Subaru on Toyota, Tribeca, WRX and BRZ

Currently the most tangible and tantalising evidence of Toyota's majority stake in compatriot carmaker Fuji Heavy Industries (for Subaru) is the upcoming BRZ-FT-86 coupe. The 'Toybaru' two-door is a standout addition for both brands... Both well in need of something special in their lineups.

As for its more utilitarian models like Tribeca, Subaru executives admit: "At this stage we don't have any plans for a next-generation model...We are focussing on Outback and Forester.

"Our resources are limited because FHI is not a large company, compared to Nissan, Toyota and Honda so we have to concentrate on our core lineup," Subaru's General Manager for Overseas Sales and Marketing, Mitsuro Takada told motoring.com.au.

Like other Japanese auto manufacturers, Subaru has been affected by the Tohoku earthquake. In Subaru's case parts supply was strained and it has only recently decided to resume full production schedule at its Gunma plant, where Impreza and Forester are built. The new coupe will also come from Subaru's Gunma facility.

Last year Takada San was ordered to move to FHI after 29 years at Toyota. "It's been a very good challenge for me," he said. "Toyota has very big resources regarding its people and money but FHI by comparison is limited so it's important we adjust... Fortunately we have very good people here."

The Toyota-commissioned coupe is a highlight on Subaru's horizon. It claims its segment's (that is, sub-$100K sportscars) lowest centre of gravity by way of Subaru's flat four-cylinder engine: a must-have application for its benefits to handling and weight distribution, according to Subaru spokesmen. They wouldn't confirm figures but speculation on engine output suggests 147kW/205Nm.

The BRZ won't clash with the new WRX, said Takuda, because the powertrain is completely different being rear-wheel drive.

"FHI's traditional powertrain is all-wheel drive" he reiterated. An STi-version of the BRZ is "not decided", said Takuda, however the brand's stand at the LA Auto Show will feature concept version ahead of the production BRZ's unveiling at the Tokyo motor show.

"At this stage we've not decided on the exact timeline for the next generation WRX and STi," said Takuda. When pressed further, execs suggested a new STi model wouldn't appear until 2013... Meanwhile the BRZ represents a significant shift in FHI's engineering ethos: "Rear-wheel drive and the boxer engine is a new concept for FHI," he said. "The BRZ can develop a new kind of Subaru."

How the brands will separate their coupe offerings will be revealed at this month's Tokyo motor show. Visit motoring.com.au again for our news coverage from the LA and Tokyo motor shows.

Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site