[cjsporl1996]

Originally Posted by ashtray

The way I see it, Subaru and Toyota worked together on this car, but I believe each company gave in to compromises it wouldn't have otherwise taken.

The most glaring is the engine. Toyota needed the boxer engine to keep the engine as low as possible. Remember pedestrian safety laws - that hood line can't go that low with an I4. Subaru likely didnt want the D4S. Before the twins came out, Toyota said "about 200hp", and Subaru said "under 300". And 200 IS under 300. But reading between the lines and some other quotes of power from Subaru lead interviews - Subaru's got a mill ready to drop in with 280hp. I bet Toyota said "no", and is making them shelf that motor until they're ready to split the twins apart and give each company a green light to develop as they wish.

Think of the relationship kinda like the Firebird and Camaro were. (Each had a basic structure that was defined and then Pontiac and Chevy made it however they wanted, including different engines, until the 90's.)


Think of this: a 280hp BRZ STi. For $35k. What would SCION have to offer to compete with that in the States? Globally, the Toyota brand could probably handle a GT86 with a 25% price bump, but not Scion. And at those levels of power, lightweight, and price - it could compete with the new Supra Toyota is planning. Subaru's not part of that project. Toyota has to keep the twins under control until it has all 3 RWD sports cars in its line up.

I predict Toyota and Subaru split paths with the twins for either a mid model or second gen.

Toyota only owns around 37% (less?) of Subaru. They don't control them.

Actually the firebird and the camaro used different engines till 1982 when GM demanded that all the divisions went with the cooperate engine. They both has the option for the 305 and 350 and the firebird actually had more Features and it was more our-dynamic for that generation.