Subaru's new SUV

[The General]

Why not? They are practically the last to join the party...

http://www.auto123.com/fr/community/forum/images/postpics/113.jpg

[rivsy]

doesn't george jetson drive one of these ? :roll:

[The General]

I believe you are mistaken. Captain Kirk and C3PO actually were seen driving around in one.

Don't you think this is long over due for a manufacturer that has been on top of the AWD scene for decades?

[rivsy]

yeah your prob right ...how big is this thing though?

[The General]

"Subaru today announced the name of its all-new crossover utility vehicle, the Subaru B9X at the 2004 South Florida International Auto Show. The all-new 2006 Subaru B9X is the first-ever Subaru crossover utility vehicle with available seating for seven passengers.

"This is a significant milestone for Subaru," said Kunio Ishigami. "The Subaru B9X combines a bold new design with the trademark Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, and is our first seven passenger vehicle."

The world premiere for the Subaru B9X will occur at the Detroit Auto Show and represents a step into a new market for Subaru. The Subaru B9X is equipped with the legendary Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system and features an all-new design theme, delivering added style to the capability, safety and durability Subaru is so well-known for.

"It is no coincidence that we are here in Miami, a market well-known for it's trend setting style, with an all-new Subaru," said Fred Adcock.

"This vehicle represents more than just a new style of Subaru. With its fun-to-drive handling and interior flexibility, this is also a Subaru that will appeal to a larger audience. The new B9X is the logical step for a current Legacy or Outback owner looking to move up in size, flexibility, feature content, and refinement."

The broad appeal of the Subaru B9X, like that of the recently redesigned 2005 Subaru Outback and Legacy, expands the Subaru product line with a vehicle that is larger than the Outback. Combined with superior ride and handling for the segment, the Subaru B9X will also appeal to customers looking for greater cargo capacity, expanding the Subaru brand's appeal to a new group of customers.

Three key elements to the new design are found on the Subaru B9X. One of the key focal points of the all-new 2006 Subaru B9X is the bold new grille and fascia design. A central air intake is flanked by two wings that relate directly to the history of Subaru as an aircraft manufacturer - illustrating the Subaru commitment to engineering excellence.

Also prominent in the new design is a curved roof line that expresses a sense of dynamic motion. Finally, powerful fender and wheel forms create the feeling of agility and driving performance.

The Subaru B9X design theme first appeared on the 2003 Geneva Show Car, the Subaru B11S, and was further refined on the Subaru B9SC and R1e concept cars, which both made their U.S. debut at the 2004 North American International Auto Show. As a model which has inherited this design theme, Subaru has named this vehicle the B9X.

The 2006 Subaru B9X will be built at the Subaru of Indiana Automotive plant in Lafayette, Indiana."

I'm assuming that the truck is based on an extended modified Legacy platform.

[woohoo!]

Nope... not interested. No outside mirrors ;-)

[The General]

They exist. It's just that they are retractable.

I think I would consider a Suby SUV before a North American or even another Japanese one if I really needed room and a good AWD system.

[The General]

Here are a few pics of the final product:

http://www.autoweek.com/files/specials/2005_detroit/subaru/b9x/images/1.jpg

http://www.autoweek.com/files/specials/2005_detroit/subaru/b9x/images/2.jpg

http://www.autoweek.com/files/specials/2005_detroit/subaru/b9x/images/3.jpg

[woohoo!]

That has got to be one of the ugliest cars shown off at Detroit... grotesque front end...

excuse me while I run to the john to regurgitate...

[The General]

Come on! John isn't that ugly!

I agree, the outside is not great but the interior is beautifully finished.

[woohoo!]

I agree. Nice cockpit ;-)

[dojawa]

I like it but not for me.

I'll take a forester any day!

it is just amazing the number of people even reorters that think Subaru just got into the all wheel drive craze.
While in fact they have been designing & building
ALL WHEEL DRIVE from day 1

Doug

[The General]

Subaru is the KING when it comes to AWD systems. A "real" SUV will only help Subaru be recognized as being a real manufacturer for the American market. If you don't sell an SUV, you must not be any good...

I really like the Forester too.

[woohoo!]

Hey welcome to the forum Dojawa!

You're absolutely right.

I also prefer the Forester. I'm afraid the Tribeca will be priced too high. It will have to be more expensive than the already overpriced (in my opinion) Outbacks.

[jww]

Plenty of previews up on the web now for the B9 Tribeca. It looks promising - taking mid-size SUV a step or two further than the Murano did 3 years ago. Isn't it great when manufacturers leap-frog each other?

Cheers. ...jww

[The General]

My concerns are Price and fuel consumption. It really looks heavy and although the 3.0L H6 is strong... I don't know.

[jww]

My concerns are Price and fuel consumption. It really looks heavy and although the 3.0L H6 is strong... I don't know.

Preliminary pricing looks high 30's to high 40's CDN. Fuel consumption will always be an issue with mid size SUVs. Even the small 6 in the Sportage/Tuscon doesn't get the best mileage. At the end of the day, it does provide a very promising option for those looking for 7 passenger space but find the Pilot and Highlander boring, or the Lexus or Infinitti.

Cheers. ...jww

[The General]

From what I remember, the price range is supposed to begin in the mid-$40.

[apl16]

i saw the tribeca at the vancouver autoshow recently. that frontend looks even worse in person! i like subes, though. i'd own one now if they had a base model in the 15-17 thousand range. i've owned a few and loved them.