Cars
Kardashians exist? Is it ok to deep-fry footwear and how many Hamsters do you need to fill a Kia’s fuel tank? Things we don’t care about aside; there is one question I’ve always pondered - should Subaru make an all-out Supercar?
Forget the BRZ Coupe, rally-bred WRX STI and long lost SVX; I’m talking about a competitor that can square up against the likes of Nissan’s GT-R and Porsche’s 911 Turbo S.
With that in mind and Toyota’s development of the FT-1 Supercar Concept, I've decided to delve deeper into the possibility of an hero car loosely based on Toyota’s upcoming, modern-day Supra replacement.
Firstly, let's start with the design; the donor FT-1 has stunning organic and curvaceous surfacing. Where the Subaru differs, is in its own design language. As with my rendered example, the styling is more geometric, angular and upright. For a strong point of difference, the rear takes on a shooting-break aesthetic with an upwards-wrapping C-pillar that incorporates inlet scoops within the rear quarter windows.
The front carries Subaru’s universally used trapezoidal front grille, flanked by horizontal intakes and a race car-inspired front splitter. Large side inlets intersect aggressively against the doors, with crease-work that runs along the sills then shoots upwards to create a visual link with the A-pillars.
Within the cabin should be an environment devoid of any current Subaru design traits; instead utilising more expressive styling, quality materials and exotic finishes cosseting a 2+2 layout.
Underneath the angular aesthetic cloak, would lay front engined, all-wheel drive fundamentals - albeit with a hybrid boxer twist. Electric motors sending power to front and rear axles, coupled to a turbocharged 3.6-liter flat six, could yield supercar performance with a distinctive soundtrack.
While the traditionalist within me would wish for a manual transmission, the logical approach for such a maniacal vehicle would utilise a quick-shifting 8 or 9-speed dual-clutch unit. Sorry rubber band lovers - no CVT’s allowed in this segment.
Subaru’s offering would need to carve up corners like a laser-guided weapon; rivals such as Porsche’s 911 Turbo S and McLaren MP4-12C, are considered some of the best handling exotics out there. Add other great alternatives to the mix like Mercedes-Benz’s AMG GT, Jaguar F-Type R and 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06; then suddenly one realises the daunting task Subaru would face.
Unfortunately, it’s at this point where reality sets back in; does Subaru have the capital, R&D and willingness from a potential partner like Toyota to make it happen? Odds are… well probably not. Although never say never and who knows - Fuji Heavy Industries may just one day surprise us.
Feasibility issues aside, would you like to see Subaru develop a 911-basher?
Share your views in the comments below.
By Josh Byrnes
Photo Renderings Copyright Carscoops / Josh Byrnes
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Cars
Future Cars: Could Subaru Grow a Pair and Develop a 911-Rivalling Supercar?
Kardashians exist? Is it ok to deep-fry footwear and how many Hamsters do you need to fill a Kia’s fuel tank? Things we don’t care about aside; there is one question I’ve always pondered - should Subaru make an all-out Supercar?
Forget the BRZ Coupe, rally-bred WRX STI and long lost SVX; I’m talking about a competitor that can square up against the likes of Nissan’s GT-R and Porsche’s 911 Turbo S.
With that in mind and Toyota’s development of the FT-1 Supercar Concept, I've decided to delve deeper into the possibility of an hero car loosely based on Toyota’s upcoming, modern-day Supra replacement.
Firstly, let's start with the design; the donor FT-1 has stunning organic and curvaceous surfacing. Where the Subaru differs, is in its own design language. As with my rendered example, the styling is more geometric, angular and upright. For a strong point of difference, the rear takes on a shooting-break aesthetic with an upwards-wrapping C-pillar that incorporates inlet scoops within the rear quarter windows.
The front carries Subaru’s universally used trapezoidal front grille, flanked by horizontal intakes and a race car-inspired front splitter. Large side inlets intersect aggressively against the doors, with crease-work that runs along the sills then shoots upwards to create a visual link with the A-pillars.
Within the cabin should be an environment devoid of any current Subaru design traits; instead utilising more expressive styling, quality materials and exotic finishes cosseting a 2+2 layout.
Underneath the angular aesthetic cloak, would lay front engined, all-wheel drive fundamentals - albeit with a hybrid boxer twist. Electric motors sending power to front and rear axles, coupled to a turbocharged 3.6-liter flat six, could yield supercar performance with a distinctive soundtrack.
While the traditionalist within me would wish for a manual transmission, the logical approach for such a maniacal vehicle would utilise a quick-shifting 8 or 9-speed dual-clutch unit. Sorry rubber band lovers - no CVT’s allowed in this segment.
Subaru’s offering would need to carve up corners like a laser-guided weapon; rivals such as Porsche’s 911 Turbo S and McLaren MP4-12C, are considered some of the best handling exotics out there. Add other great alternatives to the mix like Mercedes-Benz’s AMG GT, Jaguar F-Type R and 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06; then suddenly one realises the daunting task Subaru would face.
Unfortunately, it’s at this point where reality sets back in; does Subaru have the capital, R&D and willingness from a potential partner like Toyota to make it happen? Odds are… well probably not. Although never say never and who knows - Fuji Heavy Industries may just one day surprise us.
Feasibility issues aside, would you like to see Subaru develop a 911-basher?
Share your views in the comments below.
By Josh Byrnes
Photo Renderings Copyright Carscoops / Josh Byrnes
Photo Gallery
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next-generation Tiguan, and first indications look very promising… Muscular Germanic Styling: When the current Tiguan was revealed, it was a breath of fresh air compared to the seemingly junky alternatives of the same era - its taut, yet reserved...
- Subaru Doesn't Want Toyota's Help On Hybrid Tech, Will Develop Its Own System
When Toyota acquired an 8.7% stake in Fuji Heavy Industries [FHI] from GM in 2005, everyone expected that FHI-owned Subaru would not only benefit from Toyota’s experience and economies of scale, but also utilize its new partner’s expertise...
- First Official Photos Of Subaru's Rear-wheel Drive Coupe Concept
Subaru has released the first-ever teaser picture of its eagerly anticipated rear-wheel drive sports car concept ahead of its debut at the 2011 Geneva motor show on March 1. Even though Subaru's original ghost sketch of the car shows only a darkened...
- 2010 La Auto Show: Subaru Teases Next Impreza With Concept Study
After bringing you a preview sketch earlier today, we now have some live images of the Subaru Impreza Design Concept from the LA Show floor. Taking Subaru's compact design in a new direction, the language of "Confidence In Motion" doesn't...
- Rear-wheel Drive Subaru Impreza Coupe– Official Sketch!
The sporty coupe you see in the sketch above was revealed by an inside Subaru source to the good old folks from Autocar mag and it depicts the Japanese carmaker’s forthcoming rear-wheel drive coupe that is being co-developed with Toyota who as...