Subaru Crew - Future Models II

subearu · December 2003

http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4290640109&mode=invite

That's the photoalbum I took at the Chicago show last year, capturing that MT PP in all it's glory. Even a removed leather shift knob in one pic.

I've got until July before my Outback is due for return, so Subaru could surprise us blokes in the U.S. with a MT PP...otherwise I'd just add a moonroof aftermarket, maybe some Katskins if I'm really bent on the leather...

-Brian

rsholland · December 2003

I was wondering about that empty boat trailer too, with the huge boat in the background. I doubt the Outback can tow anything that large. Even so, any trailer that has dual axles, indicates pretty good towing capacity. The one picture with the horse trailer had dual axles too.

We also know that Subies in Europe and other markets have higher tow rating than here. I still think, however, this is a good sign for US-spec Subies. Heck, all I want is for Subaru to match Volvo's 3,300 pound tow rating. Judging by these photos, it looks like they've accomplished that.

Bob

hondafriek · December 2003

I will never understand why Subaru and other car makers for that matter, sell different options and models between Canada and the states, we are on the same continent for goodness sake.

I can see differences in emissions and safety equipment because of government involvment, they have to stick their noses in our business after all, but stuff like packages make it available wherever, if anything I think it would make things more simple inventory wise.

Cheers pat

locke2c · December 2003

I think there's a good deal of cold-weather gear that is standard on anything besides base models in Canada, and that makes sense.

To me it also makes sense that these are only options in the US. No need to saddle Subarus in Texas with an AWP.

The sunroof/leather thing... dunno!

-c

ateixeira · December 2003

I was gonna say the same thing.

My buddy in Florida has no desire to pay for heated seats, while I think they'll be on my list next time I'm shopping. We've had 2 snows already this year. :-)

But yeah, seems to me you'd sell more sunroofs in the south, especially in the sun belt!

But the towing discrepancy is *huge*, and explained only by litigation in this country. UK Foresters can tow 3980 lbs with the 2.0l engine!

-juice

p0926 · December 2003

Brian- Argh! Like I need reminding!

Re heated seats: when I bought my 01 S Forester I wasn't overly excited to be getting heated seats and had they been a stand-alone option, I certainly would have passed. Now however, even living in the "sun-belt" I've learned to appreciate having them. They've certainly come in handy during the last couple of weeks during the morning commute with temps hovering near freezing but they also even come in handy during long trips in the summer when a little heat to the lower back feels quite good (thanks to Juice for the tip {I think}).

-Frank P.

ateixeira · December 2003

What're ya talking 'bout, you had snow last year! ;-)

-juice

subearu · December 2003

I've used the heated seats before in my Outback and do like 'em. But last night I found a time that I really liked having 'em handy. I was at the Chicago/Minnesota game. After spending several hours outside in the cold, the heated seats for the hour drive home were very comforting.

-Brian

hondafriek · December 2003

With the back problems I have I use them winter and summer, very good for relieving some of the back pain I have 24hrs. a day 24-7.No way I would be without them now.

I also like sunroofs, thats largely why I bought the GT over the L, but then to be honest the rest of the package on the GT was desirable also :-)

Cheers Pat.

subewannabe · December 2003

I call upon Crew members to volunteer to watch bowl games non stop December 29 through January 5 to count how many times they see a 15 second "need-desire" commercial. If it is zero, somebody @ SOA should get fired! It's a very well-thought out and designed commercial.With good placement, it would create a real clamour for the new Legacy.

Mark

sweet_subie · December 2003

10 times
is this an official subaru ad......no one responded to me ?

ateixeira · December 2003

Dunno. Looks like it is.

Teaser sites may deliberately try to be hard to verify, to create a buzz.

-juice

goneskiian · December 2003

I think so. Someone over at nabisco was able to track down who registered the "need-desire.com" URL. They found it's the parent company of Subaru's ad agency (can't remember their name).

-Ian

kens · December 2003

One thing I noticed was the integrated turn signal into the side mirrors. The earlier spy shots of the Legacys driving in So Cal showed some with and some without this feature.

Ken

chazalu · December 2003

I just saw the pictures of the Subaru B9 Scrambler from the Tokyo Motor Show. What are the chances of this car reaching the American market?

ateixeira · December 2003

Something to add to Bob's list, Ken. ;-)

B9 Scrambler? Tough call. The B11S got a better reception from the press. I think Subaru will do a touring coupe like that before they do a roadster. They may even build a large sedan of the B11S platform before they do a roadster.

I think the real odds are pretty remote.

-juice

rsholland · December 2003

I expect that to be standard across the board.

Bob

robr2 · December 2003

It's the Interpublic Group.

For those who'd like to know go to:

http://www.networksolutions.com/en_US/whois/index.jhtml

and you can look up the owner of any website.

rsholland · December 2003

http://www.naias.com/main.asp?sectionID=22

Hmmm... Could this be another variation on the B9 Scrambler theme? Perhaps a Sport Coupe? Or B9 Super-Charged?

Bob

rsholland · December 2003

I'm pretty certain it's the same B9 concept we saw in Tokyo. The NAIAS link says it's a North American Debut, not a World Debut. I bet the reason for the name change is that there are copyright/trademark conflicts with Jeep, who also have a claim on the Scrambler name.

Bob

ateixeira · December 2003

Ain't it funny? I wonder what Subaru of Australia thought when Jeep used the Liberty name. Of course overseas it carries a different label.

In reality I think that's why we see so many alphanumeric names. Even those can get you in trouble. You wouldn't want to use 13 in the US, or 24 in Brazil, for example.

-juice

p0926 · December 2003

Hey I can think of at least one other number... whoops, must keep mind out of gutter!

rsholland · December 2003

https://www.naias.com/showtalk/December04.pdf

rsholland · December 2003

I found this on the Subie Oz site. It's an article pertaining to the new Outback H-6 towing ability. It mentions that Subaru used the the BMW X5 as a target vehicle to match for towing, when developing the Outback. Here in the USA the X5 is rated to tow 5000 pounds.

http://www.subaru.com.au/news/?newsid=11927

And another...

http://www.subaru.co.nz/news/index.html?id=586

Bob

ateixeira · December 2003

Uh-oh, Bob is getting all excited again. Take your valium, Bob. ;-)

Hey - you disappeared from the chat last night, mid way through. What happened?

-juice

rsholland · December 2003

with other things. Sorry.

Bob

ateixeira · December 2003

<whisper> He forgot again, and he's covering up. ;-)

We all dished out our wish lists.

-juice

rsholland · December 2003

Actually, dog needed walking, then I got a phone call, etc., and I never got back before it was over.

Bob

rsholland · December 2003

an available navigation system! YES!!

http://autoshow.msn.com/as/autoshow2004/preview.aspx?idx=25&s- - - - rc=autoshow2004

BTW, this is a micro-site, which is part of the Detroit Show official site. Scroll through the pages of this site for other Detroit offerings.

Here's another link if the above link won't allow you to access previous pages:

http://autoshow.msn.com/as/autoshow2004/?src=autoshow2004

Bob

rsholland · December 2003

This is the second showing of the B9SC/Scrambler, which suggests to me that:

* Subaru may well be considering producing something like it, as R&T had earlier suggested.

* Subaru is "preparing" the North American audience for their new front-end look. Showing this concept at Detroit will likely make it a bit easier for Subaru to introduce the production 7-passenger crossover, which reportedly will wear the new Subie face.

Bob

ateixeira · December 2003

So HIDs and Navi are here. I'll pass on those, but a lot of folks will be happy.

One rumor has the Pontiac Solistice borrowing the Opel/Lotus Elise platform. That might also be what Subaru would get. That's a bit of a stretch, but you never know.

The US Elise is under 2000 lbs, so they could add the hybrid powertrain and AWD and keep it reasonably light. A Lotus plaftorm might be the *only* thing from GM I wouldn't dismiss.

-juice

sweet_subie · December 2003

I don't know how many of you live in the Northeast & used Nav.....it is a single awesome gadget to have.

- when it is cols & dark.
- signs are not clear no neon effects & hard to read
- no grid system
Nav works awesome ( that too an aftermarket one).
================================================
I am glad Subaru didn't fall behind.

Why not Subaru swiftly moves in with the Hybrid on Impreza.....since they have one why wait & fall behind as usual ?

================================================

kens · December 2003

Where did you see the mention of HIDs? Sweet. I'll take that with the DVD Navi system. I just hope Subaru allows the freedom to pick and choose their options. It would be nice to see a stripped down 6MT version for the purists.

I can't wait until NAIAS. That's going to be the trip that defines if I own an XT or GT as my next vehicle!

Ken

ateixeira · December 2003

That photo preview, Ken. It had HIDs.

-juice

rsholland · December 2003

that the only new production car shown will be the Legacy GT turbo sedan and wagon. I think the rest of the all-new Legacys and the all-new Outback will be shown at Chicago.

If you recall, last year's Detroit show was dedicated to the STi, and the other restyled Imprezas didn't debut until Chicago. I think that's what will happen here.

Bob

sweet_subie · December 2003

yes, it has HIDs
http://www.subdriven.com/gallerytk/gallery2.php?mode=album&al- bum=Automobiles/Legacy/2004

see 3rd pic

rsholland · December 2003

and yes, HIDs do come on some models there, presumably top-of-the-line models only.

Bob

rsholland · December 2003

over at nabisco that there may not be a '04 SOC-spec Baja!?!? If true, not a good sign for the future of that model...

Bob

p0926 · December 2003

Bob- What a coincidence, I heard a rumor that this is the final year for the Baja in the US.

-Frank P.

ateixeira · December 2003

It's a tough call. Do they keep pushing the current Baja? Or re-group, and do a new one in 2 years?

Remember, they said it sold well in non-traditional (Sunbelt) areas, that would seem to imply that sales in Canada were never strong.

-juice

p0926 · December 2003

It's sad if true. I think that the Baja, despite its shortcomings, is still a far more practical vehicle for all those people buying Ford Sportracs or those behemoth Caddy Escalade EXTs.

-Frank P.

ateixeira · December 2003

Yeah but no bling-bling.

Off topic, I saw some plastic wheel covers today at Advance Auto Parts. They had spinners! On wheel covers! Seriously!

I'm starting to accumulate the parts needed for my 60k service. Is 75w90 gear oil good? How many quarts for a MT, front, and rear diffy? 4-5?

-juice

wheelz4 · December 2003

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/ae_news_story.php?id=42825

ateixeira · December 2003

I don't agree at all - the B11S had a warm reception in the press, the B9 Scrambler was mixed. And the B11S is the bold one!

OK, the new Legacy has had the best reception of all, so maybe they'll stay conservative and mimick that.

-juice

rthompson10 · December 2003

The article that Bob provided the link to(aussie subaru) stating the towing capacity was 1800K given 2.2 lb per kilo that 3960 lbs- not quite 5K.

THat's what its designed to brake for if I read the article correctly(I'm not a car-techno) so if you didn't have to brake 5K would be doable??...:)

Robert

hondafriek · December 2003

juice I would think you are right about sales in Canada, I have only seen one Baja on the road in Ottawa and I think that is a demo driven by a salesperson.

Cheers Pat.

sweet_subie · December 2003

frankly, i did not like B9 at all.

the new legacy & outback is nice....continue with the same draw...

that open face i don;t like.....not my wife for sure.

sweet_subie · December 2003

i think they'll change Baja styling or scrap it...
if they change styling...it should be OK.

bat1161 · December 2003

I hope that they do redesign the Baja, possibly on the 7 pass frame. I like the design now, but my wife and friends think there is too little room for it to be practical. I still want to check out the B-T.

Mark

rsholland · December 2003

I wonder what they'll come up with. The B9 is certainly toned down from the B11S. Which leads me to the following question:

If the B9 look is being scraped, why then are they going to be showing it at Detroit?

Bob

Subaru Crew - Future Models II

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