Not since the Edsel has a vehicle's appearance been so maligned by the automotive press as the Subaru B9 Tribeca SUV. After its 2006 debut, one US journalist went so far as to compare its front end to a piece of female anatomy probably never offered on a vehicle, much less needed. Others have likened it to a "pug" (so ugly it's cute) or the "south-bound end of a north-bound moose" (ouch!) or made mention of its "elephantine rear-end".
For 2007, the prominent proboscis has been somewhat de-emphasized by the absence of chrome on the blacked-out grille. Conversely, a new Special Edition model, shown at the Chicago Auto Show, throws understatement to the wind and boasts 18-inch multi-spoke chrome rims and a chrome mesh grille defiantly embellishing its nose -- subtlety be damned!
Named for the oh-so-hip Triangle Below Canal district in lower Manhattan (and Robert DeNiro's stomping grounds) the Tribeca has a distinctive, European-influenced design, and it certainly stands out in the ever-increasing SUV pool. The 'B9' part of its moniker refers to "B" for the boxer engine, and "9" is the chassis designation.
Styling cues include a high beltline, muscular, flared wheel arches, horizontal wraparound taillights and a curved roof. Reactions from onlookers ranged from puzzled glances, pointed fingers and a couple of "Good god, that's ugly" comments. But it's only fair to note that several people thought it was beautiful in an unusual sort of way.
Most of the attention, of course, was focused on the front end design -- which is meant to suggest the wings and fuselage of an approaching plane. More than one observer commented on its similarity to Alfa Romeo's grille styling. Indeed - Subaru's creative director , Andreas Zapatinas, is formerly of Alfa -- but claims that the grille was inspired by the company's aeronautical heritage. That's odd when you consider that Zapatinas was hired on after the exterior design was completed. He is however, fully responsible for the flowing, futuristic "twin cockpit".
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| The B9 Tribeca's front end has been a topic of discussion since its introduction. |
For 2007, the prominent proboscis has been somewhat de-emphasized by the absence of chrome on the blacked-out grille. Conversely, a new Special Edition model, shown at the Chicago Auto Show, throws understatement to the wind and boasts 18-inch multi-spoke chrome rims and a chrome mesh grille defiantly embellishing its nose -- subtlety be damned!
Named for the oh-so-hip Triangle Below Canal district in lower Manhattan (and Robert DeNiro's stomping grounds) the Tribeca has a distinctive, European-influenced design, and it certainly stands out in the ever-increasing SUV pool. The 'B9' part of its moniker refers to "B" for the boxer engine, and "9" is the chassis designation.
Styling cues include a high beltline, muscular, flared wheel arches, horizontal wraparound taillights and a curved roof. Reactions from onlookers ranged from puzzled glances, pointed fingers and a couple of "Good god, that's ugly" comments. But it's only fair to note that several people thought it was beautiful in an unusual sort of way.
Most of the attention, of course, was focused on the front end design -- which is meant to suggest the wings and fuselage of an approaching plane. More than one observer commented on its similarity to Alfa Romeo's grille styling. Indeed - Subaru's creative director , Andreas Zapatinas, is formerly of Alfa -- but claims that the grille was inspired by the company's aeronautical heritage. That's odd when you consider that Zapatinas was hired on after the exterior design was completed. He is however, fully responsible for the flowing, futuristic "twin cockpit".
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| Andreas Zapatinas, formerly of Alfa and now Subaru, is the designer behind the B9's controversial looks. |