SUBARU INTRODUCES SIX-CYLINDER OUTBACK SEDAN FOR 2002

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NEW YORK — Subaru of America, Inc., the United States market leader in all-wheel drive passenger cars and the company that pioneered the passenger car/sport-utility hybrid vehicle, today introduced the 2002 Outback H6-3.0 VDC sedan at the New York International Auto Show.

A unique companion model to the Outback H6-3.0 VDC wagon introduced for model-year 2001, the 2002 Outback H6-3.0 VDC sedan arrives in Subaru dealerships this summer. Both Outback H6-3.0 VDC models share the new Subaru horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine, which produces 212 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 210 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4,400 rpm. A variable intake manifold and a dual-stage muffler help optimize power delivery throughout the engine speed range.

Design elements inherited from the Outback wagon include larger front fenders and mirrors, lower body side cladding, large integrated foglights with stone guards, plus Titanium Pearl painted protective body side cladding panels. Heavy-duty four-wheel independent raised suspension, a generous 7.9 inches of ground clearance and 225/60 R16 M+S tires on 16-inch x 6.5-inch alloy wheels give the Outback H6-3.0 VDC models all-road capability.

In both Outback H6-3.0 VDC models, a sophisticated stability system called Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) incorporates Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) All-Wheel Drive and all-wheel traction control to provide outstanding handling and stability in all driving conditions. The All-Wheel Drive system splits the power 45 percent front/55 percent rear and responds to road and driving conditions to direct more power to the wheels that need it most.