Subaru Broadens and Enhances Legacy and Outback Lines for 2006

[flyinpig]

Subaru Broadens and Enhances Legacy and Outback Lines for 2006

-- New 2.5i powertrain boasts improved performance and fuel efficiency--

New 2.5i PZEV engine debuts as most powerful available in the US -- Outback line adds L.L.Bean Sedan and new six-cylinder wagon

CHERRY HILL, N.J., Aug. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Subaru of America, Inc. broadens and enhances its Legacy and Outback model lines for 2006. Enhancements in fuel economy, power, performance, and feature content are model highlights for the already best-selling All-Wheel Drive cars sold in America today.

New for 2006, all 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder Subaru Boxer engines in 2006 Legacy and Outback 2.5i and 2.5i Limited models offer more performance for 2006. The 2.5-liter engines feature a new i-Active Valve Lift system that boosts horsepower to 175 from 168 previously. The new system also increases peak torque to 169 lb.-ft., up from 166 lb.-ft. and improves vehicle drivability.

Also new for 2006, the Subaru Legacy and Outback become the most powerful Partial Zero Emission Vehicles (PZEV) available for sale in the U.S. market. Subaru has long been recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency for producing cleaner vehicles. Utilizing the new i-Active Valve Lift System, the 2.5-liter Subaru Boxer engine produces 175 horsepower. Unlike most PZEV compliant engines, the new version of the 2.5-liter Subaru Boxer engine delivers zero evaporative emissions with no loss in horsepower compared with the standard 2.5-liter engines.

2006 Subaru Legacy Model Line

The 2006 Legacy models are among the most powerful and best-equipped cars in their segment - and still the only models in the segment offering Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as standard equipment.

The 2006 Legacy 2.5i models gain a more powerful engine, standard 17-inch alloy wheels (replacing 16-inch alloy wheels), larger brakes, an air filtration system and an engine immobilizer security feature. The new 2006 Legacy 2.5i Special Edition Sedan and Wagon models feature a standard eight- way power driver's seat and power moonroof at a value price.

Other enhancements to the Subaru Legacy line reflect shifting customer trends. The Legacy 2.5i Limited models now feature as standard equipment a four-speed automatic transmission with SPORTSHIFT control. The luxuriously equipped Legacy 2.5 GT Limited Sedan and Wagon models continue, while the 2.5 GT models, which had featured cloth-trimmed seating and lower equipment content, are discontinued. The 2.5 GT Limited Wagon is now exclusively equipped with a five-speed adaptive automatic transmission with SPORTSHIFT, while the 2.5 GT Limited Sedan continues to offer a choice between the five- speed manual or five-speed automatic.

In addition, a new Subaru Navigation System will be available on several 2006 Legacy models. The DVD-based navigation system uses a seven-inch touch screen panel in the center dash. The navigation system's integrated trip computer replaces the trip computer that's standard on all Legacy models.

The 2006 Subaru Legacy line ranges in price from $21,695 for the manual transmission Legacy 2.5i Sedan to $31,995 for the top of the line, automatic transmission Legacy 2.5 GT Limited Sedan with navigation system.

2006 Subaru Outback Model Line

Two new Subaru Outback models have been added for 2006. The Outback line adds a third six-cylinder wagon model, the Outback 3.0R, and the Outback 3.0R L.L.Bean Edition Sedan replaces the Outback 3.0R Sedan to join the Outback L.L.Bean Edition Wagon. In both the Legacy and Outback lines, the 250- horsepower turbocharged / intercooled engine is now available only in the 2.5 GT and 2.5 XT Limited models.

The new 2006 Outback 3.0R Wagon brings the performance of the high-end six-cylinder Outback models to a more accessible price point. This model builds on the extensive standard equipment of the four-cylinder Outback 2.5i model and adds a five-speed automatic transmission with SPORTSHIFT, tire pressure monitoring system, dual-zone automatic climate control system, leather-trimmed steering wheel and six-disc CD changer.

The new Outback 3.0R L.L.Bean Edition Sedan brings the luxury and exclusive features of the L.L.Bean Edition Wagon to a sport sedan package. All Outback 3.0R models are exclusively powered by a 3.0-liter DOHC six-cylinder Subaru Boxer engine that produces 250-horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 219 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,200 rpm.

The Outback 2.5 XT Limited is now the sole Outback model powered by the 250-horsepower turbocharged/intercooled four-cylinder Subaru Boxer engine. The Outback 2.5 XT, which had featured cloth-trimmed seating and lower equipment content, has been discontinued.

For 2006, the Outback 2.5i and 2.5i Limited join the Outback 3.0R models in providing standard 17-inch alloy wheels with 225/55 R17 tires (replacing 16-inch alloy wheels). As on the Legacy 2.5i models, the Outback 2.5i models gain a standard air filtration system and engine immobilizer security feature.

The flagship Outback model, the 3.0R VDC Limited Wagon, adds the Subaru Navigation System as standard equipment. The navigation system is offered as an option on the Outback 2.5 XT Limited and the Outback 3.0R L.L.Bean Edition models. The navigation system's integrated trip computer replaces the trip computer that's standard on all Outback models.

Pricing on the 2006 Subaru Outback line ranges from $24,795 for the manual transmission Outback 2.5i Wagon to $35,695 for the fully-equipped Outback 3.0R VDC Limited Wagon with automatic transmission and navigation system.

Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive

All Subaru models are equipped with Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as standard equipment, providing traction and handling advantages over front- wheel drive and rear-wheel drive vehicles.

All Outback 3.0R models and all turbocharged Legacy and Outback models with the five-speed automatic transmission feature the Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) version of the system. Exclusive to the flagship Outback 3.0R VDC Limited is Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), an advanced vehicle stability system that controls VTD operation and integrates an electronic four-wheel traction control system.

All versions of Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive power all four wheels all the time, and will transfer more power to the wheels with the best grip should slippage occur.

Active and Passive Safety

All 2006 Legacy and Outback models are equipped with standard front seat side impact air bags and side curtain air bags that offer additional head protection for front and rear occupants. The Subaru Advanced Airbag System uses sensors to detect the presence and weight of a front passenger as well as the driver's distance from the steering wheel. All Subaru Legacy and Outback models provide the peace of mind of a four-wheel disc Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).

Destination and delivery charges are $625 for all 2005 model year vehicles (Alaska deliveries are $775). Legacy and Outback four-cylinder models (excluding turbo) that meet Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (PZEV) requirements will be available to dealers in California, New England States, New York and some bordering states. The base MSRP of the PZEV/ SULEV2 models are $200 higher than the federal specification model. Following is the complete price chart for all 2006 Subaru Legacy and Outback models:


2006 Subaru Legacy and Outback Models
Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices

..Model Description
.................................................. ................2006 MY
.................................................. .................MSRP*

LEGACY SEDANS
Legacy 2.5i Sedan - MT5................................$21,695
Legacy 2.5i Sedan - 4EAT-S............................$22,695
Legacy 2.5i Special Edition Sedan - MT5............$21,995
Legacy 2.5i Special Edition Sedan - 4EAT-S.........$22,995
Legacy 2.5i Ltd. Sedan - 4EAT-S......................$25,295
Legacy 2.5 GT Ltd. Sedan - MT5.......................$28,795
Legacy 2.5 GT Ltd. Sedan - 5EAT-S...................$29,995
Legacy 2.5 GT Ltd Sedan w/ NAVI-5EAT-S..........$31,995

LEGACY WAGONS
Legacy 2.5i Wagon - MT5................................$22,695
Legacy 2.5i Wagon - 4EAT-S...........................$23,695
Legacy 2.5i Special Edition Wagon - MT5 ...........$23,195
Legacy 2.5i Special Edition Wagon - 4EAT-S........$24,195
Legacy 2.5i Ltd. Wagon - 4EAT-S......................$26,495
Legacy 2.5 GT Ltd. Wagon - 5EAT-S..................$31,195

OUTBACK SEDANS
Outback 3.0R L.L.Bean Sedan - 5EAT-S...............$31,295
Outback 3.0R L.L.Bean Sedan w/ NAVI - 5EAT-S...$33,295

OUTBACK WAGONS
Outback 2.5i Wagon - MT5...............................$24,795
Outback 2.5i Wagon - 4EAT-S..........................$25,795
Outback 2.5i Ltd. Wagon - MT5.........................$27,595
Outback 2.5i Ltd. Wagon - 4EAT-S.....................$28,595
Outback 2.5 XT Ltd. Wagon - MT5.....................$30,995
Outback 2.5 XT Ltd. Wagon - 5EAT-S.................$32,195
Outback 2.5 XT Ltd. Wagon w/ NAVI - 5EAT-S.....$34,195
Outback 3.0R Wagon - 5EAT-S..........................$28,995
Outback 3.0R L.L.Bean Wagon - 5EAT-S.............$32,495
Outback 3.0R L.L.Bean Wagon w/ NAVI - 5EAT-S..$34,495
Outback 3.0R VDC Ltd. Wagon w/ NAVI - 5EAT-S..$35,695

*The destination and delivery fee is $625 on all models except in Alaska ($775). Prices shown do not include destination and delivery charges, licenses and state or local taxes. Independent distributor's destination and delivery rates may vary; prices are subject to change without notice. Legacy and Outback four-cylinder models (excluding turbo) that meet Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (PZEV) requirements will be available to dealers in California, New England States, New York and some bordering states. The base MSRP of the PZEV/ SULEV2 models are $200 higher than the federal specification model.

About Subaru of America, Inc.
Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes all-wheel drive Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of nearly 600 dealers across the United States. Subaru makes the best-selling All-Wheel Drive car sold in America based on R.L. Polk & Co. new vehicle retail registration statistics calendar year-end 2004.

* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

[rsholland]

I guess they will issue a PR sometime next month on that model.

Bob

[bull3964]

So much for owning a nice cheap quick sedan.

[HB_Dad]

Do you think that this increase in prices seen here will indicate an increasing price in ALL models next year? I'm worried about the price of the Tribeca increasing even more!

[Jon [in CT]]

Nobody has any idea of what pricing will be for 2007MY Subarus.

[BJamerican]

The navigation system's integrated trip computer replaces the trip computer that's standard on all Legacy models.

Will all Legacy models have the touch screen in the center dash in place of the trip computer (like the base model Tribecas)?

While the integrated screen would look nice, I would rather install a more functional aftermarket GPS system there, since GPS isn't available with MT.

[Kostamojen]

The Legacy 2.5i Limited models now feature as standard equipment a four-speed automatic transmission with SPORTSHIFT control.

Well that took forever to finally show up...

BTW, whats the "special edition" sedan?

[Jeff_DML]

Originally Posted by bull3964

So much for owning a nice cheap quick sedan.

so much for owning a quick wagon

[bull3964]

Originally Posted by Jeff_DML

so much for owning a quick wagon

I love how they say they are broadening lines. They must use the same definition of broadening that Comcast used, right before they reduced my channel lineup and upped the price.

The Legacy GT is no longer the deal it once was. Subaru's line is looking less and less appealing the way they package options and trim levels like they do. I look at the 06 WRX. I now have three trim levels to choose from instead of one, yet I actually get FEWER choices in configuration from when there was only one model.

The TR version doesn't have things I would want. The WRX version adds a few things I wanted, but a few I don't care about, and the LTD model has the rest of what I would want but a WHOLE lot I don't.

Now, apparently, if you want a turbo in the Legacy, you must also want leather. I was irate enough as it was when they packaged the moonroof and leather together. To package an ENGINE choice with leather is beyond the pale.

[WagonMonster]

No manual GT wagon sucks balls

I'd like to thank Subaru for making my next car an Audi or a Volvo

[Achilles38WRX]

Originally Posted by WagonMonster

No manual GT wagon sucks balls

I'd like to thank Subaru for making my next car an Audi or a Volvo

i agree, but for the same price as the audi or volvo you could buy the outback xt with manual, and tweak it to your liking.

[akm3]

I don't want an outback...I wanted a Legacy GT Ltd. Wagon MANUAL.

-Allen

[Alan]

Originally Posted by akm3

I don't want an outback...I wanted a Legacy GT Ltd. Wagon MANUAL.

-Allen

And that's TWO Alans that agree on that! I've been driving an 02 WRX wagon, and thinking of going to the GT wagon, but I ONLY will drive a manual, as automatics are just not as much fun.

If BMW offers the 330 (or maybe the 325) as a RWD wagon I may have to go that way, I know they'll have the new 325ix AWD wagon soon. And their new engine is rated for 215hp, better fuel economy and the build quality and engineering is light years ahead of Subaru.

Sigh.

[Coati]

Originally Posted by Achilles38WRX

i agree, but for the same price as the audi or volvo you could buy the outback xt with manual, and tweak it to your liking.

I can get an A3 Quattro with SMG (Audi calls it DSG) this year with a 6 or next year with a turbo 4. Too bad Subaru forgot to offer competing cars.

[Ghostrider600]

Ah, Orwell would be proud. SOA has mastered doublespeak.

"We have broadened your choice by limiting your options."

"We have made Subarus more attractive to buyers by raising prices."


"We have broadened your choice by limiting your options and we have made Subarus more attractive to buyers by raising prices."

"WAR IS PEACE

FREEDOM IS SLAVERY

IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH"

Awesome. No doubt our chocolate allotment will be increased...

Originally Posted by HB_Dad

Do you think that this increase in prices seen here will indicate an increasing price in ALL models next year? I'm worried about the price of the Tribeca increasing even more!

Um...let me see...got my Magic 8ball here...*shake, shake, shake*
Question:
"Do you think that this increase in prices seen here will indicate an increasing price in ALL models next year?"
Answer:
You May Rely On It

Try again:
Answer #2:
Yes Definately

Try a third time
Answer #3:
It Is Certain


For confirmation, I asked: "Are you sure?"
Answer:
It Is Decidedly So

When I asked "why?", it said:
Don't make me slap you.

I said "bu-wah?"
It replied:
Listen, dumbass, it's no secret. Subaru is going "Upscale", and you cannot justify your claim of being "upscale" unless you jack up your prices to match the expectations of those consumers who are already in the pay-too-much-for-German-crap "upscale" market. Now, in order to meet their expectations, you *must* charge a lot--some would say too much--for your product. It's the defining keystone of "upscale". Check Wikpedia if you don't believe me. Now, put me back on my shelf and leave me alone or I'll hurt you.


Thanks SOA....I'll be enhancing your sales by buying something else.

[AWDPilot]

Wowsers, so now you can't get a GT without leather. Hell even BMW even offers most their models with a cheaper leatherette option.

Glad I picked up an 05 or I likely would have been able to swing it.

[LibertyEJ22T]

I'm not sure how many of you read Automotive News or other industry magazines but, the reason for price increases is not based on going upscale and it doesn't just affect Subaru. Vehicle prices are generally expected to increase due to rising cost of manufacturing. These are excerpts from one of the more recent S & P articles-

"Following a booming 2004, market conditions in the U.S. steel industry deteriorated in early 2005. Standard & Poor's believes that declines in shipments, consumption and production were due largely to accumulation of excess inventories in late '04 at both distributors and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), as well as less robust economic growth and weakness in the automotive sector."

"Standard & Poor's expects a decline of 4-to-6 percent in the volume of tons of steel shipped in 2005 from last year" resulting in "a 7-to-8 percent decline in shipments to automakers (vs. a 4.9 percent gain in 2004)"

"Aluminum prices rose in the first half of 2005 on the heels of increased consumption in the rest of the world, despite weaker aluminum demand in the U.S. that was mainly due to reduced motor vehicle production. However, with shipment volume still down, a continued high price for aluminum will be necessary to result in any significant increase in industry profits for 2005."

Just food for thought before we blame SOA for raising their prices on certain models and go comparison shopping. Although it doesn't change the fact that they eliminated lower demand trim levels and don't offer Nav on MT models.

[Oquipah]

there are numerous reasons for the increase in prices. Subaru announced what two years ago that they intended to move their product line 'upscale' to compete with the like of BMW, Audi and Volvo. Steel prices have skyrocketed world wide as have aluminum costs apparently. But most importantly take a comparison of the GT Sedan for example. My 98 GT Sedan with MT and cloth carried an MSRP of $24K. Okay that was 7 years ago. Add some inflation then realize what you got then and what you get now with the GT.

250HP Turbo vs. 165 na
250 ft-lbs of torque vs. 168 ft-lbs
Leather vs. Cloth
Better headlights vs. my 20 year old Ray-O-Vac flashlight
Navigation screen vs. holding a map in your hand
Power seat vs. that weird lever

the cost for the 'same' vehicle? $4-5K more at MSRP.

It's no mistake that the prices have increased and pushed the possibility of owning a nice Legover or outback out of the reach of many first time buyers. bu that's what the Imprezas are for. And I mean no offense.

Remember that one year at Harvard University once cost a whopping $10 grand. Which meant Daddy had to be rich to send you there. Now State schools cost that much.

That being said I agree that they have eliminated some things that are questionable, especially the lack of MT in the wagon.

Peace,
Oquipah

[only1agam]

If BMW offers the 330 (or maybe the 325) as a RWD wagon I may have to go that way, I know they'll have the new 325ix AWD wagon soon. And their new engine is rated for 215hp, better fuel economy and the build quality and engineering is light years ahead of Subaru.

yea but the question is how long will the quality last considering they're pretty much at the bottom of the Consumer reports reliability test

[greg donovan]

subaru has always done wierd things w/their option packages. this is nothing new. and their prices have always gone up every year.

[rexster]

my next car needs to be a wagon, and the wrx is too small. i was going to get a Legacy GT wagon. Now i can't unless i can find a used 2005 2.5 GT wagon with 5MT. You would think subaru would want to provide some sort of upgrade path for people.





maybe they'll figure it out like honda did. For one year you could only buy the Accord V6 coupe with an auto. When sales suffered they reintroduced the manual transmission.

[bull3964]

I can accept prices going up a little each year, such is life.

It's when they rework things so that in order to get a 250hp sedan, you are spending $3k more now to get it.

I predict that Honda is going to get a lot more Accord buyers from subaru's move. You can get a V6 6MT coupe for $26,900. Hell, for that price, you even get the leather. If you want to settle for an automatic, you can get a V6 auto sedan for as low ast $24k.

Legacys are nice, but they simply aren't worth almost $30k. The LTDs were always a terrible value, and now that's the only one you can buy.

[Alan]

Originally Posted by rexster

my next car needs to be a wagon, and the wrx is too small. i was going to get a Legacy GT wagon. Now i can't unless i can find a used 2005 2.5 GT wagon with 5MT. You would think subaru would want to provide some sort of upgrade path for people.





maybe they'll figure it out like honda did. For one year you could only buy the Accord V6 coupe with an auto. When sales suffered they reintroduced the manual transmission.

I wrote to Subaru about this incredible decision to not make the GT wagon available with manual transmission. As well as eliminating the cloth option, and making it a drivers car. More of you should also write to them. Either snail mail or use the Subaru Contact Page.

[rogerd]

Yeah, I did that. Said that, had the 5MT LGT Wagon not been available, we would not have bought a Subaru. Will it make any difference? I doubt it.

SOA has been told by FHI to "go up market", so they are cutting out the more "basic" options, and doubtless the SOA execs are making presentations to each other about how successful this move will be. The fact that that don't have any up market vehicles is probably supremely irrelevant to them.

[HB_Dad]

Originally Posted by gibjer

Wowsers, so now you can't get a GT without leather. Hell even BMW even offers most their models with a cheaper leatherette option.

Glad I picked up an 05 or I likely would have been able to swing it.

Subaru always has had a larger-than-normal liberal owner base, and now they are going completely animal-unfriendly with the leather-only thing. Kinda makes you wonder how Subaru views the moral integrity of its fanbase...