Japanese car magazines have long a history of "predicting" what future models might look like. So is this just another Photoshop interpretation of what the facelifted '08 Outback might look like? Or is it the real thing?
I see a bit of B9 Tribeca, B5-TPH hybrid concept (pictured right) and Impreza here in the front.
The fender cladding is somewhat interesting. Although I get the sense Subaru is trying to move away from the heavy-handed cladding of the past, so I'd be surprised if we see cladding like that.
I see a tad of Inifiniti G35 and M35/45 models in th "bowing" at the top and bottom of the grille, as well as its overall shape. I say this because I've heard from someone who has been to a Subaru focus group, and one thing he mentioned was an "Infiniti-like" grille.
There's also a hint of a "happy face" to the grille—which the latest Subaru R2 JDM micro car (pictured right) also has.
One thing I will say: Even if this image is not 100% accurate, it likely gives viewers a pretty good indication of what Subaru may be thinking. I say this based upon looking these types of illustrations from the past, and how the cars actually turned out. In most cases these type of images are "close but no cigar."
The fender cladding is somewhat interesting. Although I get the sense Subaru is trying to move away from the heavy-handed cladding of the past, so I'd be surprised if we see cladding like that.
I see a tad of Inifiniti G35 and M35/45 models in th "bowing" at the top and bottom of the grille, as well as its overall shape. I say this because I've heard from someone who has been to a Subaru focus group, and one thing he mentioned was an "Infiniti-like" grille.
One thing I will say: Even if this image is not 100% accurate, it likely gives viewers a pretty good indication of what Subaru may be thinking. I say this based upon looking these types of illustrations from the past, and how the cars actually turned out. In most cases these type of images are "close but no cigar."
sabastian says:
07:11 AM, 04/24/06
Just when you thought Subarus couldn't get any uglier...
ateixeira says:
10:21 AM, 04/24/06
I'm sure that's just a guess, probably not even very "educated".
I prefer the current cars, which are a lot cleaner. Those fender flares don't look right, in fact they remind me more of the Baja's, a vehicle that didn't sell well for them. So it's doubtful Subaru would go in that direction.
The B5-TPH looks a lot bettter.
rsholland says:
11:12 AM, 04/24/06
Well I see a lot of "old" Subaru styling cues with the cladding—especially the front fender cladding. It's very similar to the concept STX, which eventually evolved into the production Baja. That was done 4 or more years ago.
So, I'm more convinced than ever that this is merely a Photoshop rendering based on comments learned from someone within FHI.
We should be seeing the facelifted JDM-Outback and/or Legacy by the end of May or early June. So it's not too far off...
gotenks243 says:
06:22 PM, 04/24/06
What's intriguing about this image isn't the photoshopped pic. As you note, Japanese magazines are notorious for their inaccurate "predictions" of how new models will look.
What's intriguing about that picture is the text that's over it. They're predicting that the next-gen (not necessarily '08) Legacy will be a collaboration between Subaru and Toyota, and may not use a boxer.
Again, it's a Japanese car tabloid (that's really all they are), so take that prediction with a grain of salt.
Mike
kens says:
07:05 PM, 04/24/06
What's interesting to me is that the Japanese text reads:
"The direction of the next gen Legacy (not Outback) designed by Subaru and Toyota"
The caption above the title reads:
"Will the next model not have a boxer engine?"
Ken
rsholland says:
04:02 AM, 04/25/06
Wow! I hadn't even considered the translation of text! I can't see a non-boxer Legacy.