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2008 Vehicle Model Guide

2008 SUBARU NEW CAR MODEL GUIDE

SubaruFor its 2008 line, Subaru of Japan adds power options with the new Legacy 3.0 R Limited, Subaru's flagship sedan packing the Legacy series' first six-cylinder engine. Also new this year are the Impreza 2.5i and the souped-up performance Impreza WRX variation — both available as four-door sedans and five-door wagons. Also, the Tribeca, Subaru's crossover utility vehicle (CUV), sheds its B9 designation and provocative styling on the prow. All the 2008 Subaru vehicles carry a simple and economical all-wheel-drive (AWD) system.

2008 Subaru TribecaTribeca
Subaru's CUV shows an elevated hood with revised fenders and headlamps, plus a tall grille integrated into the smooth bumper. These recent modifications — plus the conventional tail-side liftgate — create the impression of a broader and taller Tribeca. The model also gains a larger engine with increased power as the 3.6-liter six-pack romps with 256 horsepower. It ties to a five-speed electronic automatic with SportShift mode for manual sequential shifting. The Tribeca's AWD device employs electronic controls like variable torque distribution (VTD) and a stability system labeled Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), plus a four-wheel traction control system (TCS).

2008 Subaru LegacyLegacy
The mid-size Legacy — in four-door sedans and five-door station wagons — offers variety, variety, vareity. The entry comes as the Legacy 2.5 i sedan and wagon, but also available are the plush 2.5 i Limited sedan and wagon. The Legacy 2.5 GT Limited sedan and wagon get a 2.5-liter four with turbo-charging and inter-cooling, while the Legacy GT Spec. B special edition has a heavy-duty, six-speed manual gearbox and the turbo-charged 2.5-liter four rated to 243 horsepower. The new Legacy 3.0 R Limited sedan offers a boxer-six engine with 245 horsepower and VDC, plus Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE) performance controls, a Bilstein Sport Suspension and 18-inch wheels and tires.

2008 Subaru OutbackOutback
New sheetmetal goes to Subaru's five-door Outback crossover, which works as both a tall station wagon and dropped-down SUV. The Outback offers multiple powertrains, with the base engine as a 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer pumping 170 horsepower through a five-speed manual transmission. This engine fits into the Outback 2.5i and the uplevel 2.5i Limited. However, a turbo-charged boxer four-pack goes into the Outback 2.5 XT Limited. The top models — Outback 3.0 R and 3.0 R L. L. Bean —tote Subaru's boxer six-cylinder that creates 245 horsepower through a five-speed SportShift automatic. Also aboard all six-cylinder Outbacks is the SI-DRIVE.

2008 Subaru ImprezaImpreza
More sophisticated body styling comes to Subaru's compact cars, available as four-door sedans and five-door wagons. The Impreza cabin expands for passenger more room in its twin-cockpit layout. The trims available include Impreza's 2.5i and the Outback Sport Special Edition with a spoiler on the back gate. The Impreza 2.5i uses Subaru's new, 2.5-liter boxer four-cylinder engine making 170 horsepower. Curtain-style side air bags and an anti-lock brake system (ABS) are stock for all 2008 editions, while VDC skid controls are also made available. Other options for the Impreza include a dashboard navigation system.

2008 Subaru WRXWRX
Subaru commemorates its trophy-collecting rally cars by producing both sedan and wagon variations of the Impreza WRX. Its small package with wide track and independent suspension, turbo-charges a horizontally-opposed engine tied to a close-ratio manual transmission and AWD traction. The new WRX carries a 2.5-liter turbo, flat-four boxer engine that delivers 224 horsepower and 226 lb-ft of torque.

2008 Subaru ForesterForester
The chassis of the Impreza sports coupe underpins the agile Forester sport utility vehicle (SUV). The Forester offers turbo-charged and naturally-aspirated 2.5-liter, boxer four-cylinder engines. The trims available include the deluxe Forester 2.5 XT Limited with premium features. The entry issue Forester 2.5 X gets a Premium Package plus power moonroof, while the turbo Forester 2.5 XT Limited adds leather upholstery and a power moonroof. Subaru's 2.5-liter, boxer four makes 173 horsepower, but applying a turbo-charger and inter-cooler pushes points up to 224 horsepower.

For more information on Subaru.