What does Subaru SVX mean?
The Subaru SVX is a unique and distinctive sports car model produced by the Japanese automaker Subaru from 1991 to 1997. The "SVX" in the name stands for "Subaru Vehicle X", reflecting the car's innovative and unconventional design.
Origins and Design of the Subaru SVX
The Subaru SVX was conceived as a high-performance, luxury sports car that would showcase Subaru's engineering capabilities and design flair. It was developed under the leadership of Subaru's then-president, Takeshi Tanaka, who envisioned a vehicle that would challenge the traditional sports car market.
The SVX's most distinctive design feature was its unusual "window-within-a-window" side glass configuration, which gave the car a unique and futuristic appearance. This innovative design was the work of renowned Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, who was brought in to collaborate on the SVX's styling.
Technical Specifications and Performance
Under the hood, the Subaru SVX was powered by a 3.3-liter, flat-six boxer engine, which was a departure from Subaru's traditional four-cylinder engines. This engine produced 231 horsepower and 228 lb-ft of torque, providing the SVX with impressive performance capabilities.
The SVX was available with either a four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual transmission, and it featured Subaru's signature all-wheel-drive system, which provided excellent handling and stability on the road.
Legacy and Impact
Despite its innovative design and impressive performance, the Subaru SVX was not a commercial success, with only around 14,000 units sold worldwide during its six-year production run. However, the SVX has since gained a cult following among enthusiasts and is now considered a unique and collectible Subaru model.
The SVX's influence can still be seen in Subaru's current lineup, with the company's continued focus on all-wheel-drive technology and the boxer engine configuration. The SVX's legacy as a bold and unconventional sports car has also inspired Subaru to continue pushing the boundaries of automotive design and engineering.
Is the Subaru SVX a collector car?
Japanese sports cars are all the rage in the collecting game, and we can see why. Flying around in an ever-stylish portal to the past can be a thrill if you do it right. The SVX is a rare gem, with the 1997 Subaru SVX LSi being the most precious pearl.
Is Subaru a LGBTQ car?
No, cars do not have sexual orientations, but Subaru has become associated with the LGBTQ+ community, particularly lesbians, due to decades of strategic and inclusive marketing. Subaru identified lesbians as a key demographic in the 1990s and developed campaigns with subtle, coded messages that resonated with the community.
You can watch this video to learn about Subaru's marketing strategy: 59sAuto Agentic AIYouTube · Jul 15, 2025
- Targeted advertising: In the 1990s, Subaru was facing declining sales and launched a campaign specifically targeting lesbians. The marketing team found that lesbians were four times more likely to buy a Subaru and developed ads that spoke directly to this demographic.
- Subtle and coded messages: The campaigns featured subtle, queer-coded messages like license plates that read "XENA LVR" or "P-TOWN" (a reference to Provincetown, a popular gay vacation spot). Taglines also included double entendres, such as "Get out and stay out" and "It's not a choice. It's the way we're built".
- Authentic support: The company's commitment extended beyond advertising to include sponsorships of LGBTQ+ events and partnerships with LGBTQ+ causes. They became a founding sponsor of the Rainbow Card, a credit card that donated to gay and lesbian causes.
- Community perception: These efforts created a lasting and positive association. Many people within the LGBTQ+ community see Subaru as a brand that was inclusive and supportive at a time when many other companies were not.
How many Subaru SVX are left?
Estimates suggest there are around 700 Subaru SVX vehicles left in the US and approximately 130 in the UK as of recent reports. These numbers are based on estimations of surviving vehicles as a percentage of the original sales figures, with the UK's 130 cars representing about 5% of their total sales.
- United States: An estimated 700 SVX models remain, calculated by applying the same 5% survival rate from the UK to the total U.S. sales of 14,257 units.
- United Kingdom: There are approximately 130 SVX vehicles remaining.
- Note: These figures are estimates and the actual numbers could differ.
What does SVX stand for in Subaru?
The suffix "SVX" is an acronym for "Subaru Vehicle X".
