Zman: no, the auto is a 5 speed also. I think the auto/Sportshift option will cost $1000, instead of $712 at invoice for a 4 speed auto today. That's what I meant.
Spinaker: the cover didn't feel cheap. Go see a Nissan 350Z if you want to feel a cheap cover.
The Navi does not have a hood, so I bet we'd hear even more complaints about reading it with the glare of the sun.
I like the XT, also. More clearance is an interesting choice, perhaps to differentiate more from the Legacy GT?
Nav isn't a must have, but it's a nice option. Just about every manufacturer has it on at least one of their vehicles these days. If Subaru considers themselves to be seriously moving "upscale" then it needs to be an option on either the Bean or VDC.
As some of you may know, the NAV is offered in other markets, probably the same spot where you see the cover. I am guessing Subaru wants to play conservative and stay at the competitive price range. Perhaps they will change their mind with 06 or 07 if the demand justifies it.
Depends on the model. Perhaps because Outbacks have carried more incentives, here a base Outback is only about a grand more than a base Forester X. The AWP alone is worth $400, so prices are pretty close.
But the Legacy/Outback now get side curtain air bags plus that AWP, and automatics get Sportshift, so there is more differentiation.
Looking good! Hope they all don't have the 2 tone at Chicago - I want monotone!! LLBean goes to the VTD - rear-bias AWD - that's good... Looks like memory buttons below the mirror adjuster in the photo - I hope...
Note the color palette is still "coming soon". Could be monotone for all models, two-tone for all models, who knows. Current H6s come both ways, so we don't know squat about color.
the VDC technology hasn't made its way into more models, like the LL Bean, for example?? I thought for sure the LL Bean and VDC would be combined into one model.
Know what, a big factor for me will be gas mileage. I'd love an XT model with 5-spd, but it will definitely have to crack 20/25mpg EPA city/hwy at least (my 02 Bean H6 is rated 20/26). I hope the Outback XT models get better gas mileage than the Forester XT models, though it seems impossible given the weight and horsepower.
the Baja Turbo has 1 mpg over the FXT, despite the 500 lbs weight, wider body,etc. With a more "efficient" intercooler and a 3.9 final drive, I think we will see your numbers.
Yeah the OBXT on the floor is monotone so the H6 models will probably have monotone choices.
The more I look the more it looks beefier and better rounded in the back - the glass D pillar is what does it - along w/ putting the tail lights out at the edge and the wheel flairs. All slight changes but all seem to add up to a more pronounced stance. That design dude is having a positive impact...
Correct me if I'm wrong, but it looks like the SOXT-MT has the same gearing as the SFXT-MT. I'm not good with these numbers (is there somewhere I can go to figure out what the final drive ratio means vis a vis the ratios for the individual gears?). Anyway, it would suggest that the SOXT will perform much like the SFXT. Right Jack?
It would be a shame if SOA didn't offer NAV and HID as options for Legacy and Outback, for god sakes the 2004 Mazda3 s 4dr Hatchback gets them as options.
So the H6 is tallest, mileage should be impressive. The 2.5i are geared short and may only get 1-2 mpg better than the H6. But they will not be slow, either.
Oddly, the 2.5i auto is geared shorter than the MT, but with the XT the reverse is true, the MT is geared shorter.
Comments
Spinaker: the cover didn't feel cheap. Go see a Nissan 350Z if you want to feel a cheap cover.
The Navi does not have a hood, so I bet we'd hear even more complaints about reading it with the glare of the sun.
I like the XT, also. More clearance is an interesting choice, perhaps to differentiate more from the Legacy GT?
-juice
Any word on the McIntosh?
OXT sounds bad, we need a better acronym. OB-T? OB-XT maybe?
-juice
media.subaru.com
DaveM
Bart
Craig
But the Legacy/Outback now get side curtain air bags plus that AWP, and automatics get Sportshift, so there is more differentiation.
-juice
Hope they all don't have the 2 tone at Chicago - I want monotone!!
LLBean goes to the VTD - rear-bias AWD - that's good...
Looks like memory buttons below the mirror adjuster in the photo - I hope...
Ralph
-juice
-juice
Bob
They actually delete VTD from the Legacy 2.5GT and add it to the LL Bean, so still only 2 models get it?
-juice
Craig
John
The more I look the more it looks beefier and better rounded in the back - the glass D pillar is what does it - along w/ putting the tail lights out at the edge and the wheel flairs. All slight changes but all seem to add up to a more pronounced stance. That design dude is having a positive impact...
Ralph
My guess for mileage? That's tough without knowing gearing. I do think the H6 will be more fuel efficient, though.
F-XT is 17/23, so I'll say about 18/24 for OB-XT, 20/26 for OB-H6.
Remember, it was the turbos that started the whole CAFE controversy.
http://media.subaru.com
click OB
-juice
WOW! That is geared very tall. I'll revise my estimates upwards.
Premium fuel required, 91 octane. Oh well, I was bound to lose that one.
-juice
Ken
8.7 for XT
I think monotone = H6, two tone = 2.5, ?? = XT
Greg
3.0R models also get audio controls on steering wheel.
They say the XT gets larger brake rotors than other models. They single out the XT, so it may be better at braking than the H6 models.
Steering has quicker response, may mean a quicker ratio.
PZEV model carries on, with 163hp, probably Cali only.
Looks like McIntosh is gone, they single out the VDC as getting better speakers. XT/H6 get 120 watt 6CD.
They clarify - yes, leather only on XT limited! Whew! Both Limiteds and all H6s get it.
13.5 psi of boost for the OB-XT, 91 octane required. 4.44 final drive! Bye-bye gas mileage.
OK, so the H6 will be a fuel miser compared to the turbo, but the turbo should be wicked fast.
JB - ratios for the XT manual are:
1st 3.454
2nd 1.947
3rd 1.366
4th 0.972
5th 0.738
Auto gets slightly shorter gears but a much taller 3.58 final drive. So again I bet the automatic actually gets better gas mileage.
-juice
Zman
Bob
The H6 is geared tall and could get 21/27, matching my wife's Legacy!
-juice
Final drive are short, 4.11 for MT and 4.44 for auto. I'll guess mpg will only improve by +1mpg across the board.
No curb weights given yet.
-juice
-juice
Any how, I'll summarize the final drives here:
2.5i auto: 4.44
2.5i MT: 4.11
2.5 XT auto: 3.58
2.5 XT MT: 4.44
3.0R auto: 3.27
So the H6 is tallest, mileage should be impressive. The 2.5i are geared short and may only get 1-2 mpg better than the H6. But they will not be slow, either.
Oddly, the 2.5i auto is geared shorter than the MT, but with the XT the reverse is true, the MT is geared shorter.
-juice
11.5" front, 10.6" rear
The XT is alone in getting bigger brakes, they are:
12.3" front, 11.3" rear
-juice
Bob
Why taller than the 2.5XT?
Ken
XT is geared short, bigger brakes ... increase towing capacity here we come!
The ingredients are there. This may be a legitimate replacement for your Explorer.
-juice
Bob
But, yeah, no major complaints so far. I could nit-pit a few details, but that's about it.
Bob