Whoa it looks like the JDM Forester STi's engine is rated at 355hp! It also gets a 6-speed.
The LL Bean edition looks to be little more than a customized interior with beige leather and trim, weather proofed cargo area and possibly a power drivers seat (Ken can you verify?)
Don't tell me they kept the different colored cladding on the bottom for the Bean!!!! NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!! Say it ain't so..... I can't beleive they would do that! I've been waiting to buy another Bean thinking it would have the monotone...
is you'll be able to get it both ways, depending on the color, just as it is now. BTW, not certain the green one is a Bean. I think it is, but I'm not sure.
If we're looking at the same image, I see a gold-ish looking Outback with wheels that look similar to the 5-spoke wheels used outside the US. These ones look like 16" to me, hard to say.
Definitely looks like some dark gray/silver paint or cladding on the bottom.... can see it now that the door is open.
I think the green car has 17" wheels. If you look carefully at the size of the sidewall of the tires of each vehicle, the green car appears to have a lower tire aspect ratio. The Outback chassis that juice and I saw at Detroit, was an Outback chassis with 225/55/17 tires. Also, in every other market where the car is sold, H-6 models get 17" wheels, and all the other models remain with 16" wheels.
I also think the green car has anthracite wheels. They look gray to me, and not bright shiny alloys.
It's hard to tell. The hood's green, the side looks gold. I think we're reacting to the lighting. The other shot, from the other side, shows the white car and the top of this car, and it too appears to be green. I think the cladding on this one (not the white one) is the same color that found on the black Beans/Baja turbos.
I may be wrong on the "Bean Forester NOT for US" prediction but I will stick my neck out to predict that the Forester will be the first in the Subaru lineup to go hybrid - that is, unless the B9 debuts first.
Looks like the 3.0L will get monotone whereas the 2.5L gets the two tone (going by Bob's link to UK). Ala Forester. I like the monotone Gold. Much more subtle than current OB.
Okay, I admit it I goofed ;-( The 355hp number for the Forester STi is wrong. I used the PS figure to do the kW to hp conversion (Oops). The real HP appears to be 261hp (195 kW x 1.341 hp) which isn't significantly higher than the XT's true 235-240hp.
Lower left camera and then right of big red Suzuki? S and down a little. Looks like a mono white turbo w/ integrated directionals; a mono grey/blue H6 (3.0) w/ sunroof; a white w/ cladding, and sunroof; and a champagne gold opal w/ cladding, sunroof, integrated directionals, and cross bars. Turbo and gold have 5 spoke wheels and the white w/ cladding has 6 spoke wheels.
The grille on the new B9 concept shows the new face of Subaru.
The Remington Shaver Grille aka - "Alfa" does not an upscale car make. But I don't mind the Alfa look, if you are going to steal from a European designer, Alfa Romeo will do fine. I really don't have a problem with that look.
But the "up-scale" ability of Subaru has less to do with the curves and lines on the body panels and more to do with the quality and refinements of the interiors. In this regard they have been deficient. There are many reasons, small market share, cost control, demographics hadn't demanded luxury as long as they had strong mechanicals. But the competioin is tough, and they offer AWD so the Subaru niche is not there anymore.
When the new Legacy and Outback debut in 2 days in Chicago, we will see how serious Subaru is about going upscale. They have to have significant improvements shown here and now if they want to start being consisdered a premium brand. I for one think the LL Bean and the VDC Outback wagons were a start, but they still have to improve, and make interior improvements on all the lines. The other thing needed is the 7 passenger vehicle, which has to be upscale. They have to offer vehicles for growing families with all the features and luxury you expect from a Chrysler/Dodge/Toyota/Honda minivan type vehicle. You also gotta have a hybrid engine mix on the lines to catch the green peoples money. The B9 concept or Impreza Coupe can come anytime, make them sporty of course but nice. After these vehicles take a hold then you can think of going really upscale with the B11S concept.
The hard part of going upscale is keeping the purchase cost and the weight down. That is a big issue with Audi's.
So here's how I see the Subaru brand in the future
Impreza Line - Coupe, Wagon, Sedan 3 Engines/Style levels - NA H4/Base, Turbo H4/Premium, STI H4/Premium Sport
Legacy Line - Coupe, Wagon Sedan Legacy - 3 Engines/Style levels - NA H4/Base, Turbo H4/Premium, STI H6/Premium Sport
Outback Line - Wagons only 3 Engines/Style levels - NA H4/Base, NA H6/Premium, Hybrid H6 Premium
Baja Line - Road Wagon, Offroad Wagon(with hi/lo transfer) 3 Engines/Style levels - NA H4/Base, Turbo H4/Premium, Hybrid H6 Premium
Adirondack - 7 Passenger Vehicle 3 Engines/Style levels - NA H6/Base, Hybrid H6/Premium, Turbo H6/Premium Sport
that *I* posted the link to the live cams at the chicago show way before they even started setting it up??? I've been following the action since they started setting up ... didn't know you guys needed another 'nudge' .. oh wait .. that was from a man ... that's different ... <goes back into anonymity>
(I hope you guys know I'm typing TONGUE IN CHEEK!)
Bart- An interesting a logical product line (except for the glaring omission of the Forester) but I don't see Subaru having the resources to produce so many models and trim levels.
p0926 - The Forester is such a hit on so many levels I just flat overlooked it.
Forester Line - Wagon Only 3 Engines/Style levels - NA H4/Base, Turbo H4/Premium, STI H4/Premium Sport
Adding in the Forester, that makes 8 models for Subaru. I think they can muster the resources for a full lineup. The majority of models are based on 2 platforms Impreza and Legacy, the costs are pretty set on these. In the near term the development of the 7 seater and the B9 would be the only new huge expense cost. Hopefully increased sales of the updated Forester, Legacy, WRX, and Outback will help build up the coffers.
#12511 of 12718 funny by ladywclass Jan 25, 2004 (10:24 am)
i know my sense of humor is a little off-kilter .. but i find this really funny .. if you go to the chicago auto show URL (http://www.chicagoautoshow.com/) there are live web cams set up for the show ... clicking on it for grins and expecting to see .. not yet available ... you get views of the empty hall .. lol .. so if anyone wants to WATCH them set up the show ....
Okay Brenda, I'll admit that I saw your post and followed the link. However the "boys" get partial credit because they posted a direct links and waited until there was actually something to look at :-)
Only financial. Not happy or comfortable with where two years of M3 care & feeding has put me.
I do not fear it being a new model at all due to all critical components already being used in other Subarus. Plus I don't own cars beyond factory warranty, and we have Patti. Wait that's the wrong order-- Patti first then all that other nonsense.
Comments
The LL Bean edition looks to be little more than a customized interior with beige leather and trim, weather proofed cargo area and possibly a power drivers seat (Ken can you verify?)
-Frank P.
Don't let me jump the gun....
Ralph
Bob
Still hoping..
Ralph
Definitely looks like some dark gray/silver paint or cladding on the bottom.... can see it now that the door is open.
Craig
I also think the green car has anthracite wheels. They look gray to me, and not bright shiny alloys.
Bob
Those same wheels are 17" outside the US, so maybe they are the same exact ones. You'll notice they require stick-on weights since there is no lip....
I see gold paint, gray/silver cladding, and silver wheels.
Craig
Greg
Bob
We may get these colors, or maybe not?
Bob
The two-tone surprises me, I thought they were phasing that out. Having said that, those colors actually look decent.
B9 on the Forester platform, eh? No wonder I like it so much!
274hp sounds good, put that powertrain in the next Forester! I'll buy it! From just 2.0 liters without a turbo?
Or make us an STi, though honestly I'd more likely be able to afford the hybrid.
-juice
I realize that's not a very bold prediction. ;-)
Ed
Bob
Bob
Cheers Pat.
I love that color.
Bob
Cheers Pat
http://live2.truelook.com/face/newface.jsp?func=live&name=/ca- - ta/chicago/camera2&pan=123.0&tilt=-14.934758&panfov=7- - .5714874&tiltfov=5.6786156&overlay=default&skin=test&- amp;- amp;useapplet=true&time=1075836959504&width=640&heigh- - t=480&quality=65&catalogname=catalog&zoom=5.4810896&a- mp;a- mp;vfmap.x=1178&vfmap.y=61
Bob
Cheers Pat.
Moonroofs on both, huge too.
NO TINTED WINDOWS? Huh? At least the driver's window is not lighter than the rear ones. Bummer. I thought that was all set?
The near one does get cross bars.
I actually think both have the same wheels, just the light is making them look different.
-juice
Bob
-juice
Luch
Bob
Greg
Is it normal to have two base(2.5L) models at a car show? When you have a turbo and H6 models to show also?
Luch
http://live2.truelook.com/face/newface.jsp?func=live&name=/ca- - ta/chicago/camera2&pan=127.4765&tilt=-14.814162&panfo- - v=11.85825&tiltfov=8.893687&overlay=default&skin=test- - &useapplet=true&time=1075843046385&width=640&heig- - ht=480&quality=65&catalogname=catalog&zoom=3.4996734&- amp;- amp;imagemap.x=182&imagemap.y=41&imagemap.w=175&image- - map.h=109
..and a grey or a blue monotone 3.0...
http://live2.truelook.com/face/newface.jsp?func=live&name=/ca- ta/chicago/camera2&pan=131.01236&tilt=-13.8369&panfov- =3.8705535&tiltfov=2.9029152&overlay=default&skin=tes- t&useapplet=true&time=1075843244426&width=640&hei- ght=480&quality=65&catalogname=catalog&zoom=10.721981- &imagemap.x=240&imagemap.y=226&imagemap.w=189&ima- gemap.h=170
Zman
-Frank P.
The Remington Shaver Grille aka - "Alfa" does not an upscale car make. But I don't mind the Alfa look, if you are going to steal from a European designer, Alfa Romeo will do fine. I really don't have a problem with that look.
But the "up-scale" ability of Subaru has less to do with the curves and lines on the body panels and more to do with the quality and refinements of the interiors. In this regard they have been deficient. There are many reasons, small market share, cost control, demographics hadn't demanded luxury as long as they had strong mechanicals. But the competioin is tough, and they offer AWD so the Subaru niche is not there anymore.
When the new Legacy and Outback debut in 2 days in Chicago, we will see how serious Subaru is about going upscale. They have to have significant improvements shown here and now if they want to start being consisdered a premium brand. I for one think the LL Bean and the VDC Outback wagons were a start, but they still have to improve, and make interior improvements on all the lines. The other thing needed is the 7 passenger vehicle, which has to be upscale. They have to offer vehicles for growing families with all the features and luxury you expect from a Chrysler/Dodge/Toyota/Honda minivan type vehicle. You also gotta have a hybrid engine mix on the lines to catch the green peoples money. The B9 concept or Impreza Coupe can come anytime, make them sporty of course but nice. After these vehicles take a hold then you can think of going really upscale with the B11S concept.
The hard part of going upscale is keeping the purchase cost and the weight down. That is a big issue with Audi's.
So here's how I see the Subaru brand in the future
Impreza Line - Coupe, Wagon, Sedan
3 Engines/Style levels - NA H4/Base, Turbo H4/Premium, STI H4/Premium Sport
Legacy Line - Coupe, Wagon Sedan
Legacy - 3 Engines/Style levels - NA H4/Base, Turbo H4/Premium, STI H6/Premium Sport
Outback Line - Wagons only
3 Engines/Style levels - NA H4/Base, NA H6/Premium, Hybrid H6 Premium
Baja Line - Road Wagon, Offroad Wagon(with hi/lo transfer)
3 Engines/Style levels - NA H4/Base, Turbo H4/Premium, Hybrid H6 Premium
Adirondack - 7 Passenger Vehicle
3 Engines/Style levels - NA H6/Base, Hybrid H6/Premium, Turbo H6/Premium Sport
B9 Concept - 2 seater
2 Engines/Style levels - Hybrid H4/Premium, Turbo H4 Sport
B11S Concept - 4 Seater
2 Engines/Style levels - Hybrid H6/Premium, Turbo H6/Premium Sport
Truck ?
I've been following the action since they started setting up ... didn't know you guys needed another 'nudge' .. oh wait .. that was from a man ... that's different ...
<goes back into anonymity>
(I hope you guys know I'm typing TONGUE IN CHEEK!)
-Frank P.
http://live2.truelook.com/face/newface.jsp?func=live&name=/ca- ta/chicago/camera2&pan=94.61816&tilt=-12.755876&panfo- v=7.2734375&tiltfov=5.455078&overlay=default&skin=tes- t&useapplet=true&time=1075850284084&width=640&hei- ght=480&quality=65&catalogname=catalog&zoom=5.705693&- amp;imagemap.x=277&imagemap.y=186&imagemap.w=220&imag- emap.h=179
Bob
-Brian
Bob
Forester Line - Wagon Only
3 Engines/Style levels - NA H4/Base, Turbo H4/Premium, STI H4/Premium Sport
Adding in the Forester, that makes 8 models for Subaru. I think they can muster the resources for a full lineup. The majority of models are based on 2 platforms Impreza and Legacy, the costs are pretty set on these. In the near term the development of the 7 seater and the B9 would be the only new huge expense cost. Hopefully increased sales of the updated Forester, Legacy, WRX, and Outback will help build up the coffers.
#12511 of 12718 funny by ladywclass
Jan 25, 2004 (10:24 am)
i know my sense of humor is a little off-kilter .. but i find this really funny .. if you go to the chicago auto show URL (http://www.chicagoautoshow.com/) there are live web cams set up for the show ... clicking on it for grins and expecting to see .. not yet available ... you get views of the empty hall .. lol .. so if anyone wants to WATCH them set up the show ....
-Frank P.
http://autologic.blogspot.com
Your friendly neighborhood comuter geek...
Love that monotone car in front, with just the low-key black skirts.
It's going to be hard resisting the 05 models!!
Craig
Bob even responded to it, so he's showing his age I think! ;-)
-Brian
The email highlights features from the GT. The link takes you to a photo of the GT.
So is it fair to assume the GT will be available in the Spring? I thought it wasn't getting to dealers until the summer!
Ken
Bob
~c
Ken
I do not fear it being a new model at all due to all critical components already being used in other Subarus. Plus I don't own cars beyond factory warranty, and we have Patti. Wait that's the wrong order-- Patti first then all that other nonsense.
~c
Well, I'm ready to trade up from my Forester any day. Spring certainly sounds more attractive than summer for me!
Ken