Quote:
Originally Posted by AnalogMan
I hope Subaru's new overlords at Toyota don't homogenize all the character out of Subaru's cars.
No car is perfect, and every make has its fans and detractors. But I think Subaru makes some of the more interesting, character-filled cars on the market today. In many ways, they've successfully incorporated some of the traits of Saabs into their cars, and appeal to similar buyers. I find Subaru's more interesting and fun to drive (WRX, BRZ, Crosstrek – how many CUV’s can be had with a stick?) than the bland appliances made by Toyota.
When sclerotic a big company (= Toyota in this case) buys a spunky small one (= Subaru), it's often with the goal of hoping to infuse the moribund giant with some of the feistiness of the small one. Unfortunately, what usually happens is the opposite, and the bureaucracy of the giant smothers all the soul out of the upstart (like GM did to Saab). I hope that doesn't happen here.
If Toyota has their way (and they might, being the big money), I wouldn't be surprised if the next generation BRZ/86 came only with an automatic transmission.
|
this is highly unlikely due to the market that Toyota is aiming for and them knowing there would be negative impact. even if sales point otherwise. They cant take away a manual from all their sports cars lineups.
And I doubt subaru would have it that way too.
Along with the bigger company working with the smaller one. I agree with you on what history has shown us
But I feel there is an internal change in toyota as they are trying to once again market to younger buyers.
Scion itself was a test subject for Toyota and when it was announced and for three years after it was hype! I remember the booths at the chicago auto show. custom burned CD's, lights, music. it was like a mini Super street meet inside of an international car show.
This was before ven Dodge was doing their 1000 foot drag launches on all products they sell.
So I got a feeling this sort of arrangement will provide ripe fruit.
Now I am also somewhat remiss about the deal because I know Toyota has good engine building abilities and if say they leaned over one of their AR engines we'd have torque and all the hp youd need and its already engineered. why stick with a boxer which while the design is good. NA motors are fairly lackluster without boost.
I guess we will see come Tokyo Auto Show 2019.