Friday 14th February 2003

Subaru Coupe

Exciting times ahead with new look to be unveiled in Geneva

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Subaru has released a teaser sketch of a new Coupe Concept Car for the 73rd Geneva Motor Show.

Described as signalling a whole new design language for future Subarus, the Impreza-sized car is a full four-seater.

Codenamed Subaru B11S, the Coupe will be unveiled on the Subaru Stand in Hall 1/2 at 9.30 am on 4th March by Fuji Heavy Industries President, Mr Kyoji Takenaka.

Subaru are aiming to produce a more consistent brand identity in future and this coupe is the start of that program. The distinctive grille in the sketch is likely to form the basis for the new look.

Whilst Subaru have enjoyed enormous success with their cars, the brand identity of their vehicles hasn't been strong, with models in the range sharing little in terms of common styling cues. This may signify the end of that lack of cohesion.

Links: Subaru Owners, Subaru Links

[Qualia]

So that's what car styling is all about? You sit in your stylish design office, waiting for inspiration to hit you. Next, you come across a car mag featuring a test of one of the current Alfas. You happen to have a look at one of the pictures upside down. Hm, sod inspiration, just use that. And bingo - a whole new generation of Subarus.
Boring!!!

[v8thunder]

I was thinking more along the lines of a budget Bugatti-look, but it still shows that the vast majority of Japanese cars still sem intent on copying styles, even if the car underneath is more advanced. (obviously there are many exceptions to this rule. But not that many)

[daver]

"...with models in the range sharing little in terms of common styling cues."

Have the words 'Subaru' and 'styling' ever appeared in the same sentence before?

[wfg]

alfa came to mind, too.

[larobinson]

Come on Subaru come up with something better that this! it aint bad but when is the next impreza coupe out eh????

[danmangt40]

I was thinking "well, at least its the right size this time, instead of a behemoth like the SVX," but this really is not an advancement in my opinion. I hope the genuine article varies from the sketch significantly. That shape would have to sell opposite the new hyundai tiburon/coupe, and regardless of performance, that B11s is NOT as good looking.

[dejoux]

Subarus were never the nicest looking cars on the road but I think all Jap cars have passed the pinnacle of their design style wise.

Look at the new civic or corolla or Pulsar (think it might me somthing else in the UK). Theyre all a cross between a station wagon and an MPV. Boring/Ugly. You dont know how lucky you are to be able to complain about Novas or Beemers or whatever

[Slooby]

Subaru's chief stylist is a Greek chap Adreas Zapatinas (I think that's the spelling) who was former head of design at Alfa Romeo...doesn't that answer why this coupe looks like it does

[Andy Mac]

Could have been worse... he might have come accross a megane road test! Erh!! Its not so bad looking now! PLUS it does look infinatly better looking than the current crop of overdressed salloons that scoobies are! Lots of power... and looks that do NOT compliment it!