Mid Engine Subaru Rumors Still Alive And Well

[AVANTI R5]

A couple of years ago, rumors surfaced that Subaru was developing a mid-engine prototype that would tap its four-cylinder boxer engine and an electric front axle.

The rumor seemed very far-fetched, but it now seems there may be something to it, with Japanese automotive magazine Best Car publishing a similar report in its latest print issue.

According to the report, this new mid-engine vehicle will have a turbocharged boxer engine sitting midship, which will be joined by a plug-in hybrid system.

This intel mimics that of the report that surfaced in 2016, which came from Car and Driver. The American publication reported that Subaru had dropped a mid-mounted Boxer in a BRZ-based prototype and installed two electric motors on the front axle to create a radical hybrid all-wheel drive system. It also indicated that Subaru was working on a show car to gauge interest in such a product, which would be presented in “about two years’ time.” That was about two years ago, so if Car and Driver’s report was accurate, we could see a design study for this rumored mid-engine Subaru sometime soon.

Both Car and Driver and Best Car’s reports say Subaru’s decision on the mid-engine vehicle will hinge on American interest. The Japanese brand has experienced large-scale growth in the United States and also Canada in recent years, so it’s no surprise that the top brass in Japan will only greenlight a product if it’s something those customers want. Car and Driver also says that it was Subaru’s US dealers that initially pushed it to develop a more a “special” product.

We want to believe that Subaru is working on some sort of mid-engine AWD rally weapon, but we have our doubts. The automaker is intently focused on making reliable, safe family cars and who can fault them? It’s certainly working, with the brand recording 81 consecutive months of yearly month-over-month sales growth as of last month. We’re trying remain hopeful, though. The world could always use more mid-engined cars.

https://carview.yahoo.co.jp/news/mar...43619-carview/

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[TifosiWA]

Interesting, I wonder if this will be another 86-GT/BRZ type of situation. There has been news/rumor that Toyota is looking to revive the Celica GT4 and MR2, which IMO, is fantastic news. I only hope that Toyota/Subaru will offer manual transmission in their cars that are driver orientated.

[JustyWRC]

We want to believe that Subaru is working on some sort of mid-engine AWD rally weapon, but we have our doubts. The automaker is intently focused on making reliable, safe family cars and who can fault them?

They've also said they were looking to bring more fun cars out. I have doubts as well; but, lean towards they may have something. And it could certainly be a concept that never makes it to production. Hope it gets a lot of attention if it's true and we see it soon.

[bugatti0628]

if it is a special car to replace the 22b, then let us see what you are thinking of Subaru, the boxer engine sitting low in the chassis would allow for better weight distribution.

[littledrummerboy]

I like the sound of this. Here's hoping it's true and we see something in the near future.

[Kostamojen]

Its a hybrid drivetrain that makes sense for the boxer engine.

However, the 718 already exists so... My money will probably go elsewhere first before this happens.

[chanomatik]

Still waiting for that Prodrive P2 to come into production. *lust*

[fredzy]

They should do a rear engine AWD layout sports car. Think backwards-facing STI underneath. Porsche: "Have fun with that " as they crank the volume on Dead or Alive - You Spin Me Round

[MeyeRacer06]

Jalopnik is as pessimistic as most of us are I think the idea would be awesome if it was actually put into production, but I don't like the odds.

https://jalopnik.com/im-just-gonna-t...-hy-1829438390

[Goempie]

Originally Posted by chanomatik

Still waiting for that Prodrive P2 to come into production. *lust*

I'm ok With a P3 also

[Florida_Man]

So Subaru makes Porsche that is much slower but at least cheaper?

[torquemada]

yeah, the plans are laying next to the 300 hp BRZ

[Obviously Tyler]

Originally Posted by Florida_Man

So Subaru makes Porsche that is much slower but at least cheaper?

???

What

[4S-TURBO]

I'm okay with a Levorg also. Too bad it will never make it to production.

[gathermewool]

Originally Posted by 4S-TURBO

I’m okay with a Levorg also. Too bad it will never make it to production.

**** you

[keepclam]

Originally Posted by 4S-TURBO

I’m okay with a Levorg also. Too bad it will never make it to production.

In what universe did Levorg not make it to production? ***128578;

[SirBrass]

Originally Posted by 4S-TURBO

I'm okay with a Levorg also. Too bad it will never make it to production.

You mean make it to the North American market.

Originally Posted by Obviously Tyler

???

What

He means the BRZ. Aka, the Poor Man's Porsche. About 2/3 the hp of a 718 Cayman for 1/2 the base price.

[gathermewool]

Originally Posted by SirBrass

You mean make it to the North American market.



He means the BRZ. Aka, the Poor Man's Porsche. About 2/3 the hp of a 718 Cayman for 1/2 the base price.

That's how I reads 'em.

[45psi]

a subaru mr2? that would be awesome.

[4S-TURBO]

So would a WRX wagon.

[thenoodler]

Subaru will never build a mid engine car.
Mid e-motor maybe.

[Pre]

Originally Posted by 4S-TURBO

So would a WRX wagon.

2035

[keepclam]

Originally Posted by 4S-TURBO

So would a WRX wagon.

Be realistic. They don’t have the budget for anything like that.

[Sid03SVT]

The mid-engine Subaru rumors will, at the earliest, come to light in the same time frame it took Ford to slap IRS in the base Mustang, and Chevy to go mid-engine on the vette; so like, 50-70 years, give or take.

[left footed whooten]

Maybe a quarter after never...