Segment:
Grand Tourer / Personal Luxury Coupe
Positioning:
Subaru's flagship halo car, designed to compete with European luxury coupes.
Competitors:
Acura Legend Coupe, Lexus SC300/SC400, Mitsubishi 3000GT, Nissan 300ZX, Toyota Supra.
Design:
Unique "window-within-a-window" glasshouse, striking Giugiaro design.
Drivetrain:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (standard), Subaru's first production vehicle with AWD as standard across the range.
Engine:
Naturally aspirated Boxer-6 engine, delivering a smooth and potent power delivery.
Utility:
Essential resource for owners and independent technicians for accurate diagnosis and repair.
Completeness:
Factory-level information ensures accurate procedures and specifications.
Engine Systems:
Engine Overhaul, Engine Lubrication & Cooling Systems, Engine Control System
Drivetrain Systems:
Clutch, Front Axle & Front Suspension, Rear Axle & Rear Suspension
Chassis Systems:
Brake System, Steering System
Body And Interior Systems:
Restraint System, Body & Trim, Heater & Air Conditioner
Electrical Systems:
Electrical System, System Wiring Diagram
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Checks and Changes, Filter Replacements, Inspections
Repair Procedures:
Engine Rebuilding, Component Replacement, System Diagnostics and Repair
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and drivetrain overhauls
Diagnostics:
Detailed diagnostic procedures, including engine control system troubleshooting
Configuration:
Horizontally Opposed (Boxer)
Displacement:
3.3 Liters (3318 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
96.0 mm x 77.0 mm
Valve Train:
DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 4 valves per cylinder
Horsepower Us Spec:
230 hp @ 5400 rpm (approx.)
Torque Us Spec:
230 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Premium Recommended)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant (specific Subaru specification often required, e.g., P-FC030)
Oil Type:
SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 API SG or SH (check manual for precise recommendation)
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 5.1 US quarts (4.8 Liters) with filter change (verify in manual).
ECM Type:
Specific Subaru Engine Control Module (ECM) for EG33 engine
Type:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission (4EAT)
Type:
None (Manual transmission was not offered from the factory in most markets).
AWD Integration:
Full-time Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with viscous coupling center differential.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Subaru ATF (Dexron II/III compatible, but specific Subaru fluid is recommended for optimal performance and longevity).
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 3.6 US quarts (3.4 Liters) for a drain and fill (verify in manual).
Length:
4,660 mm (183.5 in)
Width:
1,760 mm (69.3 in)
Height:
1,330 mm (52.4 in)
Wheelbase:
2,660 mm (104.7 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1,570 kg (3,461 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Not readily available, check manual for specifics.
NHTSA Crash Test Ratings:
No official NHTSA ratings available for this specific model year/vehicle in a format comparable to modern standards.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags (standard).
Seatbelts:
Three-point front and rear seatbelts.
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced roof structure and A-pillars, inherent to the coupe design.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on all wheels.
Traction Control:
Not commonly featured or standard on early models; later updates might include limited systems. Check manual for specific trim.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months (check manual for exact recommendation).
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months (for automatic transmission, check manual).
Coolant Change Interval:
Initial change at 30,000 miles (48,000 km), then every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months thereafter (check manual).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically around 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for platinum-tipped plugs (check manual for specific type and interval).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial. Typically every 60,000 to 90,000 miles (96,000 to 144,000 km) or 7-10 years (as it's an interference engine, verify in manual).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Power Steering Fluid Type:
ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) or specific power steering fluid (check manual).
Common Problems:
Transmission issues (especially with the 4EAT), capacitor degradation in the ECU and instrument cluster, suspension wear, potential for HVAC blend door actuator failure, oil leaks from boxer engine seals.
Maintenance Notes:
Requires specialized knowledge for certain repairs due to its unique design and complexity. Adhering to the timing belt replacement schedule is critical to prevent catastrophic engine damage.
Subaru Specialty:
Subaru is known for its horizontally opposed engines and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive systems.
Conception:
Conceived as a halo car, showcasing Subaru's engineering capabilities and moving upmarket. Design originated from a Italdesign Giugiaro concept.
Design Influences:
Stuttgart-based designer Giorgetto Giugiaro penned the original concept. Unique 'window-within-a-window' design element.
Manufacturing Location:
Gunma Plant, Japan.
Production Volume:
Relatively low production numbers, approximately 11,000 units globally across its production run.
Discontinuation:
Production ended in 1996 due to slow sales and high development costs.
Design Acclaim:
Praised for its avant-garde styling by Giorgetto Giugiaro, often cited as a design icon of the 1990s.
Automotive Press:
Received mixed reviews during its production run, with praise for its performance and AWD, but criticism for its high price, automatic-only transmission, and polarizing styling by some.
