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| Manufacturer | Subaru |
|---|---|
| Parent company | Fuji Heavy Industries |
| Production | 1995–present |
| Assembly | Ōta, Gunma, Japan Lafayette, Indiana, USA |
| Class | Mid-size station wagon / crossover SUV Mid-size car (sedan) |
| Layout | F4 layout |
The Subaru Outback is a crossover automobile manufactured by Subaru since 1995. Its original concept originated with Subaru of America, which was suffering from slumping sales in the mid-1990s partly due to a lack of an entry in the then-burgeoning sport utility vehicle market. Lacking the finances to design an all-new sport utility vehicle, Subaru decided to add body cladding and a suspension lift to their Legacy wagon. Christened the Legacy Outback, after the rugged areas of Australia, Australian actor Paul Hogan was the spokesman in the North American market, playing off the Australian name of the vehicle and portraying the vehicle as a capable and more efficient alternative to larger, truck-based SUVs.
All Outbacks sold worldwide are equipped with all wheel drive as standard equipment, the only drivetrain setup available.
Sales exceeded expectations, with Tim Mahoney, Senior Vice President of Subaru of America stating "[the Outback] saved our company."[1]
Subaru introduced the Outback to Japan as the Legacy Grand Wagon – then renamed Legacy Lancaster in model year 1997. In 2004, the Outback name was adopted worldwide and moved to its own model line. All vehicles in the Outback line are derived from Subaru's Legacy, except the Outback Sport, which is derived from the Impreza hatchback.
Some [1] credit Subaru for inventing the crossover genre with the Outback, while others point to it as the first in a resurgence of a class of vehicles that started with American Motors' Eagle wagon, launched in 1979.
Contents |
First generation (1995–1999)
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| Also called | Legacy Grand Wagon (MY99) Legacy Lancaster |
|---|---|
| Production | 1995–1999 |
| Body style(s) | 4-door station wagon 4-door sedan (USA only) |
| Engine(s) | 2.2L SOHC 135 hp (101 kW) H4 2.5L DOHC 165 hp (123 kW) H4 |
| Transmission(s) | 4-speed automatic 5-speed manual |
| Wheelbase | 103.5 in (2629 mm) |
| Length | 185.8 in (4719 mm) |
| Width | 67.5 in (1715 mm) |
| Height | 63 in (1600.2 mm) |
| Fuel capacity | 15.9 US gallons (60.2 L; 13.2 imp gal) |
| Related | Subaru Legacy |
The Outback was formally introduced at the 1994 New York Auto Show, and was known in Japan starting August 1995 as the Legacy Grand Wagon, and in the US and Australia as the Legacy Outback, a trim package with normal ground clearance but an "SUV look" with two-tone paint and fog lights. For MY 1994, the Legacy wagon was available as the Alpine Sport and Sun Sport, which were Value Option Packages included on the "L" trim level wagon, and graphics denoting the option package installed. The exterior was designed by Olivier Boulay, who was hired by Subaru on a short-term basis. It became a separately-marketed line in the United States in 1996. At this point it gained Outback-specific changes included unique bumpers (with large driving lamps incorporated into the front bumper), tweed-like seats and door panel inserts, taller tires with more aggressive tread, and a 7.3 in (185 mm) ground clearance, with a 7.87 in (200 mm) ground clearance in Japan.
The previous generation Legacy wagon had an optional air suspension, which allowed the driver to temporarily increase the vehicles ground clearance, however the permanent increased ride height used on the Outback proved to be more practical. Subaru sales had been declining up until that point in North American market. With the help of clever marketing, a trim level called the Outback intent on making the Subaru a more capable multi-terrain vehicle offered an affordable and fuel efficient alternative to the popular SUVs that were outselling Subaru's traditional offerings.
In September 1997, the Japanese Legacy Grand Wagon was renamed Legacy Lancaster though 1998 cars retained the Grand Wagon nameplate along with the new Lancaster plate. The JDM Grand Wagon and Lancaster were only available with the DOHC 2.5 liter flat-4 engine, receiving a 10 hp (7.5 kW) improvement in 1998. Some Japanese-spec Grand Wagons came with digital climate control, plaid seat upholstery, a dual-range manual transmission and a Momo black leather steering wheel.
The Legacy SUS (for "Sport Utility Sedan") was launched with a limited production test run sold in New England (USA) in 1998 and based on its success, was rolled out nationwide the following year. The "Limited" trim level package for the Outback wagon was standard equipment on the sedan body, with the addition of a (non-functional) hood scoop and trunk mounted rear wing. The "SUS" moniker was removed with the introduction of the Second Generation.
Over the years since its introduction, Subaru has incorporated the Outback nameplate variously to the Outback wagon itself, and an Impreza-based Outback Sport model. All American Outback models are built at the Subaru of Indiana Automotive plant in Lafayette, Indiana. Plastic side cladding was not present on the side doors of the Outback; the lower half of the doors were painted a contrasting color also found on the front and rear bumper covers.
Second generation (1998–2004)
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| Also called | Legacy Lancaster (Japan) Legacy Outback (Europe) |
|---|---|
| Production | 1998–2004 |
| Body style(s) | 4-door station wagon 4-door sedan (USA only) |
| Engine(s) | 2.5L SOHC 165 hp (123 kW) H4 3.0L DOHC 212 hp (158 kW) H6 |
| Transmission(s) | 4-speed automatic 5-speed manual |
| Wheelbase | 104.3 in (2649 mm) |
| Length | 187.4 in (4760 mm) (wagon) 184.4 in (4683.8 mm) (sedan) |
| Width | 68.7 in (1745 mm) |
| Height | 63.3 in (1607.8 mm) (2000-01 wagon) 62.2 in (1579.9 mm) (2002-04 wagon) 58.3 in (1480.8 mm) (sedan) |
| Fuel capacity | 16.9 US gallons (64.0 L; 14.1 imp gal) |
| Related | Subaru Legacy |
Based on the third generation Legacy, the Outback became its own model and the Legacy SUS remained unique to North America, and was realligned with the Outback Limited package, offering the sedan, with an optional horizontal six-cylinder engine, also optional on the wagon. This bodystyle was introduced to Japan September 1998, and was called the Lancaster for the second generation, with the six-cylinder in Japan called the Lancaster 6. The USA-spec Outback was available starting in 2000. The Outback saw a competitor from Nissan in Japan only called the Nissan Avenir Blaster with a similar appearance to the Outback starting October 17, 2000.
The rear seat on the Outback sedan does not fold down, unlike previous generations where the rear seat had a 60:40 folding seat for extended length items. Rear headrests are now included as standard equipment on all trim levels. The ground clearance is 7.3 in (190 mm). The engine now meets California's LEV emission standard.
The six-cylinder was offered with Subaru's VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control) system, which integrated stability control with traction control. The system was also mated to previously used Japanese-market AWD system, called VTD, in which power was split 45/55 front-to-rear in normal conditions. When wheel spin is detected, the system cuts power to the spinning wheel and directs power to those that aren't. Only when necessary do the brakes slow the affected wheels, when the vehicle detects excessive oversteer or understeer.
Other models retained the typical AWD layouts seen in previous generation Outback, depending on transmission choice. Manual transmission models came with a mechanical "Continuous AWD" system which was normally 50/50 front/rear, and relied on limited slip differentials to redirect power front to rear, rear to front, and from one rear wheel to the other (when fitted with a rear limited slip differential). Automatic transmission models had an electronically-controlled AWD system that was 90/10 front/rear and redirected differing amounts of power to the rear wheels continuously. When accelerating or driving uphill, the vehicles weight shifts rearward, reducing front wheel traction, causing the transmission to automatically send torque to the rear wheels to compensate. When braking or driving downhill, the vehicle's weight shifts towards the front, reducing rear wheel traction. The transmission again compensates by sending torque to the front wheels for better steering control and braking performance. If the automatic is placed in Reverse or "1st" gear, the transmission divides the torque 50-50 to both front and rear wheels.
The Outback came standard with a 165 hp (123 kW) by SAE, 4-cylinder boxer engine, however it differed from the previous four-cylinder in that it reverted back to the SOHC design; that, and maximum torque (166 lb·ft (225 N·m)) was available at a lower rpm. The 2.5 L SOHC four cylinder engine uses a timing belt that must be replaced around 100,000 miles (160,000 km), whereas the 3.0 L six cylinder engine uses a timing chain that doesn't require replacement under normal conditions.
In the highest trim level, known as the Outback L.L. Bean in the USA, a 200 Watt McIntosh stereo system was standard from 2001 to 2003. These were some of the only vehicles ever factory-equipped with McIntosh stereo equipment. Options also included an in-dash six-disc CD changer, (VDC, for Vehicle Dynamics Control), and dual moonroofs. OnStar was available as an option on the USA-spec L.L. Bean. In-dash satellite navigation was offered on Japan-spec vehicles on upper trim level wagons starting with Model Year 1998, and continued to offer a Momo black leather steering wheel with genuine wood inlay, gearshift knob and parking brake handle. Plaid upholstery was still offered on Japan-spec Lancasters.
Australian delivered models
Australian-specification vehicles differ from cars delivered in the United States by following the Japanese models; primarily headlights, side indicators (on front quarter panels), rear tail lights, front and rear bumpers and a higher placing of the "Outback" badging on the front door bodywork (as opposed to being placed on the plastic cladding).
This generation of Outback was released in an early style with gold coloured cladding, all-in-one headlights (not dissimilar to the US model headlights) and internally a light gray cloth (sometimes speckled with various colours), a light brown wood textured dashboard and a plain instrument cluster. A nudge bar (a smaller style of bullbar or roobar) was also available as an aftermarket option. The later style (2002-2004) was updated with silver cladding, an updated range of paint colours, multi-unit headlights (where headlight and indicators were in different sections of the unit) and internally a dark gray/black cloth, dark gray plastics, a very dark brown faint wood texture and metal trims on the dials of the instrument cluster.
Models available included the base "Outback", the "Outback Limited" which added a sunroof and cloth/leather seats and the "Outback H6" which included the 6 cylinder engine with VDC as described in this article. The H6 was released with slightly different 16" wheels and available in a single metallic pearl off-white colour instead of the usual colour with gold or silver cladding. The H6 was only available in automatic, apparently due to the size of the 6-cylinder engine taking up too much space to fit the manual box and associated dual range mechanicals.
Subaru Baja
The Subaru Baja (pronounced ba-ha) was a light-utility, all-wheel-drive, four passenger, four-door crossover manufactured from 2003-2006 by Subaru. The Baja combined the handling and passenger carrying characteristics of a car with the open-bed versatility, and to a lesser degree, load capacity of a pickup truck.
The unibody design borrowed heavily from existing mechanicals, platform and sheetmetal of the second generation Subaru Outback wagon.[2] Production began on July 18, 2002[3] as a 2003 model at the Lafayette, Indiana, factory (Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc., aka SIA) once shared with Isuzu.
The Baja's concept recalls many similar car-based, open-bed vehicles:
- Subaru's earlier BRAT four-wheel-drive, unibody pickup marketed in the US from 1978-1987)
- Other small US-marketed unibody pickups: Volkswagen Caddy, Dodge Rampage/Plymouth Scamp
- The prominent US rear-wheel drive Ford Ranchero and Chevy El Camino[4]
- the two and four-door vehicles of Australia, known as Utes
- much earlier American car-based pickup truck known as Coupe Utilities.
The Baja is named after Mexico's Baja California peninsula – home to the Baja 1000 off-road race.
Third generation (2003–2009)
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| Also called | Legacy Outback (Japan and Europe) |
|---|---|
| Production | 2003–2009 |
| Body style(s) | 4-door station wagon 4-door sedan (USA only from 2005–2007) |
| Engine(s) | 2.5L SOHC 175 hp (130 kW) H4 2.5L DOHC 250 hp (186 kW) H4 turbo 3.0L DOHC 250 hp (186 kW) H6 2.0L turbodiesel 148 hp (110 kW) H4 (EU) |
| Transmission(s) | 4-speed automatic 5-speed manual 5-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase | 105.1 in (2670 mm) |
| Length | 188.7 in (4793 mm) (2005-07 wagon) 186.2 in (4729 mm) (sedan) 189 in (4801 mm) (2008-present wagon) |
| Width | 69.7 in (1770 mm) |
| Height | 63.2 in (1605 mm) (wagon) 59.1 in (1501 mm) (sedan) 61.6 in (1565 mm) (2008-present base wagon) |
| Fuel capacity | 16.9 US gallons (64.0 L; 14.1 imp gal) |
| Related | Subaru B9 Tribeca Subaru Legacy |
October 22 2003, with the debut of the fourth-generation Legacy at the 60th Frankfurt Auto Show, the Outback name is now being used worldwide (Australia, Europe, Japan and USA) with the launch of the third-generation Outback wagon. Models equipped with a 3.0 L H6 were introduced at the 2004 Chicago Auto Show. The ground clearance is 8.5 in (220 mm).
The Outback carries the same model codes as the Legacy Wagon, BP9 for the 2.5 liter, and BPE for the 3.0 liter model. The highest trim level offered in the USA is the Outback L.L. Bean that offers optional equipment as standard, including wood and leather steering wheel, an auxiliary port on the stereo for MP3 compatibility, perforated leather seats, GPS navigation, double sized, one piece, glass moonroof and the H6.
A new Outback variant for 2005+ is the Outback XT. This model comes with Subaru's turbocharged 2.5L 4-cylinder engine found in the Impreza WRX model. This engine produces 243 hp (181 kW), which is much higher than the naturally aspirated 2.5L producing 175 hp (130 kW). The XT model can be equipped with any of the 3 standard transmissions: 4-speed Auto-SportShift, 5-speed Auto-SportShift, or 5-speed manual.
In July 2008, Subaru ceased offering a special edition L.L. Bean trim level on the Outback.[5] Subaru beefed up their AWD 4EAT transmission's design and released the 5EAT w/ SportShift in 2005 The Outback received styling revisions for the 2008 model year, notably an enlarged, chrome-ringed grille. As of the 2008 model year, the Legacy wagon and Outback sedan were discontinued in the United States, leaving the Legacy sedan and Outback wagon. The JDM and EU diesel model has a "Start/Stop" button (in the top-of-the-line-model), found in Lexus, Infiniti, Audi and other high end makers.
For 2008, the 2.5i USA model has been certified PZEV emissions, and a badge has been attached to the rear of the vehicle on the bottom right hand side of the tailgate. All other models are certified LEV2. The PZEV Outback is available for sale in all 50 states, unlike other manufacturers who only sell PZEV certified vehicles in states that have adopted California emission standards.
EyeSight
Starting May 2008, the Japanese-spec Legacy could be fitted with a new safety feature called EyeSight. It consists of two cameras, one on each side of the rear view mirror, that use human-like stereoscopic vision to judge distances and generally keep tabs on the driver. The system helps maintain a safe distance on the highway, warns the driver during unintended lane departure, emits a wake up call should everyone else pull away from the traffic lights, and keeps an eye out for pedestrians.[6][7] SI-Cruise has been integrated into the EyeSight feature as a driver safety aid.
Diesel
The Subaru EE series flat-4 diesel engine is offered in both Legacy and Outback models in Europe exclusively. Identified as the Subaru Outback 2.0D, the vehicle was released March 2008. The vehicle is offered with a 5-speed manual transmission only. The official introduction of the Legacy and Outback diesel was at the Geneva Motor Show in March, 2008.
According to the Subaru Owners on-line newsletter dated March 2008, Subaru is "currently making modifications to the diesel so it meets the more stringent U.S. standards. Subaru diesel models should be domestically available in two to three years."[8][9][10]
Engines
| Model | Years | Type (code) | Power, torque@rpm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global engines | |||
| 2.5i | 2003?- | 2,457 cc (2.5 L; 149.9 cu in) SOHC H4 turbo (EJ25) | 173 PS (127 kW; 171 hp)@6000, 227 N·m (167 ft·lbf)@4400 |
| 3.0R | 2003?- | 3,000 cc (3.0 L; 183.1 cu in) DOHC H6 AVCS (EZ30) | 245 PS (180 kW; 242 hp)@6000, 297 N·m (219 ft·lbf)@4200 |
| 2.0D | 2003?- | 1,998 cc (2.0 L; 121.9 cu in) DOHC H4 turbo (EE20) | 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp)@3600, 350 N·m (258 ft·lbf)@1800 |
Transmissions
| Model | Years | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global engines | |||
| 2.5i | 2003?- | 5-speed manual dual range, 4-speed Sportshift | |
| 3.0R | 2003?- | 5-speed Sportshift | |
| 2.0D | 2003?- | 5-speed manual | |
Fourth generation (2009–)
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|
| Manufacturer | Subaru |
|---|---|
| Parent company | Fuji Heavy Industries |
| Also called | Legacy Outback (Japan & Europe) |
| Production | 2009– |
| Body style(s) | 4-door Station Wagon |
| Layout | AWD |
| Engine(s) | 2.5i SOHC i-AVLS 170 hp (130 kW) H4 (USA-spec) 3.6i DOHC DAVCS 256 hp (191 kW) H6 (USA-spec) |
| Transmission(s) | Lineartronic CVT 5-speed automatic 6-speed manual |
| Wheelbase | 107.9 in (2740.7 mm) |
| Length | 188.2 in (4780.3 mm) |
| Width | 71.7 in (1821.2 mm) |
| Height | 65.7 in (1668.8 mm) |
| Curb weight | 3,658 lb (1,659 kg) (3.6R Limited) |
| Fuel capacity | 18.5 US gal (70 L; 15 imp gal) |
| Related | Subaru Legacy Subaru Tribeca Subaru Exiga |
The fourth generation Subaru Outback was introduced in April 2009 at the New York Auto Show, the fifteen anniversary of the first Outback's introduction at the same event. The Legacy was introduced in Japan May 20 2009.[11]
The ground clearance increases to 8.7 in (220 mm), and is the ninth Subaru vehicle to feature continuously variable transmission (CVT). The double-sized moonroof is no longer being offered, and has been reduced to a conventional size that doesn't extend over the rear seats. The turbocharged engine is also no longer offered on all international versions of the Outback.
The side windows are no longer frameless, ending a Subaru tradition started with the first generation Leone in the early 1970s. The "D" pillar on the wagon is no longer covered in glass, also ending a design tradition established with the first generation and borrowed from the Subaru XT. The front and rear bumper covers are no longer painted a contrasting color, but the plastic side body cladding continues.
This version of the Outback is not currently offered in the United Kingdom.
North American models
Trim level designations have been modified based on the engine installed; the Subaru EJ engine 2.5 L naturally aspirated engine are labeled 2.5i, 2.5i Premium, and 2.5i Limited, with the Subaru EZ 6-cylinder engine identified as 3.6R, 3.6R Premium and 3.6R Limited. As with previous generations, leather interior is only available in 2 colors (Warm Ivory or Off-Black) on Limited trim packages, for designated colors. A 440 W, 9-speaker Harman/Kardon audio system, using Dolby Pro Logic II, SRS Circle Surround Automotive technology and DTS Digital Sound, with Bluetooth capability is standard on the Premium and Limited trim packages. An 8 in (203.2 mm) voice activated GPS touch screen navigation system is optional only on the Limited. A separate Bluetooth wireless package with voice recognition is available on lower trim levels. A dual zone digital climate control system with 6-speed fan is standard and only available on the Limited; the base and Premium model have a 4-speed fan. Base and Premium trim levels have silver metallic trim on the interior door panels and dashboard, Limited trim has woodgrain accents.
All trim levels are fitted with a retractable roof installed luggage rack, where the crossmembers are permanently attached but can be swung into the luggage carrier support structure when not in use, currently available only on North American models. The interior retractable rear cargo cover has a separate storage compartment in the spare tire storage area so that the cargo cover can be removed for large items but stored inside the vehicle and out of the way. The rear seatbacks can be partially reclined for comfort.
All models are now available with painted exterior door handles, with black exterior side mirrors on the base level 2.5i, and painted mirrors on Premium and Limited. The 2.5i uses the flat-4 engine with 6-speed manual transmission or the optional Lineartronic Continuously variable transmission with steering column mounted paddle shifters that allows the driver to select 6 "virtual gears" in manual mode. The 3.6R uses the flat-6 engine (from the Subaru Tribeca) exclusively with a 5-speed automatic transmission. The conventional automatic transmission is only available with the flat-6 engine, and the 6-speed manual transmission is not available on the 2.5i Limited. The PZEV Outback 2.5i continues to be sold in all 50 states, unlike other manufacturers who only sell PZEV certified vehicles in states that have adopted California emission standards. All other models have been certified LEV2 or ULEV.
Outback won Motor Trends Sport/Utility of the Year Award for 2010
Japanese models
The Japanese-specification Outback is available with either the 2.5 L flat-4 or the 3.6 L flat-6 engine.[12] The EJ20 engine is no longer used in the Legacy or the Legacy Outback.[13] The trim levels are 2.5i, 2.5i L package and 3.6R and 3.6R SI-Cruise. SI-Cruise is an autonomous cruise control system that can reduce or resume a preset speed or bring the vehicle to a complete stop if the system detects a slower vehicle is being followed, without driver intervention. Air vents are installed for rear passengers at the back of the center front armrest compartment. The front hood (bonnet) and front bumper covers are not interchangable with the North American version due to slight changes in the sheet metal.
Turn signal repeaters are still integrated into the side exterior mirrors on all Japanese-spec models. SI-Drive, or Subaru Intelligent-Drive, enables three distinctly different modes of vehicle performance characteristics (identified as "Sport", "Sport Sharp", and "Intelligent") by regulating the engine control unit (ECU), the automatic transmission control unit (if equipped), and by fine-tuning the electronically controlled throttle, and is standard equipment on all trim versions. The SI-Drive control knob is installed on the center console, between the heated front seat control switches. The optional entertainment systems that are Gracenote compatible have 10 speakers, and buyers can choose between the previously mentioned Harmon-Kardon system or a McIntosh stereo equipped with 5.1 surround sound stereo that is G-BOOK compatible, coupled with an internal 600MHz 40GB HDD and a digital TV tuner that can be watched when the transmission is in park and the parking brake applied. Oddly, the Japanese version has a retractable cover for the console installed cupholders, whereas the North American version has exposed cupholders without a retractable cover.
The GPS navigation system can be displayed in a split-screen format showing both two- and three dimensions with graphic landmarks instead of a flat screen without geographical images. HID headlights are standard on all models except the base 2.5i, as well as automatic rain sensing windshield wipers and headlight washers. The "EyeSight" feature introduced in 2008 is no longer being offered. A smart key is available as an option coupled with two position memory seat that memorizes driver's seat positions and adjustments, steering wheel position, mirror adjustment, and climate control settings. The settings can be customized based on the smart key module being used to unlock and start the car. The Outback can be fitted with twin white LED lights installed on the interior hatch vertically surrounding the rear window with a separate light switch for additional illumination when the rear hatch is open.
Engines
| Model | Years | Type (code) | Power, torque@rpm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global engines | |||
| 2.5i | 2009- | 2,457 cc (2.5 L; 149.9 cu in) SOHC H4 turbo i-AVLS (EJ25) | 167 PS (123 kW; 165 hp)@5600, 229 N·m (169 ft·lbf)@4000 |
| 3.6R | 2009- | 3,000 cc (3.0 L; 183.1 cu in) DOHC H6 dual AVCS (EZ36) | 260 PS (191 kW; 256 hp)@5600, 350 N·m (258 ft·lbf)@4400 |
| 2.0D | 2009- | 1,998 cc (2.0 L; 121.9 cu in) DOHC H4 turbo (EE20) | 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp)@3600, 350 N·m (258 ft·lbf)@1800-2400 |
Transmissions
| Model | Years | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global engines | |||
| 2.5i | 2009- | 6-speed manual, Lineartronic CVT | |
| 3.6R | 2009- | 5-speed Sportshift | |
| 2.0D | 2009- | 6-speed manual | |
Subaru Outback Sport
The Outback Sport was first introduced in 1995 as an updated Impreza "L" Sport Wagon, and is currently offered only in the USA. The Outback Sport is the top trim level of the Impreza wagon model with no significant mechanical or performance changes from the lower trim levels. The Outback Sport package was never available on the Impreza sedan or coupe from Subaru, unlike the Outback package being available on both the Legacy-based sedan and wagon.
One engine was offered, which was the 2.2 liter, and it was the first time the 2.2 engine was used in the American Impreza. Later, the 2.5 engine was introduced. In Japan, the Impreza Sport Wagon was offered with a similar approach to the Outback Sport, calling it the Impreza Gravel Express with the WRX turbocharged engine. Subaru discontinued the Gravel Express when the second generation Impreza was introduced due to very limited sales, and introduced the Subaru Forester as a replacement. The hoodscoop found on the American Outback Sport was non-functional but was probably included because the American and Japanese versions were built at the same factory in Japan. The Outback Sport was offered with optional equipment, such as a gauge pack installed on top of the dashboard, that included a digital compass, outside temperature and barometer or altimeter readings.
The Second Generation Outback Sport was sold in Australia for model years 2001-2007, but it was renamed as the Impreza RV with the same color scheme as the American version.[14][15] The Australian version had a dual-range manual transmission, not available in the USA.
Subaru found some sales success with the Outback Sport as a smaller companion with similar ride height changes, body colors and trim levels to the larger, more successful selling Legacy based Outback. The Outback Sport "incorporates the performance features of an Impreza with the rugged durability of the Outback" according to the Outback Sport website,[16] continuing to offer it as a trim option of the Impreza, with exterior cosmetic and interior equipment modifications.
It is an alternative for buyers who don't like the SUV/CUV appearance of the Forester and don't need the extended ground clearance. The Outback Sport has been offered for the same amount of time as the larger Legacy wagon based Outback, but the larger Outback has seen more sales than the smaller Outback Sport. Mechanically, the Outback Sport is the same as the standard Impreza hatchback; no high performance equipment found on the Impreza WRX or STi is included on the Outback Sport. The slight increase in ground clearance is due to the larger wheels equipped on the Outback Sport, and not a result of suspension modification.
Outback Sport models can be easily identified from the standard Sport Wagon or newly released 5 door hatchback by the color of the front and rear bumper covers and matching door rub strip that are painted a contrasting color from the paint used for the rest of the car, a coloring scheme also used on the larger Outback.
Motorsports
Subaru Outback models have been winners of the Alcan Rally, an endurance race that starts in Seattle, Washington to the Arctic Circle and back. An Outback wagon won the race in 2002, driven by Gary Webb, Richard Mooers, and John Kisela and again in 2006, driven by Revere Jones, Brian Deno, and Tom Gould.[17]
References
- This article incorporates information from the equivalent article on the Japanese Wikipedia.
- ^ a b Haas, Al (2008-08-02). "The 2010 Subaru Outback: a rugged redesign". Philly.com. http://www.philly.com/philly/classifieds/cars/20090802_The_2010_Subaru_Outback__a_rugged_redesign.html. Retrieved 2009-08-20.
- ^ "First Drive: 2003 Subaru Baja". PickupTruck.com August 9, 2002. http://www.pickuptruck.com/html/2003/subaru/baja/first_drive/page1.html.
- ^ "Subaru of Indiana History". Subaru.com. http://www.subaru.com/common/about/about_indiana.jsp.
- ^ "Subaru makes another bold move with Baja". USAtoday, James R. Healey. http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/reviews/2002-08-15-subaru-baja-drive_x.htm.
- ^ Subaru and L.L. Bean part company
- ^ Introduction of EyeSight technology retrieved September 4, 2008
- ^ Retrieved from Autoblog September 4, 2008
- ^ http://cars.uk.msn.com/reviews/articles.aspx?cp-documentid=147861912 Legacy Diesel Review retrieved 22/01/08
- ^ http://www.greencarcongress.com/2008/01/subarus-first-b.html Legacy Diesel Announcement retrieved 23/01/08
- ^ http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/08/geneva-08-preview-subaru-legacy-2-0d-and-outback-2-0d Legacy and Outback diesel announcement retrieved 08/02/08
- ^ Legacy introduction in Japan
- ^ "SUBARU : 車種紹介 > レガシィ アウトバック". Subaru.jp. http://www.subaru.jp/legacy/outback/. Retrieved 2009-08-08.
- ^ Options list for Touring Wagon
- ^ Australian-spec Impreza RV
- ^ https://www.aaa.asn.au/roadtests/reports/423.pdf Second Australian-spec Impreza RV review
- ^ http://www.subaru.com/shop/overview.jsp?model=IMPREZA&trim=SPORT&command=overview|USDM Outback Sport
- ^ past Alcan winners
External links
 |
Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Subaru Outback |
|
Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Subaru Outback Sport |
- Subaru Outback global site: MY2009, MY2010
- Subaru Outback at the Open Directory Project
This entry is from Wikipedia, the leading user-contributed encyclopedia. It may not have been reviewed by professional editors (see full disclaimer)
