why won't Subaru & Mitsu make a real sports car?

[AFC-911]

I don't think it would be too much to ask to put the STI/Evo mechanicals into a small sleek sports car...Not only that, since they wouldn't be required to manufacture a completely new drivetrain, one would think that this would be a profitable idea.

Prodrive has the right idea with the P2, but it's still not what I'd call a sexy sports car (nor would it be as affordable as the Suby).

Again, what's stopping them from making a car like this?

[widebody911]

Originally posted by AFC-911
I don't think it would be too much to ask to put the STI/Evo mechanicals into a small sleek sports car...

Like an Elise?

[kach22i]

Does anyone have news on the Prodrive supercar?

Old Link:
2200 lbs, 300 hp, 300 lb-ft torque, AWD

[kach22i]

http://www.classicdriver.com/uk/magazine/3300.asp?id=12894

The fully functional concept car from Prodrive made its UK public debut at Goodwood today, 23rd March. Powered by a modified Impreza engine the car has a power to weight ratio of 350 bhp/tonne and is capable of 0-60 mph in less than 4 seconds, accelerating on to a top speed of 170 mph.

http://www.classicdriver.com/uk/magazine/3300.asp?id=12806

[Leland Pate]

HA!
It looks like the '08 Ford Contour!

[B D]

Originally posted by widebody911
Like an Elise?

Yes, but with 100 more HP and AWD! The STI even has brembo brakes standard.

[Dantilla]

To many, the beauty of the existing cars is their practicality.
Sports car performance, but with the ability to carry four adults, groceries, yada yada....

What you're suggesting is to merely take away what some see as a plus.

I, however, am a sucker for a car that is beautiful to look at, and would be tempted by just such a car.

[gaijindabe]

Would put them in the cross-hairs of insurance companies and government regulators. In Japan and abroad..

[teenerted1]

Prodrive currently has no plans to put it into volume production. However, should a vehicle manufacturer approach the company to do so, it is expected that it would have a retail price of approximately £40,000.


sounds a little out of the subaru retail range for the US market...

[RallyJon]

sounds a little out of the subaru retail range for the US market...

That's the funny thing about Subaru--they're always less expensive than you expect. The cars keep getting better and better, and the prices barely creep upward, even with the weak dollar. And Subarus routinely sell for dealer "invoice" or thereabouts, yet retain their value really well in the used market. It's pretty remarkable how they manage to do that year in and year out.

Also remember that the $:£ ratio is 1:1 when you're talking about cars. For some reason the Brits pay much higher prices compared to the U.S.

A P2 for $40k? Sign me up. Of course I'll expect a generous trade-in allowance for the STI.

[AFC-911]

If they do offer a sports car version of the STI, I hope that it would look better than the P2. I see that thing as a mix of the Fusion, Focus and the Clio V6.

Ok, but what about Mitsu...they even have a platform to use in the Eclipse (not to mention that they've already shoehorned the Evo engine/trans...so we know this is possible)!



PS-I don't think insurance & gov't would concern car companies too much if there's money to be made!

[JavaBrewer]

The Evo and WRX Sti are the wet dreams of my youth. Me and my buddy in Lompoc used to worship the rally cars (GroupB) and would take our VW Rabbits of into the local crop fields late at night for some impromptu racing. 15" rims on crap tires, all of 90 HP, and we had a blast. I can't imagine the fun we would have had with a current generation *non sports car* Rex or Evo.

[Mulhollanddose]

why won't Subaru & Mitsu make a real sports car?

You haven't been to the track lately have you?...You throw $3,000 bucks at an Evo and you are seeing 400hp at the wheels, high 3s in the 0-60, and a car that will whoop cars 10x the price tag...Nothing like spankin' a 100,000 dollar car in a 4 door 4 cylinder rice rocket...priceless.

[MFAFF]

Mul's on the right track....

Why should they spend money on something that will yeild lower profit margins and lead to direct comparisons...?

Both the STI and Evo are in a class of their own...

Also remember that the original reason for these cars... the market they were aimed at was primarily the European one....traditionally a single car per family affair and so the family aspect is important...

[Mulhollanddose]

Murcielago v Evo

[Victor]

I'm with Mull: quit actin' like a bunch-o girly-boys worryin' 'bout how purdy you look and just drive...

[onewhippedpuppy]

Remember the SVX? 3000 GT? I'll bet Subaru and Mitsubishi do. Since the 90s Japanese supercar boom, only Nissan and Mazda have produced a sports car (excluding the NSX, and the Eclipse isn't a sports car). Notice too that the RX8 and 350Z are much more affordable sports cars than their 90s heritage. Those were expensive flops for the Japanese companies, my guess is that it has a lot to do with why we haven't seen more of them since. And really, why should they bother? They have sports car beating sedans, why sink the cash into a sports car? Especially Mitsu, they're teetering on the edge anyway.

[Dantilla]

I will say this about the WRX-

My sister owns one, and while it is fast, it lacks high-speed stability, especially under hard braking.

I know that there are relatively cheap aftermarket parts to fix the deficiencies, but as they come from the factory, it sure doesn't drive like a Porsche.

If Subaru was to put this drivetrain in a sporty coupe body, I'm sure they would re-engineer the suspension to get rid of the off-road compromises, and make it handle like a true sports car.

[AFC-911]

Mul,

I get your point, but I don't want a 4-door rocket...With the possible exception of the M5 (which I don't consider a sports car), I don't want a 4-door.

I just think they should offer an alternative.

Widebody 911,

No, I'm not asking for something like an Elise...maybe more like a Vauxhall Turbo.

[NICKG]

i had an evo...it IS without doubt a sports car, drive one, you will agree.