NEC Motor Show

This year’s Motor Show at the NEC will be open to the public between October 18th and 26th inclusive. Subaru is among manufacturers displaying ‘concept’ cars, which are often a useful clue to future developments; the F-9X is built from composite materials and uses a 2 litre flat four engine which is supercharged up to 5,000 rpm, and turbocharged thereafter. It is claimed to produce 355 bhp at 8,000 rpm and 253 lb/ft torque at 6.000 rpm, giving a top speed of 186 mph. Naturally the car is 4WD, but the system is always engaged and uses a centre differential.

It is not for sale but Subaru’s XT Coupé is, and an assessment of it appears on page 1074 of this issue (web thumbnail 28).