All-New Outback Delivers Upscale Style and More Performance
This week in Chicago Subaru unveiled the third generation of its biggest money maker, the Legacy-based Outback. It's all-new, sporting stylishly upscale sheetmetal, more luxury and greater performance.
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| Subaru just unveiled the third generation of its biggest money maker, the Legacy-based Outback. (Photo: Subaru Canada) |
The car that some consider most responsible for the current crossover wagon-SUV craze will come in a variety of trim levels, starting with the base Outback 2.5i and followed closely by the Outback 2.5i Limited. Both 2005 models will be powered by a 168-hp 2.5-L horizontally opposed "boxer" engine, up 3-hp from the current 2004 Outback. Of course, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is standard across the line.
Six-cylinder versions will also continue to be available, with no changes made to the 212-hp 3.0-L horizontally opposed engine that will be part of the Outback 3.0 R L.L. Bean Edition and flagship Outback 3.0 R VDC Limited. There's no word on whether the L.L. Bean Edition will be available in Canada, but being that the clothing retailer is not prevalent outside of the U.S., it doesn't make a lot of sense.
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| The 2005 Outback also features increased ground clearance and a taller "command" seating position. (Photo: Subaru Canada) |
What make greater sense however, are Subaru's new top-of-the-line Outback 2.5 XT and 2.5 XT Limited models. Each receive an intercooled/turbocharged 4-cylinder boxer engine delivering 250-horsepower, derived from the brand's rally winning Impreza WRX.
"By offering new high-performance, premium-content Outback models, Subaru is positioned to compete with the growing number and diversity of crossover vehicles," commented Fred Adcock, Executive Vice President, Subaru of America, Inc. "And, quite simply, the Outback 2.5 XT is designed to be the ultimate performance crossover wagon."