The manufacturer of Subaru vehicles, Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), has unveiled the all-new Subaru B9 Tribeca, at the 2005 North American International Auto Show, in Detroit USA.

The Subaru B9 Tribeca represents the next generation of crossover vehicles. It is the largest model in the Subaru lineup, providing flexible seating arrangements in three rows for seven passengers.

Offering outstanding driving performance, the 3.0-litre horizontally opposed, 6-cylinder boxer engine coupled with Subaru’s All-Wheel Drive and suspension systems ensures high-quality handling and superior engine performance.

The Subaru B9 Tribeca also showcases Subaru’s bold new design language and further illustrates Subaru’s commitment to engineering excellence.

The front air intake design is highlighted by its spread-wing grille design, which is reminiscent of aircraft wings, and directly relates to the history of FHI as an aircraft manufacturer.

The interior features a sophisticated and functional twin cockpit design with a unique dash and centre console. The tachometer and speedometer are independently laid out, emphasising the depth and 3-dimensional design of the instrument panel.

An all-new double wishbone rear suspension design provides roominess in the cabin while reducing vibration and impact, heightening vehicle dynamics and riding comfort.

The Subaru B9 Tribeca can comfortably accommodate five adults in the front and second-row rear seats, and the optional third row easily seats two more passengers.

Seats can be flexibly arranged for convenience and utility, based on the number of passengers and size of cargo.

An optional entertainment system is also available comprising a ceiling mounted, 9-inch-wide screen, as well as a DVD player with video game and video camera feed capabilities.

Featuring both active and passive safety equipment, the Subaru B9 Tribeca includes Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), dual-stage passenger and driver air bags, as well as seat-mounted side-impact air bags and side-curtain air bags as standard safety features.

The Subaru B9 Tribeca will be built at the Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA) plant in Lafayette, Indiana, and will be introduced in the U.S. around the middle of 2005.

It is also scheduled to be sold in Canada and Chile in 2005.

The 2005 North American International Auto Show is being held from 15th January to 23rd January, 2005.

2006 SUBARU B9 TRIBECA PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS

GENERAL INFORMATION

• Wheelbase 2,749 mm (108.2 in.)
• Length 4,822 mm (189.8 in.)
• Width 1,878 mm (73.9 in.1,878 mm)
• Height 1,686 mm (66.4 in.)
• Ground Clearance 213 mm (8.4 in.)

ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION

• Engine SUBARU BOXER 3.0-litre H6 DOHC
• Power 186kW @ 6,600 rpm
• Torque 296Nm @ 4,200 rpm
• Transmission Automatic, 5-speed with SPORTSHIFT* manual control

WEIGHTS AND CAPACITIES

• Curb Weight 1,925kg (4,245 lbs.)
• Towing Capacity 907kg (2,000lbs.) in Standard / 1,587kg (3,500lbs.) with Optional Equipment
• Fuel Capacity 64 litres

WHEELS

• Type Cast Aluminium/7-Spoke
• Size 18 x 8.0

TYRES

• Type Goodyear Eagle LS2
• Size 255/55 R18
• Specifications are based on the seven-passenger configuration. A five-passenger model is also available.

KEY STANDARD FEATURES (Seven Passenger)

• Symmetrical AWD
• Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC)
• Power tilt/sliding glass sunroof
• Front heated seats
• Electroluminescent lighting gauges
• Security system with door sensor
• 100-Watt AM/FM stereo with MP3-compatible single-disc in-dash CD player, 6 audio speakers
• Keyless entry system
• Occupant sensing, dual stage passenger and driver air bags (SRS)**
• Side-curtain air bags (SRS)**
• Front-seat side impact air bags (SRS)**
• Tyre-pressure monitoring system
• Power steering
• 4-Channel 4-sensor ABS with Electronic brake-force Distribution
• Foldable, body color side mirrors with integrated turn signals
• Quad-beam, halogen projector-type headlights
• Front fog lights
• Air-filtration system
• Heated side mirrors, wiper de-icer
• Homelink ***
• 10 Cup holders

Major optional features

• Touch-screen navigation system
• 160-Watt AM/FM stereo with MP3-compatible 6-disc in dash CD player, 9 audio speakers
• Rear seat entertainment DVD system

** SRS: Supplemental Restraint System
*** Homelink is a registered trademark of Prince Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Johnson Controls.