9 April, 2009
Roomiest Outback Ever with New Levels of Comfort and Refinement
Bold New Design Language Enhances “Go Anywhere” Versatility
New 6-speed Manual and Lineartronic™ CVT for Outback PZEV and 2.5i Sport
New 256-hp 3.6-litre 6-Cylinder Engine in Outback 3.6R
NEW YORK, New York – Subaru Canada, Inc. (SCI) is pleased to announce the debut of the all-new 2010 Subaru Outback at the New York International Auto Show. The fourth generation of the Outback is roomier and more capable—moving this versatile vehicle outside the scope of easy categorization just as the first Outback did 15 years ago. Distinguished by bolder and crisper styling, the all-new 2010 Subaru Outback delivers enhanced performance, comfort and fuel 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 more ground clearance.
The new Outback is an outstanding example of packaging efficiency, with mid-size interior volume achieved inside the easy-to-manoeuvre and off-road-capable 5-door body. Subaru engineers have increased interior volume by almost 8 percent in a package that is actually shorter than the outgoing model. The wheelbase has been increased by 70mm (2.8 inches) and improves rear seat legroom by 100mm (almost 4 inches). A new rear double wishbone suspension improves both chassis dynamics and rear cargo space. The 2010 Outback is 50mm (2 inches) wider to improve passenger comfort, has more headroom and is more fuel efficient than the outgoing model.
Building on the tremendous success of previous generations, the 2010 Outback caters to a wide variety of customer tastes and needs. The Outback line for 2010 will include a new 2.5i Sport powered by a revised 170-horsepower 2.5-litre 4-cylinder SUBARU BOXER engine. The efficient Outback 2.5i Sport offers a new standard 6-speed manual transmission or the optional Lineartronic™ CVT. Both transmissions help to improve acceleration, response and fuel economy.
The same engine powers the Outback PZEV, which can also be equipped with either the standard 6-speed manual transmission or optional Lineartronic™ CVT.
A new range-topping Outback 3.6R is powered by a new 256-horsepower 3.6-litre 6-cylinder SUBARU BOXER engine teamed with a 5-speed electronic automatic transmission. Compared to the 3.0-litre 6-cylinder engine it replaces, the more powerful 3.6 has the same external size—and it uses regular-grade fuel.
In addition, Subaru’s Symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive is standard equipment on every vehicle it sells. This award-winning performance and safety-enhancing system significantly distinguishes the Outback from would-be competitors and is crucial to Outback’s outstanding reputation for dynamic off-road ability and spirited on-road performance.
Bold New Design and New Level of Interior Comfort
The 2010 Outback, while still clearly related to its predecessors, marks a departure in design toward a new, bolder look. The new Outback maintains the benefits of both a passenger car and SUV positioned as a unique and capable alternative. The upright grille features the Subaru six-star cluster badge and spread wing design as the focal point and is offset by dramatic hawk-eye headlamps. The new functional moulded lower valence and side skirts hint at the Outback’s improved capability and are more durable for off-road adventures.
The 2010 Outback also has a greater road presence with a wider track and expressive wheel arches. Ground clearance on the new model has been increased to 220mm (8.7 inches). The D-pillars project a powerful SUV-like presence, and the tail lamps blend into the rear hatch, to highlight the more clearly defined beltline.
The 2010 Outback interior is not only more spacious, but takes another step up in refinement from an already-praised design in the previous model. The 4-dial instrument panel is augmented in all Outback models by a multi-information display with trip computer located in the centre of the dashboard. Richer looking appointments and details abound, including a new 3-spoke steering wheel. A new driver-selectable electronic parking brake (with the electronic Hill Holder System) eliminates the traditional parking brake handle, freeing up space in the centre console.
Seat comfort, long a Subaru strong point, is further enhanced in the 2010 Outback with new front and rear seat designs. The rear seat includes a new recline feature. The front seatback shape also provides extra rear-seat knee room, and the front-seat cushion design allows more rear-seat foot room.
Outback Continues to Set New Standards
The original Outback established a template that has inspired crossover vehicles from a number of competitors, but Outback remains the benchmark. The new-generation 2010 Outback further strengthens its effective blend of car-like performance, handling and convenience plus off-road capability and endurance.
Built on an all-new platform, the 2010 Outback showcases Subaru’s mastery of vehicle packaging efficiency. A 70mm (2.8 inch) longer wheelbase, now 2,740mm (107.9 inches), contributes to a smoother ride and increased interior space. Total passenger room is increased by 227L (8 ft3) to 2,985L (105.4 ft3). 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.
Rear seat legroom is increased by 100mm (nearly 4 inches) to 960mm (37.8 inches). With a 50mm (2 inch) increase in vehicle width, the 2010 Outback also offers greater hip room: more than 89mm (3.5 inches) in front and 35mm (1.3 inches) in back. There is also more shoulder room: an extra 48mm (1.9 inches) in front and 61mm (2.4 inches) in back.
Remarkably, the roomier 2010 Outback is almost 20mm (1 inch) shorter than the previous model, due to reduced front and rear overhang dimensions. The new Outback is also 105mm (4 inches) taller than the previous model, increasing headroom and cargo area height. The new packaging thus preserves the manoeuvrability, agility and parking ease that Outback customers highly value.
Surefooted Handling and Safety for Any Road or Any Weather
The new Subaru Outback improves crash-worthiness and provides a stiffer platform that makes for a smoother, quieter ride without sacrificing crisp handling. Outback customers have long valued the way Outback models have balanced comfort with capability, and the 2010 Outback improves on both. Reduced front and rear overhang dimensions, combined with the added ground clearance, help enhance Outback’s off-pavement manoeuvrability.
All Outback models for 2010 are equipped with standard Vehicle Dynamics Control system, which combines stability and traction control capability. The all-new driver-selectable electronic Hill Holder System holds the vehicle in place until the driver applies the throttle to pull away from a stop on an incline of 5 percent or more. Previous systems held the car in place for only a few seconds.
The MacPherson-type strut front suspension is mounted to a new engine cradle, and the engine is attached to the cradle using new hydraulic mounts. The new cradle also enhances crash-worthiness in front. A new double-wishbone rear suspension, mounted to a sub frame, replaces the previous multi-link configuration to provide improved ride and handling. The improved body rigidity and the new suspension design help to reduce levels of noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH). Increased wheel travel and optimized suspension geometry improve ride comfort.
All 2010 Outback models are equipped with a standard 4-channel/4-wheel disc Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). The Brake Assist safety system is also standard on all models. Significantly, the stiffer body structure and new suspension combined with high profile tires (225/60R17 on all Outbacks) yields a more comfortable ride without sacrificing handling agility.
Efficient New Powertrains
The 2010 Outback PZEV and 2.5i Sport are powered by a revised 2.5-litre 4-cylinder SUBARU BOXER engine, teamed for the first time with a new 6-speed manual transmission or the optional new Lineartronic™ CVT. The Lineartronic™ CVT is also equipped with a “6-speed” manual mode and steering wheel paddle shifters.
The PZEV-certified 2.5-litre engine is modified for 2010 to improve performance, driveability, and fuel economy. The engine delivers 170 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 170 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,000 rpm. The i‑Active Valve Lift System ensures a broad torque curve and smooth response at all engine speeds, while also helping to improve fuel efficiency. All Outback models for 2010 feature a larger fuel tank, now 70 litres (18.5 gallons) vs. 64 litres (16.9).
Whether teamed with the new 6-speed manual transmission or the Lineartronic™ CVT, the roomier 2010 Outback provides quicker acceleration and lower fuel consumption than comparable 2009 Outback models. Either transmission helps make the Outback PZEV and 2.5i Sport more responsive in everyday driving.
Subaru has adopted a chain-type CVT, the world’s first longitudinally mounted CVT system for AWD production vehicles. It employs smaller pulley cores, which helps make the unit more compact and can help provide better fuel efficiency compared to belt-type CVTs. Unlike a conventional automatic transmission, which uses fixed gear ratios, a CVT provides infinite variability between the highest and lowest available ratios with no discernable steps or shifts.
The CVT smoothly adapts to performance demand, helping to keep the engine in its most efficient operating range. Because a CVT does not “shift” gears, the driver enjoys smoother performance in all driving situations. The manual mode of the Subaru Lineartronic™ CVT offers the driver a more engaging driving experience by operating through six pre-selected steps. The driver can “shift” manually using steering wheel paddle controls.
New 3.6-litre H6 Engine: Premium Performance with Regular-Grade Fuel
The 3.6-litre H6 engine replaces the previous 3.0-litre H6, yet features the same external dimensions thanks primarily to a unique shortened connecting rod design. As a result, the new, more powerful engine maintains its excellent low centre of gravity. The 3.6-litre SUBARU BOXER engine produces 256 horsepower and 247 lb.-ft. of peak torque, compared to 245 horsepower and 215 lb.-ft. of torque for the previous 3.0-litre engine. Dual Active Valve Control System variable valve timing on both the intake and exhaust valves optimizes power delivery across the engine’s speed range while helping to reduce emissions.
Not only does the 3.6-litre engine produce more horsepower and torque than the 3.0-litre unit, but does so using regular-grade fuel compared to premium required in the 3.0 engine. The specially tuned 5-speed automatic transmission, combined with the greater torque output of the 3.6 engine, helps make the Outback 3.6R models more responsive.
New Level of Comfort and Convenience in All Models
Standard comfort and available luxury are increased across the Outback line for 2010. The entry-level PZEV, for example, features standard steering wheel audio and cruise controls, heated front seats, power-adustable heated door mirrors, power driver’s seat, fully automatic headlights, and auxiliary input audio jack. A standard multi-function display with onboard computer provides readouts for mileage/range and outside temperature.
Underscoring its versatility and attention to detail, every 2010 Outback is equipped with an innovative new roof rack system. Its integral crossbars swing into position only when needed. Stowing the crossbars in the roof rails when they’re not needed helps to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce noise by lowering overall wind resistance.
To this extensive list of standard equipment, the new Outback 2.5i Sport adds a standard windshield wiper de-icer, power sliding moonroof with sunshade, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear selector, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass, a media hub with complete iPod and USB integration, voice activated “Blueconnect” Bluetooth® hands free phone system and SIRIUS® Satellite Radio with a 3-month trial subscription.
The new Outback 3.6R is further equipped with larger front and rear disc brakes.
A Limited Package may be fitted to the 2.5i Sport and 3.6R models. This includes automatic dual-zone climate control, 6CD AM/FM/MP3/WMA premium audio system with 9 Harman Kardon® speakers, woodgrain interior trim, leather upholstery, and a power front passenger seat.
A Multimedia option may be added to the 2.5i Limited Package and 3.6R Limited Package, including a multimedia centre with CD/DVD player, voice-activated navigation system with backup camera, screen-displayed voice-activated Bluetooth® connectivity, and streaming Bluetooth® audio.
The Subaru Safety Story
The Outback, like every Subaru, has consistently earned top scores in government and insurance industry crash tests. The 2010 Outback is designed to further raise the safety quotient. Subaru’s Advanced Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frame safety structure, proven over a decade in all Subaru models, again forms the foundation for crash protection and occupant safety in the new-generation 2010 Outback. A new engine cradle design improves front impact safety, and the 2010 Outback features greater use of high-strength steel.
All 2010 Outback models include standard front seat side impact air bags and side curtain air bags that offer additional head protection for front and rear occupants. Dual-stage deployment front air bags use sensors to detect the presence and weight of a front passenger and also the driver’s distance from the steering wheel. The system determines front air bag deployment strength for optimal occupant protection.
New in the 2010 Outback, high-strength front seat frames provide enhanced protection against whiplash injury in a rear-end collision. With the entire seat optimized for a rear-end collision, Subaru replaced the previous active front head restraints with a more comfortable design.
Symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive a Key to Performance and Safety
Subaru offers three different Symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive systems in the 2010 Outback line, each tailored to the engine and type of transmission. In Outback PZEV and 2.5i Sport models equipped with the 6-speed manual transmission, the AWD system uses a viscous-coupling, limited-slip centre differential to distribute power 50/50 front to rear.
Outback PZEV and 2.5i Sport models equipped with the Lineartronic™ CVT use an electronically controlled multi-plate transfer clutch system.
Outback 3.6R models feature advanced Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) All-Wheel Drive with a 5-speed automatic transmission. VTD is a highly sophisticated AWD system that employs an electro-mechanical centre differential with the advanced capabilities of a planetary gear set. The VTD system normally sends more power to the rear wheels to enhance handling agility, and it continuously adjusts power distribution in response to driving and road conditions. In dry conditions power is distributed 45/55 front to rear. On slippery surfaces power is balanced 50/50 front to rear.
About Subaru Canada, Inc.
Subaru Canada, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of 88 authorized dealers across Canada.
CONTACT : Elaine Griffin ou Jen Giller (905) 568-4959
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