LAS VEGAS — A good bet at the 2009 SEMA Auto Show is that Subaru has the slowest car in the room. In a giddy moment, the Japanese automaker decided to roll out a 25-horsepower fully restored 1969 Subaru 360 van that features Subaru Performance Tuning livery. But not to worry. Subaru also is showing off some serious hardware at the aftermarket event, courtesy of a WRX STI by SPT and a Subaru Legacy 2.5GT VIP.
Apparently taking a page from the Mopar playbook, Subaru uses the WRX STI as a platform to show off what an "owner can build at home using just the SPT catalog as a source for bolt-on parts." For instance, an SPT exhaust system gives horsepower a slight boost to 315 from the stock 305. Other touches include an SPT boost gauge in the cab, a media hub digital music integration system and Prodrive GT2 wheels in "Glitter Gold."
The Legacy VIP, with its "Shinjuku Black Plum" paint job, takes its inspiration from a tuning trend that got its start in Japan. It blends parts from SPT and the Japan domestic market, according to Subaru. "Those connected to this scene don't say 'V-I-P' but rather call it 'bippu' in a nod to its Japanese roots," the automaker said in a statement. The lower-rider gets an air suspension system from Universal Air, and the stock Subaru intercooler is replaced by a Mishimoto front-mounted intercooler with custom piping. Other details include a custom full engine bay cover, SPT billet oil cap and SPT billet battery hold-down.
Body parts on the Legacy VIP include a sport grille, front and rear under-spoilers, along with roof and deck lid spoilers. The interior is said to be nearly fully custom and includes diamond-stitch seats and door trim finished in "Togarashi Red." Onboard entertainment includes a JVC KD-AVX77 touchscreen head unit and twin rear-seat multifunction displays.
Undoubtedly, the 25-hp Subaru 360 van will be a must-see. It was restored by Subaru of Las Vegas and will be displayed in its showrooms after the show, which is a boon for the curious, given that the public is not allowed in to the SEMA show. The van gets a two-cylinder, two-stroke engine and is said to return 66 miles per gallon. It has a curb weight of 950 pounds.
Inside Line says: Subaru goes from the sublime to the ridiculous at the 2009 SEMA Auto Show. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
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