The new Subaru Brumby. What do you want in one?

[lovey80]

We all want to see it. Many comment that they would buy one. But at the end of the day what would you like to see in a new brumby if they produced one?

I'll start off with a few of my own.

1. Available in Diesel twin turbo if possible
2. Flared guards as standard- able to fit 30? inch tyres under without scrubbing.
3. 4 inches more clearance (min) than current outback
4. AWD with Front and rear diff locks ( or decent LSDs)
5. Real low ratio low range
6. Steel front and rear bars (winch capable front?)
7. 6 speed box
8. Dual battery
9. Standard roll bar (structural not just cosmetic?)
10. Plastic tough tray (similar to the ford utes)

crack on add to the list or debate what you would like to see.

Cheers

chris

[Gannon]

I did a photochop of one a few years back of a US Baja

I'd like it to look somewhat like this


I also did a Gen4, but it didnt turn out as good.



EJ25 turbo or EE20 turbo diesel
6sp manual with DCCD or 5sp auto with VTD
Rear LSD
Outback ride height would be fine (i want higher id buy a Hilux)
Vinyl floors and stain resistant seats
It would have to have some space behind the front seats for storage

[32ford]

I just want one like the old one. all agricutural with manual windows, rubber mats, and generally no consideration to nvh. A proper lsd would be good too.

[coxy]

Both of you have missed the point entirely,one is totally unrealistic with demands no manufacturer would ever consider and the Photoshop specials whilst the first one works alright looks wise the main feature of the Brumby that helped it sell so well was it's size and practical nature and low cost.
Simple and cheap were a winner back then and much the same requirements are needed for Subaru to ever consider a replacement.
Therefore the only option that may meet at least some criteria would have to be based on the Forester,possibly with a diesel option.
Edit someone posted that thinks the same so my post refers to the first two posters Keep it simple

[lovey80]

Coxy is there anything you would like to see as a feature on the new brumby? Forget the 'realities' as it's probably a very distant pipe dream. If you got to sit down at Subaru like homer Simpson did in that episode and have full control over the features in the next brumby what would you have in it.

Cheers

chris

[steptoe]

OK. to keep costs lower, just a turbo version of the EA81 twin port, old EA82 style centre diff AWD, better longer leg support in the seat squab, super sized radiator with auto and manual switches for electric fans, modern day standard of headlights punching out light like a BA Falcon, bigger alternator, drain holes on tailgate, 4WDisc brakes, out of EJ series so yeah go five stud so we can use modern mags. Interior light that is automatic, switchable, power saving and LED. A little bit less NVH, cruise, and inbuilt blueteeth, ipod connectivity and CD player so it will sell to some others.

To save further costs - just one colour Arnotts Red

Extra battery wiring and bracketry under tray
Diesel option puts prices UP^^

[dfoyl]

Body size - a little larger than 82-94 model, mainly wider to fit EJ engine with reasonable access for servicability. Something between Jumbuck and old Rodeo size. Should have a bit more length inside for taller bodies. A little longer bed - to suit 6" / 180cm long load would be ideal.
Engine - EJ20 standard to commonise on Impreza platform, EJ25 optional for higher-end models. E85 capable at a minimum.
All mod con's standard - AC, PS, fast glass, CD player, trip computer, optional sat nav.
Frameless windows
5 stud to keep with current gen (why would they fit 4x140 to one model in the range?). Steel rims (15") on the base model, 17" alloys on the EJ25.
Manual only on EJ20, auto optional on EJ25
Vinyl standard, carpet on EJ25 model (no-cost delete to vinyl for those who want more power but still utilitarian usage).
T-top or sunroof option would be nice
Normal looking taillights, Altezza-style on the EJ25 variant to differentiate.
Plastic tray liner. Concealed tailgate handle.
Switchable hi/lo AWD

Dean.

[1111giles]

Ok Guys, lots of the things on your 'wish lists' are deffo rounded to the outback terrain you have 'down under' (or 'up over' depending on your point of view!)
What we need to do here is create a Global view of the new Brumby/MV/Brat and then if anyone knows how to get the proposal to our friends in Japan we then stand a chance of influencing them.......or maybe not!
I work for the European arm of a major Japanese Machine Tool manufacturer and I can tell you these people DO listen, so who knows!

Anyway heres a UK view point.
Gotta be Diesel - to hell with cost Petrol in Europe is a no no.
2 versions Utility & GLS.
utility would be vynil floor manual windows flat colours basic looking wheels etc.
GLS would have ALL the toys.
Got to match or exceed Original Brumby's off road prowess so Diff locks, or LSD plus the extra ground clearance and chunky tyres are a must.
How about the option of double cab? - And NO not that BAJA thing (dont get them here in UK)
Size then could be single cab small and neat (as others have said but with sensible increases in cab size and bed length)
The double cab could then be the larger less off roader version.
The whole car MUST be visually striking - as thats what would bring customers across to Subaru from T%Y£*A's etc!
What I can tell you is that using the latest design, rapid prototyping and machining processes the reality of this (current) pipe dream may not be that far out of reach.
This idea of a modern day Brumby (if Subaru got it right) would be a Global sales sucess in my view.
Just look at all the other manufacturers pick up's out there - even VW have just launched one! (Toy's, Mitz, Isuz, etc etc are all selling so obviously a market out there!)

I do like the look of the photo chop's ! Especially the outback one.

Has anyone seen a Legacy (Liberty?) made into a pick up? There was one here in Halifax that was imported from New Zealand, my friend had it and it was a really nice job. I guess there are similar jobs in Aus? Any pics?
Anyone done a Forester into a pick up? I think that would work well. Again would love to see any pic's of such a car!
Cheers and all the best from UK.
Giles.

[rtcb65]

We have been talking about doing something like this in the future , after our own cars are all be given the treatment.

Main problem is the cost. Just as an example. The pic in the second post, if something like that was made, what do you think you would be willing to pay. I know what it would cost to make , give or take 5 grand or so. So what dollars do you think you would pay , to have one made for you.

[1111giles]

Just remembered there's a guy over here in the UK - Sammy Miller - who is a very famous motorcycle trials rider and parts manufacturer for bikes.(He also owns the bike museum in New Milton in Hampshire UK).
He had made for himself a pick up from.......wait for it.... a Rover 800!
I saw it a couple of times, beautiful job but what a crap car to base it on.
Sammy used it for transporting his bikes all over the UK.
If only he had used a Scoob as a base car.

Just had a look at the wife's Forester (2002MY) and I think that would make a great pick up ....... I wonder if she'll notice if it goes missing for a few weeks or so!
As said earlier, has anyone done one ?? Would like to see pictures if available.

As for a New Factory Produced Brumby.......we have all missed the most important feature....... FOR ME ITS GOTTA HAVE THE BRUMBY SIDE PROFILE ! WITHOUT THAT SWOOPING CURVED LINE FROM THE CAB ROOF DOWN TO THE BACK END IT WOULD'NT BE A PROPER BRUMBY!
Anyone agree?
Cheers
Giles

[brumbyrunner]

I agree, but while it might be fun to dream, it ain't gonna happen.
Even if Subaru did decide to pursue a new ute, it would be many years before they could get it onto the market. How long has it taken VW to bring us the Amarok?

On top of that, AUSubaru users are not generally new car buyers anyway. If you want a newer shape Subaru ute, just build one. That way it will be just the way you want it.

[TOONGA]

Subaru could just re-badge jumbucks its been done before

TOONGA

[Gannon]

A photo chop of a 2005 Impreza ute done by AUSubaru member "Phizinza


A Forester Ute also done by Phizinza


Bit of google searching and i came across


And this is a real conversion from the UK






A link with all the pics for the above conversion
Subaru Impreza Pick Up

[RSR 555]

Subaru could just re-badge jumbucks its been done before

TOONGA

o:o My god are you trying to start WWIII ??

[RSR 555]

Bit of google searching and i came across

Awesome.. I want one

[TOONGA]

nope ................. just saying its been done with saab, isuzu and gm to name 3 that have rebadged subarus why can't subaru re- engineer a proton or 40000

TOONGA

[steptoe]

We may have already lost the cheap little reliable 4WD ute concept. Wonder if body and panel pressing dies ended up trashed or in storage somewhere in South America. Some enthusiasts out there specialise in rebuilding cult vehicles for a neat price such as the early Nissan Z cars. Potential for a Brumby . Maybe we just start this on madeinchina.com and get what we want out of China , they sound rather accomodating

[steptoe]

Phiz - a former member? What happened ??

[Gannon]

Phiz - a former member? What happened ??

Sorry, my mistake. He made a post about gearboxes about 2 days ago and he was on here this morning



If Subaru were to make a new Brumby, it would most likely be a lot like this.


It couldnt be anything older because it wouldnt pass the 5 star ANCAP

[steptoe]

Yeah, hang the expense. We got into Japanese cars as a nation (or world) by the cheaper more affordable ones, and as we grew fonder and richer the price tag and components and value increased.

So....picture the Ford festiva Trio made by KIA, now picture the BMW X6...see a similar look?? Only bigger and more luxu. Now think use same lines of Brumby and just increase it in size proportionately to fit bigger, better heeled and fed Aussies, shove in the EZ33 petrol or Diesel, the improvements listed above......