Subaru SVX Overview
The Subaru SVX, also known as the Subaru Alcyone SVX, is a grand tourer produced by Subaru from 1991 to December 1996. It was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro and was marketed as a luxury sports car with rally-inspired technology. The SVX featured a unique design with excellent visibility due to its lack of A, B, or C pillars. It was a 2-door coupe with a front-engine layout and four-wheel drive. The SVX was powered by a 3.3 L EG33 H6 engine and came with a 4-speed 4EAT automatic transmission. It had a wheelbase of 2,610 mm and dimensions of 4,625 mm in length, 1,770 mm in width, and 1,310 mm in height.
Meaning of SVX
The meaning of the acronym SVX has been a subject of speculation and debate. According to Subaru, SVX does not stand for anything in particular. Some suggestions include Safety Vehicle Xperimental, Specialty Vehicle X, and Subaru Vehicle X, but ultimately, it can be interpreted as whatever one wants it to be.
Reception and Legacy
The Subaru SVX was considered an ambitious but ultimately unsuccessful venture for Subaru. It faced tough competition from other Japanese sports cars of the time, such as the Acura NSX, Nissan 300ZX, Mazda RX-7, Mitsubishi 3000 GT, and Toyota Supra. The SVX’s high price compared to other Subaru models also affected its sales, leading Subaru to introduce a cost-cut front-wheel drive model later on. Despite its commercial challenges, the SVX is often regarded as an interesting and unique vehicle, appreciated by enthusiasts for its design and engineering.
Ownership and Parts Availability
Due to the limited number of SVX units sold, finding OEM parts for the SVX can be challenging. The low number of survivors has resulted in a small but dedicated owner community that can provide support and resources for SVX owners. However, it is important to note that OEM parts for the SVX are essentially nonexistent.
Conclusion
The Subaru SVX was a grand tourer produced by Subaru from 1991 to December 1996. It featured a unique design, rally-inspired technology, and a 3.3 L H6 engine. While it faced challenges in the market and had limited parts availability, the SVX remains an interesting and distinctive vehicle appreciated by enthusiasts.
Contents
Why did the Subaru SVX fail?
It was the only available gearbox because Subaru didn’t have a manual transmission that could effectively put up with the SVX without liquifying itself (via MotorTrend). A hefty price tag and somewhat weak transmission spelled sales disaster for Subaru. All told, the brand sold around 14,000 SVXs during its short life.
How rare is a Subaru SVX?
The SVX is a rare gem, with the 1997 Subaru SVX LSi being the most precious pearl. The lack of initial production volume on SVX models is what makes them tough to find, but it may be worth your while if you can find a Subaru SVX LSi that doesn’t need a ton of maintenance.
Are Subaru SVX parts hard to find?
Most parts are unavailable however If you call the Subaru dealership and ask them to look for parts for a 1994 svx (regardless of your year) you will find more parts or at least a part number for reference of discontinued parts. eBay for the used parts or buy a parts car from svx-nation.
How many Subaru SVX are left in USA?
How many Subaru SVX coupes are left? As of 2019, 130 Subaru SVX coupes were remaining in the U.K. That’s about 5%. While U.S. data is sparse, if we assume the same rate of loss, that means there should be approximately 700 U.S. models remaining.
How much is a SVX worth?
A: The average price of a Subaru SVX is $8,775.
Is Subaru SVX a turbo?
Powering all SVX coupes over their five-year run (1992-1997) was a 230HP 3.3L V6. To dispel a common misconception, there were no modified turbo versions. The Turbocharged 4cyl belonged to the pre-American spec prototypes.
What Subaru motors to avoid?
Subaru’s 2.5-L turbocharged engines, particularly those used in the Subaru Impreza WRX and WRX STI models, have been the subject of a class-action lawsuit. The engines have been found to overheat or malfunction, leading to power loss, stalling, and potential engine failure.
How fast does a Subaru SVX go?
With a four-speed automatic sending power to all four wheels, the SVX had a respectable 0-60 in just over seven seconds with a top speed of 143mph.
What does SVX stand for on a Subaru?
Subaru Vehicle X
The suffix “SVX” is an acronym for “Subaru Vehicle X“.
Why did Subaru stop making the SVX?
Due to the SVX’s introductory high price, and the fact that it had made its debut during an economic recession, sales in the United States were sluggish; just 5,280 cars were sold in 1992 and 3,859 cars in 1993. Subaru intended to sell 10,000 SVX’s each year.
