• The Subaru XT's interior was based on that of a jet fighter's cockpitThierry Grun/Goodshoot/Getty Images
  
  Launched in 1985, the Subaru XT two-door sports coupe was claimed to be the world's most aerodynamic car. Initially launched in both front-wheel drive form and all-wheel drive, the former was dropped in 1987 and the trademark AWD that Subaru subsequently built its name on became the only version available.
  
  

Dimensions

• The 1986 Subaru XT featured a wheelbase that measured 2,464 mm. It was 4,450 mm long, 1,690 mm in width and 1,317 mm in height. Ground clearance was 205 mm and curb weight was 2,877 pounds. It could hold 15.9 gallons and do 26 mpg, miles per gallon, on the highway and 18 mpg in town. Tires were 195/60 HR 14 on the rear and 195/60 HR 14 on the front.
  
  

Performance

• When launched, there were two engine options to choose from -- a 97-horsepower version that generated 103 foot-pounds at 3,200 rpm, revolutions per minute, or a turbo-charged engine which offered 111 horsepower and generated 143 foot-pounds at 2,800 rpm. It wasn't until the arrival of the XT-6 that the power was increased to 145 horsepower flat-six. This model featured a 2.7-liter 12-valve engine that generated 156 pound foot at 2,800 rpm with a bore/stroke of 92.00 mm by 67.00 mm and had a compression rate of 9.50:1.
  
  The XT-6's acceleration was 0 to 60 miles an hour in nine seconds with a ¼ mile sprint taking 16.7 seconds. Top speed was 118 miles per hour. The car was available either with a four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual.
  
  

To Live With

• There were three trim levels -- the DL, GL and GL-10. The main selling point of the car's cabin was that it was inspired by aircraft cockpit design and featured pod mounted lighting, digital dash display plus a joystick-shaped shifter. There were other features that made the XT stand out from the crowd -- it had computer controlled engine and suspension that could be adjusted for height.
  
  The XT was dropped in 1991 because it wasn't regarded as powerful enough by car enthusiasts. But that problem would be addressed soon after with the arrival of the Subaru Impreza WRX in 1992.