The new Impreza (17 model) is close to the concept I think so we could get the basic shape. I don't think it will be a Vizz 2 type looking concept. As far as engine choices Mazda only offers a 4 turbo but Ford offers 6 and 4 configs. The new Mercedes E class comes standard with a turbo 4. If they where smart they would offer it in turbo 4 and 3.6 offerings. There was rumors of a Hybrid type layout alsoSubaru has a decades-long history of showing interesting and even stunning prototypes at a car show, and then they are never seen again. If the new 3 row is shown in concept form in LA this wknd it's unlikely to bear much resemblance to the production model. In all likelihood it will be hard to distinguish it from most of its competitors, since I think its potential buyers don't want to stand out from the crowd. But they will require a lot of comfort and gizmos, much more than Subaru has been used to providing.
But they would probably reveal the powertrain choices;if the 3-row does not use the h-6, this would make the current OB h-6 the last of the breed. I'd be sorry to see it go.
I hope they don't pick the name Assscent, too many bad jokes will be made.
The new Impreza (17 model) is close to the concept I think so we could get the basic shape. I don't think it will be a Vizz 2 type looking concept. As far as engine choices Mazda only offers a 4 turbo but Ford offers 6 and 4 configs. The new Mercedes E class comes standard with a turbo 4. If they where smart they would offer it in turbo 4 and 3.6 offerings. There was rumors of a Hybrid type layout also
Subaru buyers (existing owners) won't likely buy a third row "SUV" with sliding doors. Why? They'd already have a minivan if they wanted one.If there's a lesson to be taken from the Tribeca it is size.
The whole point of a big car is being big enough, and the Tribeca simply wasn't. I think Subaru got a reinforcement lesson in the 2010 Outback: when they released that car with the enlarged rear cabin, sales really took off.
Personally I'm a little disappointed that it appears to have hinged rear doors. When the Honda Oddysey was developed out of the Accord, the 1st generation made that mistake as well. Honda later corrected it and they've been selling well since.
The discontinuation of the Mazda5 has left a hole at the smaller end of the minivan market, one not quite filled by the CX9. Maybe this is what Subaru is shooting for?
How do you know they're going after existing owners? I mean, I'm sure they're going to want to grab the folks giving up their Outbacks because the family got even bigger, but that's sort of the low-hanging fruit.Subaru buyers (existing owners) won't likely buy a third row "SUV" with sliding doors. Why? They'd already have a minivan if they wanted one.
Agreed on all points, especially the doors. I just feel that if this is going to succeed it will need to succeed with not only new but existing customers as well. Not that they'd want to cannibalize sales but they know people have been sadly outgrowing their Outbacks for 20yrs now.How do you know they're going after existing owners? I mean, I'm sure they're going to want to grab the folks giving up their Outbacks because the family got even bigger, but that's sort of the low-hanging fruit.
It seems to me that a Big-aru would be their way to get minivan & large crossover shoppers who didn't have any Subaru on their radar because the Outback was way too small.
I don't actually care if the doors slide or not- that is a technicality. I just hope they are very large, because doorways that big generally occur on vehicles with truly useful 3rd rows.
If those back doors are big enough to cause problems in garages & tight California parking lots, I'll consider this car to be a success from a scale & design standpoint.
Hinged rear doors? I assume you wanted a minivan kind of look. Thats why I got a 16 OB instead of the Honda Pilot. Even with hinged doors the Pilot looks like a OdysseyIf there's a lesson to be taken from the Tribeca it is size.
The whole point of a big car is being big enough, and the Tribeca simply wasn't. I think Subaru got a reinforcement lesson in the 2010 Outback: when they released that car with the enlarged rear cabin, sales really took off.
Personally I'm a little disappointed that it appears to have hinged rear doors. When the Honda Oddysey was developed out of the Accord, the 1st generation made that mistake as well. Honda later corrected it and they've been selling well since.
The discontinuation of the Mazda5 has left a hole at the smaller end of the minivan market, one not quite filled by the CX9. Maybe this is what Subaru is shooting for?
Power plant will be interesting. Something that size screams for a V8.What is blowing my mind is the size of this prototype as stated in the email above.
Looks like Tahoe for example was a full size benchmark
"Viziv-Ascent" 204x80x72, wheelbase 117
Tahoe 204x81x74, wheelbase 116
so the Sube exec is not kidding when he says they will be making a full size crossover.
Sorry, this is too much of a porker for me. Would be interesting to see this chugging with a 2.0 turbo. :laugh:
I bet they have a few secrets up their sleeve like a shorter 2/2.5 row, similar to Hyundai Sante Fe (193" length) and SF Sport. For comparison, Highlander is 176X76X68, wheelbase 110.
That would give Subaru a midsize crossover to sell, and room at the top for an "exclusive" full size fully loaded barge starting at maybe 50K, for those fans who really need one. I think the real target is the midsize market.
Biting off a lot, hope S. can chew it. :smile2: