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2006 Subaru Impreza: First Look

Back in January we published an article about the new 2006 Subaru WRX, and how it was expected to differ both stylistically and mechanically to the current 2005 model.

Though not bang on the money - the headlights aren't as angular, and the brake lights aren't slim line - we weren't far from it, as the official photos evidence.

The biggest change Subaru has made is to the grille that, with a little help from designer Andreas Zapatinas, is now more akin to the somewhat extraterrestrial design of the B9 Tribeca, which was designed to appeal to the hugely lucrative North America market.

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Spy Shots: Subaru B9 Tribeca

A last shot before it comes out swinging.

Subaru recently confirmed what we’ve been showing you since last year — that a new seven-passenger crossover vehicle was in development. Now, our spies have nabbed the real thing, just a week before its official Detroit show introduction.

Officially named the B9 Tribeca, the vehicle was caught during a video shoot in Long Beach, California. As can be seen, this crossover is larger than the Outback and it wears Subaru’s new signature grille.

Developed under the codenames SG/X and 00X, the premium crossover wagon has already hit the consumer clinics in southern California , and has received positive feedback. Subaru insiders have commented about the vehicle’s very versatile and highly flexible interior, and it’s believed that the second and third rows of seats will fold flat to accommodate cargo, as well as flexible seating configurations. More accurately, insiders have been referring to this as a 5+2 passenger configuration.

The 2006 Tribeca will be built in Lafayette, Indiana, and should start running off the assembly line in just a year from now. Sources tell us it will measure in at about 195 inches overall, with a 108-inch wheelbase. Power is expected to come from Subaru’s 3.0-liter H6 boxer engine, and, of course, it will be all-wheel drive. Pricing likely will start from the low-to-mid $30,000 range with an estimated production of up to 40,000 units annually. The Subaru vehicle will be followed by Saab’s version built on the same platform, and also built in Lafayette.

Are you ready for the new face of Subaru?

Subaru is about to embark on its most comprehensive product revamp, and first off the blocks will be this seven-seat ‘crossover utility vehicle’. Dubbed B9X, Subaru has released this artist’s impression ahead of the official unveiling at the Detroit Motor Show in early January. This will be the first Subaru to use the company’s new nose design, first seen on the B111S concept (right).

The B9X will be built at Subaru’s US factory in Lafayette, Indiana alongside its Saab sister car. The Saab, due for launch next spring and called the 9-6X, will have its own interior and exterior design. Sources say the Subaru will be powered by a pair of 3.0-litre flat-six engines – the 241bhp normally aspirated version currently found in the Legacy, and a twin-turbo version good for well over 300bhp. An additional new 2.5-litre unit is also planned.

The Subaru B111S concept gave gawkers a preview of the three-grilled face showcasing a large inverted Alfa-Romeoish toilet bowl seat center grill. Then they confirmed it with a sketch of their upcoming SUV, which sports a smaller version of the grill. I have to see the real thing to come up with my opinion, but I fear for the Legacy’s fate. Also in this article from the UK is insight into a few of the new updates for Subaru cars.

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All-New Subaru B9X Crossover Utility Vehicle

Subaru of America, Inc., today announced the name of its all-new crossover utility vehicle, the Subaru B9X at the 2004 South Florida International Auto Show. The all-new 2006 Subaru B9X is the first-ever Subaru crossover utility vehicle with available seating for seven passengers.

"This is a significant milestone for Subaru," said Kunio Ishigami, Chairman, President and CEO of Subaru of America, Inc. "The Subaru B9X combines a bold new design with the trademark Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, and is our first seven passenger vehicle."

The world premiere for the Subaru B9X will occur at the Detroit Auto Show and represents a step into a new market for Subaru. The Subaru B9X is equipped with the legendary Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system and features an all-new design theme, delivering added style to the capability, safety and durability Subaru is so well-known for.

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