Editing Subaru XT

{{Redirect-confused|Subaru Alcyone|Subaru Alcyone SVX}}
{{Infobox automobile
| image = 1985 Subaru Alcyone VR Turbo 4WD.jpg
| name = Subaru XT
| manufacturer = [[Subaru]] ([[Fuji Heavy Industries]])
| production = 1985–1991
| assembly = [[Subaru#Manufacturing facilities|Yajima Plant]], [[Ota, Gunma]], Japan
| class = [[Sports car]]
| body_style = 2-door [[coupé]]
| related = [[Subaru Leone]]
| successor = [[Subaru SVX]]
| platform = 
| layout = {{ubl|[[front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout|FF layout]]|[[Front-engine, four-wheel-drive layout|F4 layout]]}}
| transmission = {{ubl|3-speed [[Automatic transmission|automatic]] (Japan)|4-speed automatic|
5-speed [[Manual transmission|manual]]}}
| wheelbase = {{Convert|97|in|mm|0|abbr=on|disp=flip}}
| length = {{Convert|177.6|in|mm|0|abbr=on|disp=flip}}
| width = {{Convert|66.5|in|mm|0|abbr=on|disp=flip}}
| height = {{Convert|52.6|in|mm|0|abbr=on|disp=flip}}
| engine = {{ubl|1.8 L ''[[Subaru EA engine#EA-82|EA-82]]'' [[Flat-four engine|H4]]|2.7 L ''[[Subaru ER engine|ER-27]]'' [[Flat-six engine|H6]]}}
| aka = {{ubl|Subaru Alcyone (Japan)|Subaru Vortex (Australia & New Zealand)}}
| designer = Tetsuya Hayashi, Kiyoshi Sugimoto, Hiroshi Yako (interior)
}}

The '''Subaru XT''' is a two-door, front or all-wheel drive, four passenger [[2+2 (car body style)|2+2 coupé]]<ref name="alarm"/> manufactured and marketed by [[Subaru]] from 1985 till 1991, with a facelift in 1987. When the XT debuted, it was the most aerodynamic car in the US market.<ref name="alarm"/> 

Marketed as the '''Alcyone''' in Japan; as the '''Vortex''' in Australia and New Zealand; and as the '''XT''' (with the [[Subaru EA engine#EA-82|EA-82]] four-cylinder engine) or '''XT6''' (with the [[Subaru ER engine|ER-27]] six-cylinder engine) in North America and Europe, all XT cars were assembled at Subaru's [[Subaru#Manufacturing facilities|Yajima Plant]] in [[Ota, Gunma|Ota]], Japan. Over its single generation, production reached just over 98,000.<ref name="production">{{cite web
 |title        = A Detailed Look At The Subaru XT
 |publisher    = Hotcars.com
 |author       = Megan McCoig
 |date         = April 7, 2022
 |quote        = Throughout its years of production, a grand total of 98,918 Subaru XT's came out of the Subaru warehouse. 
 |url          = https://www.hotcars.com/a-detailed-look-at-the-subaru-xt/}}</ref>

The XT was conceived in the United States for the US market, and thus debuted globally in the US.<ref name="alarm"/> After sales began in February 1985 in the US, the XT Turbo 4WD's debuted in Europe at the March 1985 [[Geneva Motor Show#1985|Geneva Motor Show]],<ref name=TM585>{{cite magazine | magazine = Tekniikan Maailma | ref = TM | date = 1985-03-19 | number = 5/85 | volume = 41 | issn = 0355-4287 | title = Katseiden keskipisteessä | trans-title = Focus on the eyes | last = Kurki-Suonio | first = Hannu | publisher = TM-Julkaisu | location = Helsinki | language = fi | page = 26 }}</ref> followed by its Japanese debut in June 1985.<ref name="subimp17"/>

The XT was noted for its pronounced wedge shape, low [[Drag coefficient|coefficient of drag]]; aviation influences from the aircraft division of parent company Fuji Heavy Industry; and its host of features, either innovative or uncommon in the XT's class &mdash; including height-adjustable pneumatic suspension, digital dash, central locking system, [[op-art]] upholstery, fold down rear seat, pod- and center console-mounted HVAC controls, advanced trip computer, and instrument cluster which tilted with adjustment of the steering column. With available [[front-wheel drive]] or [[four-wheel drive]], depending on the model year, the XT offered three trim levels, DL, GL (non-turbo, front-drive only), and GL-10 Turbo.<ref name="alarm"/> 

The ''Alcyone'' name was derived from [[Alcyone (star)|Alcyone]], the brightest star in the [[Pleiades|Pleiades star cluster]], which is also included in the Subaru logo with some stylisation. The model was succeeded by the [[Subaru Alcyone SVX]] in 1992.

==Design==
[[File:Subaru-XT6.jpg|left|thumb|Subaru XT Turbo (USA)]]
The XT featured a pronounced wedge shape, sharing a common "folded paper" design approach with the Type AA [[Subaru Leone#third|Subaru Leone]]. When introduced, the [[New York Times]] called it "the ultimate in jazzy design",<ref name="Jazzy">{{cite web
 |title        = ABOUT CARS; DASH OF PIZZAZZ FOR SUBARU
 |work    = The New York Times
 |author       = Marshall Schuon
 |date         = April 13, 1986
 |quote        = For one thing, the XT is the ultimate in jazzy design, and it comes in several states of dress, ranging from the base front-wheel-drive coupe all the way up through a four-wheel-drive version that is turbocharged.
 |url          = https://www.nytimes.com/1986/04/13/sports/about-cars-dash-of-pizzazz-for-subaru.html}}</ref> in contrast to Subaru's other offerings. Though derived from earlier Subarus, it was less overtly practical or commodious. The 2.7-litre flat-six engine exceeded 2000 cc in the Japanese Domestic Market, thereby exceeding [[Vehicle size class#Japan|government engine displacement regulations]], and incurring higher annual [[Road tax#Japan|road tax]].

The XT's exterior design team was led by Kiyoshi Sugimoto, with the interior team led by Hiroshi Yako, under the guidance of Tetsuya Hayashi. Some sources credit Kyuchi Akari with the final design, with notable inspiration from American designer [[Alex Tremulis|Alex Tremulis]], who had instructed Akari in aerodynamic principles and noted areas of possible flow separation.<ref name="alarm" />

===Aerodynamics===
Subaru's trademark [[boxer engine]] with its flat, horizontally-opposed cylinder configuration, enabled the bodywork's pronounced wedge shape, and extensive wind tunnel testing further lowered the XT's [[Drag coefficient|coefficient of drag]]. Pop-up headlights contributed to the wedge shape, and retractable button-like flaps allowed opening the door while keeping the handles flush with their adjacent bodywork. The XT used a single 22&nbsp;inch windshield wiper which tucked under the hood when not in use, and rubber spoilers ahead of each wheel opening settled the airflow past the tires and wheels, while doubling as "mud guards." The result was the most aerodynamic production car sold in America at the time of its release with a coefficient of drag of 0.29,<ref name="subimp17">{{cite book| last = Long| first = Brian| title = Subaru Impreza: The Road Car & WRC Story| year = 2006| publisher = Veloce Publishing Ltd| isbn = 1-84584-028-3| page = 17 }}</ref> improved [[Fuel economy in automobiles|fuel economy]], and a quieter ride due to reduced [[Automotive aerodynamics|wind noise]].

===Features===
The XT's interior used numerous aviation-like features, reflecting influences from the aircraft division of Subaru's parent company, [[Fuji Heavy Industries]]. The instruments featured pod-mounted controls for lighting, HVAC and wipers. The instrument panel moved with the standard tilt-telescope steering to keep the instruments oriented to the driver, recalling the same feature on the [[Isuzu Piazza]] and the [[Ford Probe]] introduced earlier in the 1980s and the [[Porsche 928]] in the late 1970s. The joystick-shaped shifter integrated a thumb trigger interlock for the "on-demand" four-wheel drive. Turbo models featured a quasi-[[artificial horizon]] orange backlit [[liquid-crystal display|liquid crystal]] instrument display with the [[tachometer]], boost indicator, temperature and fuel gauges seen as three-dimensional graphs oriented to the quasi-horizon. 

The XT featured a [[turbocharger]], computer-controlled [[internal combustion engine|engine]] and transmission, [[Height adjustable suspension|adjustable height suspension]]<ref name="subimp17"/> and an optional digital instrument cluster. The [[air suspension|pneumatic]] with height control recalled the use of [[Hydropneumatic suspension]] by [[Citroën]], and [[Mercedes-Benz]]. Other uncommon features included an electronic in-dash [[trip computer]], headlight washers (XT6 only), alloy wheels featuring an inset rectangular shape, pass-through folding rear seats, sporty front bucket seats and available push-button [[Four wheel drive#Part-time|four-wheel drive]] (later changed to [[Four wheel drive#Full-time all-wheel drive|all-wheel drive]]).

The XT featured a speed alarm at 55mph, that could be activated with a separate key.<ref name="alarm">{{cite web
 |title        = 1985 Subaru XT 4WD Turbo Embraces the Strange
 |work         = Car and Driver, June 1985
 |author       = Rich Ceppos
 |date         = 
 |quote        = For one thing, the XT is the ultimate in jazzy design, and it comes in 
 |url          = https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a43709203/1985-subaru-xt-4wd-turbo-by-the-numbers/}}</ref>

== 1985–1987 (Pre-facelift) ==
[[File:Subaru EA82 Turbo in Alcyone XT.jpg|left|thumb|Subaru XT EA82T]]The XT was launched initially as the '''XT''' in North America, '''Alcyone''' in Japan and '''Vortex''' in Australia and New Zealand. The pre-facelift XT was only powered by an H4 and was produced from 1985 to 1987.

=== Drivetrain ===
The 1985 XT was fitted with one of two engines for the US market:
* [[Subaru EA engine|EA-82]]: 1781 cc H4 producing {{cvt|97|hp|kW|0}} at 5200 rpm and {{cvt|103|lbft|Nm|0}} at 3200 rpm (9.5:1 compression ratio).
* EA-82T: 1781 cc [[Turbocharger|turbocharged]] H4 producing {{cvt|112|hp|kW|0}} at 4800 rpm and {{cvt|143|lbft|Nm|0}} at 2800 rpm (7.5:1 compression ratio; some sources say 7.7:1.) in North American specifications. In Europe the power of the XT Turbo was {{cvt|136|PS|hp kW|0}} at 5600 rpm and {{cvt|145|ftlb|Nm|disp=flip}} at 2800 rpm;<ref>{{Cite news |date=1987-07-22 |title=When 4WD Is Not Enough |url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/triggerscarstuff/albums/72157615401242669/ |work=Autocar}}</ref> the naturally aspirated model was not sold there. Starting in 1987, power for North American cars increased to {{cvt|115|hp|kW|0}}.

These engines shared the following equipment and specifications:
* {{convert|1781|cc|cuin|0|abbr=on}} displacement (92×67mm/3.62×2.63")
* [[Fuel injection#Multi-point injection|Multi-port fuel injection]]
* [[Single overhead cam]]shafts
[[File:1986 Subaru Vortex (15606686755).jpg|thumb|Subaru Vortex Turbo (New Zealand)]]
The XT was available with both [[manual transmission|manual]] and [[automatic transmission|automatic]] transmissions. 85-87 XT Turbos were available as either [[front-wheel drive]] or part-time [[four-wheel drive]], while the 85-87 XT non turbo cars were only available as front-wheel-drive. The part-time four-wheel-drive system, titled "On-Demand", was selectable by a [[push button]] atop the shifter.

=== Markets ===
Like other Subaru models of the same vintage, the North American market XT was sold in four models: the base-model '''XT''' '''DL''', the better-equipped '''XT''' '''GL''', the top-of-the-range FWD '''XT''' '''GL-10 Turbo''' and 4WD '''XT GL-10 Turbo-Traction'''. Many of the options mentioned above were available only on the GL-10 models. 

In Japan it was only available as 2 turbocharged models: the '''Alcyone 4WD VR Turbo''', and the '''Alcyone FF VS Turbo'''.

Australia and New Zealand also got 2 models, the turbocharged '''Vortex Turbo''' and the non-turbocharged '''Vortex XT.''' Initially the Vortex was only available as the non-turbocharged manual Vortex XT, but the turbo version and automatic gearbox came the following year.

European markets generally only received the '''XT Turbo''' and the '''XT Turbo 4WD''' (XT Turbo Allrad in [[Germany]]), where the car was sold in small numbers as a [[halo model]].

=== Models ===
{| class="wikitable"
!Model Name
!Engine
!Transmission
!Drivetrain
!Market
|-
|XT Coupe DL
|EA-82 1781 cc H4
|5-sp. M/T
|FWD
|rowspan="4" | USDM
|-
|XT Coupe GL
|EA-82 1781 cc H4
|5-sp. M/T
3-sp. A/T
|FWD
|-
|XT Coupe GL-10 Turbo
|EA-82T 1781 cc turbocharged H4
|5-sp. M/T
3-sp. A/T
|FWD
|-
|XT Coupe GL-10 Turbo-Traction 
|EA-82T 1781 cc turbocharged H4
|5-sp. M/T
3-sp. A/T
|"On-Demand" 4WD
|-
|Alcyone FF VS Turbo
|EA-82T 1781 cc turbocharged H4
|5-sp. M/T
3-sp. A/T
|FWD
|rowspan="2" |JDM
|-
|Alcyone 4WD VR Turbo
|EA-82T 1781 cc turbocharged H4
|5-sp. M/T
3-sp. A/T
|"On-Demand" 4WD
|-
|XT Turbo
|EA-82T 1781 cc turbocharged H4
|5-sp. M/T
|FWD
|rowspan="2" |EUDM
|-
|XT 4WD Turbo
|EA-82T 1781 cc turbocharged H4
|5-sp. M/T
3-sp. A/T
|"On-Demand" 4WD
|-
|Vortex XT
|EA-82 1781 cc H4
|5-sp. M/T
|FWD
|rowspan="2" |ANZDM
|-
|Vortex XT 4WD Turbo
|EA-82T 1781 cc turbocharged H4
|5-sp. M/T
3-sp. A/T
|"On-Demand" 4WD
|}

== 1987–1991 (Facelift & XT6) ==
[[File:AlcyoneVX.jpg|left|thumb|Subaru Alcyone VX]]
The XT received a minor update in 1987 for the second half of the 1987 model year roughly corresponding to the 1988 launch of the XT6, a new 6 cylinder model. Where earlier models featured bumper-mounted reverse lights, 1987{{frac|1|2}}-up models had the reverse lights in the center taillight panel. The front and rear bumpers were also redesigned. In Japan, the original bumpers were used for the VS and VR while the VX received the new facelift. In the US, all new models received the facelifted bumpers.

All wheel drive turbo and six-cylinder models were distinguished by their headrests; base models had solid headrests, where the turbo AWD and six-cylinder models had a large rectangular hole through the center.

=== Drivetrain ===
[[File:Subaru ER27 (Alcyone VX, XT6).jpg|thumb|Subaru XT6 ER-27]]The 1987 XT was fitted with one of 3 engines

* [[Subaru EA engine|EA-82]]: 1781 cc H4 producing 97 [[horsepower|hp]] (72 kW) at 5200 rpm and 103 ft·lbf (140 Nm) at 3200 rpm (9.5:1 compression ratio).
* EA-82T: 1781 cc turbocharged H4 producing 115 hp (86 kW) at 4800 rpm and 143 ft·lbf (194 Nm) at 2800 rpm (7.5:1 compression ratio; some sources say 7.7:1.).
* [[Subaru ER engine|ER-27]]: 2672 cc H6 producing {{convert|145|hp|kW PS|abbr=on}} at 5,200&nbsp;rpm and {{convert|156|ftlb|Nm|abbr=on}} at 4,000&nbsp;rpm.

6 cylinder models were fitted with stiffer suspension to compensate for the new heavier engine.

=== Markets ===
[[File:Subaru XT6 rear.jpg|thumb|Subaru XT6]]

In North America the updated XT was sold in 2 models: The base 4 cylinder model '''GL''', and the new 6 cylinder model '''XT6'''. The turbo models were dropped from the North American market after the update.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Assenza |first=Tony |date=1988-07-01 |title=Tested: 1988 Subaru XT6 Tests Upmarket Ambitions for Subaru |url=https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a33970398/tested-1988-subaru-xt6/ |website=Car and Driver}}</ref>

In Japan, the updated XT was sold in 3 models: The turbocharged FWD '''VS''', the turbocharged 4WD '''VR''', and the new 6 cylinder 4WD '''Alcyone VX'''.  

In New Zealand, the new 6 cylinder model was marketed as the '''Vortex ZZ6.''' However, virtually none were sold due to New Zealand's fuel options were 91 octane unleaded fuel or 96 octane leaded fuel while the ER27 required 96 octane unleaded petrol. There are only two NZ new 6 cylinder Vortex's left registered today according to [[Waka Kotahi|NZTA]] fleet data.

In Japan, the part-time 4WD system was replaced entirely by the new full-time 4WD system. In the US, the XT6 was available in either FWD or with the new full-time 4WD system while the XT GL was available with either FWD or the old "On-Demand" 4WD.

=== Features and options ===
{{sources|date=November 2022}}
The XT6 was fitted with a unique Cybrid adaptive electrohydraulic steering system that changed the level of assistance based on the vehicle's speed. This system did not use a conventional belt-driven power steering pump, freeing up much-needed space in the XT6's already cramped engine bay. The Cybrid system also uses hydraulic fluid that is incompatible with conventional power steering fluid (which is usually [[automatic transmission]] fluid). This fluid is still available directly from Subaru at a significant premium over more common types of [[hydraulic fluid]].

The XT6 has two electric fans to also help performance, compared to one electric fan and one belt driven fan on all other XTs. With these changes, the XT6 was given a higher amp [[alternator (automotive)|alternator]].

The XT6 was not available with the digital instrument cluster of the turbo XT models.

=== Special editions ===
A special "30th Anniversary" version of the Alcyone VX was produced in 1988, limited to 30 units. This version had a white and gold paint job with "30th Anniversary" side decals and a red interior.

2 prototype versions of the Alcyone VX were made in Japan for the 27th [[Japan Mobility Show|Tokyo Motor Show]]. The "Junko Shimada" was one that included a full black paintjob with black smooth wheel caps and a bright red leather interior, designed by Japanese fashion designer, [[:simple:Junko Shimada|Junko Shimada]]. The other was the "FICCE Special" which was a convertible version of the Alcyone with special hubcaps and interior graphics designed by [[Yoshiyuki Konishi]]. The FICCE is allegedly sitting in the [[Ibaraki Prefecture]] in need of restoration.<ref>{{Cite web |title=XAVI=== ALCYONE OWNERS' CLUB on Web |url=http://www.xavi-japan.net/ |access-date=2022-11-02 |website=www.xavi-japan.net}}</ref>

=== Models ===
{| class="wikitable"
!Model Name
!Engine
!Transmission
!Drivetrain
!Market
|-
|XT GL
|EA-82 1781 cc H4
|5-sp. M/T
4-sp. A/T
|FWD
Part-time 4WD

Full-time 4WD
|USDM
|-
|XT6
|ER-27 2672 cc H6
|5-sp. M/T
4-sp. A/T
|FWD
Full-time 4WD
|USDM
|-
|Alcyone VS
|EA-82T 1781 cc turbocharged H4
|5-sp. M/T
4-sp. A/T
|FWD
|JDM
|-
|Alcyone VR
|EA-82T 1781 cc turbocharged H4
|5-sp. M/T
4-sp. A/T
|Full-time 4WD
|JDM
|-
|Alcyone VX
|ER-27 2672 cc H6
|4-sp. A/T
|Full-time 4WD
|JDM
|-
|XT Turbo
|EA-82T 1781 cc turbocharged H4
|5-sp. M/T
4-sp. A/T
|Full-time 4WD
|EUDM
|-
|Vortex XT
|EA-82 1781 cc H4
|5-sp. M/T
4-sp. A/T
|FWD
|ANZDM
|-
|Vortex ZZ6
|ER-27 2672 cc H6
|4-sp. A/T
|Full-time 4WD
|ANZDM
|}

==Market appeal and production==
{{sources|date=November 2022}}
Overall production of the XT remained low throughout its lifespan. Although the fuel crisis of the late 1970s and ever-tightening emissions regulations had severely limited power figures from all manufacturers in the mid 1980s, the XT's paltry {{convert|134|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} wasn't enough to attract serious attention from the automotive racing crowd.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.veikl.com/d/Subaru-XT-Turbo-Brochure-1985-EN-84232/18 | title=Subaru XT Turbo Brochure 1985 EN - Page 18 of 20 - Veikl }}</ref> One of Subaru's ads from the 1980s read, ''The kind of car Mercedes might have built if they were a little more frugal and a lot more inventive.'' The car's extra features, which certainly had some novelty appeal, were uncharacteristic of this class of car and may not have contributed much to the XT's sales. In the 1980s, consumers with surplus cash in search of a better-equipped vehicle did not generally start shopping at Subaru.

Subaru produced 98,918 XTs, XT6s, and Alcyone's.<ref name="subimp">Long, p. 24</ref> Surprisingly, only 8,170 of these were sold in the Japanese market.

While the XT was an interesting design exercise, it did little to grow Subaru's sales. The company has seen much more widespread success in the significantly more mainstream [[Subaru Legacy|Legacy]], [[Subaru Outback|Legacy Outback]] and Impreza WRX models introduced in recent years.

The Subaru XT Turbo was the official car for the [[Super Bowl Most Valuable Player Award|Most Valuable Player]] for [[Super Bowl XXII]] presented by ''[[SPORT (magazine)|SPORT]]'' magazine in 1988, eventually won by [[Washington Redskins]] quarterback [[Doug Williams (quarterback)|Doug Williams]], and The Subaru XT6 was the official car for the Most Valuable Player for [[Super Bowl XXIII]] in 1989, eventually won by [[San Francisco 49ers]] wide receiver [[Jerry Rice]].

== Motorsports ==
The XT was almost never officially used for racing. One exception is the [[Australasian Safari|1985 Wynn's Safari Australia]] where one XT competed, however it received damage and was not able to finish.
==References==

{{reflist}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20020814232010/http://www.subaru-global.com/about/history/1985-001.html Subaru Global history: Subaru Alcyone]. Subaru's world site discusses bits and pieces of the entire model line through history. The site does not mention the XT, but this page gives specific details on the 1985 Japanese-market Alcyone.

==External links==
{{commons category|Subaru XT}}
* [http://members.tripod.com/xt6/ XT6 Haven]
* [http://subaruxt.com/ SubaruXT.com: Home of the Wonder Wedge] A Subaru XT/XT6 forum with a large userbase

{{Subaru (early)}}
{{Subaru}}
{{Subaru North America}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Subaru Xt}}
[[Category:Subaru vehicles|XT]]
[[Category:Front-wheel-drive sports cars]]
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[[Category:Cars discontinued in 1991]]