Subaru SVX
The SVX was introduced in 1991 as a successor to the Subaru XT. The SVX was discontinued in 1997 without a direct replacement. The Subaru BRZ was launched in 2012 as the spiritual successor to the SVX.
Subaru SVX Overview
The Subaru SVX, also known as the Subaru Alcyone SVX in its home market of Japan, stands out as one of the more distinctive and intriguing models in Subaru’s history. Produced in the 1990s, the SVX combined Subaru’s technical prowess with a bold design that was unlike anything else in their lineup. The Subaru SVX made its debut in 1991 and was produced until 1996.
The car was designed by noted Italian automotive designer Giorgetto Giugiaro of ItalDesign, who is renowned for crafting some of the most iconic cars in history. Under the hood, the SVX sported a 3.3-liter boxer six-cylinder engine, producing around 230 horsepower and 228 lb-ft of torque. True to Subaru’s form, the SVX came with an all-wheel-drive system, underscoring its sporty nature with the practicality Subaru is known for. The car was equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Notably, there wasn’t a manual transmission option, a decision which some enthusiasts felt held back its full performance potential.
One of the most recognizable design elements of the SVX is its unique side window layout. The window is split into two pieces, where the upper portion is fixed and the lower portion rolls down, forming a “window within a window” design. The car featured a sleek, aerodynamic design with a relatively low drag coefficient for its time.
With its combination of advanced features and unique design, the SVX was positioned as a luxury sports coupe, and its price tag reflected that. In the U.S., its pricing was significantly higher than any other Subaru model at the time. The SVX is remembered as Subaru’s bold foray into the luxury sports coupe market. While it didn’t achieve massive sales success, it’s fondly remembered for its distinct design and technical features.
Subaru SVX Sales Figures
The SVX found a niche market and developed a cult following, but its high price limited its mass-market appeal, especially in markets where Subaru was known for its more utilitarian vehicles.
Subaru SVX US Sales Data & Charts
US Annual Sales
Year | Sales Units |
---|---|
1991 | 1,513 |
1992 | 3,667 |
1993 | 3,859 |
1994 | 1,666 |
1995 | 1,801 |
1996 | 1,111 |
1997 | 640 |