Just in case Subaru actually reads this thing, I'd say it's important that we address all of our desires in this one compact thread about what we want to see on the 7 passenger wagon/SUV crossover. By the way, the whole B11S grille thing is a reality, so lets not get into that debate again...

I personally would like to see (I'm sure I'll add more later):

1. Fuel economy should Rival the VDC Outback at least! Better would be preferable (albeit impossible).

2. VDC: Standard.

3. One oversized sliding moonroof as seen of the Forester. I absolutely hate the dual roofs seen on the Outback! I want the roof open above ME, not the back seat!!

4. Better color choices. I would love to see that Pewter color featured on the Vollkswagon new Beetle to be a choice for this vehicle. Also, for the more flambouyant, the metallic purple color featured on the WX-01 concept vehicle should be offered. A few years back, some Mustangs (I believe it was a Ford of some form) offered this strange abol\aloney shell color that chnages color based on the lighting. It was very metallic and seemed to go from blue, to green, to purple depending on angle viewed at or suntle lighting changes. THIS would definetely grab attention (including my money's).

5. The McIntosh sound system of the VDC Outback or better should be standard. 11 Speakers with Tweater kit and Subwoofer. Anyway, the CD player should also play MP3 discs, and maybe have DTS sound for us audiophiles (DTS is becoming more common on CDs).

6. DVD navigation and rear view camera.

7. DVD player and screen for the kiddies! Monitor should also be able to pick up local TV broadcasts.

that the blurry image does indicate a small access door (aka suicide door) over the rear wheel arch, to better access the 3rd-row seat. This would be a great help to parents who have to strap in small children into the 3rd-row seat. All you have to do is open that door and reach across, rather than climb in. It would make that task so much easier.

As I've said before, Subaru is the last to this party, and they really need something unique (and better) to stand out. This would do it. Styling and AWD won't...

Bob

I completely agree and don't know why I forgot to add that to my own list. However, most parents (myself included) will not put their car-seat aged children in the 3rd row of any car as it is not as safe (child safety instructors always tell you to keep the kids as close to the center of the vehicle as possible). For the overflow passengers, hey no problem. I DO hope that the second row is wide enough to accomodate 3 full-sized child car seats or two car seats and a standard sized adult!

I'm also hoping it will be more Touareg-like, in that it will offer decent towing and more off-roadability than any current Subie, which means a dual-range tranny.

Bob

Ditto the request for Touareg-likeness, specifically regarding ground clearance. Put that adjustable suspension from the B9 onto the 7-seater so we can jack the thing up to 9+ in. of clearance, but also bring it down close to Legacy height for the twisties.

It would also be nice to have a turbo motor available, so as to reduce power loss at altitude. I have family in Colorado and Wyoming, so I need a vehicle that can access rugged terrain (i.e. clearance), and that doesn't lose 30% of its power at 10,000 ft. If they can keep the vehicle weight close to 4,000 lbs, the 2.5l turbo should do nicely, though I wouldn't turn down a twin-scroll H6 either.

The 3rd row seating should be removable, or at least have the ability to fold flat to create a large cargo area.

If they decide to pursue more offroad features, I would suggest a full-sized spare.

All I can think of at the moment...

manual tranny ! :banana:

probably not going to happen though :(

expect
-Avalable adjustable suspension to be more wagon-like on the road & lift to 8-9" clearance for offroad.
-DVD navigation. Is Subaru the only manufacturer to not offer this besides maybe Hyundai?
-full size spare- at least w/ the adjustable suspension
-available dual range tranny if not standard
-eventually a 3.6L
-wider than Legacy to really fit 3 across
-HID
-4500lb towing capacity (same as Pilot)
-wheels more to the corners for better approach/departure angle & interior space.

want to see
-base model w/ 4EAT & 2.5T
-3rd row suicide doors

Originally posted by PPower
[B\want to see
-base model w/ 4EAT & 2.5T
-3rd row suicide doors [/B]

4EAT? I'd rather see it with a 5EAT, especially on a vehicle this size.

Bob

Originally posted by rsholland
4EAT? I'd rather see it with a 5EAT, especially on a vehicle this size.

Bob

With "want", I'm trying to be practical with product placement in mind. I agree that it would be good, but I think that having the 4 speed will be more appropriate for a base model for more of differentiation from the upper model. The 2.5T has more torque than the H6 (235 official but 260-265 on dyno), so giving the same gearing would likely make the base model a better performer whichthey can't have. They can still have a Sportshift like the 2.0 Legacy I sat in here. It was a 4EAT and had the Sportshift on the center console but no steering wheel controls. Gearing would just have to be spaced further apart so that it maintains proper cruising rpm (unlike the Forester XT).

Keep 'em coming everyone! I'd like to compile a list soon and send it over to Subaru of America on behalf of everyone here just to make sure we are all heard!

I like pretty much everything that people have suggested above. I would just like to say that some of these things should be optional, not standard equipment, including nav system; DVD for the kiddies; rear video; and the McIntosh stereo, the standard system should be good but doesn't have to be the McIntosh.

A larger H6 would make a lot of sense in this vehicle or even a low-pressure turbocharged 3 liter H6 (tuned to minimize/eliminate turbo lag and to maximize torque). Not many people will like the thought of having a turbo 4 cylinder in such a large vehicle (even if it is a great engine, which it is).

I can't emphasize enough how the 3rd row should fold flat and the 2nd row should be easily removable. This maximizes the utility of such a vehicle.

Fuel economy should be good; but it isn't realistic for it to have similar (or better, as suggested) mpg ratings as the H6-powered Outbacks. This vehicle will weigh quite a bit more and possibly feature a larger/more powerful engine. I'd be happy with low 20s mpg in mixed driving.

Jay

Originally posted by HB_Dad
Just in case Subaru actually reads this thing, I'd say it's important that we address all of our desires in this one compact thread about what we want to see on the 7 passenger wagon/SUV crossover. By the way, the whole B11S grille thing is a reality, so lets not get into that debate again...

I personally would like to see (I'm sure I'll add more later):

1. Fuel economy should Rival the VDC Outback at least! Better would be preferable (albeit impossible).

2. VDC: Standard.

3. One oversized sliding moonroof as seen of the Forester. I absolutely hate the dual roofs seen on the Outback! I want the roof open above ME, not the back seat!!

4. Better color choices. I would love to see that Pewter color featured on the Vollkswagon new Beetle to be a choice for this vehicle. Also, for the more flambouyant, the metallic purple color featured on the WX-01 concept vehicle should be offered. A few years back, some Mustangs (I believe it was a Ford of some form) offered this strange abol\aloney shell color that chnages color based on the lighting. It was very metallic and seemed to go from blue, to green, to purple depending on angle viewed at or suntle lighting changes. THIS would definetely grab attention (including my money's).

5. The sound system of the VDC Outback or better should be standard. I believe it was Alpine (too lazy to check right now)? 11 Speakers with Tweater kit and Subwoofer. Anyway, the CD player should also play MP3 discs, and maybe have DTS sound for us audiophiles (DTS is becoming more common on CDs).

6. DVD navigation and rear view camera.

7. DVD player and screen for the kiddies! Monitor should also be able to pick up local TV broadcasts.
1. Yes
2. No thanks
3. No way
4. Yes
5. No
6. Definatly no
7. Even more definatly no

You do realize everything you listed = $40,000+ vehicle?

Thats fine if its the top-of-the line model, but there needs to be a base model with none of that standard...

VDC is unnessary as standard, as I havent found a time where I ever thought it would be useful driving a Subaru... However, much larger brakes with better calipers (4-pot front, 2-pot rear) would be great cause these same old brakes are getting worn out, and I doubt they will deal with that heavy of a car very well...

5EAT w/ H6 need to be the main standard features, along with at least a 4000lbs towing capacity. Dual range would be a great option if it didnt come standard.

Using the suspension design of the new gen Legacy would be excellent, but the chasis definatly needs to be larger ala Murano size or so.

Also, 3rd row bench needs to fold flat against the floor. What would be useful would be 2nd and 3rd row independent vents and 2nd row controls.

A large capacity gas tank would also be useful, something over 20 gallons.

An H8 option would be nice ;)

1. Side airbags.
2. VDC.
3. A small suicide door on the passenger side to ease entry into the 3rd row seat would be swell.
4. Integrated child seat(s) as an option.
5. Fold-flat 3rd row, of course.

I don't need towing; mine will be a family hauler, not an ersatz sport ute. I want the safest darn car on the road, with the agility to avoid accidents and the durability to survive them.

Please don't tart it up with leather, DVD or standard nav system, if that'll add substantially to the price. Gear the transmission (4EAT, 5EAT) for maximum fuel economy at 70-75 mph for long cruises.

I'll likely be buying one of these in a couple of years, regardless of whether I'm able to resist the siren song of $5000 rebates on new Grand Caravans that I'm hearing now.

Things I'd like to see standard:
1 3rd row fold flat seats
2 suicide door
3 2.5 turbo engine
4 full size spare
5 side curtain airbags
6 roof rack

Things I'd consider getting as an option:
DVD based nav system
rear seat TV monitor & DVD player

Things they need to offer optionally to make it successful
1 Leather
2 extra large sunroof
3 Exterior and Interior trim packages (chrome for outside, wood or billit for inside...I know it sounds silly, but if they are really moving "upmarket" this is something they REALLY need to consider)
4 VDC
5 3.6l H6
6 Integrated Child Seat
7 Rear View Camera and/or Rear Safety sensors

I'd love to see three engine options
2.5 turbo w/very few standard options
3.0 H6
3.6 H6

Keep the 2.5 turbo at 30k and I'll be very interested, otherwise I'll go with a pilot.

mo

I want one of these BAD :devil:

However! No manual gearbox -- no sale! :furious:

It would be nice if they offered the EJ25 with the 5-speed manual. Better yet, a turbo EJ20 / 5-speed :rolleyes:

Originally posted by vvk
I want one of these BAD :devil:

However! No manual gearbox -- no sale! :furious:

It would be nice if they offered the EJ25 with the 5-speed manual. Better yet, a turbo EJ20 / 5-speed :rolleyes:


Why would you want something this size with a manual? Only the X5 offers a manual in their 3.0. If you want something for performance where a manual would be preferred, why get something this size?

I want an MT too. It's not just for performance, although I think that will be a factor in this vehicle. I just like the control that comes with MT. If I were buying a full-size pickup I could get an MT; why not a midsize SUV/crossover?

I'm surprise you guys haven't mentioned "Maintenance Schedule Reminder". ;)

Another thing I would like to see from Subaru is the turn signal indicator mounted on outside rearview mirror (like the upcoming Legacy/Outback).

6,000 lbs towing capacity.

Originally posted by MR. WRX
I'm surprise you guys haven't mentioned "Maintenance Schedule Reminder". ;)

Another thing I would like to see from Subaru is the turn signal indicator mounted on outside rearview mirror (like the upcoming Legacy/Outback).

I might be mistaken here, but I believe that the turn signal thing is required on all vehicles or is going to be in a couple of years. Something about the fact that it helps notify those driving in the blind spot areas on the sides of the car that the driver is planning to move over. Good idea if this is true. Now if only AWD was required on all cars as a standard safety feature... :D

There's been much discussion over the past several years (over at Edmunds.com) as to the best place to locate the (full-size) spare tire on SUVs. Some say under the floor. Others say on the rear door. There are advantages and disadvantages to both these locations. Here's another, that I think solves those problems:

I'd like to see a rear hatch (not a door, but a hatch) have an additional built-in trunk, that inside would house the spare, which would be accessed from the outside the vehicle. Anybody remember the Isuzu VehiCross? Something along those lines, but better thought out. Here's how it would work:

* First off, for those who say a rear hatch would be too heavy to lift up/open with a tire attached, I say that can be countered by properly engineered gas/spring struts. They can be designed with that extra weight in mind.

* Just below the rear window there would be about an 8" trunk added to the hatch to accomodate/cover the rear tire. Also, rather hang the rear tire off the back, as is currently the case with all rear mounted tires, the spare would actually be built into the rear hatch somewhat, thus moving the tire into the hatch 2"-3" therefore reducing the depth of the additional trunk. So instead of needing 12" or so for the additional trunk, you would only need 8" or so.

* This additional trunk could be round, to follow the contour of the tire, or -- better still -- it could be a more conventional rectangular shape (to mirror the lower hatch shape), that could also store the jack and other small items if need be.

* This spare tire trunk would be opened much like the rear window opens on many SUVs, with an additional handle that would be built into the main rear hatch handle, like that of the Ford Explorer, etc. You would select one handle to open the tire cover or the other handle to open the whole unit.

* Finally, and most important, the rear bumper must be designed to extend beyond this extra trunk, so as to offer at least minimal protection in case of being rear-ended, or backing into a pole of some sort. As to the rear bumper, it would be a low step bumper, like those found on pickups; as the rear tire would likely dip below the height of a conventional bumper. Also, the tire trunk would need to be as low on the hatch as possible, so as to not block rear vision, thereby requiring a low step bumper.

The biggest advantage of such a setup would be easy access (and security) to the spare tire, jack, lug wrench, tools, bungie cords, etc.; and offer the lift-up advantage of a hatch opening.

I would love to think the new crossover has just such a feature. I would think with the addition of 3rd-row seating (which could eat into the under-the-floor spare tire space), that Subaru has worked out something along these lines.

Bob

I would never assume that Subaru has worked out ANYTHING! It took them forever to realize that the red reflective crap around the Subaru text on the back of the current and past Legacy Outback is FUGLY and very 80's looking!! Only on the upcoming Outback have they finally gotten rid of it! :lol: