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Subaru has announced pricing for the 2020 Subaru Legacy and 2020 Subaru Outback. Both get modest price increases, but also increases in base equipment. The Legacy starting price is $200 more than last year at $24,995, and the Outback is $300 more at $26,645. Some of the biggest equipment upgrades is that Subaru's Eyesight now features Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering, a heads up monitoring system, LED headlights for low and high beam, and high beam assist. Both cars are built on Subaru's new global platform that offers increased safety, and reductions in noise, vibration, and harshness. The base engine is a revised 2.5 liter boxer-four that produces 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque. An upgraded 2.4T boxer engine is standard in Limited XT models and produces 260 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 277 lb-ft of torque at 2,000 rpm. Both engines come with start-stop to improve fuel efficiency. Fuel economy figures are as follows: Legacy 2.5 - 35 MPG highway Legacy XT - 32 MPG highway Outback 2.5 - 33 MPG highway Outback XT - 30 MPG highway The only transmission available is Subaru's Lineartronic CVT that now has an 8-speed manual shift mode via paddles on the steering wheel. Six different trims are available on the Legacy and seven different trims available on the Outback. Inside, the infotainment system features dual 7.0 inch touch screens. The upper screen controls the audio with Apple Car Play and Android Auto, while the lower screen controls climate control, controls for Eyesight, and other vehicle systems. Both the Legacy and Outback are built in Lafayette, IN, and will go on sale this fall. View full article

New XT models with 260-horsepower 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine Debut of Onyx Edition XT trim level with unique exterior and interior Tablet-style high-definition SUBARU STARLINK 11.6-inch touchscreen New Hands-Free Power Gate Available segment-exclusive DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System Standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology with Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control and new Lane Centering The 2020 Outback delivers the optimal blend of SUV capability and car-like ride and handling with standard Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Active Torque Vectoring, Vehicle Dynamics Control and X-MODE with Hill Descent Control. The 8.7 inches of ground clearance for all Outback models is greater than that in many SUVs, yet the Outback maintains a comfortably low step-in height for both front and rear passenger entry. For the first time since 2009, the Outback lineup offers a turbocharged engine. Standard on XT models, the 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine delivers robust all-around performance with 260 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 277 lb-ft of torque at 2,000 rpm. Meanwhile, the standard naturally aspirated 2.5-liter BOXER, with direct injection and nearly 90 percent of its parts new, delivers 182 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 176 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. All 2020 Outback models are paired with a CVT featuring an 8-speed manual mode function with steering wheel paddle shifters. The 2.4-liter turbo delivers a 3,500-lb. towing capacity, the most of any Outback in history, while the 2.5-liter provides more than a 600-mile range on a single tank. Manufacturer’s estimated fuel economy is 26/33 mpg city/highway for the 2.5-liter and 23/30 mpg city/highway for the turbo. The 2020 Outback offers a peaceful cabin that is almost 3 dB quieter at highway speeds. Subaru engineers worked extensively to find ways to reduce unwanted noise coming into the cabin, fitting the Outback with new door weather strips that feature a baffle in the mid-section and dual lips on the roof side for improved quietness. Sound-insulated glass, which uses a sound-insulating inner film for the windshield and front-door glass, has been adopted, while glass thickness all around has been increased for quietness SUBARU STARLINK In-Vehicle Technology offers an integrated cockpit experience by allowing the driver to control entertainment and vehicle settings through a large touchscreen display. Pricing for the 2020 Outback will be announced closer to this fall’s on-sale date. View full article

Subaru will be bringing an all-new 2020 Subaru Outback wagon to the New York International Auto Show next week. Like its predecessor, the Outback will continue to be based on the Legacy sedan. Subaru debuted the all-new 2020 Legacy sedan at the Chicago Auto Show in February. We expect many of the updates to carry over from the Legacy. On the Legacy, the overall look doesn't change dramatically, however there is an all new modular platform under the skin with improved torsional rigidity and higher strength steel. The buy-up H6 engine is dropped in favor of a turbo-charged 2.4 liter boxer four-cylinder that produces 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. The base engine is a 2.5 liter naturally aspirated boxer 4 with 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. Both engines push their power through a CVT to Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive. The interior gets a major update in both design and materials. An optional 11.6-inch touch screen can be ordered, but otherwise a 7-inch version is standard. You can read more about the 2020 Legacy at our article below. We'll have more for you when the 2020 Subaru Outback is shown on April 17th at 11:15 am eastern. Gallery: View full article

SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. REPORTS RECORD FEBRUARY SALES Record February - monthly sales increase 1.6 percent over February 2015 51st consecutive month of month-over-month growth Best February ever for Forester, Outback, WRX/STI 24th consecutive month of more than 10,000 Outbacks sold 31st consecutive month of more than 10,000 Foresters sold Cherry Hill, N.J. - Subaru of America, Inc. today reported record sales for February 2016 totaling 42,011 vehicles, a 1.6 percent gain over February 2015. The company also reported year-to-date sales of 83,112 vehicles, a 1.2 percent gain over the same period in 2015. These results build on strong sales from 2015 where Subaru achieved its seventh consecutive year of sales records and exceeded 580,000 annual sales – a first in the company’s history. February marked the 24th consecutive month of 40,000+ vehicle sales for the company. Forester, Outback, WRX/STI sales were notably strong as each carline achieved its best February ever. Legacy sales for February 2016 increased 2.6 percent over the same month in 2015. BRZ also enjoyed gains over February 2015. Earlier in the month, the 2016 Outback made Kelley Blue Book’s 16 Best Family Cars of 2016 for meeting the needs of the modern family with emphasis on outstanding room for both passengers and cargo and excellent off-road capability. “Subaru vehicles continue to be recognized by the press and public alike for their reliability, value and safety ratings,” said Thomas J. Doll, president and chief operating officer for Subaru of America. “Our record sales are the result of focusing on our core strengths, producing safe, reliable and versatile vehicles that are delivered through an outstanding retail network.” We again reported a sales increase in spite of limited inventory levels across the country,” said Jeff Walters, senior vice president of sales for Subaru of America. “Our retailers continue to show dedication and commitment which makes these impressive results possible.” Carline Feb-16 Feb-15 % Chg Feb-16 Feb-15 % Chg MTD MTD MTD YTD YTD YTD Forester 12,239 11,459 6.8% 24,143 22,669 6.5% Impreza 4,432 4,826 -8.2% 8,814 9,922 -11.2% WRX/STI 2,380 2,359 0.9% 4,716 4,790 -1.5% Legacy 4,454 4,342 2.6% 8,927 8,223 8.6% Outback 11,952 11,632 2.8% 23,149 22,983 0.7% BRZ 425 334 27.3% 786 664 18.4% Crosstrek 6,129 6,406 -4.3% 12,577 12,919 -2.7% TOTAL 42,011 41,358 1.6% 83,112 82,170 1.2%

Subaru is planning a new seven-seat crossover for the U.S. marketplace that will be out in the next couple of years. But there is one problem the company is dealing with at the moment: should we go with a Forester-inspired or Outback-inspired look? "How can we differentiate the position of our product? That is the fundamental strategy," said " said Nobuhiko Murakami, senior vice president of global marketing for Subaru's parent company Fuji Heavy Industries. Both options have advantages: the Forester is easily-recognizable as a crossover, while the Outback has the rugged, off-road look. The one option Subaru will be avoiding is the Tribeca - the automaker's first attempt at a seven-seat crossover. The odd looks made the Tribeca a poor seller. But one thing is for certain - the seven seat crossover is a U.S. only affair. "Our resources are limited, and we have to develop our product by putting our major focus on the United States. This is the only way we will survive," said Murakami. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article

Chicago brought us the 2015 Subaru Legacy and New York brings us the sister vehicle, the 2015 Outback. The fifth-generation model brings forth improved design, a better interior, and more tech. While the 2015 Outback 2015 Outback retains silhouette of the previous generation, the new model is much more sleeker thanks to smoother sheet metal and not as much body cladding. The front end is almost the same as the new Legacy with the hexagonal grille and new headlights. The side profile and back end are similar to the outgoing model. Inside, the 2015 Outback gains a bit more space almost three cubic feet more interior space and two cubic feet more cargo space with the rear seats folded. Subaru has added more premium materials and a new 6.2 inch touchscreen radio. Options include navigation, dual-zone climate control, Harman Kardon premium stereo, and heated seats to name a few. Much like the new Legacy, the 2015 Outback's powertrain lineup is a carryover. The base is a 2.5L boxer-four with 175 horsepower, or a 3.6L boxer-six with 256 horsepower. All engines come paired with a CVT and the company's symmetrical all-wheel-drive system. Subaru has added hill-assist and decent control to the 2015 model, along with revisions to the suspension to improve handling and comfort. The 2015 Outback arrives at dealers this summer. Source: Subaru Press Release is on Page 2 SUBARU INTRODUCES ALL-NEW 2015 OUTBACK® AT NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW Bolder design for roomiest, most capable Outback ever Fuel economy at the top of AWD crossover class with estimated ratings of 25 mpg city / 33 mpg highway for Outback 2.5i Lineartronic® CVT now standard on all models Revised chassis and new Active Torque Vectoring for greater agility Enhanced Active AWD and new X-Mode for increased capability Quieter, more refined ride and new amenities New available Rear Vehicle Detection System featuring Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert New version of EyeSight® driver assistance system with improved camera performance New York - Subaru of America, Inc. today introduced the all-new 2015 Outback, the fifth generation of the World’s First Sport Utility Wagon®, at the New York International Auto Show in the Jacob K. Javits Center. The 2015 Outback offers the roomiest interior, most capable chassis and highest fuel-efficiency in the model’s 20-year history. Its bold new design delivers an even more compelling blend of on-road agility, off-pavement control, ride comfort, interior refinement and safety technology. The 2015 Outback arrives in Subaru dealerships in summer 2014. The 175-horsepower 4-cylinder Outback 2.5i model is available in Standard, Premium and Limited trim lines, accompanied by the top-of-line 6-cylinder 3.6R Limited with 256 horsepower. All trim lines add more standard amenities, conveniences and new infotainment systems. The original Outback established a template for many competitive crossover models that followed, and the new-generation 2015 Outback further strengthens the melding of passenger- car and SUV attributes that crossover shoppers seek. The 2015 Outback exemplifies Subaru’s mastery of outdoors-oriented vehicle engineering, not just for its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and raised ground clearance, but also for numerous details that help make it more convenient to load and carry cargo as well as items such as kayaks and bikes. Newly standard X-Mode, Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist augment Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive to assist the driver in navigating rough roads, slippery surfaces or steep inclines. New for 2015, all Outback models come standard with the Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission), which features paddle-shift control switches and is instrumental in the Outback’s significantly improved fuel economy. Manufacturer-estimated ratings of 25 mpg city / 33 mpg highway / 28 mpg combined are up from 24/30/26 in the 2014 model. These figures place the 2015 Outback 2.5i at the top of the midsize crossover class, bettering front-wheel drive versions of some competitive crossovers. A new Active Grille Shutter system on the 2015 Outback 2.5i helps to improve fuel economy by reducing wind resistance when closed. Electric Power-Assisted Steering and improved aerodynamics also contribute to the increased efficiency in all models. Due largely to its new Lineartronic CVT, the 6-cylinder Outback 3.6R Limited also improves fuel economy, with manufacturer-estimated ratings of 20 mpg city/27 mpg highway/22 combined vs. 17/25/20 for the previous version. Bold New Design Brings New Functionality The all-new 2015 Outback introduces a bolder look with crisper, sculpted lines that convey both its all-road capability and upgraded refinement. A new front fascia combines the hexagonal grille and bumper into one smooth piece. An aluminum hood reduces weight over the front wheels, which helps enhance steering response. In the Outback 3.6R Limited, new standard HID low-beam headlights give the car a more distinctive nighttime signature. Limited trim line models feature turn signal exterior mirrors. The 2015 Outback’s windshield is more raked, pulled forward 2.0 in. at the base. The new windshield angle, higher seating hip points, new front partition windows and door-mounted side view mirrors help improve visibility. The 2015 Outback maintains a footprint similar to the model it replaces. Wheelbase is increased by just 0.2-in., overall length by 0.6-in. and width by 0.7 in. The changes, though small, yield a roomier passenger cabin, at 108.1 cu. ft. (up from 105.4 cu. ft.). The added space includes gains in shoulder, front and rear hip and elbow room and rear legroom. The Outback’s cargo area has been enlarged to 35.5 cu. ft. behind the rear seats, up from 34.3, while maximum capacity with the standard 60/40 split fold-down rear seatbacks folded is now 73.3 cu. ft., up from 71.3. In addition, the load floor provided by the lowered seats now lays flatter, and new rear seatback release levers in the cargo area enhance convenience. The Outback continues with 8.7-in. ground clearance, which is higher than for some SUVs, yet with low step-in height for comfort. New step-style doorsills allow one to stand firmly when securing objects to the roof rails with integrated retractable crossbars and tie downs. A power rear gate with memory height is available on Outback for the first time. New Safety and Security Technology from a Safety Leader The 2015 Outback builds on the stellar safety performance of the previous model, adding new front seat-cushion airbags that help to keep occupants in place in a frontal collision. All trim lines come standard with a rear-view camera, and a new rollover sensor can deploy the side curtain airbags if an imminent rollover is detected. For added nighttime security, the 2015 Outback features new standard Welcome Lighting that automatically turns on cabin illumination and exterior lights as the driver approaches or departs the vehicle. The Limited trim offers a Keyless Access & Start system with PIN Code Access. The new Subaru Rear Vehicle Detection System, which is standard on Limited trims and available for the 2.5i Premium, offers three functions. Blind Spot Detection detects vehicles on either side of the vehicle, in the driver’s blind spots; Lane Change Assist detects fast-approaching vehicles in adjacent lanes, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert detects vehicles approaching from a perpendicular direction while reversing, such as from a driveway. LED indicators on the side mirrors alert the driver. Rear Cross Traffic Alert uses an indicator in the rear view camera display. The 2015 Outback offers the latest version of the EyeSight® driver-assist system, the highest-rated front crash prevention system by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Available for Outback Premium and Limited trim lines, EyeSight® uses Subaru-developed stereo camera technology and integrates Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking and Vehicle Lane Departure Warning. The 2015 Outback is projected to achieve the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, as the 2014 Outback did. Models equipped with EyeSight® also come with new Steering-Responsive Fog Lights. The feature, which works only when the fog lights are turned off, activates the left or right fog light independently, depending on vehicle speed and steering angle, to provide enhanced illumination in the direction of the turn. The fog lights are pre-aimed for maximum coverage in corners. Four- or Six-Cylinder BOXER Engine The 2015 Outback 2.5i is powered by a double-overhead-cam (DOHC) FB series 2.5-liter BOXER engine that debuted for 2013 and now receives numerous enhancements for lighter weight, improved efficiency and quieter operation. Power is increased slightly, to 175 hp vs. 173 hp before. Peak torque remains at 174 lb.-ft. but is spread over a broader engine speed range for more responsive performance in all driving situations. In the Outback 3.6R Limited, the 3.6-liter BOXER 6-cylinder engine produces 256 hp and 247 lb.-ft. of peak torque. Notably, the 3.6 engine sustains at least 225 lb.-ft. of torque from 2,000 to 6,000 rpm, making the Outback 3.6R Limited feel exceptionally smooth and responsive in everyday driving. Standard Lineartronic CVT For 2015, all Outback models now come standard with a Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission), with the 6-cylinder model using a high-torque version. Changes made to reduce friction in the CVT contribute to higher fuel efficiency. Because a CVT does not shift gears, the driver enjoys smoother performance in all driving situations. The CVT’s selectable manual mode offers six pre-selected ratios to allow the driver to “shift” manually using steering wheel paddle switches. This feature can provide added driver control when driving down inclines, for example. Enhanced Agility and Quieter Ride Subaru extensively revised and retuned the MacPherson front strut suspension and double-wishbone rear suspension for greater handling agility and a more compliant ride – a difficult balance to achieve. New quick-ratio electric power-assisted steering delivers outstanding feel and also helps reduce fuel consumption. The Outback 2.5i is equipped with standard 17-inch wheels, and the Limited trim line features 18-in. alloy wheels. Active Torque Vectoring, an enhancement of the Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) stability and traction control system, fosters more neutral cornering by applying brake pressure to the inside front wheel. The Outback 2.5i now uses larger brakes previously available only on the 6-cylinder model, and all models now have ventilated rear discs in place of solid discs used previously. The Brake Assist safety system automatically applies maximum braking pressure in an emergency stop. The cabin blocks more sources of noise thanks to a new acoustic windshield, liquid-filled engine mounts, thicker panels in key locations (floor, toeboard, rear wheel apron, inner fenders) and expanded use of foam insulation and floor damping material. Greater Comfort and Refinement New soft-touch materials, thicker cushioning for armrests and the center console and new trim styles give the 2015 Outback a more premium feel. The driver faces a decidedly sporty instrument panel, highlighted by two binocular-style gauge pods with a center LCD information display -- 3.5-in. on cars without the EyeSight® driver-assist system and 5-in. on EyeSight® cars. An ECO gauge indicates and promotes fuel-efficient driving habits using color bars. The Premium and Limited-trim levels feature gauges with elegant blue ring illumination. The heater control panel integrates the digital clock and outside air temperature displays, with the time automatically corrected by GPS in navigation-equipped models. A new one-touch lane changer function for the turn signals adds convenience. Premium and Limited trim levels come equipped with standard auto up/down driver and front passenger windows with pinch protection. The Outback 2.5i Premium delivers impressive comfort with a 10-way power driver’s seat (with power lumbar support adjustment); dual-zone automatic climate control; the All-Weather Package (three-mode heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors and a windshield wiper de-icer); upgraded infotainment system; an air filtration system; leather-wrapped steering wheel; fog lights, dark-tint privacy glass and more. The Limited trim line models offer the highest level of luxury ever in an Outback, adding to the Premium trim level content: perforated leather upholstery; two-position memory for the 10-way power driver’s seat; a 4-way power front passenger seat; dual-mode heated rear seats and a power rear gate with memory height. New Infotainment Systems Subaru significantly upgraded infotainment capability in the 2015 Outback. A new 6.2 Infotainment System in the Outback 2.5i provides AM/FM stereo and HD Radio®; Radio Data Broadcast System; single-disc in-dash CD player; 6.2-in. multi-function touch screen display with single-touch gesture control; Subaru STARLINK smartphone integration with Aha™ Infotainment, Pandora® Radio and iHeart® Radio; a rear vision camera; Bluetooth® hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming; iPod® control capability, USB port and aux. input jack. The Upgraded Infotainment System for Outback 2.5i Premium adds a 6-speaker audio system; 7-inch touch screen display with multi-touch control that offers swipe and scrolling gesture control; voice-activated controls; SiriusXM® satellite radio; a vehicle information display; SMS text messaging, iTunes® tagging capability and dual USB ports. A new high-end audio system standard for Outback Limited combines an AM/FM/HD Radio system with a harman/kardon® upgraded 576-Watt-equivalent GreenEdge amplifier. The system’s 12 harman/kardon speakers include a front center speaker and a rear subwoofer. GreenEdge technology provides increased audio performance and amplifier efficiency while consuming less power and reducing heat dissipation. The available navigation system’s interactive voice command system accepts natural language and phrases, and this functionality can also operate the dual-zone automatic climate control system. The center console armrest provides a storage area that can hold an iPad®. A covered and illuminated storage bin at the front of the console incorporates a USB port, 3.5mm AUX jack and a 12v power port. Models with high-grade audio or navigation feature two USB ports, making it possible to listen to music and charge two connected devices. Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and Enhanced Capability A newly refined version of the Active Torque Split version of Symmetrical AWD comes standard in all 2015 Outback models. The system’s electronically managed continuously variable transfer clutch actively controls torque distribution in response to driving conditions and wheel slippage. Taking input from acceleration, steering angle and yaw rate sensors, Active Torque Split AWD optimizes traction and steering response when accelerating through turns and curves, particularly when the road surface is slippery. All 2015 Outback models come equipped as standard with the X-Mode system, which debuted on the 2014 Forester. When engaged by a switch on the console, X-Mode optimizes engine output and CVT ratio position, increases Active All-Wheel Drive engagement and uses enhanced control logic for the Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system to reduce individual wheel spin. Engaging X-Mode also activates the new Hill Descent Control, which uses engine braking to help maintain a constant vehicle speed when the Outback is traveling downhill, enhancing vehicle control. New Incline Start Assist helps to momentarily minimize forward or backward vehicle rolling on inclines, and the electronic Hill Holder System holds the vehicle in place until the driver presses the accelerator pedal to pull away from a stop. View full article

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com August 5, 2013 Volkswagen has reportedly begun planning a competitor to the Subaru Outback. According to Automotive News, Volkswagen has given a green light to an AWD version of the next-gen Golf-based Jetta SportWagon. Sources say the company is deciding whether to make into Outback competitor with a higher ground clearance and body-cladding. Now Volkswagen currently sells something like this in parts of the world. The Passat Alltrack takes a Passat wagon and raises the ride height and adds body cladding. Volkswagen showed a concept version of the Passat Alltrack at the 2012 New York Auto Show. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article