The B4 Posted August 25, 2006 Share Posted August 25, 2006 http://carsguide.news.com.au/story/0,20384,20248914-21822,00.html Subaru "propeller" grille to change 25 August 2006 Gavin McGrath 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 [sIGPIC][/sIGPIC] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MilesA Posted August 25, 2006 Share Posted August 25, 2006 They fired Zapatinas? There go my hopes for Subaru mechanicals merged with gorgeous Italian-influenced styling. Subaru seems to change styling direction every couple of years. Sometimes in odd ways. Wonder what the next weirdity is going to be? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SLegacy99 Posted August 25, 2006 Share Posted August 25, 2006 Darn. I actually like it on the Impreza. Anything else is just ugly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unobtainium Posted August 25, 2006 Share Posted August 25, 2006 The guy didn't even have time to screw anything up, he must not have gotten along with one of the big wheels at FHI. I sure hope FHI doesn't hire Chris Bangle away from BMW. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The B4 Posted August 25, 2006 Author Share Posted August 25, 2006 The guy didn't even have time to screw anything up, he must not have gotten along with one of the big wheels at FHI. I sure hope FHI doesn't hire Chris Bangle away from BMW. That would be AWESOME!!! And I'm serious!!! [sIGPIC][/sIGPIC] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jazzymt Posted August 25, 2006 Share Posted August 25, 2006 Good. I hate that damn grille & was thrilled to find out it wasn't making it's way to the Legacy/Outback line in '07. [CENTER][URL="http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18504"]Subaru Plug & Play Aux-in Mod[/URL][/CENTER] [CENTER][URL="http://www.jazzyengineering.com"]www.jazzyengineering.com[/URL][/CENTER] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jagcars26 Posted August 25, 2006 Share Posted August 25, 2006 It all sounds good to me . The Tribeca styling was a disaster,,the WRX not so bad. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
red beast Posted August 25, 2006 Share Posted August 25, 2006 thank GOD it's gone. there was just no connection and history for us in the USA to relate to the design. i do love the new japaneese front on the 08 legacys. much much better than the bland fronts we have now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pillboy Posted August 25, 2006 Share Posted August 25, 2006 'Bout time. It is still ugly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotty Posted August 26, 2006 Share Posted August 26, 2006 But it's not like that design was new. The old Impreza has the same thing, just less pronounce. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
panamajack Posted August 26, 2006 Share Posted August 26, 2006 i liked it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SubieDriver Posted August 26, 2006 Share Posted August 26, 2006 So Zapatinas was fired before his first design ever hit the streets. We didn't have a chance to see his handiwork to judge whether or not he was a good influence. I guess we'll find out when the next-generation Impreza appears. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zsbaug24 Posted August 26, 2006 Share Posted August 26, 2006 I like it on my impreza, but the Tribeca was just weird with the headlamps above the grille. Being inline with it on my impreza its rather nice I feel. Still glad it didn't really make it to the Legacy/Outback. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aczwild Posted August 26, 2006 Share Posted August 26, 2006 Well it looks like I have a shot for being their designer JDM'd All to hell Thanks Jimmy @ Hkc-Speed.com! RIP Coxx & Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SUBE555 Posted August 26, 2006 Share Posted August 26, 2006 They could just outsource to Quattro GMbH. I'm guessing there must have been some falling-out as we haven't seen any models even hit market. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3.0R-AUS Posted August 27, 2006 Share Posted August 27, 2006 I must just be weird. I liked the original bug-eye current-shape Impreza and the new nose, but not the one in between (just superceded). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
psucaptainkickass Posted August 27, 2006 Share Posted August 27, 2006 ^ Weird Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PhilT Posted August 27, 2006 Share Posted August 27, 2006 Well it looks like I have a shot for being their designer You couldn't possibly do any worse, as a matter of fact, I probably couldn't either Thank God, hopefully Subaru can go in the right direction now. Double Award Winning Legacy GT Wagon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The B4 Posted August 27, 2006 Author Share Posted August 27, 2006 You couldn't possibly do any worse, as a matter of fact, I probably couldn't either Thank God, hopefully Subaru can go in the right direction now. I don't think you read the article... The snout wasn't Zap's idea and he didn't implement it... His first car is the upcoming Impreza. The Japanese are solely responsible for the snout and its inception. [sIGPIC][/sIGPIC] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
red beast Posted August 27, 2006 Share Posted August 27, 2006 and just when i thought they were gonna add fins. http://www.drivesubaru.com/Sum06/attic/100MPG_Car1.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IwannaSportSedan Posted August 27, 2006 Share Posted August 27, 2006 That looks like someone who likes to say "I love GOOOOOOOOOLLLLD!" That thing is funny as hell. Can't say that I am sorry to see the three grille motif going the way of the dodo, though. Lets just hope the replacement idea is better, not just an alternate... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spec B Posted August 28, 2006 Share Posted August 28, 2006 and just when i thought they were gonna add fins. http://www.drivesubaru.com/Sum06/attic/100MPG_Car1.jpg lol! You would think they could have gotten better than 100mpg if they just filled the tires to the correct PSI?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gfxdave99 Posted August 28, 2006 Share Posted August 28, 2006 http://chuqui.typepad.com/teal_sunglasses/snoopy.dancing.jpg <<< does the snoopy dance in joy that the Legacy wont be ruined and increases the chance of me staying a Subaru customer after my LGT is paid off. If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough. - Mario Andretti Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SC GT Posted August 28, 2006 Share Posted August 28, 2006 and just when i thought they were gonna add fins. http://www.drivesubaru.com/Sum06/attic/100MPG_Car1.jpg That looks like the Ace and Gary Mobile. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gire Posted August 28, 2006 Share Posted August 28, 2006 lol! You would think they could have gotten better than 100mpg if they just filled the tires to the correct PSI?? :lol: Nice catch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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