[BTCC] BTCC 2018 Rumours & Silly Season

[BLiTZ]

Originally Posted by Alfisti

From my outside perspective the team seem incapable or unwilling of sorting him a car in which to compete. He may have been pivotal in setting things up but he isn't in control and seems to be being left to wither on a vine.



Allegedly still on for later this year, but it seems to be far lower down Subaru UK's to do list than the revised XV crossover. When it does arrive it is a five door hatch of Focus/ Astra proportions on a new platform. Sadly saddled with boxer engines, 4WD and a CVT transmission again, so will not be bothering Ford and VW in the sales charts. Although presumably could be turned into a RWD touring car as per the Leviathan.

Again, I think their budget this year seems smaller than last year and is the main reason why there's been little to no testing and no re-shell of Plato's car. The simple solution for next year is to downsize the team, ditch Plato's 'broken' chassis and use one of the others as a 3 car team. The forth TBL could be 'loaned' or 'sold' to '888' (inverted commas as they are essentially BMR anyway) to enable them to run as a 3 car outfit.

Subaru is following in Mitsubishi's footsteps and alienating their long term fan base by stepping away from traditional cars in favour of C and S UV's. Locally, various car dealerships have tried and failed with both brands ove rthe years. The latest attempt, a long time Mazda dealer (who ironically had a short stab at also selling Mitsubishis) have just removed their Subaru branding from the showroom after only a short period (6-12 months if that). It seems the brands just don't sell well in York which is odd as it's still a big farming area but I guess a few L200s or Legacy Outbacks for the wives don't keep a dealership alive!

When The Subaru BTCC entry was announced I briefly looked at the Levorg online, whilst it's a handsome car, with the perks of AWD, the CVT only drivetrain and lack of choice (I mean seriously, only 3 colours in 2017!) at a relatively high price compared to the competition means it's a none starter for most people. And if the reviews are anything to go by, they're not even that good nor have the bulletproof reliabilty of Subarus of old!