Subaru "propeller" grille to change

[sirwilliam]

THE prominent propeller nose will be flung from future Subaru models.
The Japanese brand's controversial aircraft-inspired grilles, as featured on the Impreza and Tribeca, will disappear from the radar. Subaru's parent company, Fuji Heavy Industries, chose to use the propeller corporate face on the current model as a pointer to its aeronautical history.

But Subaru spokesman David Rowley concedes the new face, introduced to Impreza last September, has had mixed reviews, even though sales have not declined.

Rowley says the propeller face has not been applied to the facelifted Liberty and Outback, due out next month, and it won't make it back for the forthcoming Impreza, scheduled for release next year.

"It's fair to say the design will not appear on future Subarus,” he says. "We had always said the aerospace theme could be applied in a variety of ways, like the way it's been presented on the Impreza and Tribeca.

"Fuji Heavy Industries said it would evolve over time. But it has not really been applied to Liberty and Outback."

Subaru's chief designer, Andreas Zapatinas, has resigned, effective the end of last month, but it is believed he was fired.

Rowley says Zapatinas was not responsible for the propeller theme: the Impreza and Tribeca designs were well advanced when the former Alfa and Fiat designer joined the Japanese carmaker.

Rowley says the first Zapatinas design is the next Impreza, due next year. He is also tight-lipped about whether the company will return to another core plank of Subaru's brand image, rallying, in Australia. "We are still weighing up a variety of motorsport options on the domestic scene," he says.

Meanwhile, Subarus are to develop multiple personalities, with a new computer management system called SI-Drive (Subaru Intelligent) to appear on top-of-the-range Liberty and Outback models next month.
The system works with engine, gearbox and electronic throttle control to produce three switchable driving modes: Intelligent mode for better fuel economy, Sport mode with sharper throttle response and gear change points set at higher revs, and Sport Sharp mode for maximum acceleration. There is also an extra "Eco" gauge and a graphic torque curve monitor.

Herald-Sun

**ARTICLE**

[complacent]

Not sure how to feel about that... When I first saw it, I instantly thought but it has grown on me quite a bit. hmm....

[Sabre]

I actually liked the new nose when I first saw it. My only thing was that it did get a little long, maybe that will be corrected though. I can't WAIT to see what the redesign has.

[Mr Kleen]

Rowley says the propeller face has not been applied to the facelifted Liberty and Outback, due out next month, and it won't make it back for the forthcoming Impreza, scheduled for release next year.

I'll reserve judgment until I see the new designs, but I would hope it won't be any more ungainly than the "propeller" nose.

[full disclosure: I don't care for the stock bugeye either]

[complacent]

[full disclosure: I don't care for the stock bugeye either]

Blasphemer!!!

[drwrx]

I'll reserve judgment until I see the new designs, but I would hope it won't be any more ungainly than the "propeller" nose.

[full disclosure: I don't care for the stock bugeye either]

You can please some of the people all of the time and all of the people some of the time . . . But you can't please Gabe!

My only issue with the 06 propeller nose is that it lengthened the nose and I always thought the nose was a bit too long on the 02-05.

[Mr Kleen]

I like the curent LGT...

[chicken n waffles]

no more propeller, aka pig nose?


THANK GOD!


the impreza just might be hot again when i buy a new car

[WRXWagon2112]

My only issue with the 06 propeller nose is that it lengthened the nose and I always thought the nose was a bit too long on the 02-05.

Remember, lengthened noses are more a function of new EU regulations regarding car-pedestrian crash safety. Take a look at the latest Camry - it's got a big beak on the front. This makes it "nicer" to the pedestrian you just mowed down.

With the global platforms that most auto manufacturers are building now, you'll see the same body / styling used through all markets. Which means any regulated body design in one part of the world is automatically the standard for the entire world.

--Alan

[Sabre]

[full disclosure: I don't care for the stock bugeye either]

Blasphemer!!!

Remember, lengthened noses are more a function of new EU regulations regarding car-pedestrian crash safety.... This makes it "nicer" to the pedestrian you just mowed down.

Good point about the new regulations... I didn't realize that it was such a problem till all the new regulations came out.

[Cereb Daithi]

oh dear god. i almost find myself hoping i DONT like the redesigned imprezas.. up til now i kept telling myself i'll just save the money and get a 04-05 STi since i like the body style.. but if they make the new one look good *shudders* oh the money...