Subaru sports car's go-no-go for launch

Nick Senior reckons Subaru's version of the Toyota FT-86 in front-drive form would be a "no-brainer".

"I think that one of the things we have recognised is that if it was a front-wheel drive, it would be a no-brainer. We wouldn't take it."

So the Subaru MD bluntly assessed the prospects for a torque-steering turbocharged sports car wearing the company's badges in Australia.

Speaking at the Australian International Motor Show media day late last week, Senior remarked that it is much more likely that the new sports car will be driven at the rear wheels -- and here's where Subaru faces a conundrum. For the past decade or more, the importer has built its brand on a product range entirely composed of all-wheel drive models. And it's a very specific type of all-wheel drive too, comprising what the company calls a 'symmetrical' layout -- a longitudinal engine mounting with transmission coupled behind and drive directly transferred to all four wheels via a centre differential.

"They've consistently said it will only be two-wheel drive, and again, once we know all the details, we have to make a call about: do we go with the two-wheel drive or do we stick with our strategy as it is?

"I think rear-wheel drive is probably a little more in keeping with our driving, confidence, etc. It's probably not such a stretch as going to front-wheel drive."

Senior told the Carsales Network that the Aussie arm of the importer won't get to see the vehicle in detailed specification until late this year or early next year. And that specification is expected to be rear-wheel drive only.

Senior agreed when we put it to him that the decision could affect the balance of Subaru's brand image -- or the brand image of balance, to put it another way -- for very little return.

"I can't predict and see some of those things until I see the car and get the details about the specification, because we have to be realistic. Two-door coupes [are] not big in [sales] volumes.

"We know that historically from many, many years ago -- and then if you divide that volume by two people wanting to play in the same space... it's interesting."

The other 'person' playing in the same space is Toyota, with its own version of the same car, the FT-86. Perhaps the wise choice for Subaru would be to await the launch of the FT-86 and see how that car is received. The decision might not be so hard after all.

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