Miata Mailing List: April 1999, Message #200

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I just found this article on the Edmunds web site, at
http://www.edmunds.com/edweb/editorial/exhaust/subaru.htm

They have a grainy spy photo as well, but below is the text of the article.

Regards,
Gordon Choate
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
96 BRG/tan



Subaru's New Sport Utility Roadster
by Greg Anderson

Subaru has unveiled plans for a Sport Utility Roadster (SUR), a small two-seat
convertible that will compete head-to-head with the Mazda Miata. The new SUR is
based on the Forester platform, which helped Subaru reduce development time for
the new car because several key components -- such as the drivetrain and
suspension -- are also shared between the two cars.

A 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer-type engine borrowed from the Forester and
Impreza will power the SUR. That engine makes 165 horsepower and 162 foot-pounds
of torque, and should help take the 2,388-lb car from 0-to-60 in just over six
seconds.

The SUR features a 94.4-inch wheelbase (five inches shorter than the Forester),
a power convertible top, all-wheel drive, fog lights and rubber bodyside
exterior cladding. And with an impressive 6.5-inches of ground clearance, Subaru
claims that the SUR is the only roadster that can also be driven off the
pavement (at least on purpose).

"We're going after the buyer who wants the convenient, small size of a
convertible roadster, the not-so-tight handling characteristics of a much larger
vehicle, and the rugged looks and off-roadability of a truck -- all in one
package," said a Subaru spokesperson. "That package is the essence of the SUR.
Our target market is men and women ages 40 to 45, with a median income of
$60,000 to $90,000. The SUR will appeal to outdoorsy types who enjoy such
activities as skiing, snowshoe hiking, Arctic kayaking and whale hunting. And we
will also specifically target the mentally deranged."

Asked why a convertible buyer would be interested in the cold-weather benefits
of all-wheel drive, a Subaru official quipped, "Our target market doesn't seem
to mind cold, wind or frostbite."

Prices for the SUR will be slightly higher than the Miata, due to the added
benefit of Subaru's AWD system and dash-mounted altimeter. Two trim levels will
be offered: a base model, and a "Limited" (simply distinguished by gold stickers
that say "Limited.") The convertible goes on sale next January.