What was the Subaru SVX called in Japan?
The Subaru SVX, a unique and distinctive sports car produced by the Japanese automaker Subaru, was known as the "Alcyone SVX" in its home market of Japan. This luxurious and aerodynamic coupe was introduced in 1991 and was Subaru's flagship model, showcasing the company's engineering prowess and design flair.
The Alcyone SVX: Subaru's Flagship Sports Car
The Alcyone SVX, named after the brightest star in the Pleiades star cluster, was a departure from Subaru's more practical and utilitarian vehicle lineup. Designed by the renowned Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, the SVX featured a distinctive and futuristic appearance, with a sloping roofline, large glass panels, and a unique "window-within-a-window" design for the side windows.
Under the hood, the Alcyone SVX was powered by a 3.3-liter flat-six engine, delivering 231 horsepower and 228 lb-ft of torque. This engine was mated to either a 4-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual transmission, providing a thrilling driving experience.
The Reason for the Name Change
The decision to use the "Alcyone" name for the Japanese market was likely a strategic one by Subaru. The Alcyone name was intended to evoke the brand's heritage and connection to the Pleiades star cluster, which has been a longstanding symbol for the company. This branding strategy helped to differentiate the SVX from Subaru's more mainstream models and position it as a premium, high-performance offering.
In contrast, the "SVX" name was used for the international markets, including North America and Europe, where the car was marketed under this designation. This naming convention helped to establish a global identity for the model while still acknowledging its Japanese roots through the Alcyone name.
Legacy of the Alcyone SVX
The Alcyone SVX was a significant and influential model in Subaru's history, showcasing the company's design and engineering capabilities. Although it was not a high-volume seller, the SVX's unique styling and performance characteristics have made it a sought-after collector's item among enthusiasts today. The Alcyone SVX's legacy continues to inspire Subaru's design and engineering teams as they develop new and innovative models for the global market.
What is a cringe car in Japanese?
Itasha
Itasha. In Japan, an itasha (痛車, literally "painful" or "cringeworthy" + "car") is a car decorated with images of characters from anime, manga, or video games (especially bishōjo games or eroge).
What is Subaru Legacy called in Japan?
The Subaru Legacy (Japanese: スバル・レガシィ, Hepburn: Subaru Regashi) is a mid-size car built by Japanese automobile manufacturer Subaru since 1989. The maker's flagship car, it is unique in its class for offering all-wheel drive as a standard feature, and Subaru's traditional boxer engine.
What is the Subaru crosstrek called in Japan?
The Subaru Crosstrek (Japanese: スバル・クロストレック, Hepburn: Subaru Kurosutorekku, also known as the Subaru XV globally for the first two generations) is a compact crossover SUV produced by Subaru since 2012.
What was the predecessor to the Subaru SVX?
Subaru introduced the SVX in the United States in July 1991 (as a 1992 model), following the US debut with a Japanese market introduction in September of that same year. The model was designed and marketed as the replacement for the Alcyone XT and Alcyone XT6 coupes.
What is another name for the Subaru BRAT?
The BRAT is also known as a Brumby, MV Pickup or Shifter depending on where it was sold.
What was the Subaru Brat called in Japan?
The Subaru BRAT in the U.S. and Abroad
Outside of the U.S., it was known as the 284, Brumby, Shifter, MV, and Targa. Ironically, it was never sold in its home market of Japan since there was no real demand. It was launched in 1978 with one engine option, a 1.6-liter H-4.
