Subaru

[ancullen]

In the latest issue of Wheels (with X-Factor as the title and an XR8 & XR6 on the cover), there is a small news piece declaring that GM is reliquishing it's 20% share in Subaru and Toyota are set to buy something like 8.7% of the company. This is should prove interesting. It'll be good because it'll mean no more Saabaru's, but it'll probably mean that Toyota will stick to boring cars (like Camry's and basic Corollas), and Subaru will be the company used for sportier premium stuff to fit in between Toyota and Lexus. Of course, it'll probably lead to some parts interchangeability, so how long will it be before we get questions like "How easy is it to drop an EJ20T into a KE70?" and "I want to convert my ZZE123 to AWD, exactly how much will this cost in Mexican pesos?"

[Super Jamie]

and more importantly, "will it bolt straight in?" :(

[Rolln16]

:( Your a classic Jamie...hmmmm :) it should be interesting what they come up with though...that is if toyota has enough shares to actually take part in the building/designing etc of the companies new models... :)

[Rolln16]

Theyare rather nice to drive - practically unstallable - but i don't know if i'd have one - i don't like their body shape that much... At least not the new ones with the bubble lights i like the models below with the flat lights.

[Super Jamie]

personally i think it will make no difference whatsoever. gm own 20% of subaru and do you see boxer engines in corvettes, astras or commodores? no. i think this is merely a monetary move on part of toyota, not an attempt to revive their "sports" range beyond a camry and corolla with a bodykit, and the wimpy hairdresser-spec mr-s

[Rolln16]

Yeah that is what i was thinking too.

[Dan]

Yeah, like how Ford owns Mazda. You don't see either of them companies selling no performance cars... they both make kick arse cars in my opinion.

 

I don't know what Subarus are like to drive, but I reckon they look pretty awesome, especially the one that is out at the moment (The WRX STi).

 

Anyway

[Super Jamie]

early rexes understeer, my99s aren't too bad, my01s and onwards are apparently pretty good but butt ugly. my best mate owns a my99 with 200kw at the wheels. if i had to describe it in one word, it would be "fun"

[Dan]

I think they look great... just personal opinion though. Not that I really like most Japanese cars, yet I can still appreciate them for what they are..

[Super Jamie]

just to clarify

 

 

TOUGH :(

 

 

HIDEOUS :)

[Clown]

Odd you say that, lately i've had the urge to look into that conversion!

 

"How easy is it to drop an EJ20T into a KE70?"

[Redwarf]

I can feel 99's input impending..... :(

[Nitephyre]

bummer, i've also thought it'd be nice to boxer my rolla... :(

[ancullen]

8.7% will be enough for Toyota to have very strong input into Subaru's new models, especially for model sharing. While under GM's part ownership, Subaru was forced to supply Saab with the Impreza for them to rebody as bring out as the 9-2X or whatever it's called. Subaru were not at all happy about doing this (extremely pissed off in fact). I think the Subaru range will complement the Toyota range quite nicely, I just hope that Toyota don't try and control Subaru too much, they seem to work well enough on their own, but need the support of a larger company for funding new designs and to maintain financial stability in tough times. It's not like they're unprofitable though.

[Corolla_Kid]

I quite like the look of the new libertys. I think if the new impreza follows that path of design they would look quite tough. But i agree my99 sti 2doors are awesome.