subject: Subaro New Styles [print this page] Subarus have lengthy been known for their rugged AWD wagons and WRC participation, but they've hardly been regarded as a luxurious brand competing against the likes of Lexus and BMW. Nevertheless, with the latest iterations of the Legacy and Outback models, Subaru hopes to make the climb up the socio-automotive class structure and be regarded as as a sort of Japanese equal to Audi, instead of just the option you take when you would like an AWD vehicle but can't afford the German model.
Subaru definitely is not the first automaker to attempt the move upstream, and regardless of whether or not it functions, they won't be the final. Care to purchase a $70,000 VW anyone? Thankfully, Subaru is choosing not be quite as extreme. While they may not be luxurious, the WRX and STi are two early examples of Subaru moving up the cost ladder. In the situation of those two models, they use uncompromising efficiency instead of plush luxury features to complete it.
The new Legacy and Outback models will attempt to do a bit of both, and reestablish the heart with the Subaru line slightly north of where it has been. Subaru started with a sleek new body for both the wagon and oft-overlooked sedan. Now much more likely to attract style-conscious near-luxury buyers, but nonetheless unlikely to offend. The two-tone paint schemes provided for Outback models have also been revised to seem more modern and less 1990's.
The interior with the new Legacy and Outback is where you'll fine real signs of Subaru's luxurious push. The style is somewhat reminiscent of Saab layouts, although the high quality is much more Audi than Scooby. Like VW and Acura, Subaru provides trick lighting for the instrument gauges, which in this case, feature needles that sweep the dial at startup.
Needless to say, in this day and age, any new model much better have the performance to become competitive or else face a pretty grim fate. If you ignore the base 2.5 engine for a moment, the Legacy and Outback definitely seem to have the guts. The enthusiast preferred is sure to be the two.5 Turbo four cylinder with 250 hp and 250 ft-lbs. Yes you read that proper. Already provided for a although in the Forester XT, a sleeper preferred, and in a somewhat various form in the STi; this engine simply kicks. Placed inside a vehicle that's a mere 200 lbs heavier than the WRX, you know the Legacy can now hang using the greatest of 'em. If not roast them. In reality, Subaru claims it is quicker than a stock Nissan 350Z. Should you must have a 6 cylinder, the revised three.0 H6 provided in the Outback now puts out 250 hp and 219 ft-lbs, though be ready to pay a lot for it.
Beginning costs for your Legacy range from $20,995 for the 168hp base 2.5L 4-cylinder sedan (add $1,000 for the wagon) to $29,695 for your loaded two.five Ltd. GT Wagon. The Outback starts at $23,995 for the base two.5i Wagon to $33,395 for your loaded 3.0 R VDC Ltd. Wagon. Not quite Audi territory yet, but definitely the loaded designs are obtaining a lot closer.
Also in the functions for Subaru is an even more daring style direction, to be first seen within the new seven-passenger crossover they're working on at the second. This new automobile is expected to begin north of where the current Outback leaves off, with pricing around and above $35,000. Get prepared Audi, "the other AWD expert" is hungry for your lunch.
