Subaru pull out of WRC
16 December 2008, 01:14 PM
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Not shocked.
They can't make a competive car any more.
The car they HAVE made is butt-ugly.
The car they HAVE made is no longer pack leader, but relies on aftermarket tuners to boost it's performance......and it's price.
They are no longer selling enough cars, either for the prestige, or the "sporting" looks.
Goodbye Subaru, 2009, or 2010, is my forecast. If not worldwide, then certainly from the UK market
They can't make a competive car any more.
The car they HAVE made is butt-ugly.
The car they HAVE made is no longer pack leader, but relies on aftermarket tuners to boost it's performance......and it's price.
They are no longer selling enough cars, either for the prestige, or the "sporting" looks.
Goodbye Subaru, 2009, or 2010, is my forecast. If not worldwide, then certainly from the UK market
16 December 2008, 01:34 PM
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16 December 2008, 01:36 PM
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Yeah suzuki out too. The reason they have come about together in such a short space of time is that the teams had to notify the FIA by midnight last night of thier intention to compete in 2009.
Tanya: Its not just subaru who use/used "aftermarket tuners" Mitsubishi had ralliart and ford have M-sport.
The debate will go on about the new shape, bottom line: Ive got a new shape sti and i LOVE it. Belongs i like it im really not bothered !
Thanks for the memories SWRT !!!!! Produced true legends....
RMH
Tanya: Its not just subaru who use/used "aftermarket tuners" Mitsubishi had ralliart and ford have M-sport.
The debate will go on about the new shape, bottom line: Ive got a new shape sti and i LOVE it. Belongs i like it im really not bothered !
Thanks for the memories SWRT !!!!! Produced true legends....
RMH
16 December 2008, 01:55 PM
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I've just seen this and I am absolutely gutted. Subaru as a World Rally Car is, for me, what Subaru is all about, full stop. This is terrible, terrible news.
And where does it leave the WRC now? Citroen versus Ford.
And where does it leave the WRC now? Citroen versus Ford.
16 December 2008, 01:58 PM
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Prodrive have put an interesting slant on it but this is a massive blow. 20% of turnover is still a fifth of the business. Also it is interestign to note that's turnover not profits. I would suggest the Subaru link is one of the most profitable parts of the business and a base for many other things the guys do.
5t.
5t.
16 December 2008, 02:01 PM
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"Looking ahead, 2010 will see the introduction of new World Rally Championship technical regulations, which provide Prodrive with an opportunity to prepare for re-entering the championship with a new team and build on its 24 years of World Rally Championship experience and success."
From the SWRT Site, what the **** does this mean? Will Prodrive go with a different team or manufacturer?
What about PWRC and Group N?
From the SWRT Site, what the **** does this mean? Will Prodrive go with a different team or manufacturer?
What about PWRC and Group N?
Last edited by The Trooper 1815; 16 December 2008 at 02:03 PM.
16 December 2008, 02:10 PM
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Contrary to some of the posts in this thread knocking the new shape Impreza and calling it rubbish etc, this year's Rally GB was a veritable new shape Scoob fest, there were loads of them! So, obviously someone thinks that they're OK 
As sad as it is to see SWRT out for next year, rallying will still go on, the WRC isn't everything. We thought that the BRC would be rubbish without WRC cars but conversely it's been most entertaining. I go to all sorts of rallying events from clubman up to WRC and sometimes the most enjoyable days speccying is at the local club run events. Although obviously it's always a joy to see the fastest drivers in the world compete in the fastest machines in the world rallying is still a most entertaining sport to watch at whatever level
I can see why SWRT have pulled the plug for next year but let's keep our fingers crossed that not only do they come back in 2010 but that they come back in winning form.
My heart goes out to all the people in the team who have now lost their jobs
As sad as it is to see SWRT out for next year, rallying will still go on, the WRC isn't everything. We thought that the BRC would be rubbish without WRC cars but conversely it's been most entertaining. I go to all sorts of rallying events from clubman up to WRC and sometimes the most enjoyable days speccying is at the local club run events. Although obviously it's always a joy to see the fastest drivers in the world compete in the fastest machines in the world rallying is still a most entertaining sport to watch at whatever level
I can see why SWRT have pulled the plug for next year but let's keep our fingers crossed that not only do they come back in 2010 but that they come back in winning form.
My heart goes out to all the people in the team who have now lost their jobs
16 December 2008, 02:24 PM
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The whole reason they changed the shape was to make a shorter wheelbase hatchback that would be more competitive in the WRC, now they have pulled out, all they have done is created a FUGLY car that has lost all it's personality and that no-one likes, hence their sales being down.
What a joke
What a joke
16 December 2008, 02:36 PM
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16 December 2008, 02:40 PM
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As sad as it is to see SWRT out for next year, rallying will still go on, the WRC isn't everything. We thought that the BRC would be rubbish without WRC cars but conversely it's been most entertaining. I go to all sorts of rallying events from clubman up to WRC and sometimes the most enjoyable days speccying is at the local club run events. Although obviously it's always a joy to see the fastest drivers in the world compete in the fastest machines in the world rallying is still a most entertaining sport to watch at whatever level
Classic and clubman rallying has been growing in strength again over the past few years and even though I love my scooby there's no better sight/sound than a BDA Escort caning it through a forest.
16 December 2008, 02:41 PM
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The whole reason they changed the shape was to make a shorter wheelbase hatchback that would be more competitive in the WRC, now they have pulled out, all they have done is created a FUGLY car that has lost all it's personality and that no-one likes, hence their sales being down.
What a joke
What a joke
I would expect the STI to become the same as the EVO was/is again to the Lancer.
5t.
16 December 2008, 02:43 PM
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From Autosport.com
Subaru hopeful of future return
By Steven English
Tuesday, December 16th 2008, 13:18 GMT
Subaru boss Ikuo Mori says he would like the marque to return to the World Rally Championship in the future.
Mori, who is the president of Subaru's parent company, Fuji Heavy Industries, explained that the manufacturer had to be withdrawn from the sport due to the current financial crisis, but expressed his desire for the brand to return in future.
"We have achieved our initial objective to improve the brand recognition and given the unprecedented economic deterioration, it was necessary to review our investments, these are the main reasons (for the withdrawal)," said Mori.
"The possibility of a Subaru car back in the top category of the WRC in the future is not zero, however for this moment there can be no assumption of a comeback. (But) if we can be allowed, we want to continue - especially for the fans.
"Reaching the decision has been an extremely difficult task, not least because of the countless Subaru fans that have supported our cars for so many years. We would like to express our sincere appreciation for our fans' strong and loyal support worldwide."
The revised WRC regulations that will come into force in 2010 with the switch to Super 2000 machinary is expected to dramatically cut teams' budgets and more manufacturers are believed to be considering joining the championship.
Subaru will still be represented in the WRC next season with independent Norwegian team Adapta running two cars. Mads Ostberg has been confirmed as one of the drivers and the team is still looking for a second.
Prodrive could still work with a customer team to field a two car Subaru entry in the manufacturer teams' class, although no confirmation has been made by the team.
Subaru hopeful of future return
By Steven English
Tuesday, December 16th 2008, 13:18 GMT
Subaru boss Ikuo Mori says he would like the marque to return to the World Rally Championship in the future.
Mori, who is the president of Subaru's parent company, Fuji Heavy Industries, explained that the manufacturer had to be withdrawn from the sport due to the current financial crisis, but expressed his desire for the brand to return in future.
"We have achieved our initial objective to improve the brand recognition and given the unprecedented economic deterioration, it was necessary to review our investments, these are the main reasons (for the withdrawal)," said Mori.
"The possibility of a Subaru car back in the top category of the WRC in the future is not zero, however for this moment there can be no assumption of a comeback. (But) if we can be allowed, we want to continue - especially for the fans.
"Reaching the decision has been an extremely difficult task, not least because of the countless Subaru fans that have supported our cars for so many years. We would like to express our sincere appreciation for our fans' strong and loyal support worldwide."
The revised WRC regulations that will come into force in 2010 with the switch to Super 2000 machinary is expected to dramatically cut teams' budgets and more manufacturers are believed to be considering joining the championship.
Subaru will still be represented in the WRC next season with independent Norwegian team Adapta running two cars. Mads Ostberg has been confirmed as one of the drivers and the team is still looking for a second.
Prodrive could still work with a customer team to field a two car Subaru entry in the manufacturer teams' class, although no confirmation has been made by the team.
16 December 2008, 02:49 PM
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££££££££££ is the problem. I believe Subaru's budget has been £ 30 million to race 2 cars for 1 season.
Drivers estimated at £ 5 M between them.
Prodrive Building, Development Testing £ 10 - 15 M
Transport costs . team wages - logistics - spares advertising and more gulp the rest.
One thing that is killing motor sport are the costs of drivers. Much too much money for 12 months work.
OK all teams need the best driver's but be honest any guy would be happy getting paid £ 500, 000 for 12 months ! all these millions are stupid.
Drivers estimated at £ 5 M between them.
Prodrive Building, Development Testing £ 10 - 15 M
Transport costs . team wages - logistics - spares advertising and more gulp the rest.
One thing that is killing motor sport are the costs of drivers. Much too much money for 12 months work.
OK all teams need the best driver's but be honest any guy would be happy getting paid £ 500, 000 for 12 months ! all these millions are stupid.
16 December 2008, 02:57 PM
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Oh Dear
seems the WRC has reached its death!!
Perhaps we can go back to wandering into forest stages where and when we like now to watch 2real" cars and 2real" drivers!!
I think the WRC should go back to modified GPN cars only so based on road going cars.
Maybe that would help??
Maybe I could enter in me Rangie??
Perhaps we can go back to wandering into forest stages where and when we like now to watch 2real" cars and 2real" drivers!!
I think the WRC should go back to modified GPN cars only so based on road going cars.
Maybe that would help??
Maybe I could enter in me Rangie??
16 December 2008, 03:06 PM
#85
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Perhaps our insurance premiums will go down now that we're not driving rally cars anymore... NOT. Probably get charged more for driving "a vehicle of significant historical value".
Anyway, it's crap news
16 December 2008, 03:23 PM
#86
££££££££££ is the problem. I believe Subaru's budget has been £ 30 million to race 2 cars for 1 season.
Drivers estimated at £ 5 M between them.
Prodrive Building, Development Testing £ 10 - 15 M
Transport costs . team wages - logistics - spares advertising and more gulp the rest.
One thing that is killing motor sport are the costs of drivers. Much too much money for 12 months work.
OK all teams need the best driver's but be honest any guy would be happy getting paid £ 500, 000 for 12 months ! all these millions are stupid.
Drivers estimated at £ 5 M between them.
Prodrive Building, Development Testing £ 10 - 15 M
Transport costs . team wages - logistics - spares advertising and more gulp the rest.
One thing that is killing motor sport are the costs of drivers. Much too much money for 12 months work.
OK all teams need the best driver's but be honest any guy would be happy getting paid £ 500, 000 for 12 months ! all these millions are stupid.
16 December 2008, 03:37 PM
#87
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Now, the likes of Ford, Seat, VW, Vauxhall, Renault etc etc all make hot hatches that are a match for an untouched scoob except in the wet
. (or "on the twisties" LOL)The Scoob driver is then reliant on people like Litcho to make him the car that nothing else comes near.......but at a price
16 December 2008, 03:51 PM
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Big shame but hopefully this will mean the WRC as we know it (boring) will change for the better and that will allow Subaru to come back soon. As for it affecting our cars and the brand, I doubt that. Mitsubishi left a while ago and they haven't been affected.
I would rather FHI cust back on motorsport than fold up the company in the UK.
I would rather FHI cust back on motorsport than fold up the company in the UK.
