this over an M3, Audi, or anything similiar. Look at it - it has awd, it is fast, and it is quite the attractive vehicle. You price it at $35-$38K as some already stated, and you will have lots of buyers. Myself included.

Subaru already has performance and great AWD - now let's combine it with some looks and just a little more luxury (for the wrx/STi) and you will sell more cars.

Amen, I would spend more money on a car to buy one of those. And would buy it over any other car in its class.

[Nawambo]

Originally Posted by Sub!eDr!ver

I am DEFINITELY liking the look of this STI, though I'd rather have a true Legacy STI than one just tuned by STI.
Stuff a turbo H6 in there and I'll be standing in line!

I have to echo that, I love the Impreza STI and am hoping to get an 07, I went from a 99 2.5 RS to the OBXT LTD, while I love it, I would have much rather gotten a Legacy STI. Keep in mind, I love the Spec B Legacy, but it is not an STI, give us an RS4 fighter, give us crazy power, nice luxury, good looks, and we'll buy it.

Remember what you have going for you...Brand Loyalty, if I can stay with Subaru for the rest of my life, I will. For numerous reasons, to your benefit, we love Subaru vehicles. Personally, I love the performance, AWD, reliability, and rally heritage.

Show more Rally-esq ads for SOA - even if many Americans are not fans of the sport, they would still be impressed to see what looks like an STI jumping in mid air in Finland.

Give us a nice Legacy STI, sub-5 second acceleration, good agility and slalom numbers, nice leather and Audi, MB, and BMW will be very angry with you... to our mutual benefit.

Oh, and if you ever build the B9 Scrambler, you'll win my wife over as an owner.

Cheers,
Nawambo

ps. I helped my mother buy a Tribeca, and kudos on the interior it is just as nice, if not nicer looking, as my father's Infiniti FX. Keep it up!

[thopter]

The future is electric.

As much as I hope for a lightweight, AWD WRX hatch with DSG to compete with the upcoming R32, I'm tempted to hang on to my Accord until the Tesla sedan comes out. Or something like the concept hybrid AWD Mini in the Non-Subaru forum would be even better, especially if they can ditch the gas engine and go fully electric.

The longer I put off the purchase of a new vehicle, the less likely it is to be an all-petrol design. I hope Subaru doesn't miss the train.

[ricochet]

Do not produce a hybrid until you can achieve 80+mpg with such a system (and, unlike current systems, it should save gas in hilly areas as well). When you do finally jump on the Hybrid bandwagon, use the TPH performance-focused system, not the toyota-derived "economy" system.

Better paint

Smoother-shifting 5-speed (Mazda and Honda)

Make a 400HP Legacy Halo vehicle. We talked about it, it's technically easy according to your US engineers, so what's stopping you? (Okay, i know the answer, but I still think it should be done.) Subaru can't be an Audi or BMW competitor without an RS6/M5 of it's own.

More front and rear leg room.

[bWRX]

Please give the USDM an STI engine that has forged internals such as pistons and rods - this matters to a lot of your customers who might not want to build an engine themselves.

[CynicX]

Retained power...duh I had this feature on a 89 Blazer!! I cant believe how accustom I was to retained power. Now that I dont have it, its a pita.

Something a little nicer then RE92's. I think that would put the WRX in a different class all together which would benefit SOA and the cosumer.

Ditch the 5mt, or make it stronger. Kinda a mute point...

Other then that I'm pretty happy with the Subaru's vehicles vs value. Although I feel SOA is very distant from there customers. You buy an STI you have a nice car. You buy a Z06 and you are getting cookies on the holidays 2 years after you bought it from the dealer AND GM. At least my step father is. Not really a big deal but it makes you feel like the company really cares about you. BTW I know the z06 is twice the price of an STI, I'm just saying... I got a really really nice letter from Ford Motors when I bought my Cobra during the holiday season.

What I'm getting at is alot of times it seems like its us VS SOA.

EDIT : BTW by retained power I mean the 12 volts is retained to the car after you turn it off until you open a door. So you can listen to the radio, open/close windows, have cig lights power, etc etc. Sounds silly but once you have it, its quite useful. Edmunds also noted this in there STI vs EVO reports...

[dancing_bear]

I want a 2000 lb subaru convertible. Think Porsche 914 or Karman Ghia converible. With a WRX engine, vroom.....Sell it for the same price as WRX.

[Jon [in CT]]

Originally Posted by CynicX

EDIT : BTW by retained power I mean the 12 volts is retained to the car after you turn it off until you open a door. So you can listen to the radio, open/close windows, have cig lights power, etc etc. Sounds silly but once you have it, its quite useful. Edmunds also noted this in there STI vs EVO reports...

Here's a clue if you want retained power - when turning the engine off, leave the key in the ACC position for as long as power is need. Voila, retained power.