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Future Cars: Could Subaru Grow a Pair and Develop a 911-Rivalling Supercar?

Posted: 14 Oct 2014 06:00 PM PDT


In the world of questions that should never be asked, some things are better left unexplored. For example why do the Kardashians exist? Is it ok to deep-fry footwear and how many Hamsters do you need to fill a Kia's fuel tank? Things we don't care about aside; there is one question I've always pondered - should Subaru make an all-out Supercar?

Forget the BRZ Coupe, rally-bred WRX STI and long lost SVX; I'm talking about a competitor that can square up against the likes of Nissan's GT-R and Porsche's 911 Turbo S.

With that in mind and Toyota's development of the FT-1 Supercar Concept, I've decided to delve deeper into the possibility of an hero car loosely based on Toyota's upcoming, modern-day Supra replacement.

Firstly, let's start with the design; the donor FT-1 has stunning organic and curvaceous surfacing. Where the Subaru differs, is in its own design language. As with my rendered example, the styling is more geometric, angular and upright. For a strong point of difference, the rear takes on a shooting-break aesthetic with an upwards-wrapping C-pillar that incorporates inlet scoops within the rear quarter windows.

The front carries Subaru's universally used trapezoidal front grille, flanked by horizontal intakes and a race car-inspired front splitter. Large side inlets intersect aggressively against the doors, with crease-work that runs along the sills then shoots upwards to create a visual link with the A-pillars.

Within the cabin should be an environment devoid of any current Subaru design traits; instead utilising more expressive styling, quality materials and exotic finishes cosseting a 2+2 layout.

Underneath the angular aesthetic cloak, would lay front engined, all-wheel drive fundamentals - albeit with a hybrid boxer twist. Electric motors sending power to front and rear axles, coupled to a turbocharged 3.6-liter flat six, could yield supercar performance with a distinctive soundtrack.

While the traditionalist within me would wish for a manual transmission, the logical approach for such a maniacal vehicle would utilise a quick-shifting 8 or 9-speed dual-clutch unit. Sorry rubber band lovers - no CVT's allowed in this segment.

Subaru's offering would need to carve up corners like a laser-guided weapon; rivals such as Porsche's 911 Turbo S and McLaren MP4-12C, are considered some of the best handling exotics out there. Add other great alternatives to the mix like Mercedes-Benz's AMG GT, Jaguar F-Type R and 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06; then suddenly one realises the daunting task Subaru would face.

Unfortunately, it's at this point where reality sets back in; does Subaru have the capital, R&D and willingness from a potential partner like Toyota to make it happen? Odds are… well probably not. Although never say never and who knows - Fuji Heavy Industries may just one day surprise us.

Feasibility issues aside, would you like to see Subaru develop a 911-basher?

Share your views in the comments below.

By Josh Byrnes

Photo Renderings Copyright Carscoops / Josh Byrnes

Photo Gallery

2015 Toyota Camry Gets Thumbs Up from Consumer Reports

Posted: 14 Oct 2014 05:03 PM PDT


The Toyota Camry received a significant makeover for the 2015 model year and the folks from Consumer Reports were among the first to have a contact with the revised lineup of America's best-selling car.

CR's Tom Mutchler says the aesthetic makeover of the Toyota Camry makes it sportier and sleeker, which means a lot for a sedan that has never been exciting in terms of styling – on the contrary. Still, the changes aren't radical and will likely boost the Camry's appeal among most types of buyers.

A slightly refined interior with added standard features and two new grades complete the changes, as the Camry continues to be offered with the same engine lineup as before: a 178hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder, a 268hp 3.5-liter V6 and a 200hp four-cylinder hybrid.

Move past the break to find out which one is the right choice for the Camry from the review.

VIDEO

Nissan Wants Us to Prepare for a New Concept Car on Oct. 28

Posted: 14 Oct 2014 04:33 PM PDT


In two weeks' time from today, Nissan will unwind this teaser and reveal a brand new concept car at Brazil's São Paulo Motor Show 2014 on October 28.
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Ferrari LaFerrari is Really Exciting in a Straight Line – Acceleration Runs Within

Posted: 15 Oct 2014 02:38 AM PDT


Currently one of the hottest cars on the planet, the Ferrari LaFerrari's brutal performance is still leaving us awe struck, months after it was unveiled.

With 950 hp and just 1,255 kg / 2,767 lbs to lug around it accelerates at an insane rate that's eloquently illustrated in the selection of videos posted below.
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Audi Makes LA Show Concept Official, Says it Will Redefine Brand's Design

Posted: 14 Oct 2014 03:30 PM PDT


Audi won't confirm the name yet, but it has confirmed the world premiere of the first concept car to bear the signature of its new Head of Design Marc Lichte at the Los Angeles motor show in November.
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Spied: New 2017 Mercedes E-Class Shows its New Body, Gets Straight-Six Engines

Posted: 14 Oct 2014 03:59 PM PDT


There's a new E-Class brewing in Mercedes-Benz's product pot and we have the first photos of a prototype model wearing a real body.
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New Skoda Fabia with Fresh Pics and Details

Posted: 14 Oct 2014 02:32 PM PDT


With the all-new Fabia hatchback arriving in European dealerships next month, Skoda has released full details and a photo gallery with its new supermini.
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Watch a Drone Wreak Havoc at Serbia-Albania Football Match

Posted: 14 Oct 2014 02:06 PM PDT


We've seen drones employed at war and even to troll cops, but we've never seen one used to provoke and stop an official football game, which is what happened tonight at the Euro 2016 qualifier between Serbia and Albania.
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More than 1 Million Chevrolet Spark on City Streets Worldwide

Posted: 14 Oct 2014 01:37 PM PDT


GM has announced that worldwide sales of the Chevy Spark have surpassed the 1 million mark, five years after the model was introduced in India in 2009 as the Chevrolet Beat.
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Mopar Gives Sneak Peek of 2014 SEMA Show Concepts

Posted: 14 Oct 2014 01:05 PM PDT


There will be plenty to see at next month's SEMA aftermarket show from the Chrysler Group, which has dropped some teaser photo samples of its tuned projects.
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Parking Space Spat Leads to Mad Road Rage Incident in Brazil

Posted: 14 Oct 2014 12:33 PM PDT


Who doesn't get aggravated in parking lots, but an argument between two drivers at the Rio Mar Mall in Brazil, got completely out of hand when one of them tried to run the other over crashing into his car!
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245HP Porsche Macan Diesel to Arrive in the US in Late 2015

Posted: 14 Oct 2014 12:03 PM PDT


With rivals like BMW and Audi already offering diesel-powered SUVs in the United States, Porsche is reportedly planning to bring the Macan S Diesel stateside about a year from now.
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Mercedes’ B-Class F-Cell Has Covered Over 300,000 Kilometers

Posted: 14 Oct 2014 11:35 AM PDT


Mercedes-Benz has announced that its B-Class F-Cell experimental vehicle has covered more than 300,000 kilometers (186,411 miles) under normal everyday conditions.
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U Spy: What's Volvo Doing with These 2015 XC90s in Colorado?

Posted: 14 Oct 2014 04:35 PM PDT


While Volvo officials are parading the new XC90 in Paris, their technical teams are still out in the open working on the brand's second generation mid-size SUV.
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Nissan's New JDM Note Nismo is the One You Might Want

Posted: 14 Oct 2014 10:33 AM PDT


In the US, the Versa Note is a no-frills sub-compact with a 109hp 1.6L engine and a fairly low starting price of around $15k, but in Japan, Nissan has given buyers a livelier option with the Nismo badge.
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Acura May Offer Standard AWD on Future Models

Posted: 14 Oct 2014 10:00 AM PDT


When you say Acura, what's the first defining feature of the brand that springs to mind?
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Abarth Opens its Factory Doors to Google Street View, Check it Out Here

Posted: 14 Oct 2014 09:32 AM PDT


Fiat's sporty sub-brand Abarth has become the first European carmaker to offer a virtual tour of its headquarters thanks to Google Street View.
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The Lord of Parkistan

Posted: 14 Oct 2014 05:40 PM PDT


So, let me get this straight, was this driver trying to park his car or rub the VAZ-2107  saloon against the black SUV?
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Novitec Torado's Lamborghini Aventador Tune

Posted: 14 Oct 2014 08:36 AM PDT


Novitec has a second name for each brand it tunes, and for Lamborghini, it has chosen "Torado" and this is what it has come up with for the Aventador LP700-4.
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Jay Leno Tries Out The Very First Meyers Manx Dune Buggy

Posted: 14 Oct 2014 08:11 AM PDT


While the dune buggy was not originally Bruce Meyers' idea, it was him who decided that it would be wise to use (cheap and plentiful) VW Beetle parts and a fiberglass shell. Amusingly, it was specifically designed to look like a caricature, a spoof…
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Fiat Gives Europe New 500X Opening Edition Special

Posted: 14 Oct 2014 07:46 AM PDT


Fiat is so excited about its new 500X small crossover that it's releasing a special launch edition for the first 2,000 customers from Italy, Germany, France, Spain and Switzerland.
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First "Vertu for Bentley" Smartphone Costs Just...$17,100

Posted: 14 Oct 2014 05:40 PM PDT


Bentley and Vertu have revealed the first smartphone from their co-designed "Vertu for Bentley" line announced in July this year as part of a five-year partnership.
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Audi's First Teaser for its LA Show A9 Concept

Posted: 14 Oct 2014 06:34 AM PDT


We reported about Audi's plans to reveal a telling A9 Concept at the upcoming LA Auto Show in November, and now we have what's claimed to be an official teaser.
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Haha! Watch Audi Towing Job Go Autonomously Wrong

Posted: 14 Oct 2014 06:05 AM PDT


How do you notify the person towing your car that there's a problem? We can think of many ways, but jumping out of your vehicle is definitely not one of them. Even more so if the tow-driver is in a large van with close to zero rear visibility…
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Manhart Piques Our Curiosity with New BMW i8 Tune

Posted: 14 Oct 2014 05:30 AM PDT


We're waiting for the day that someone will shoehorn the M3's straight-six or better yet, the older M5's V10 behind the i8's passenger compartment.
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