Detroit Auto Show: Subaru tweaks Legacy and Outback for 2008
Subaru introduced their facelifted 2008 Legacy and Outback at the Detroit show. Think of these upgrades as more of refinements and parts-bin shuffling rather than significant changes.
Both the Legacy and Outback models were upgraded for Japan (last spring) and Europe (this past fall), and now we're finally getting them too. For '08 the US-spec Legacy will finally get an H-6 model with the 3.0R...
This version has been sold overseas for several years, and, finally it's coming Stateside. The Outback gets a new "unique" grille. I say unique as the US-spec model's grille is not used anywhere else (yet). The Legacy H6 sedan replaces the to-be-discontinued Outback sedan H6.
Also of note is that Legacy (only) models with the 5-speed automatic now get steering wheel-mounted paddle-shifters in place of the previous steering wheel up/down shifting buttons. There have been other interior upgrades including a telescoping steering wheel.
There have been rumors that Subaru may discontinue the slow selling Legacy wagon (note: I said "rumors," as nothing has been confirmed on that as of this date) in the US market. If this is true, then the new (sorta) Legacy-like grille found on the new Outback (sorta) makes sense. Or, it could be a harbinger of what the revised '08 Tribeca's grille might look like.
- Permalink | Comments (16)
- Posted by: Bob Holland January 8, 2007, 8:21 AM
- Categories: All Auto Shows, Detroit Auto Show, Sedans, Subaru, Wagons
front grille looks good, but is there any news about a Hybrid version?
Not yet.
The front grille looks decidely Chryslery. The big wings and all.
I like this car but hate the resale value!
LP
Resale value??? Not sure I understand your comment. Subies have great resale value. Actually, I'd call it insane resale value, even with the heavy discounts on new models.
Uh, not really. Ive seen Legacy GT's already in the low $20K area with less than 10,000 miles. Keep in mind the car Im speaking of costs around $30K. I wouldnt call that great especially compared to a simularly priced Accord V6 or Camry V6.
Maybe a regional thing. In the NW used subies are way overpriced, considering the discounts on brand new models. Not many people around here are paying $30k for a new GT.
Still no 5/6 speed manual gearbox on the H6 outback - darn! The grill doesn't look that bad.
Does the NA 2.5L now come with the 5EAT? The 4 sp is probably slowest in class. And I also disagree with the comments regarding resale value. In a recent study, Subaru was well above the industry average. (I can't recall if it was ALG or Consumer Reports or who, sorry).
~alpha
Legacy/Outback 2.5i still has the 4EAT. :(
Any news on VDC being offered on the Outback 2.5i LTD wagon?
Like the new look but don't know if it's worth waiting for. Have an '05 and love it!
So, this is really just a front and rear fascia re-do? No mechanical or tech feature upgrades? Too bad. Love pop's Legacy, over 42K now, and very good service thus far, but it is quite slow.
~alpha
No addressing of the real issues... I am keeping my 2002 Outback despite huge mileage (140K+) and would be a return customer if they: returned the cargo volume cut away since; returned car-spec rear bumper (not the current fake one); gave up on SUV spec and define Outback as it is - the car (and satisfy all the govt' regulations for it as a car). I think that low sales reported reflect mostly the last point mentioned. "Solving" the problem with a new grille sounds like GM (Saturn?) think-(toilet)tank. Hope Subaru separates from those losers...
subaru hasn't been doing anything with GM for a couple years now. slow sales are not the reason subaru just broke 200,000 units for the first time. all subaru's have 5 mph bumper systems(TWICE the government requisite for "passenger cars"). COMPLETE redesign is a couple-few years away. 5 year cycles per model.
Will the '08 outback have a telescoping steering wheel? That would make the cabin more comfortable.
Just found out the 5EATs will have rev-matching on the paddle shifters. According to my source "very slick" setup and he's a die-hard MT driver.
Nice job.
-mike