New Subaru B11S
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It's a Subaru-badged Nissan 350Z, with the rear doors from a Mazda RX-8. Does look sexy, though not sure about the nose!
I'd imagine Subaru are trying to attract a different type of car-owner, as I can't see this replacing the Impreza. Can't imagine it being driven around Kenya by Petter and Tommi! (I'm sure some clever photoshop user could give us a idea though!)
Chris.
I'd imagine Subaru are trying to attract a different type of car-owner, as I can't see this replacing the Impreza. Can't imagine it being driven around Kenya by Petter and Tommi! (I'm sure some clever photoshop user could give us a idea though!)
Chris.
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From: Kent, England
Subaru's Super Coupe Breaks Loose
ou won't find many people who complain about an Impreza's performance. Subaru's rallying heritage and expertise have ensured its saloon has become an icon among enthusiasts, despite the fact that its design was dictated by aerodynamics and engine cooling rather than looking good.
But times are changing at the Japanese firm, which promises its next generation of cars will have style as well as performance. And this B11S coupé is the proof. The amazing 400bhp twin- turbo four-seater was the shock star of March's Geneva Motor Show, and has caused a real stir among Subaru lovers worldwide. But it's not only these fans who the company needs to attract - the B11S points the way to the next-generation hot Impreza, and must appeal to a new class of driver.
Is the car a perfect blend of stunning looks and performance? We travelled to Japan to be the first in the world behind the wheel. Even under imposingly stormy skies at the Mount Fuji Speedway near Tokyo, the B11S looked impressive. Its pearlescent white paint might be a flashback to the mid-Eighties, but somehow it suits the car. Unlike concepts from rivals, it has no retro features and does not incorporate styling cues from any other Subaru product. Only the badge is carried over from an existing model.
The doors would be an innovation if Mazda's RX-8 hadn't done it first, but it's still an interesting solution, combining current Impreza practicality with the style of a coupé. The two pairs of side doors work like gates, latching in the middle without a B-pillar. And anyone familiar with current Subarus' shiny grey plastics will be shocked by the cabin.
The bright blue leather trim is lit through a frosted glass roof, and the quality of the parts used is exceptional, too, as Subaru has obviously taken criticism of its interiors to heart. Settle into the seat, start the engine, and you are greeted by the type of burble which is allowed only on concepts and rally machines. The exhaust must come straight from the 3.0-litre six-cylinder twin-turbo boxer engine to the tailpipes without meeting a silencer. But despite the car's sporty feel, don't expect a manual box. The B11S has an electro-hydraulic five-speed auto operated by a switch on the centre console.
This doesn't blunt the newcomer's performance, though, and even simply squeezing the throttle indicates that the claimed 400bhp and 550Nm figures are no lie. As you would expect from Subaru, the B11S has four-wheel drive, with a 35:65 power split front to rear to give really sporty handling.
Should things get slippery, computers will send the torque to where there's most grip. Not that we will pretend to have got close to the limits, though - after all, we were driving a priceless prototype, with the car's watchful guardian sat beside us. Even on the circuit's smooth tarmac, the Subaru's firm ride was apparent. Those 21-inch wheels left little in the way of suspension movement, meaning the model felt every change in the surface. The steering was heavy but offered suitable sports car weight, and gave a good impression of how much grip the front wheels still had to call upon. Meanwhile, the brake pedal felt slightly too wooden for a performance machine, although the stopping power itself was excellent. Dynamically, the B11S has the capacity to be great - let's hope it gets the chance. Juergen Zoellter
ou won't find many people who complain about an Impreza's performance. Subaru's rallying heritage and expertise have ensured its saloon has become an icon among enthusiasts, despite the fact that its design was dictated by aerodynamics and engine cooling rather than looking good.
But times are changing at the Japanese firm, which promises its next generation of cars will have style as well as performance. And this B11S coupé is the proof. The amazing 400bhp twin- turbo four-seater was the shock star of March's Geneva Motor Show, and has caused a real stir among Subaru lovers worldwide. But it's not only these fans who the company needs to attract - the B11S points the way to the next-generation hot Impreza, and must appeal to a new class of driver.
Is the car a perfect blend of stunning looks and performance? We travelled to Japan to be the first in the world behind the wheel. Even under imposingly stormy skies at the Mount Fuji Speedway near Tokyo, the B11S looked impressive. Its pearlescent white paint might be a flashback to the mid-Eighties, but somehow it suits the car. Unlike concepts from rivals, it has no retro features and does not incorporate styling cues from any other Subaru product. Only the badge is carried over from an existing model.
The doors would be an innovation if Mazda's RX-8 hadn't done it first, but it's still an interesting solution, combining current Impreza practicality with the style of a coupé. The two pairs of side doors work like gates, latching in the middle without a B-pillar. And anyone familiar with current Subarus' shiny grey plastics will be shocked by the cabin.
The bright blue leather trim is lit through a frosted glass roof, and the quality of the parts used is exceptional, too, as Subaru has obviously taken criticism of its interiors to heart. Settle into the seat, start the engine, and you are greeted by the type of burble which is allowed only on concepts and rally machines. The exhaust must come straight from the 3.0-litre six-cylinder twin-turbo boxer engine to the tailpipes without meeting a silencer. But despite the car's sporty feel, don't expect a manual box. The B11S has an electro-hydraulic five-speed auto operated by a switch on the centre console.
This doesn't blunt the newcomer's performance, though, and even simply squeezing the throttle indicates that the claimed 400bhp and 550Nm figures are no lie. As you would expect from Subaru, the B11S has four-wheel drive, with a 35:65 power split front to rear to give really sporty handling.
Should things get slippery, computers will send the torque to where there's most grip. Not that we will pretend to have got close to the limits, though - after all, we were driving a priceless prototype, with the car's watchful guardian sat beside us. Even on the circuit's smooth tarmac, the Subaru's firm ride was apparent. Those 21-inch wheels left little in the way of suspension movement, meaning the model felt every change in the surface. The steering was heavy but offered suitable sports car weight, and gave a good impression of how much grip the front wheels still had to call upon. Meanwhile, the brake pedal felt slightly too wooden for a performance machine, although the stopping power itself was excellent. Dynamically, the B11S has the capacity to be great - let's hope it gets the chance. Juergen Zoellter
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From: Tayside
IMHO they can stick that where the sun don`t shine.
Subaru have excelled themselves in the art of producing the most hideous car on the road with this one
When r they gonna start 2 listen to what we want If it were up 2 me i`d quite simply sack all the exterior designers for there last couple of abominations (this, the Sti8 and the fugly)
If any1 from subaru reads this "hey folks get the act together eh" or it looks like u may end up just another part of car history.
Pete
Subaru have excelled themselves in the art of producing the most hideous car on the road with this one
When r they gonna start 2 listen to what we want If it were up 2 me i`d quite simply sack all the exterior designers for there last couple of abominations (this, the Sti8 and the fugly) If any1 from subaru reads this "hey folks get the act together eh" or it looks like u may end up just another part of car history.
Pete
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Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Nottingham
sorry- but doesnt do it for me..
400bhp? it looks heavy..
probably no faster than current PPP ..
automatic only too .. tsk..
I wont be buying one for that reason alone..
the Focus owners will be laughing.. they'll get the cossie version, we get the white whale..
400bhp? it looks heavy..
probably no faster than current PPP ..
automatic only too .. tsk..
I wont be buying one for that reason alone..
the Focus owners will be laughing.. they'll get the cossie version, we get the white whale..
