Thread: Subaru Rear-Drive Sports Car Actually AWD

Subaru has given us a first glimpse at its version of the FT-86/Toyobaru with one major surprise - the proclaimed rear-drive sports car is actually all-wheel drive.

Sharing a chassis with Toyota's FT-86, the car was repeatedly rumored to use only a rear-drive system; strange indeed considering it has been adapted from the AWD Legacy.

On display at the Geneva Auto Show a day ahead of it's official debut, we were disappointed that the architecture was not filled out with some stunning sheetmetal, but this revelation is far more important and certain to appease Suby fans around the globe.

As though the driveshaft weren't enough, on a display plaque next to a scale model of the architecture it goes so far as to call the vehicle a "rear-wheel drive sports car" and then in the very next sentence states that it features "Subaru's signature Symmetrical AWD system." No wonder we were confused.

UPDATE: Upon inspection the vehicle, it most certainly does not have front driveshafts and is a RWD platform, leaving only the question as to why Subaru's plaque says it does. Sorry to get your hopes up, you fans of Symmetrical AWD.

Get more: Subaru RWD Sports Car Actually AWD at AutoGuide.com

At least Team Orange won't have to convert 'em haha!

Hrmmmm... interesting. So its kind of like the Audi R8/Gallardo systems that are only allowed to feed in a certain amount of power in set situations?

Just build the damn thing already...It'd be a bit odd if it wasnt AWD tho, there wouldnt be any differentiation with the toyota version (except for the floormats )

Originally Posted by SpecB

Just build the damn thing already...It'd be a bit odd if it wasnt AWD tho, there wouldnt be any differentiation with the toyota version (except for the floormats )

Agreed man... it what makes subaru a subaru

Basically they just need to make the Prodrive P2

Originally Posted by SubiLegacySTI

Basically they just need to make the Prodrive P2

+ infinity, how many cars do you know that can make Clarkson vomit hahaha?!

So since it's adapted from the Legacy platform, could you, and how expensive would it be to convert it to AWD? Obviously the car isn't even available yet but if it could be converted if it isn't expensive I'd love to get one in a few years. But I don't understand the RWD thinking in this especially with Toyota releasing their own model.

^From what I understand, VERY hard- due to the lack of front axles to begin with, the motor sits quite a bit lower than it does in the Legacy (someone feel free to correct me tho, I really have zero idea beyond what I've read...)

Anyone think this will lead to a new WRC program...?

Did some more reading/watching today and Insideline was reporting that even though the 'car' subaru brought to the show was natural aspirated and RWD, the platform would allow an AWD variant even though the engine is so low. They're also expected to release a top of the line turbo'd variant model so maybe their STI model, if they keep the moniker, would have an AWD option.

I'll tell you what 2012 is going to be the biggest year for the industry in awhile. Some of these cars are going to be absolute rockets and many of them are gonna be really affordable dailys too.