2003 Subaru B11S Concept - And Now for Something Completely Different
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| The original XT6 has a loyal following despite its rigidly angular, and never particularly popular shape. The SVX that followed (shown), was still outrageously styled but became a cult favorite. It's wonderful to drive. (Photo: Subaru) |
It's been a long time since Subaru wowed auto show crowds with styling alone. Sure the Japanese automaker's new Forester is an attractive little SUV, the Outback sports good looks for a wagon and the WRX is racy, but not since the now departed SVX have auto design enthusiasts walked out of a show excited about a Subaru.
That was the case at the 73rd International Geneva Motor Show last week where Subaru's radical new Subaru B11S concept car hit the stage. Actually radical might not be the perfect word. While the new concept would be an outlandish styling exercise for some carmakers, it's hardly out of the ordinary for Subaru - a company that has a controversial history of stretching the envelope when it comes to sports GT design.
From some angles however, particularly the rear three quarter view, the B11S leaves Subaru's awkward past babbling incoherently behind in a refreshingly clean, elegant and downright sexy design language. It's wide and low, with distinct fender separations that initially take shape from a set of integrated wraparound-and-over taillight clusters. Just below thin metallic strips house narrow orange turn signal lenses prior to butting up against aggressive wheel flares. The metallic trim continues across the car's right and left profile, intersected first with dual 'suicide' door handles and then again by the front wheel cutout, before rounding the forward corners to meet up with another set of narrow turn signal lenses and triangular headlamp clusters just above.