Fearless prediction # 1 ------------------------------------------------------------------ - - - - ------- Subaru crossovers, the Tribeca/Halifax, Forester, Outback & Baja (if it survives), will get the more rectangular center grille as shown on the R1/R1e and B9SC.
The Impreza and Legacy (eventually) will get the more pointed grille as seen on the B11S, R2 and latest WRC racer Photoshop images found over at nabisco.
This is just a gut feeling with nothing concrete to base it on. I just think Subaru will use both grille shapes, and will use them to help define model groups, such as "crossovers" vs. "cars."
Mercedes has been doing this for years. All their sports cars, trucks and SUVs use a huge 3-pointed star as the focal point in the grille, whereas their sedans use a much more formal small cross-hatch grille pattern, with the 3-pointed star only as a very small accent at the top. I think Subaru will attempt to do something similar with their marketing of these new vehicles; two slightly different grille shapes that will help define the two different main categories of Subaru vehicles.
At some point I saw pictures of both the new and the old unibody, and they were quite different. The structure in the 03+ is noticeably stiffer too. As far as I can tell, the only thing that carried over was the basic drivetrain, though that had some changes also.
I still don't know of any Forester competitors that offer such excellent handling. In that respect, it's still one of a kind.
The US version of the the Legacy Spec.B 6-speed will debut at LA, just prior to the the Detroit show.
Then, at Detroit, the 7-passenger crossover will debut. This will be the first US-spec car to debut with the new front styling. I believe every new Subaru to debut after this model will also have this new front-end styling, which is why I say the Legacy Spec B will debut at LA prior to Detroit. I think that will be the last Subaru to debut with the old face.
A month later, at Chicago, I suspect the facelifted Forester will debut.
I think the new (facelifted [?] or all-new Impreza [?]) could debut at either Geneva in March, or at NY in April. NY has traditionally been a show in which SOA shows new models, even those with subtle upgrades.
It will be interesting to see if any changes occur on on the '06 Baja. If there are no changes of any sort, other than paint, then I think that will be a strong indication that the Baja is on its final legs. If, the other hand, we see some subtle functional and/or styling upgrades, that could well be a sign that the Baja does have a future beyond MY06.
Craig: I saw a cut-away but not back-to-back with the old one. What stood out to me were the aluminum bumper beams. At least dimensionally, the rest looked carry over.
On the one you saw, did they highlight changes/new components or something?
Not really, but it looked different than the old one. I'll see if I can dig up the pics. Of course, the roof, door pillars, hatch opening, and rear quarter are part of the unibody and those are visibly different when you look at the full cars.
I agree with Bob...the first movie on the site is as good as it gets! The movie reflect astute market positioning by Subaru, definitely appealing to the growing family, not the outdoor enthusiast/ environmentalist on a budget. I cant wait!
Lets see...I got a great car ( FXT PP) at invoice with my IMBA membership, got $500 dealer cash back plus, plus I got the 1.9% 63 month financing, then I got a $25 gift card for test driving (several) 05 Outbacks and Legacy's, then I got a free Gary Fisher/Suraru mountain biking shorts and jersey to wear on the trails, then I got the Subaru Chase Master Card and got $25 Subaru bucks. At this rate, I cant afford not to buy another Subaru!
Wierd thing about the $25 gift card -- I swiped it at a gas pump and then proceeded to pump $27 worth of gas. Never got a bill for the extra $2, and checking it online, shows my rewards balance to be $0.
With my luck, they will catch up to me in a couple years with interest charges!
And really really want a "new" one. C'mon Subaru come out with something that's got gobs of power + coupe or wide-body. Even an H6turbo Legacy would work for me
Subaru issued a press release today saying they will announce the name of the seven seater tomorrow at the South Florida auto show. Subaru will also release the "first official product rendering."
I would dearly like to buy a Subaru vehicle, mostly as a result of all the happy owners here on the boards. However, unless I'm missing something, Subaru doesn't offer any vehicles with a 3rd row of seating. I can't do without a third row right now, and for several years to come.
I did a quick search but didn't find any conversation about this - may have missed it. But, any word of anything in the works?
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Later today, Subaru is announcing the name of their new 7 seater which will have a 3rd row. It is supposed to be introduced in 05 although juice thinks it vaporware!!
Ahhh.... so THAT's what all the naming hoopla is about. I didn't follow the conversation all that well. 2005 is about when I'll be looking again, so I'll keep a closer eye here.
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DaveM said: They already have Chevy Trailblazer = 9-7X.
subearu said: but the 9-7X is a TrailBlazer/Envoy clone. The B9X isn't...
I don't think that Saab would badge the Saabaru with the TrailBlaab 9-7X name. Assuming that the Saabaru will replace the Trailblaab, I think it'd be hard to sell a Saabaru 9-7X with visions of the TrailBlaab 9-7X in people's minds, that's why I'm saying B9X = Saabaru 9-6X.
I like what I see. My only concern, from a design standpoint is the Murano-like rear quarter window. I think the front looks terrific.
Note that the rear door doesn't intrude on the rear wheelwell, which suggests a very long wheelbase. Of course this could be just due to the fact we're looking at a sketch, which often take "creative license" to achieve "effect."
I can't wait for this new look to make it into all other Subies.
Whatever they call it, I predict the Saabaru 9-6 or 7X wil replace the current Trailblaab 9-7X. I figure the current atrocity to be around 3 model years before the B9X is rebadged for Saab. It's only a stop gap measure. The B9X is much more Saab than the Trailblazer could ever be.
As for future names, numbers and letters are more premium than model names.
Comments
------------------------------------------------------------------ - - - - -------
Subaru crossovers, the Tribeca/Halifax, Forester, Outback & Baja (if it survives), will get the more rectangular center grille as shown on the R1/R1e and B9SC.
The Impreza and Legacy (eventually) will get the more pointed grille as seen on the B11S, R2 and latest WRC racer Photoshop images found over at nabisco.
This is just a gut feeling with nothing concrete to base it on. I just think Subaru will use both grille shapes, and will use them to help define model groups, such as "crossovers" vs. "cars."
Mercedes has been doing this for years. All their sports cars, trucks and SUVs use a huge 3-pointed star as the focal point in the grille, whereas their sedans use a much more formal small cross-hatch grille pattern, with the 3-pointed star only as a very small accent at the top. I think Subaru will attempt to do something similar with their marketing of these new vehicles; two slightly different grille shapes that will help define the two different main categories of Subaru vehicles.
Fearless prediction # 2
------------------------------------------------------------------ -------
The Tribeca/Halifax will come in just two trim levels at first: Limited and LL Bean. The following year a turbo H-6 will arrive.
Bob
I still don't know of any Forester competitors that offer such excellent handling. In that respect, it's still one of a kind.
Craig
Then, at Detroit, the 7-passenger crossover will debut. This will be the first US-spec car to debut with the new front styling. I believe every new Subaru to debut after this model will also have this new front-end styling, which is why I say the Legacy Spec B will debut at LA prior to Detroit. I think that will be the last Subaru to debut with the old face.
A month later, at Chicago, I suspect the facelifted Forester will debut.
I think the new (facelifted [?] or all-new Impreza [?]) could debut at either Geneva in March, or at NY in April. NY has traditionally been a show in which SOA shows new models, even those with subtle upgrades.
It will be interesting to see if any changes occur on on the '06 Baja. If there are no changes of any sort, other than paint, then I think that will be a strong indication that the Baja is on its final legs. If, the other hand, we see some subtle functional and/or styling upgrades, that could well be a sign that the Baja does have a future beyond MY06.
Bob
I ROTFLMAO!!
Eric
On the one you saw, did they highlight changes/new components or something?
-juice
Craig
Lets see...I got a great car ( FXT PP) at invoice with my IMBA membership, got $500 dealer cash back plus, plus I got the 1.9% 63 month financing, then I got a $25 gift card for test driving (several) 05 Outbacks and Legacy's, then I got a free Gary Fisher/Suraru mountain biking shorts and jersey to wear on the trails, then I got the Subaru Chase Master Card and got $25 Subaru bucks. At this rate, I cant afford not to buy another Subaru!
Mark
I have the IMBA membership, $25 gift card, Subaru Chase Master Card and the free $25 Subaru Bucks but no shorts and jersey. :-(
How did you get the shorts and jersey?
I need the set to go with my Gary Fisher and Subaru. :-)
DaveM
Spent that gift card along time ago. ;-)
-juice
With my luck, they will catch up to me in a couple years with interest charges!
Craig
http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=109&STORY=/- - www/story/11-03-2004/0002353713&EDATE=
Subaru will share information about a new 7-passenger "crossover utility
vehicle" it is developing
Bob
I used mine at a restaurant, and at first they rejected it.
Huh?
Well it turns out they leave room for 20% tip, even though I was paying a cash tip seperately.
So we had to ring it up for $20.80.
Ain't that funny?
-juice
Oh, c'mon Bob, you know Subaru's PR people. The information they will share is that they are going to build one!
They are so air tight they could have kept the Titanic from sinking.
-juice
-mike
How's the saying go? "Please don't shoot the messenger..."
Bob
We've seen some cars that won't make their auto show debuts until next year at Geneva.
By now I would have wanted to drive one. ;-)
-juice
http://www.subdriven.com/news/publish/Subaru_News/article_277.sht- ml
-juice
Ken
Then they could make a convertible for the 'sunnier' states. Or you could put the top down in the snow. ;-)
tom
It's nice to have a rather large cockpit area and the width of the car is much more comfy for those of us who are "larger" than average.
I'm looking into suspension mods for the SVX and likely will get '05 STi wheels and brakes for it
-mike
Hey, I want one too! Just gimme something that'll fit the kids.
I would seriously consider a 4 seat drop-top based on that coupe. In fact it would be less traumatic for me to replace the Miata vs. the Forester.
-juice
You can read SOA's press release at:
http://quote.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=conewsstory&refer=co- news&tkr=7270:JP&sid=a6c2QJPuG2A4
Bob
<juice's foot is in his mouth>
anything but tribeca. LOL
~c
Bob
I did a quick search but didn't find any conversation about this - may have missed it. But, any word of anything in the works?
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Keep your eyes here.
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DaveM
DaveM
B= Boxer
9= nine styling elements
X= crossover
Saab 9-7X.
I said it first.
Hmm, is this going to be a new trend in naming Subies?
Will my Legacy become B8GT? (Only 8 styling elements, maybe 7?)
Hope it's better than it's name.
tom
-Brian
Saab 9-7X.
I said it first.
They already have Chevy Trailblazer = 9-7X.
I'm going with B9X = 9-6X
Saabaru Outback = 9-4X
DaveM
Oh man, could we finally get a B4 Blitzen....as the STi equivalent Legacy?
-Brian
Just think it could have been Halifax or Tribeca or even montauk????
At least nobody can complain about some letters and a number..at least I hope not?? If so go buy a 7 pass Halifax...
if not-- um. ok that's interesting.
~Colin
still likes Surveyor
subearu said: but the 9-7X is a TrailBlazer/Envoy clone. The B9X isn't...
I don't think that Saab would badge the Saabaru with the TrailBlaab 9-7X name. Assuming that the Saabaru will replace the Trailblaab, I think it'd be hard to sell a Saabaru 9-7X with visions of the TrailBlaab 9-7X in people's minds, that's why I'm saying B9X = Saabaru 9-6X.
DaveM
Note that the rear door doesn't intrude on the rear wheelwell, which suggests a very long wheelbase. Of course this could be just due to the fact we're looking at a sketch, which often take "creative license" to achieve "effect."
I can't wait for this new look to make it into all other Subies.
Bob
As for future names, numbers and letters are more premium than model names.
But the car looks good, for what little we can make out from that drawing. I'd like to see a real pic though...
Did Edmunds change something here???
Bob