Why Subaru went with rear-wheel drive for its BRZ coupe
09-21-11, 01:10 AM
#16
Its RWD cause otherwise they would have to completely redesign the front of the car to accommodate the AWD system. The engine would have to sit higher and the wheels would have to be farther back for the front differential to line up with the front wheels, its just that simple.
The fact that a few loud people are whining about it (and really, its only a handful) just shows how well Subaru's AWD advertising campaign worked over the last decade or so.
Oh, and the SVX had a FWD version for a few years. The Impreza had FWD up to 96 as well.
The fact that a few loud people are whining about it (and really, its only a handful) just shows how well Subaru's AWD advertising campaign worked over the last decade or so.
Oh, and the SVX had a FWD version for a few years. The Impreza had FWD up to 96 as well.
09-21-11, 08:31 AM
#17
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(And, yes, I'm one of those buyers)
09-24-11, 12:42 AM
#20
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I'm not really talking about the cars being sold, but the idea that was sold. People have become too attached to the "AWD ONLY!" Idea for basically no reason at all.
A RWD Subaru drivetrain is the same as a AWD Subaru drivetrain, just minus the front diff and front axles.
They did source/build a better transmission for the RWD Coupe of course, but the important thing is that without the front axles and diff there is MUCH more freedom in where you can locate the drivetrain and weight of the vehicle for pure performance reasons, which is also the purpose of this vehicle... Its going to have the lowest COG of any car in production
A RWD Subaru drivetrain is the same as a AWD Subaru drivetrain, just minus the front diff and front axles.
They did source/build a better transmission for the RWD Coupe of course, but the important thing is that without the front axles and diff there is MUCH more freedom in where you can locate the drivetrain and weight of the vehicle for pure performance reasons, which is also the purpose of this vehicle... Its going to have the lowest COG of any car in production
09-24-11, 06:33 AM
#21
Lexus Champion
Thing is:
I still feel that, save for exceptions (like the Subaru Trezia which is an OEM derivation from the Toyota Ractis Verso), a Subaru without Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive is not a true full-fledged Subaru at all.
The way I see it is: These are characteristics that define what a Subaru really is (you know stuff like Symmetrical AWD and Horizontally-Opposed Engines).
This is not a problem for the Toyota version (because Toyota did not emphasize on AWD as a characteristic that defines their automobiles).......but for Subaru (and something with a car like this that is intended to be iconic for the brand), AWD is a must.
Between the two, if Subaru will not put AWD on their BRZ, then I would rather pick the Toyota version instead.
Or if not, I'll just get an Subaru vehicle with AWD (like the Impreza WRX STI).
Two cents
I still feel that, save for exceptions (like the Subaru Trezia which is an OEM derivation from the Toyota Ractis Verso), a Subaru without Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive is not a true full-fledged Subaru at all.
The way I see it is: These are characteristics that define what a Subaru really is (you know stuff like Symmetrical AWD and Horizontally-Opposed Engines).
This is not a problem for the Toyota version (because Toyota did not emphasize on AWD as a characteristic that defines their automobiles).......but for Subaru (and something with a car like this that is intended to be iconic for the brand), AWD is a must.
Between the two, if Subaru will not put AWD on their BRZ, then I would rather pick the Toyota version instead.
Or if not, I'll just get an Subaru vehicle with AWD (like the Impreza WRX STI).
Two cents
09-24-11, 07:15 AM
#22
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^......
Well said.
Subaru has such huge brand loyalty, and straying away from their AWD roots with this car may hurt their image to the eyes of loyalists.
Whereas Toyota has been longing for something sporty in their lineup for ages.
Let's just hope we get a turbo version available.
Well said.
Subaru has such huge brand loyalty, and straying away from their AWD roots with this car may hurt their image to the eyes of loyalists.
Whereas Toyota has been longing for something sporty in their lineup for ages.
Let's just hope we get a turbo version available.
09-24-11, 11:40 AM
#23
Lexus Fanatic
They did source/build a better transmission for the RWD Coupe of course, but the important thing is that without the front axles and diff there is MUCH more freedom in where you can locate the drivetrain and weight of the vehicle for pure performance reasons, which is also the purpose of this vehicle... Its going to have the lowest COG of any car in production
09-24-11, 11:38 PM
#24
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Overseas, the story hasn't been the same, as FWD models have existed almost the entire time.
RWD for this car will be a first of course for Subaru, and yes I do COMPLETELY agree Toyota needs some spark in its lineup BADLY. I'm glad both companies will offer this car though, and I hope there is enough distinction between the two. I'd probably buy whichever one is cheapest (probably the Scion).
The entire weight of the drivetrain is blow your knees
But the engineers have stated the COG is lower than anything else they've tested, but I never saw any mention of Lotus.
09-26-11, 05:57 PM
#26
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09-26-11, 06:04 PM
#27
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No....incorrect. Subarus don't sell because of ad campaigns, though I admit that they indeed have spent a lot of money on the Paul Hogan, Lance Armstrong, and "Love Campaign" spots. But the truth is that people buy Subarus because of their superior AWD systems, practicality, reliability, and high ratings by Consumer Reports, not because of what the company shows on TV.
(And, yes, I'm one of those buyers)
(And, yes, I'm one of those buyers)
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