To those who are not familiar with the “SVX” name in Subaru history, here are some background information.
23 years ago, Subaru created the SVX model which is sold in the US during the 1992 – 1997 model years. The SVX is Subaru’s first try in the luxury car market, it carries an approx. 33% higher MSRP than other Subaru cars when it went for sale in 1992.
The original Subaru SVX comes with a 3.3L 230hp flat-six engine, mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission. US market customer can choose between an AWD system and the FWD option. The FWD setup is only available in US because Subaru wanted to lower the car’s base price to attract more sales volume, in the later model years.
There are actually two types of AWD system offered on the SVX. One is called “ATC-4”, this is the same AWD setup in most Subaru models at that time. The ATC-4 system uses a variable clutch pack center differential, which has a default of 90/10 power front/rear wheel split ratio, and it can transfer up to a 50% power to rear wheels if the front wheels lost traction. The ATC-4 works in the way like an on-demand AWD.
Another type of AWD system is called VTD. This is a true permanent AWD with 36% front and 64% rear default power distribution. The VTD system is considered superior to the ATC-4 system.
Unfortunately all US market SVX is equipped with the ATC-4 system. If you are a Subaru fan, you may already know Subaru not always offer the best options for their cars sold in US, this is still true nowadays. But please do not blame Subaru for this, because other foreign brands did the same thing too. For example the three major German brands: Mercedes, BMW, Audi, US market do not get as many engine/transmission choices which are available in European market.
Because of many unforeseeable factors (including economic downturns, pricing etc.), US sales of the SVX never met Subaru’s expectations. In fact, counting all global sales, Subaru lost $75,000,000 in the SVX project.
Now 17 years has passed since the last SVX was sold in US, Subaru managements are thinking it is the right time to try the luxury performance car market again. According to our source, the new SVX will ride on the same platform as the next-gen Tribeca, and will be built in USA.
Apparently the new SVX need something special to make it competitive. Remember our report yesterday that hybrid powertrain is the new trend in the continuing horsepower competition? Yes Subaru is also going in the same route now; hybrid powertrain is not only for fuel economy, but also aims at performance enhancements. The new SVX will be powered by a 3.3L fuel-direct-injection flat-six engine, plus an electric motor which technology is sourced from Toyota. The total combined system output will be around 380PS (375hp). The new SVX is expected to debut in 2017.
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