While the big news on everyone's mind is the new Impreza, Subaru isn't sitting back, this is the Subaru XV concept currently being prepped for the Shanghai Auto Show. This new crossover is highlighted by "Innovative styling, inspiring feel, playful nature and Subaru Symmetrical AWD."
The Subaru XV Concept “defines a new generation of crossover vehicles blending exceptional SUV practicality with a fashionable form" and is “specifically designed for customers who are looking for a vehicle offering looks, benefits and packaging that stretch beyond those from the populated crowd of existing crossover models.” Subaru promises the XV will deliver that "in line with Subaru’s new brand statement, 'Confidence in Motion." Subaru scored a big win with consumers (if a slight hit with Forester fans) when the Forester got bigger and started to look more like the rest of the crossover crowd, and it's hard to see where this Infiniti-looking crossover could fit in the lineup unless this concept is more CX-7 / old Forester sized.
bankerdanny says:
08:04 AM, 04/11/11
As a former Forester owner, I really liked the look of the car. I also like the look of the current version quite a bit.
But the base 2.5 engine is a seriously underpowered, and when you add the 90's tech 4-speed auto that I had in my 2007 version it's downright embarassing. The base engine is down at least 20 hp from what it should have and the turbo is down at least 50.
Subaru can design all the new bodies that it wants, but I won't buy another one until they can also provide a competive drivetrain.
bonzjr says:
08:14 AM, 04/11/11
I'm going to say this is the Outback Sport (basically the jacked-up Impreza 5-door). Size seems about right. Wheel arches, cut lines, etc. seem to mimic the sedan variant in places where they'd share sheet metal. Makes sense from a timing standpoint.
Anyhow, that's my take.
eidolways says:
08:44 AM, 04/11/11
Let's hope this thing is a bit more attractive than their last "new generation" SUV, the Tribeca, which quickly joined the ranks of the Pontiac Aztek as one of the ugliest vehicles ever to be wrought in sheet metal.
Anyone else remember the Subaru commercials of the first-gen Tribeca driving by competing SUVs, which turned to dust and blew away as though their time had come, to be replaced and proven aged by the superior Tribeca? All the while, these very commercials steadfastly *refused* to show the face of the Subaru SUV. The ad agency knew Subaru had a stinker on its hands.
orangutan says:
08:46 AM, 04/11/11
I'm with bonzjr on this one.
vqaddict says:
09:54 AM, 04/11/11
from a-pillar back looks like a FX35/45 gen 1.
ed124c says:
11:27 AM, 04/11/11
Why can't it be the new Tribeca?
I suppose it could be the Outback Sport (which I like bettter than any other (non-turbo) Impreza),
but it looks kinda big.
An Outback Sport with a decent drivetrain (perhaps the Forester's turbo with a manual transmission-- or the 2.0 turbo, which, of course, we have not yet seen in the US.
albook says:
10:39 PM, 04/11/11
Gosh that front overhang is gargantuan!
subaru123 says:
12:51 PM, 04/12/11
First off I think it is NOT the Tribeca, this seems too small. Second it looks like an FX, Outback, and RX made a baby. Lastly, the B9 Tribeca was a great car and I actually like the styling as well as the Dust in the Wind commercials. The new Tribeca which I now have is the same car but with a super smooth transmission and a plenty powerful Flat 6.