2010 Subaru Legacy and Outback! WOW!

Over this past weekend, a group of us decided to drive down to the New York Auto Show and personally inspect that all-new 2010 Subaru Legacy and Outback. This annual visit, by this group, is now somewhat a tradition. We go down together, walk the show and end up out at a great NYC restaurant for a late dinner. So, on Friday, Bob Bennett (from Subaru), Brian DuBosar (our General Sales Manager), Jose Columna (my neighbor!), Ken Scanzio (from Subaru, and a newcomer) and myself embarked upon our annual visit together.

The first thing I noticed was how so much of the "ever present" excitment was, well, not present. Obviously, what we have read in the paper about the terrible results in the auto industry were very visable at this show with smaller booths and fewer concept cars. In accordance with our tradition, we walked the booths of the other manufacturers' first - then - decided to visit the Subaru booth.

The lack of excitement evidenced thoughout the show was definately not in the Subaru booth. The crowds were heavy and the lines were long in order to sit in either the new 2010 Subaru Legacy or the 2010 Outback. The introduction of the 2010 Outback was actually a "surprise", as Subaru had only notified the press that the 2010 Legacy would be introduced.

As a dealer, I always "hold my breath" at a new model introduction. I get nervous and think to myself things like "Is it possible they can improve upon the award winning models we already have?". Well - Congratulations Subaru Engineers - you did it. Both of these cars are, simply, amazing. In fact, we were so happy with the new product, that we had to "cap off" the evening with a great dinner at Ben Benson's Steakhouse!

I am looking forward to receiving the first of these vehicles in August of this year. We will share information on these vehicles as we get it to ensure that you are "in the know".

By the way, don't look past the current 2009 Subaru Legacy and Outback. If you like the current design and features (they are loaded with standard features this year!) please see us for a great deal with low rate financing!

2010 Subaru Outback Makes a Surprise Debut!

2010 Subaru Outback Makes Surprise Debut at New York International Auto Show

- Roomiest Outback Ever with New Levels of Comfort and Refinement
- Bold New Design Language Redefines Sport Utility Wagon
- New 6-speed Manual and CVT Transmissions for Outback 2.5i Models
- New 256-hp 3.6-liter 6-Cylinder Engine in 3.6R Models

NEW YORK, Subaru of America, Inc. made a surprise introduction today, revealing the all-new 2010 Subaru Outback® at its media conference at the New York International Auto Show. 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. Interior volume has been increased 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.

The 2010 Outback, while still clearly related to its predecessors, marks a departure in design toward a new, bolder look. The 2010 Outback also has a greater road presence with a wider track and expressive wheel arches. Built on an all-new platform, the 2010 Outback has a 2.8 inch longer wheelbase, now 107.9 inches, for a smoother ride and increased interior space. 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 and shoulder room. Total passenger room is increased by 8 cubic feet, now 105.4 cu. ft., and maximum cargo capacity (with 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.

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 preserves the maneuverability, agility and parking ease that Outback customers value.
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.

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, also standard on all models, 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. Subaru is the only company that features Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as standard equipment on every vehicle in its product line.