Subaru's classic JDM 4WD grand tourer, the Alcyone SVX, is undoubtedly one of the most requested rides to be featured on Forza Motorsport 6, and with the release of the Alpinestars Car Pack, we have been given the chance to try out this classic Subie noteworthy of its "500miles a day" slogan. Why? Because it said so in the TV commercial back in the 90's. Anyway, so what's it all about the SVX?
Launched in 1991, the Alcyone SVX served as Subaru's flagship grand tourer coupe with the slogan "500miles a day".
Apart from its Giugiaro-inspired styling and its glass-to-glass round canopy, the Alcyone SVX comes with a water-cooled 3.3L boxer-six engine and Subaru's first variable torque distribution electronically controlled four-wheel drive (VTD-4WD). The engine produces 230HP of power and 228lb-ft if torque while mated exclusively with a 4-speed automatic gearbox. It comes with strut suspension on both front and rear wheels as well as ventilated disc brakes.
Despite the heavyweight body, the SVX drives just like a luxury grand tourer with its comfort and accessible handling suitable for long-distance cruising ahead.
It's a shame that despite its futuristic styling reminiscent of its arch-rival, the first-generation Mitsubishi Eclipse, its auto-only gearbox is what made the SVX failed as a sportscar made for the discerning car enthusiasts looking for some alternatives to the R32 Skyline GT-R and no matter how far you'll go, the SVX doesn't feel as exciting to drive as today's WRX STi or BRZ, but despite its massive flaws, the SVX remains a future classic not by its fanbase and its Giugiaro-penned styling but it's the rarity that makes it hard to find one nowadays. I kinda admit I was swooned by nostalgia because every time I drive the SVX in-game, it is kinda reminiscent of the classic commercial. Makes me wanna fall asleep and dream that I'm seeing the SVX's Japanese commercial again and again and again, day in and day out.
Anyway, no time for a nostalgia trip because I head on the Top Gear Test Track on a rainy day to compare against other coupes Subaru made throughout its history.
What I brought here are the past and present Subaru coupes the SVX will face today. On the top, it's the perfect version of the Impreza Retna called the 22B STi, styled in honor of the WRC-winning rally car, and at the bottom, it's the Subaru BRZ, a rear-wheel drive coupe built in collaboration with Toyota. Relax, this is just a Toyota 86 in Subaru's clothing.
Anyway, since it's raining outside the track, I'd expect the 4WD Subies will perform just the way it was made, especially the SVX, because the BRZ's rear-wheel drive and rear-wheel drives can be problematic in the rainy weather...or is it? You see, despite the BRZ being short on power compared to the SVX, it's surprisingly lighter even though it comes with rear-wheel drive. So, without further ado, let's drive these two-door Subies around the Top Gear Track, even when it rains!
After a lap around the Top Gear Track, the results are in. The SVX did in in 1:41.825 while the 22B STi did it in 1:36.916, and the BRZ in 1:40.754.
The conclusion; even though the SVX failed to meet its sportscar credentials in Subaru history, it still is a not-so-bad grand tourer that you can enjoy for as much as the driver likes. I wanna drive this car for just 500 miles a day. Whoop! There goes the commercial. Ha ha ha... Still, it's good to have the SVX part of the FM6 car roster.
No comments:
Post a Comment