Yes, I'll take a good set of halogens with sharp cutoff rather than some cheap HIDs any day.
Any idea of the Legacy GT uses H1 or H4 bulbs? Halogen lighting can be very good, but there are some very poor bulb models out there like the 9007. If the Leg uses H1 or H4, a quick upgrade using Philips Vision Plus would be possible.
I think the issue of adding HID and Nav as options is that they'll cost so much more than aftermarket solutions that SOA runs the risk of few people buying those.
is the way I see the new Legacy. This good for many here, while it may(?) frustrate others.
If the new Legacy had HIDs, and the nav system, and the 6-speed manual, it would likely be priced far above what most here would feel as proper.
Having said that, I do think SOA should offer, as an option, a nav system—on every Subaru. I do think, that not having that feature, could cost SOA some sales.
So if the turbo production is in May, what would be the 'realistic' month to get it at dealers... cause if it's June or July, than that's not bad, but after that, I'm Infiniti bound.
Besides, I don't even know if I'll be comfortable in the Leg Turbo if what juice said is right ~ same interior space as current
thanks so much for the update. Now I just need to drive to the Indiana "meet" to up the miles on my current OB so I have an excuse to upgrade to the new GT.
The only major flaw I see so far is the lack of a folding rear seat in the sedan. As for me, I care more about the mechanicals and refinement of a car than the toys inside. Maybe by the time I am ready to put my money down the GT will have the 6 speed and .....more HP?
Good question bigelm. I too would like to know how long it will take to hit the lots as this could likely be the deal breaker for me. Sure wish Infiniti made a wagon version of that G35.
The more I think about it this is the deal breaker for me. I'm just not willing to wait until July or August for this car. Sorry Subaru, as of today you lost my sale.
Not that I'm pitching for Garmin, any NAV sys that's mounted on dash is the most optimum. It's an instrument which requires visual assessment, which can and would take your eyes off the road for at least 3 seconds if mounted in-dash. An on dash mount will only be a second or less. Hence, my asking for dash to accomodate such and that includes in-car NAV sys. The current location, between the center vents in the dash [in my opinion is bling factor], is NOT a good practical/functional design.
HIDs, still cheaper and more practical to go with an auxillary aftermarket.
Krisshna- put my auxillary Micro Xenon DE next to the HIDs of the STi's, my auxilary HIDs makes the STi's look like halogen ;-) But hey, to each his own. There are those wants just for the sake of having, and there are those that's practical.
I disagree on the dash mount being the optimum solution. Most in-dash nav systems today give voice commands so there is very little need to look at the screen while driving.
As for actual selection of destination - of course one should pull over. But in reality few would. IMHO, using the large buttons on a touch screen mounted close to other controls (audio, HVAC) would be easier than reaching out for an aftermarket solution mounted on the dash.
I don't get it -- all Subaru did was to introduce the car, in essence, giving us a preview of what's going on sale for the 2005 model year. There were no implied promises about when the car would be available, so you can't balme anyone. If you need a new car sooner and can't wait, that's understandable, but that's your issue, not Subaru's!
Not to beat on this horse, but don't the next-model year vehicles typically get in around late summer? I think we got in the habit of expecting all new models to arrive in early spring because of the WRX.
*I saw a Lexus commercial last night about the underside panels that reduce wind resistance down there. I know the JDM GT has this feature...I forgot to ask Juice and Bob to get on their bellies and check this on the cars in Detroit!
*While the PR rep who gave the interview wasnt a veteran car journalist/personality, I think SoA went in the right direction. My family , all women of various ages, has been obsessing with me about this car for months, and they are unanimous that the photo on the global site of the woman in a long evening dress preparing to load her cello into the rear of a new Legacy wagon will sell more Legacies than all the HP/Torque numbers and reviews in car mags! * Given the weight reductions and the large moonroof opening, it would be virtually impossible to have fold -down rear seats in the sedan and maintain structural rigdity consistent with the car's performance . * Juice reports great seat contours in the GT, but no mention of the 4 way power passenger seat in the Limited version.... * I heartily agree that HID, Nav and McIntosh stereo with 11 speakers would place this car outside the tolerable range for MSRP. Its an amazing car and I think SoA wants to keep the MSRP under $30K for all sedan trim levels, $31K on the wagons, as a marketing strategy.....blow away the Camry's and Accords first,then go after Acura and Infiniti with '06 model upgrades, then worry about Audi and BMW when you've got a few years of product identity. Subaru doesnt have the customer base to sucessfully launch a $35K auto. * I dont mind the June/July avaialabilty. Dealers are already trying to move inventory by July and SoA will have to price the GT competitively to sell them on a consistent month to month basis. Plus, by then I will have had plenty of test drives in the H6 Outback. * Finally, for all those offended by the larger USDM front and rear bumpers: SOA has marketed the new Forester as having the highest safety rating in its class. They wouldnt even consider selling a new Legacy that couldnt make the same claim. Erego: side curtain air bags standard on all trim levels. I dont hear anybody whining about that! SOA is going to sell this car to moms and dads, not street racers. Its only coincidence that some moms and dads will blow away the other moms and dads on the way to the soccer game.
Thank you for all the valuable feedback on the new Legacys you two have provided. Juice, you mentioned that the new vehicles felt a little bigger, but not much. Did the literature list exact dimensions for leg room, hip room, shoulder room, and cargo room?
My wife and I will have our first baby in mid-March. Our little one, in addition to our two golden retrievers, simply make our Legacy GT Limited sedan too tight for comfort. Time for something larger, like a wagon...or...gulp...a minivan (Gasp! That hurt to write). The current Legacy wagon/Outback are too small, so I'm hoping the next generation grows larger with my family.
" women of various ages, has been obsessing with me about this car for months, and they are unanimous that the photo on the global site of the woman in a long evening dress preparing to load her cello into the rear of a new Legacy wagon will sell more Legacies than all the HP/Torque numbers and reviews in car mags!"
Especially when one's wife is a cellist and Subaru enthusiast. Heh.
Craig, Thanks for the concern. I'm not blaming Subaru for anything. Just venting the frustration I'm feeling that is caused by my expectations not being met. I'll get over it, and then I'll wait for the GT to hit the lots, or not.
I disagree on the dash mount being the optimum solution. Most in-dash nav systems today give voice commands so there is very little need to look at the screen while driving.
Krisshna-
Voice guidance is an innovative plus, but it still does not reduce the need to "there is very little need to look". The next time you drive out to a totally unfamiliar place in another State, if you have a car that's equipped with a NAV, taped up and cover the screen then drive to your destination relying soley on voice guidance. I bet you'll catch yourself looking at the screen at almost every prompt.
I'll quit complaining and venting and say that I really do like this car and all that it offers. I guess that's part of the reason I'm so frustrated that I have to wait so long for one. ;-)
Can't wait to see all the pictures you two took. Hopefully Bob's luggage arrives soon!
There is a little more room, but a little, not a lot. I think the biggest improvement was in rear head room. You'll see a photo of me in the back seat, the headliner clears my head easily. The old model would rub a little, so they were clever and gained at least an inch or two there.
Legroom was not tight, but toe space under the front seat was only adequate. My Forester has more wiggle space for the toes under the seat.
Width felt about the same. The seats themselves are more comfy. Remember, the seat base no longer has to fold up for the seats to fold flat, so they ended up more comfy.
We got pics of the underside, too. There was a panel under the engine, plastic I think, but none towards the rear. I'll download those once I get a chance, my kids miss their daddy, too. )
Also to clarify - I didn't mean the sedans don't get a remote trunk release, I meant that the wagons don't get a remote button/latch that makes the rear seat fold down. Apparently that feature is available in Japan. The Mazda 6 also has it, so that's why we looked for it. Not a big deal, but still.
We heard nothing official about the new Outback, except that secret 2005 Outback chassis. No body, so I can't answer about Navi, HIDs, or MacIntosh on that model.
My guess? I think it's more likely to get those, since prices have already been higher. Don't give up hope, plus remember the Outback will supposedly reach dealers before the GT.
LL Bean Forester would be cool, then. Maybe that'll get us leather on an MT model, HIDs, and the self-leveling shocks that are so cool. At a minimum we should see some new features on the 2005 Forester. Can't wait to see it!
Having been behind the wheel of paisan's SVX, let me just say, I THOUGHT THEY WERE HIDs! Seriously, those lights are awesome, lit up the whole parking lot like daylight. If the Legacy's projectors work that well I think we should all stop complaining and count our blessings.
Another thing, note how Blue Star bulbs advertise "The Look of HID", well, guess what? The projector beams' appearance is super-cool. It looks like a light blue lens floating in the air, i.e. it does actually look like real HIDs. So you get the look, and the lighting, and it's cheap, bulbs are cheap to replace, ...
And this is a BAD thing? Are you nuts? )
Also, keep in mind some rumors had the Legacy GT coming only in the fall, one rumor even said NEXT YEAR! Remember? So this may actually come sooner than some people thought.
Maybe I didn't convey my feelings accurately enough - I think the 2005 Legacy is a solid entry. It has the interior to compete with anyone, and should have the performance to exceed them all.
"Premium" in this case means bang for the buck, performance at that price level. I think perhaps they'll let the Outback pursue the luxury buyer, remember the H6 is ultra-smooth and has been pitched to them already.
The turbo is sporty and produced hopefully for a value price. Folks, this is GREAT news. This is gonna be a cult car, just wait.
You can get an in-dash Nav system installed for around $1500-2000MAX. The projectors look similar to the ones in the SVX they are great, equal to the light provided by the STis HIDs.
As for "I want everything OEM" I guess then you never change tires or struts or oil?
If you really want all that stuff and can't live without it... Get a G35 or C320... Not sure why you guys are insisting on getting blood from a stone on these issues. Or perhaps you would have rather gotten a 4EAT w/o VTD or sportshifter and bling lights and nav?
For $X you can only get X amount of content, you aren't gonna get X + Y content in a $X vehicle.
The NAV's I use most are Hertz Never Lost and those are usually poorly mounted IMHO - down low and over to the passenger side. Yes I do catch myself looking at the screen occasionally - usually when I'm not getting a voice prompt. When I'm prompted, I'm looking for where I'm supposed to go not the screen.
It's a personal choice. I'm of the opinion that voice prompts from any system are far safer than having to take your eyes off the road and focus on any screen in the car. Further, I feel that reaching to access a unit - be it a NAV, radar detector, hula girl doll - mounted on the dash is much more difficult than using a large touch screen located in the general area of other controls. The top of the dash is simply a longer reach.
Lastly, here in MA installation of anything between the driver and the windshield is prohibited. Smelly trees on the mirror and even decals on the windshield other than the state inspection sticker are illegal. The probability of being ticketed for such an offense is low but it could happen.
As for "options" you have to understand you aren't dealing with DC, GM, or Ford where they can afford to produce a decent # of each and every package/options and have it sit til it sells. On low-volume manufacturers they can't afford to have too many options because then they need to stock replacement parts, etc and guess how many of each option will sell in order to produce it. Same arguement as Joybells desire for rollup windows and non-power locks. On low-volue manufacturers they just can't afford it.
paisan has a point. It was even mentioned by one elderly, very friendly SoA employee (wish I remembered his name) that the whole GM partnership was really only about getting leverage to purchase a small amount of parts at decent prices, i.e. to gain some buying power with suppliers.
Any how, check out how cool this headlight looks, I personally love it!
This pic shows a lot. Check out the nicer lit sun visors and vanity mirrors, plus the extension.
If you look at the big image you'll see the padded fabric head liner, same stuff used in the $78,000 VW Phaeton luxury car! Even the A-pillar is dressed and looks very classy.
hee hee if it comes OEM in the car that way, between and the driver and windshield it's legal
Most NAV sys today, the voice guidance works in tendum with the screen display. The voice guides basically, well guides, but in addition [should brains don't comprehen fully] also preps you so that when you look at the screen you will register the info at a glance. An in-dash mount in center in an ideal world is fine. But we don't live in an ideal world. I believe an on-dash mount or in-dash on top of dash is more suited for the real world.
Real world example. 48hrs drive, paisan in lead and I was trailing 10ft behind. The exit was called some ways back. I can see paisan as well as the GPS that he is going to miss the exit. I called the turn - he had less than 10ft to spare before passing the exit. Hard right into the exit. Now, had I had my GPS mounted at where most of the in-dash are today, I would be looking/glancing down and not had time to react to paisan's "oops I'm about to miss the exit" manuever
This got so much air time that it deserved its own photo. All cruise buttons on one stalk. Note the nice steering wheel, it's shaped exactly like the STi. GT is made my Momo, but to be honest the 2.5i has the same exact shape, just not the Momo logo.
Manual controls, but very nice heated leather. GT gets power pass seat. Both seats are IMO more comfy that the ones in our 2002 Legacy L. GT has excellent side support and looks expensive, almost like Acura NSX seats with shoulder support and all.
I just checked. I've got a whole bunch of Detroit images on my camera—which is in my lost luggage. All the more frustrating as juice's camera's batteries were running low, so I took many show photos that he was unable to.
By the way, every Subie on the stand was this color silver! Well, the B9 was half light blue.
I *love* the rims. 5 spokes, airy, easy to clean. Perfect. Wish the Forester would get these. The XT rims look good but would be hard to clean OCD clean. The XS rims I don't like at all. The Legacy GT's are perfect.
Brakes are huge, 12" something IIRC, that was in the PDF. 17" and a full 7" wide too. Verrrry nice.
OK, tires will be a sore spot here, but note that they do protect the lip of the rims, i.e. if you touch a curb the tire scatches, not the rim. This is cool - I don't think most OE tires offer this protection to their rims.
Funny thing is that may give you the excuse to get summer and winter tires.
is that the new Legacy—as equipped—is a bit down on the "feature list" if you compare it to a 3-series BMW or Audi A4. In terms of performance, I'm sure it will hang with them just fine; but if you're into OEM nav systems, and the like, I think it comes up a bit short.
So the gearheads here should be happy, whereas the gizmoheads may feel shortchanged.
I do think those kinds of features will arrive, but it may take year or two. As you all know, Subaru refines and tweaks the model lineup every year, so it's not unreasonable to assume those items are in the pipeline.
As juice mentioned, the bare chassis on the wall (so to speak) was that of the '05 Outback. A few points to note:
• The US-spec Outback will have blackwall (YES!) 225/55x17 tires. Asia, Oz, and Europe get 215/55x17 tires.
• This chassis was the H-6, so it's possible the H-4 Outback, assuming there still is one, might still have 16" wheels. This question should be answered at Chicago.
Yeah you are right I love that seatback pocket, still trying to figure out how Bit did his, I had a couple of attempts but I wasn't satisfied.
See I am not hard to satisfy little things like that will do it.
Also like the mirrors and those rims are sweet, bet if you wait though those rims will be turning up in no time for bargain prices if the sale of STI rims is anything to go by.
BTW. japanparts offers covers for our mirrors with those LED turnsignals If anybody is interested they super slim and are bonded to the mirror, actually Subiegal was selling them for the RS for I think $145USD a pair.
Dave - is there some reason why you've refered to me twice as krisshna?
"Real world example. 48hrs drive, paisan in lead and I was trailing 10ft behind. The exit was called some ways back. I can see paisan as well as the GPS that he is going to miss the exit. I called the turn - he had less than 10ft to spare before passing the exit. Hard right into the exit. Now, had I had my GPS mounted at where most of the in-dash are today, I would be looking/glancing down and not had time to react to paisan's "oops I'm about to miss the exit" manuever"
Real world - if I am responsible for navigating, I'm in front. Real world - voice command would've prepared me to turn a 1/4 mile back. Real World - telling a friend to turn abrupbtly at what sounds like a high speed isn't safe.
As I said "IMHO" I believe the in dash with voice commands is a better system. You believe otherwise but it's also YHO - not fact.
Dave - is there some reason why you've refered to me twice as krisshna?
I haven't the faintest idea?... must be a senior moment(s) ;-)
The 48hrs: I neglected to mention that paisan was leading and navigating. Although I also have the GPS, I do not interfer with the lead or navigator unless called upon or in the last case which I had reason to believe paisan was going off course did I butt in. To know he was going off course or to anticipate the action(s) of a driver in front 1/4 mile back would be ideal, but realistically that doesn't happen. My point, a 3 sec. lapse to look down and glance at the GPS can cost.
Comments
Any idea of the Legacy GT uses H1 or H4 bulbs? Halogen lighting can be very good, but there are some very poor bulb models out there like the 9007. If the Leg uses H1 or H4, a quick upgrade using Philips Vision Plus would be possible.
I think the issue of adding HID and Nav as options is that they'll cost so much more than aftermarket solutions that SOA runs the risk of few people buying those.
Premium gas no doubt. The STi and XT needs it.
Ken
If the new Legacy had HIDs, and the nav system, and the 6-speed manual, it would likely be priced far above what most here would feel as proper.
Having said that, I do think SOA should offer, as an option, a nav system—on every Subaru. I do think, that not having that feature, could cost SOA some sales.
Bob
Besides, I don't even know if I'll be comfortable in the Leg Turbo if what juice said is right ~ same interior space as current
A Garmin doesn't help if you don't want to clutter up your dash.
These are both things that my wife wants. She loved the HID's on her mom's new 325.
Hopefully, both will be options in the future.
-Dennis
The only major flaw I see so far is the lack of a folding rear seat in the sedan. As for me, I care more about the mechanicals and refinement of a car than the toys inside. Maybe by the time I am ready to put my money down the GT will have the 6 speed and .....more HP?
Greg
The more I think about it this is the deal breaker for me. I'm just not willing to wait until July or August for this car. Sorry Subaru, as of today you lost my sale.
-Ian
Greg
they're real Xenon gas HID lights, yes. but they are driving lights and not headlamps.
HID headlamps are a lot more.
-Colin
BTW, i don;t want to buy aftermarket products....i prefer them to be part of what i buy.
HIDs, still cheaper and more practical to go with an auxillary aftermarket.
Krisshna-
put my auxillary Micro Xenon DE next to the HIDs of the STi's, my auxilary HIDs makes the STi's look like halogen ;-) But hey, to each his own. There are those wants just for the sake of having, and there are those that's practical.
-Dave
As for actual selection of destination - of course one should pull over. But in reality few would. IMHO, using the large buttons on a touch screen mounted close to other controls (audio, HVAC) would be easier than reaching out for an aftermarket solution mounted on the dash.
Craig
Ken
*While the PR rep who gave the interview wasnt a veteran car journalist/personality, I think SoA went in the right direction. My family , all women of various ages, has been obsessing with me about this car for months, and they are unanimous that the photo on the global site of the woman in a long evening dress preparing to load her cello into the rear of a new Legacy wagon will sell more Legacies than all the HP/Torque numbers and reviews in car mags!
* Given the weight reductions and the large moonroof opening, it would be virtually impossible to have fold -down rear seats in the sedan and maintain structural rigdity consistent with the car's performance .
* Juice reports great seat contours in the GT, but no mention of the 4 way power passenger seat in the Limited version....
* I heartily agree that HID, Nav and McIntosh stereo with 11 speakers would place this car outside the tolerable range for MSRP. Its an amazing car and I think SoA wants to keep the MSRP under $30K for all sedan trim levels, $31K on the wagons, as a marketing strategy.....blow away the Camry's and Accords first,then go after Acura and Infiniti with '06 model upgrades, then worry about Audi and BMW when you've got a few years of product identity. Subaru doesnt have the customer base to sucessfully launch a $35K auto.
* I dont mind the June/July avaialabilty. Dealers are already trying to move inventory by July and SoA will have to price the GT competitively to sell them on a consistent month to month basis. Plus, by then I will have had plenty of test drives in the H6 Outback.
* Finally, for all those offended by the larger USDM front and rear bumpers: SOA has marketed the new Forester as having the highest safety rating in its class. They wouldnt even consider selling a new Legacy that couldnt make the same claim. Erego: side curtain air bags standard on all trim levels. I dont hear anybody whining about that! SOA is going to sell this car
to moms and dads, not street racers. Its only coincidence that some moms and dads will blow away the other moms and dads on the way to the soccer game.
Mark
My wife and I will have our first baby in mid-March. Our little one, in addition to our two golden retrievers, simply make our Legacy GT Limited sedan too tight for comfort. Time for something larger, like a wagon...or...gulp...a minivan (Gasp! That hurt to write). The current Legacy wagon/Outback are too small, so I'm hoping the next generation grows larger with my family.
Especially when one's wife is a cellist and Subaru enthusiast. Heh.
Thanks for the concern. I'm not blaming Subaru for anything. Just venting the frustration I'm feeling that is caused by my expectations not being met. I'll get over it, and then I'll wait for the GT to hit the lots, or not.
-Ian
Krisshna-
Voice guidance is an innovative plus, but it still does not reduce the need to "there is very little need to look". The next time you drive out to a totally unfamiliar place in another State, if you have a car that's equipped with a NAV, taped up and cover the screen then drive to your destination relying soley on voice guidance. I bet you'll catch yourself looking at the screen at almost every prompt.
-Dave
I'll quit complaining and venting and say that I really do like this car and all that it offers. I guess that's part of the reason I'm so frustrated that I have to wait so long for one. ;-)
Can't wait to see all the pictures you two took. Hopefully Bob's luggage arrives soon!
-Ian
Legroom was not tight, but toe space under the front seat was only adequate. My Forester has more wiggle space for the toes under the seat.
Width felt about the same. The seats themselves are more comfy. Remember, the seat base no longer has to fold up for the seats to fold flat, so they ended up more comfy.
We got pics of the underside, too. There was a panel under the engine, plastic I think, but none towards the rear. I'll download those once I get a chance, my kids miss their daddy, too.
Also to clarify - I didn't mean the sedans don't get a remote trunk release, I meant that the wagons don't get a remote button/latch that makes the rear seat fold down. Apparently that feature is available in Japan. The Mazda 6 also has it, so that's why we looked for it. Not a big deal, but still.
-juice
My guess? I think it's more likely to get those, since prices have already been higher. Don't give up hope, plus remember the Outback will supposedly reach dealers before the GT.
LL Bean Forester would be cool, then. Maybe that'll get us leather on an MT model, HIDs, and the self-leveling shocks that are so cool. At a minimum we should see some new features on the 2005 Forester. Can't wait to see it!
Having been behind the wheel of paisan's SVX, let me just say, I THOUGHT THEY WERE HIDs! Seriously, those lights are awesome, lit up the whole parking lot like daylight. If the Legacy's projectors work that well I think we should all stop complaining and count our blessings.
Another thing, note how Blue Star bulbs advertise "The Look of HID", well, guess what? The projector beams' appearance is super-cool. It looks like a light blue lens floating in the air, i.e. it does actually look like real HIDs. So you get the look, and the lighting, and it's cheap, bulbs are cheap to replace, ...
And this is a BAD thing? Are you nuts?
Also, keep in mind some rumors had the Legacy GT coming only in the fall, one rumor even said NEXT YEAR! Remember? So this may actually come sooner than some people thought.
Maybe I didn't convey my feelings accurately enough - I think the 2005 Legacy is a solid entry. It has the interior to compete with anyone, and should have the performance to exceed them all.
"Premium" in this case means bang for the buck, performance at that price level. I think perhaps they'll let the Outback pursue the luxury buyer, remember the H6 is ultra-smooth and has been pitched to them already.
The turbo is sporty and produced hopefully for a value price. Folks, this is GREAT news. This is gonna be a cult car, just wait.
-juice
As for "I want everything OEM" I guess then you never change tires or struts or oil?
If you really want all that stuff and can't live without it... Get a G35 or C320... Not sure why you guys are insisting on getting blood from a stone on these issues. Or perhaps you would have rather gotten a 4EAT w/o VTD or sportshifter and bling lights and nav?
For $X you can only get X amount of content, you aren't gonna get X + Y content in a $X vehicle.
-mike
The NAV's I use most are Hertz Never Lost and those are usually poorly mounted IMHO - down low and over to the passenger side. Yes I do catch myself looking at the screen occasionally - usually when I'm not getting a voice prompt. When I'm prompted, I'm looking for where I'm supposed to go not the screen.
It's a personal choice. I'm of the opinion that voice prompts from any system are far safer than having to take your eyes off the road and focus on any screen in the car. Further, I feel that reaching to access a unit - be it a NAV, radar detector, hula girl doll - mounted on the dash is much more difficult than using a large touch screen located in the general area of other controls. The top of the dash is simply a longer reach.
Lastly, here in MA installation of anything between the driver and the windshield is prohibited. Smelly trees on the mirror and even decals on the windshield other than the state inspection sticker are illegal. The probability of being ticketed for such an offense is low but it could happen.
Just MHO.
-mike
Any how, check out how cool this headlight looks, I personally love it!
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid98/p615c775d0d9438b1f363- c3d7b46a611c/fa04cb8e.jpg
Add ".orig.jpg" if you want to see a bigger image, I'm just trying to be considerate to our dial-up Crew members.
-juice
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid98/p827379d0a2e8b035e863- caeb8ad19ac8/fa04cb89.jpg
Again, I'll keep posting the small images, just add ".orig.jpg" if you want them bigger.
I'm sure Pat will appreciate the seat back map pocket, but only on the pass side. Back seat is very well contoured for 2.
-juice
Note is deploys up and forward. It's also bigger.
-juice
Pretty cool, eh?
Also note the cup holder area can be covered. It slides over the area.
-juice
This pic shows a lot. Check out the nicer lit sun visors and vanity mirrors, plus the extension.
If you look at the big image you'll see the padded fabric head liner, same stuff used in the $78,000 VW Phaeton luxury car! Even the A-pillar is dressed and looks very classy.
-juice
Most NAV sys today, the voice guidance works in tendum with the screen display. The voice guides basically, well guides, but in addition [should brains don't comprehen fully] also preps you so that when you look at the screen you will register the info at a glance. An in-dash mount in center in an ideal world is fine. But we don't live in an ideal world. I believe an on-dash mount or in-dash on top of dash is more suited for the real world.
Real world example. 48hrs drive, paisan in lead and I was trailing 10ft behind. The exit was called some ways back. I can see paisan as well as the GPS that he is going to miss the exit. I called the turn - he had less than 10ft to spare before passing the exit. Hard right into the exit. Now, had I had my GPS mounted at where most of the in-dash are today, I would be looking/glancing down and not had time to react to paisan's "oops I'm about to miss the exit" manuever
-Dave
This got so much air time that it deserved its own photo. All cruise buttons on one stalk. Note the nice steering wheel, it's shaped exactly like the STi. GT is made my Momo, but to be honest the 2.5i has the same exact shape, just not the Momo logo.
-juice
Manual controls, but very nice heated leather. GT gets power pass seat. Both seats are IMO more comfy that the ones in our 2002 Legacy L. GT has excellent side support and looks expensive, almost like Acura NSX seats with shoulder support and all.
-juice
GT side mirrors are sweet. Battery was disconnected so we could not see it operate, though. :-(
Both are break-away, no cost cutting here like the Mazda6. See Subaru, we notice little stuff like that - thanks!
-juice
I just checked. I've got a whole bunch of Detroit images on my camera—which is in my lost luggage. All the more frustrating as juice's camera's batteries were running low, so I took many show photos that he was unable to.
Bob
Bob
By the way, every Subie on the stand was this color silver! Well, the B9 was half light blue.
I *love* the rims. 5 spokes, airy, easy to clean. Perfect. Wish the Forester would get these. The XT rims look good but would be hard to clean OCD clean. The XS rims I don't like at all. The Legacy GT's are perfect.
Brakes are huge, 12" something IIRC, that was in the PDF. 17" and a full 7" wide too. Verrrry nice.
OK, tires will be a sore spot here, but note that they do protect the lip of the rims, i.e. if you touch a curb the tire scatches, not the rim. This is cool - I don't think most OE tires offer this protection to their rims.
Funny thing is that may give you the excuse to get summer and winter tires.
-juice
So the gearheads here should be happy, whereas the gizmoheads may feel shortchanged.
I do think those kinds of features will arrive, but it may take year or two. As you all know, Subaru refines and tweaks the model lineup every year, so it's not unreasonable to assume those items are in the pipeline.
Bob
Somehow, they don't look like RE92s. Do you have pics with view of the threads?
Oh, when are you going to show us the whole car?! ;-)
-Dave
• The US-spec Outback will have blackwall (YES!) 225/55x17 tires. Asia, Oz, and Europe get 215/55x17 tires.
• This chassis was the H-6, so it's possible the H-4 Outback, assuming there still is one, might still have 16" wheels. This question should be answered at Chicago.
Bob
-Brian
In the JDM version, the Nav system screen is in the center console. What's there for the US version? Did you get a chance to flip up that cover?
Oh and imagestation album links please!
Ken
Bob
See I am not hard to satisfy little things like that will do it.
Also like the mirrors and those rims are sweet, bet if you wait though those rims will be turning up in no time for bargain prices if the sale of STI rims is anything to go by.
BTW. japanparts offers covers for our mirrors with those LED turnsignals If anybody is interested they super slim and are bonded to the mirror, actually Subiegal was selling them for the RS for I think $145USD a pair.
Cheers Pat.
"Real world example. 48hrs drive, paisan in lead and I was trailing 10ft behind. The exit was called some ways back. I can see paisan as well as the GPS that he is going to miss the exit. I called the turn - he had less than 10ft to spare before passing the exit. Hard right into the exit. Now, had I had my GPS mounted at where most of the in-dash are today, I would be looking/glancing down and not had time to react to paisan's "oops I'm about to miss the exit" manuever"
Real world - if I am responsible for navigating, I'm in front. Real world - voice command would've prepared me to turn a 1/4 mile back. Real World - telling a friend to turn abrupbtly at what sounds like a high speed isn't safe.
As I said "IMHO" I believe the in dash with voice commands is a better system. You believe otherwise but it's also YHO - not fact.
Tread pics? I don't think so, but maybe...
Ken: the US model has a little storage bin in place of the Nav system. It's so ready for it, I'm sure we'll get it eventually.
$145 ain't bad for those mirrors. They're cool. Makes the car look very modern.
If those rims do go up for sale lightly used, I'm not sure I could resist.
Working on more pics for you folks now...
-juice
I haven't the faintest idea?... must be a senior moment(s) ;-)
The 48hrs:
I neglected to mention that paisan was leading and navigating. Although I also have the GPS, I do not interfer with the lead or navigator unless called upon or in the last case which I had reason to believe paisan was going off course did I butt in. To know he was going off course or to anticipate the action(s) of a driver in front 1/4 mile back would be ideal, but realistically that doesn't happen. My point, a 3 sec. lapse to look down and glance at the GPS can cost.
cheers
-Dave
p/s: GPS accuracy is capable of being 500ft off.
http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4288069365
-juice
but imagestation is sssssss.....lo......ow
-Dave
p/s no workee