Prasius

iTrader: (1)

Subaru U-turn over WRX | Auto Express News | News | Auto Express

I can't be bothered to find the post where I said this would happen months ago

(Sorry if SIAL btw.. but at work so really shouldn't be messing around on here anyhow!!)

[Davey]

It still looks sh*t though

Norman Dog

iTrader: (1)

Agreed. Do you think they'll make the USDM one with a boot in RHD?

Prasius

iTrader: (1)

No. Reason I say that is because the Saloon is only being made at Subaru's US factory. I can't see them closing a production line for US-bound LHD's in order to build a comparatively small number of RHD cars.

[Davey]

Have Subaru been employing R&D and Marketing staff from GM??

People dont buy Subaru's because they are a sensible economically sound vehicle.. The only reason Subaru has ANY kind of foot hold on the market in this country is because of the performance versions.. As most people have said over the last few months they have seriously shot them selves in the foot with this one.

Prasius

iTrader: (1)

You hit the nail on the head there.. "in this country".

The UK market is tiny for Subaru; the Japanese and US markets are far bigger. So they build a car that will succeed in their largest markets. No brainer really.

The UK is a Sales Freak as far as Subaru is concerned in the fact that Performance Imprezas (be that WRX or STI) are their main seller. That isn't the case in any other of their markets; and don't kid yourself that it is. Hell, I don't even think there is another market were the Impreza is their sales leader.. let alone ones with turbos slapped on the side.

But I've said all this til I'm blue in the face already.... People need to wait and drive one..

[Davey]

Its a shame really.. And with the increase of sandal wearing hippy tree huggers there will be even less demand because everyone will be buying their Hybrid cars powered by batteries filled with toxic chemicals which will be the next big "environmental" concern..

Prasius

iTrader: (1)

Makes me laugh when car makers do the whole "trade your old car in, buy a brand new less polluting one! Lower YOUR carbon footprint!" - when you could probably drive around in your old "polluting" car for about 20 years before you even came close to the carbon output of making a brand new car.

bibo_boy

I think the 3dr could be very cool!!!!! take the Focus ...... BORING!!!!!!

WRC Focus..... hmmmmmm

[Davey]

Sad fact is, humans are stupid animals.

pippyrips

link not working for me

Tidgy

the sti is due out the following march, had a chat with a sales manager on friday about it.

think there aiming more for the general market ratehr than the performance enthusiast

sti is suposed to be a bit special so he said.

bogie

The whole thing was probably a lot of sh*t to get the current WRX's to shift by making people think it might be their last chance to get one.

They were probably sent loads of "why no WRX" emails too.

Now IM's stocks are at a more confortable level, they now say we'll get a new style WRX?

The Trooper 1815

iTrader: (31)

No No No No No!!!!!!



Subaru is owned by Toyota now, right? This new Impreza is actually a Corolla or something, right?Where will the new Impreza be built?Sorry to wee wee on that one guys

PS. This may be a good reason too
Litchfield Imports

And the engine bay looks remarkably like a Legacy as well, seeing that most of it is

FAQ: 2008 Subaru Impreza - News & Rumors - NASIOC The Full Story

LitchfieldImports

From what I have been told Subaru in Europe can afford to have the factory produce a relatively short run of cars and still meet their EU emissions targets. If that is the case then they can probably just adjust their WRX quote depending on the number of STI they sell during the year

It must be difficult/frustrating for Subaru as the new Impreza launch is coming at the same time as manufacturers have to meet these new EU emissions targets across their model range. I would guess it will take a little time to get the balance right and access demand.

Given the similar specification of the new WRX I think they’ll have no problems selling the GB270 models which look good value.

Iain

[Davey]

Hmm wonder if that engine cover will fit on a classic?

Prasius

iTrader: (1)

Not after an argument, but..

The last thing I saw was that the saloon would be built in the Lafayette factory. Trying to think where I saw it, but pretty sure it was a Subaru US press release after the motorshow debut. Made sense to me at the time seeing as it was only going to be sold in the US... of course, things may have changed, but unless Subaru makes a RHD Saloon for the Japanese market I doubt very much we'll get it.

Presumably the STI model will have higher emissions than the WRX? Or am I missing something?

The rookie

iTrader: (1)

Iain,
Not sure what your alluding to, there are no emissions limits fo the company, each discrete model (body, engine, transmission combo) has to meet its relevant standards, so selling one and not another is of no benefit at all.

When you start talking CO2 then the only current implication (not yet ratified into EU law) is the 2012 CO2 manufacturesr average, and that has no specified effect for failure to comply (as clearly Bentley/Ferrari/Lambourghini will fail to meet it).

The current limits known as EU IV will be replaced by tougher linmits starting in 2009 (known as EU V!) but again each individual model has to be approved and show its meeting the requirements.

Simon