REPORT: Subaru spokesman concerned that RWD Toyobaru could dilute brand identity

REPORT: Subaru spokesman concerned that RWD Toyobaru could dilute brand identity

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Japan, Subaru, Toyota

Subaru Sports Coupe Renderings - Click above for high-res image gallery

It should come as no surprised that Subaru -- a brand that's made its name in the States for offering rugged, all-wheel drive vehicles -- is a little weary about bringing its own version of the RWD Toyobaru to the U.S.

Speaking with Wards Auto, Subaru spokesperson Michael McHale said, "We're an all-wheel drive brand," going on to say that, "If it doesn't affect the core of the brand, maybe we'd bring it in as an interesting option."

Although we've yet to seen the Subaru variant of the Toyota FT-86, the rebodied version is expected to debut sometime in 2010, with both examples going on sale in Japan later next year or in early 2011. Power is supposedly supplied by Subaru-sourced, Toyota-tweaked flat-four, putting out around 200 horsepower in naturally aspirated guise.

For Toyota to make a business case for putting the FT-86 into production, it's been all but assumed that the RWD coupe would go on sale in markets outside of Japan -- specifically in Europe and North America. However, the Subaru version's fate isn't quite as clear. If earlier reports are any indication, offering an AWD coupe could be a possibility given the coupe's underpinnings. But if it's strictly RWD, McHale hopes consumers can, "forgive us a one-off exception."


Gallery: Subaru FT-86 Sports Coupe renderings




[Source: Wards Auto]REPORT: Subaru spokesman concerned that RWD Toyobaru could dilute brand identity originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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it needs to be AWD if it's a subaru. although i would like the AWD version available through toyota also because the vegas subaru dealer is worthless.

what you mean?subaru awd is not good or you talking about the warranty.

subaru AWD is great, its the las vegas dealer that's horrible. i just re-read what i typed and it makes no sense.