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2015 Subaru Outback
2015 Outback Revealed at 2014 New York Auto Show Today
Here it is! Check it out: (http:// "http://www.autoblog.com/2014/04/17/2015-subaru-outback-official-photos-new-york/")
More photos and info will follow in the near future, and we should start to see the new 2015 Outback in dealers in June or July.
Jake
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Apple CarPlay and the 2015 Subaru Outback
Apple CarPlay (ACP), although not showcased on the 2015 Outback's reveal at the New York Auto Show (and Subaru did not mention it in the 2015 Outback press release at yesterday's New York AS), will be available on the new Outback in the near future (estimates are 6-18 mos). When it becomes available, it will run in conjunction with the Subaru stereo/infotainment system, much like you can have two different OS's on your Apple MacBook Pro (eg, iOS Mavericks 10.9 + MS Win 8.2) on a partitioned hard drive. But, reportedly you will have to have an iPhone 5, 5c, 5s or later iPhone version (iPhone 6 in the fall) connected to the Outback's infotainment system via a Thunderbolt cable (not Bluetooth wireless, yet); ACP currently will not allow iPad to interface/work.
If you are not familiar with ACP the following links and video demos from the 2014 Geneva Auto Show (Mercedes, Volvo and CNET's take) and yesterday's 2014 New York Auto Show (2015 Hyundai Sonata) should get you up to speed on what to expect on the ACP set up in the 2015 Outback, when it does arrive, which may not be until the end of the year or Q1/Q2 2015.
ACP description on Apple's website (scroll down to the bottom of page to see Subaru as one
of ACP's partners: (http:// "http://www.apple.com/ios/carplay/")
ACP demo video in 2015 MB C-Class: (http:// "
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCH0rdvnUh4")
ACP demo video in Volvo Concept Estate/2015 XC-90: (http:// "
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIo0wu0PVAs")
CNET's take @ 2014 Geneva Auto Show: ("http:// "http://www.cnet.com/products/apple-carplay/")
ACP demo video in 2015 Hyundai Sonata: (http:// "
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7m-AKyUSAE")
No word yet on how much the auto mfgs will charge for the ACP feature, or when we will see it on the 2015 Outback, but estimates are in 6-18 mos--> hopefully sooner! My only gripe thus far about the newly revised 2015 Outback infotainment system is the relatively small screen size of 7 inches; it would be so much more easier to see and utilize/more user friendly with ACP if it was 8-9 inches, or like the Volvo Concept Estate Wagon which is what we will see in the 2015 XC-90 as shown in the ACP demo video above.
Jake
Consumer Reports early impressions of the 2015 Outback (On Location @ 2014 NY AS)
Check it out: (http:// "http://onlocation.consumerreports.org/2014_new_york_auto_show/Subaru_Outback.html")
Jake
Apple CarPlay vs Android in the Car vs Mirror Link for Cars
Please excuse my Apple CarPlay enthusiasm. Android users don't worry, you will not be left out of the 2015 Outback infotainment system connectivity, since Android in the Car and Mirror Link will probably be coming sometime in 2015, perhaps sooner.
The following videos will help describe (a little) what Android users can expect from Android in the Car and Mirror Link (which will allow both iPhone and Android connectivity):
CNET's overview of CarPlay and it's competitors (the Android in the Car and Mirror Link discussions start at 2:55 min. into the 4:50 min. video): (http:// "
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JDB_4EN2Io ")
Android in the Car(@ CES 2014): (http:// "
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=viWyqTkq_YU")
CNET's take on Mirror Link:(http:// "
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hgO_BcLZVA")
HTC using Mirror Link in a 2015 VW Golf GTI: (http:// "
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6J5KNaaVRoQ")
Hope this helps alleviate concerns for those using Android phones.
Jake
No love for Windows phone?
Yep, dcm61 I'm not a fan of MS anything!
I have some friends who have the MS Windows phone, and they say they like it, but since they work for MS, they may have been 'requested' to get the MS Win phone so they look like they support (the) Mother Ship. Another reason I don't think much of MS Win phone is that MS just about ran Ford sales into the ground, with a well documented buggy and problematic infotainment system that MS developed/'engineered' for Ford, Ford Sync and My Ford Touch ((check out Consumer Reports (following link ) recent review of the up dated, but still problematic My ford Touch, version 2: (http://
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VsctVyCS2s")
"
Because of the problems Ford has had with MS questionable design and terrible implementation of My Ford Touch, Ford has lost lots of sales on their otherwise very nice vehicles (great looking and performing Ford Fusion, Ford Focus and other models), Ford recently has (finally) decided to dump MS in favor of tried and true QNX's open source IVI fully vetted system ( check the link: (http:// "http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9246597/Why_Ford_is_dumping_Microsoft_for_Blackberry_s_QNX_OS")
So the track record thus far with MS in the car, either directly or indirectly, has been less than stellar. If you do have a MS Win phone and like it, and it sounds like you do, I'm sure you will be able to use it in Subaru products like the Outback, using Mirror Link or the QNX open source systems, probably in 2015 or perhaps sooner. Contact your local Subaru dealer to see if they can find the answer regarding Mirror Link and QNX availability.
Jake
Has anyone read anything on towing in regards to the '15 Outback. The '14 Forester dropped from 2400lbs to 1500lbs and I'm wondering if the same is happening on the Outback?
The 2015 Outback's infotainment system is called Starlink: (http:// "http://www.subaru.com/engineering/starlink.html")
So far the updated Subaru website is not showing the 2015 Outback towing capacity under specs, but probably will in the near future: (http:// "http://www.subaru.com/2015-outback.html")
Jake
2015 Outback videos showing/describing some detail and feature content from 2014 NY AS
Vid #1: (http:// "
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTZIaFEJ1bU")
Vid #2: (http:// "
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0dgUaZ_Etc")
Jake
Same for the '15 Outback, 1,500 pounds max when towing a trailer with brakes (1,000 if no trailer brakes).
Source is the owner's manual, page 8-19, from the accessory section at techinfo.subaru.com. (that link is a pdf file).
Towing update. The owner's manual above covers the '15 Forester. I came across an updated '15 Outback spec file yesterday and the tow rating remains the same as '14, 2700 lbs. for the 4 cylinder and 3000# for the 6. See page 2 of the link below -http://subarumedia.iconicweb.com/mediasite/attachments/2015_Outback_specs_updated.pdf
Ten ways 2015 Outback will be a nicer place to enjoy the backcountry - See more at: http://www.torquenews.com/1084/ten-ways-2015-outback-will-be-nicer-place-enjoy-backcountry#sthash.96of4J6w.dpuf
I ordered a '15 Outback when the order bank opened on June 13th. Meanwhile, the dealer received 5 '15 Outbacks yesterday and took one for a test drive today to make sure it was something I really wanted. It was. Overall, I found it to be a significant improvement over my '12. The steering was better, it was much quieter and although I didn't find the interior styling a big step up, the quality and feel of the materials are a significant improvement. Hopefully, mine will arrive sometime before the end of July.
Android Auto in future Outbacks for Android users
Google just announced Android Auto, which will compete with Apple's CarPlay, for your Outback in car infotainment experience with lots of voice controls to minimize driver distractions, but we probably won't see it in a new Outback until the 2016 or 2017 Outback.
Check it out: (http:// "
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=px6CAQDiEpI")
First Drive:
2015 Subaru Outback
Motor Trend's first drive of the 2015 Outback with lots of cool pics. Check it out: (http:// "http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/suvs/1406_2015_subaru_outback_first_drive/")
New to this, and never posted anything on a forum, so I hope I'm doing this correctly, and on the correct forum topic.
I was going to purchase a 2015 Outback, but I noticed a problem that will keep me from buying, unless Subaru addresses the problem. Looking for others who have noticed the problem, and are willing to contact Subaru.
There is a problem with glare on one of the dashboard displays. My friend in Utah bought a new 2015 Outback the first week they arrived. He said he absolutely loves it. I drove one, and decided that I would also be purchasing one soon. Then, after owning it a couple weeks my friend called me back to let me know that he had noticed a major design flaw. Above the ac/heater controls is a thin display read out. The material produces severe glare with whatever light is entering the vehicle, making it extremely difficult, and sometimes impossible to see the display. The display is not recessed or hooded, so it's not protected at all from the light. The brighter it is out, the worse it is. And if it's bright out, you need sunglasses. This makes it worse because the sunglasses make the readout even dimmer. The display is not bright enough to cut through the glare, and the display brightness cannot be increased. As you move the car to different angles, the problem improves and worsens, depending on the angle that light is entering the car. The problem is worse on sunny days, and is worse early in the day, and late in the day, when the sun shines more directly into the car. I love this car in every other way, and really want one, but I'm not going to spend a lot of money on a car that has such a big problem. You need to be able to see your displays at all times. Not just when it's night time, or when you're at just the right angle.
This could be fixed by recessing and/or hooding the display (like it was on previous generation). Also, the display material needs to be made of an anti-glare material. And finally, they need to increase the intensity of the display itself.
The dealership said that they have already had other complaints about this problem. They said that if it's not a safety issue, it's harder to get it fixed, but said that if enough people contact Subaru about it, then they just might fix it, especially if it's being discussed on forums, which may turn people away from buying. So, if you own a 2015 Outback, or are looking to purchase one, PLEASE contact Subaru, and let them know that we want this problem addressed. I REALLY want a new Outback, so I'm hoping that Subaru will fix the problem. Please help to spread this around (this forum, and other online forums). Thanks everybody.
What display is it that you cannot see can you be more specific since many members on this board have not seen this display. This would be extremely helpful. Thanks
Time, HVAC, Outside Temperature
From cars101.com:
dcm61. Thank you for providing the picture. Now we are all on the same page and understand better what halotree is expressing.
-First, the material covering the display for ac/heat, vent mode, time, and temp is made of a highly reflective material. This causes severe glare at times, making it difficult, and sometimes impossible (depending on sun/clouds, angle of car, time of day), to read the display. The display needs to be hooded and/or recessed. The readout needs to be much brighter (to TRY to compensate for this glare). Finally, the material needs to be changed to a non-glare material.
-Second, this next issue is a safety issue: On the dash board, just above the glove box, and left of the steering wheel are strips of shiny silver plastic. These act as mirrors, directly reflecting the sun into your eyes, causing wash out halos, and temporarily reducing eye sight. Also, this intense sun reflection in your eyes makes it difficult, and at times impossible to clearly see out the windshield, or see what's in center and side rearview mirrors. Furthermore, all of the materials in the center area of the dash (near the ac/heater controls and display) are made of shiny silver materials. These also cause severe and blinding glare, leading to safety issues, and further reducing the ability to see ac/heater display.
If Subaru dealers (and especially corporate) hear enough complaints about the display glare issue, they will likely fix it..........(MAYBE 2015 models, but more likely for 2016). The blinding glare off of silver plastic is another, and much more important issue....it's a safety issue. Failure to address/fix this could, and likely will lead to accidents and injuries. First of all, owners of Outbacks and Legacy's need to contact Subaru Corporate and dealerships about these issues. More importantly, owners need to file vehicle safety reports with the NHTSA (national highway traffic safety administration). They are responsible for investigating auto safety issues, and issuing safety recalls.....if the Manufacturer does not do it voluntarily. If enough owners file these reports with Subaru and the NHTSA, Subaru will likely fix this voluntarily, and a recall won't be necessary. Reports can be filed via hotline, or online.
Hotline: 888-327-4236
Online reporting: safercar.gov (then click the COMPLAINTS AND DEFECTS link.
On a recent trip to the dealer, I took pictures that illustrate both the display readout glare problem, and the severe glare crash risk problem. Severe blinding glare does not translate terribly accurately in photographs, so it doesn't appear as bad in the photos as it is in real life, but you can definitely get the idea. I cannot figure out how to get the pics onto this site, so if someone with more computer tech aptitude than I would like to email me, I'd be happy to send you the pics, so that they can be put up on this forum for all to see.
I hope owners of 2015 Outback and Legacy will help spread this information around on the various Subaru forums. Subaru's are already very safe cars, (this is a major reason many of us buy them), but this is a new safety issue on 2015 models, and we must do all we can to get this addressed as soon as possible.
Thank you all for your help with this....................
Does this mean the 2016 Outback will get the factory installed CarPlay, or will it be the 2017 Outback? Anyone with info on this subject from Subaru sales staff?
Check it out: http://www.leftlanenews.com/apple-carplay-to-arrive-in-40-models-this-year.html
"Loaded with muddy Golden Retrievers or headed for a dressy date night on the town," the 2015 Outback, will get it done: http://www.automobilemag.com/reviews/driven/1503-2015-subaru-outback-around-the-block/
Does anyone know if the 2015/2016 Outback has built-in keyless ignition safeguards, like a timed auto shut-off, to eliminate the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, if you have an attached garage? And if not, is there a recall in place yet to retro-fit/fix this problem?
Check out the following link: http://abcnews.go.com/US/keyless-ignitions-led-carbon-monoxide-deaths-recalled-suit/story?id=33344253
At the very least, this car tech deficiency can cost the car owner lots of wasted gas and bad MPG #'s, and at the worst it can kill the owner and the entire family!
If Subara does not intervene in a timely fashion and right a wrong in their cars, like issue a TSB and/or recall, for those Subaru cars already sold that have keyless ignitions, it's not only terrible for the owners who will continue to be injured and killed by carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning due to this issue, it can be very expensive to Subaru, like the unintended acceleration suit that cost Toyota at least one billion dollars not so long ago.
Article #1) Oct 5th ABC News Investigation of Keyless Ignitions: http://abcnews.go.com/US/abc-news-investigation-potential-risk-keyless-ignitions/story?id=34161887
Article #2) Courthouse News Service: http://www.courthousenews.com/2015/08/28/class-calls-keyless-autos-dangerous.htm
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