- AWD traction makes for impressive dynamics
- Low centre of gravity
- Futuristic styling has 0.29 Cd
- 3.3-litre F6 engine lacks performance to match the styling
- Automatic transmissions and wheel bearings susceptible to premature failure
- Window design impairs visibility
Overview
Released in March 1992, the Subaru SVX was a two-plus-two coupe. Manufactured in Japan, the all-wheel drive SVX was powered by a 3.3-litre flat six-cylinder engine that was mated to a four-speed automatic transmission.
EG33 engine
The 3.3-litre EG33 horizontally-opposed engine had a die-cast aluminium alloy block, cast aluminium alloy cylinder heads, sequential multi-port injection with dual spray injectors, twin knock sensors, double overhead camshafts (per cylinder bank), four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 10.0:1.
Dimensions and suspension
Styled by Giorgetto Giugiaro of ItalDesign, the Subaru SVX was 4625 mm long, 1770 mm wide, 1310 mm tall and had a 2610 mm long wheelbase; kerb weight was 1615 kg, while the drag coefficient was 0.29 Cd. Unusually, the SVX had a ‘glass-to-glass canopy’ which included two-piece side windows.
The Subaru SVX had had MacPherson strut suspension front and rear with dual parallel links at the rear for passive four-wheel steering.
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SVX | 3.3-litre petrol F6 (EG33) | 4sp auto | 169 kW at 5600 rpm | 309 Nm at 4800 rpm |
VTD All-wheel Drive (AWD)
For Australia, the SVX was fitted with Subaru’s Variable Torque Distribution, or VTD, permanent all-wheel drive system. The VTD system used a planetary gear centre differential with a hydraulic multi-plate limited slip clutch. In normal conditions, the system provided a 36:64 front:rear torque split. In the event of wheel slip, however, torque would be redirected to the wheels with grip.
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the SVX was initially limited to ABS. The SVX was fitted with a driver’s airbag as standard from 1993, while a front passenger airbag was fitted as standard from September 1994.
Brakes
The SVX had 302 mm ventilated front brake discs with twin-piston sliding calipers and 290 mm solid rear discs.
Features
Standard features for the Subaru SVX included 16-inch alloy wheels with 225/50 R16 Michelin MXX3 tyres, a four speaker sound system with a CD player, climate control air conditioning, an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat, leather trim, cruise control, central locking, power windows, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment and a power sunroof.
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