Subaru of America, Inc. introduced the all-new 2010 Subaru Outback® at the New York International Auto Show today.
The
fourth-generation of the World's First Sport Utility Wagon® is a
roomier and more capable interpretation of the vehicle that launched
the crossover trend 15 years ago.
Distinguished by bolder and
crisper styling, the all-new 2010 Subaru Outback delivers enhanced
performance, comfort and economy with the introduction of an all-new
chassis and the new Subaru Lineartronic™ CVT (continuously variable
transmission). Capability is enhanced with a segment-first swing-out
roof rail and crossbar design and an improved 8.7 inches of ground
clearance.
The all-new 2010 Subaru Outback is smart-sized
compared to other crossover vehicles, featuring mid-size interior
volume in an easy-to-maneuver and off-road capable wagon body. Subaru
engineers have increased interior volume by almost 8 percent in a
package that is actually shorter than the outgoing model.
The
wheelbase has been increased by 2.8 inches and improves rear seat
legroom by almost 4 inches. A new rear double wishbone suspension
improves chassis dynamics and rear cargo space.

The
2010 Outback is 2 inches wider to improve passenger comfort, has more
headroom and is more fuel efficient than the outgoing model.
Building
on the tremendous success of previous Outback models, the 2010 Outback
caters to a wide variety of customer tastes and needs. The Outback line
for 2010 will include three 2.5i models powered by a revised 170-hp
2.5-liter 4-cylinder Boxer engine. The efficient Outback 2.5i models
offer a new standard 6-speed manual transmission, or the available
Lineartronic™ CVT. Both transmissions help to improve acceleration,
response and fuel economy.
Three new range-topping Outback 3.6R
models are powered by a new 256-hp 3.6-liter 6-cylinder Boxer engine
teamed with a 5-speed electronic automatic transmission. Compared to
the 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine it replaces, the more powerful 3.6 has
the same external size and uses regular-grade fuel, rather than premium
as the 3.0 required.
Subaru is the only company that features
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as standard equipment on every vehicle in
its product line. This invaluable performance and safety-enhancing
system distinguishes the Outback from crossover competitors, which
generally offer all wheel drive as an extra-cost option. The 2010
Outback model line employs three different versions of Symmetrical
All-Wheel Drive, each tailored to the specific engine and transmission.


Bold New Design and New Level of Interior Comfort
The
2010 Outback, while still clearly related to its predecessors, marks a
departure in design toward a new, bolder look. The new Outback blends a
sophisticated crossover design with SUV details. The upright grille
features the Subaru circular badge and wing design as the focal point
and is offset by dramatic hawk-eye headlamps. The new functional molded
lower valence and side skirts hint at the Outback's improved capability
and are more durable for off-road adventures.
The 2010 Outback
also has a greater road presence with a wider track and expressive
wheel arches. Ground clearance on the new model has been increased to
8.7 inches. As a new characteristic of the Outback, the D-pillars
project a powerful SUV-like presence. The taillamps blend into the rear
hatch, which highlights the more clearly defined beltline.
The
2010 Outback interior is not only more spacious, but takes another step
up in refinement from an already-praised design in the previous model.
The four-dial instrument panel is augmented in all Outback models by a
multi-information display with trip computer located in the center of
the dashboard. Richer looking appointments and details abound,
including a new 3-spoke steering wheel. A new electronic parking brake
(with electronic Hill Holder System) eliminates the traditional parking
brake handle, freeing up space in the center console.
Seat comfort,
long a Subaru strong point, is further enhanced in the 2010 Outback
with new front and rear seat designs. The rear seat includes a new
recline feature. The front seatback shape provides extra rear-seat knee
room, and the front-seat cushion design allows more rear-seat foot room.


Right-Sized for the Times
The
original Outback established a template for the many competitive
crossover models that followed, and the new-generation 2010 Outback
further strengthens the melding of passenger car and SUV attributes
that today's crossover shoppers seek.
Built on an all-new
platform, the 2010 Outback showcases Subaru's mastery of vehicle
packaging efficiency. A 2.8 inch longer wheelbase, now 107.9 inches,
contributes to a smoother ride and increased interior space. Total
passenger room is increased by 8 cubic feet, now 105.4 cu. ft., and
maximum cargo capacity (with the standard 65/35 split rear seatbacks
folded) is up by 6 cubic feet to 71.3 cu. ft. The Outback also features
a rear cargo area that is deeper and wider than in many small SUVs and
easier to access through its wide aperture rear hatch.
Rear seat
legroom is increased by nearly 4 inches to 37.8 inches. With a 2.0-in.
increase in vehicle width, the 2010 Outback offers greater hip room
(+3.5 inches in front, +1.3 in. in back) and shoulder room (+1.9-in.
front, +2.4-in. in back).
Remarkably, the roomier 2010 Outback
is almost one inch shorter than the previous model, due to reduced
front and rear overhang dimensions. The new Outback is also four inches
taller than the previous model, increasing headroom and cargo area
height. The new packaging thus preserves the maneuverability, agility
and parking ease that Outback customers highly value.


Surefooted Handling and Safety for any Road or any Weather
The
new Subaru Outback improves crash-worthiness and provides a stiffer
platform that makes for a smoother, quieter ride – still with crisp
handling. Outback customers have long valued the way Outback models
have balanced comfort with capability, and the 2010 Outback improves on
both. Reduced front and rear overhang dimensions, combined with 8.7
inches of ground clearance, help enhance Outback's off-pavement
maneuverability.
All Outback models for 2010 are equipped as
standard with Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), which combines stability
and traction control capability. The all-new electronic Hill Holder
System holds the vehicle in place until the driver applies the throttle
to pull away from a stop. Previous systems held the car in place for
only a few seconds.
MacPherson-type strut front suspension is
mounted to a new engine cradle, and the engine is attached to the
cradle using new hydraulic mounts. The new cradle is designed to also
enhance crash-worthiness in front. A new double-wishbone rear
suspension, mounted to a sub frame, replaces the previous multi-link
configuration to provide improved ride and handling. The enhancement of
body rigidity and the new suspension design help to reduce levels of
noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH). Increased wheel travel and
optimized suspension geometry improve ride comfort.
All 2010
Outback models are equipped with a standard 4-wheel disc Anti-lock
Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).
Brake Assist safety system is also available on all models.
Significantly, the stiffer body structure and new suspension combined
with higher profile tire ( 215/70R16 on base Outback 2.5i) yields a
more comfortable ride without sacrificing handling agility. Models with
17-in. wheels likewise benefit from a higher-profile tire size,
225/60R17 compared to 225/55R17 used before.


Efficient New Powertrains
The
2010 Outback 2.5i models are powered by a revised 2.5-liter 4-cylinder
Boxer engine, teamed for the first time to a new 6-speed manual
transmission or the available new Lineartronic™ CVT. The CVT is
standard in the Outback 2.5i Limited, where it is also equipped with a
manual mode and steering wheel paddle shifters.
The 2.5-liter
engine, which is also available as PZEV-certified, is modified for 2010
to improve performance, driveability, and economy. The engine delivers
170 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm and 170 lb.-ft. of peak torque @ 4,000 rpm.
The i-Active Valve Lift System (AVLS) ensures a broad torque curve and
smooth response at all engine speeds, while also helping to improve
fuel efficiency. All Outback models for 2010 feature a larger fuel
tank, now 18.5 gallons vs. 16.9.
Whether teamed to the new
6-speed manual transmission or the Lineartronic™ CVT, the roomier 2010
Outback provides quicker acceleration and lower fuel consumption than
comparable 2009 Outback models. Either transmission helps make the
Outback 2.5i models more responsive in everyday driving.
Subaru
has adopted a chain-type CVT, the world's first longitudinally mounted
CVT system for AWD production vehicles. It employs smaller pulley
cores, which helps make the unit more compact and can help provide
better fuel efficiency compared to belt-type CVTs. Unlike a
conventional automatic transmission, which uses fixed gear ratios, a
CVT provides infinite variability between the highest and lowest
available ratios with no discernable steps or shifts.
The CVT
smoothly adapts to performance demand, helping to keep the engine in
its most efficient operating range. Because a CVT does not "shift"
gears, the driver enjoys smoother performance in all driving
situations. The manual mode of the Subaru Lineartronic™ CVT offers the
driver a more engaging driving experience by operating through six
pre-selected steps. The driver can "shift" manually using steering
wheel paddle controls.


New 3.6-liter H6 Engine: Premium Performance with Regular-Grade Fuel
The
3.6-liter H6 engine replaces the previous 3.0-liter H6, yet features
the same external dimensions thanks primarily to a unique shortened
connecting rod design. As a result, the new, more powerful engine
maintains its excellent low center of gravity. The 3.6 Boxer engine
produces 256 horsepower and 247 lb.-ft. of peak torque, compared to 245
hp and 215 lb.-ft. of torque for the previous 3.0-liter engine. Active
Valve Control System (AVCS) variable valve timing on both the intake
and exhaust valves optimizes power delivery across the engine's speed
range while helping to reduce emissions.
Not only does the
3.6-liter engine produce more horsepower and torque than the 3.0-liter
unit, but does so using regular-grade fuel compared to premium required
in the 3.0 engine. The specially tuned five-speed automatic
transmission, combined with the greater torque output of the 3.6
engine, helps make the Outback 3.6R models more responsive.
New Level of Comfort and Convenience in All Models
Standard
comfort and available luxury are increased across the Outback line for
2010. The base 2.5i model, for example, features standard steering
wheel audio and cruise control buttons, a new electronic parking brake
with electronic Hill Holder System, automatic lights-on function and
auxiliary input audio jack. A standard multi-function display with
onboard computer provides readouts for mileage/range and outside
temperature.
Underscoring its versatility and attention to
detail, the 2010 Outback comes standard with an innovative new roof
rack system. Its integral crossbars swing into position only when
needed. Stowing the crossbars in the roof rails when they're not needed
helps to reduce a potential source of wind noise.
Outback
Premium models add more amenities and offer additional comfort and
convenience options, including a harman-kardon® audio system, a power
moonroof, and the All-Weather Package that adds heated front seats and
mirrors and a windshield wiper de-icer. The Outback Limited models
feature leather upholstery, a dual zone automatic climate control
system, and a 4-way power passenger seat. Limited models also
exclusively offer an available voice-activated GPS navigation system
with backup camera, hands-free Bluetooth® connectivity and streaming
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