Subaru SVX to be resurrected with hybrid power?

Thu, 12 Jun 2014

Salt. Get the salt. A new report out of Australia is claiming that Subaru is working on a new SVX. Yes, seriously.

Now, this is not feasible for a pair of huge reasons. First, the demand for a two-door Subaru, as we've seen with the BRZ, has not been tremendous. Second, the original SVX was a pretty horrible seller. Could the world be ready for a revival, though?

According to an unnamed source that spoke to Motoring.com.au, the reborn SVX will be based on the Viziv 2 Concept that was shown at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, but it will be a considerably more aggressive design, arriving as a low, wide shooting brake. According to the Aussies, the reborn SVX would ride on a new Subaru Global Platform, which will underpin the next-generation Tribeca, because of that platform's support for hybridization.

Ah, but this isn't just another version of the XV Crosstrek Hybrid's drivetrain, though. The unnamed source claims a bespoke, 3.3-liter, six-cylinder boxer engine is being developed for the SVX, and that it will be paired up with a Lexus battery and electric motor system. Total output would be around 375 horsepower. Where is that bloody salt?

Perhaps the most unbelievable part of this unbelievable story is this – the car is being requested by most strongly by American dealerships, because said dealers are clamoring for a high-output, sporty and luxurious coupe. Oh, and it will be built in Indiana at Subaru's factory.

While we aren't holding our breath on this one, we have reached out to Subaru's North American operations for a comment. "No, we haven't heard of anything like this," Subaru spokesman Dominick Infante told Autoblog.

Of course, as unlikely as this all sounds, we'll keep our ear to the ground should anything else develop.

By Brandon Turkus