Subaru Introduces Two New Six-Cylinder Outback Wagon Models For 2001
20 April 2000
Subaru Introduces Two New Six-Cylinder Outback Wagon Models For 2001 Outback H6-3.0 VDC Features Advanced New Type of All-Wheel Drive;
Outback H6-3.0 L.L.Bean Edition Is Centerpiece of New Marketing Partnership
NEW YORK, April 20 Subaru of America, Inc., the company
that pioneered the concept of the passenger car/sport-utility hybrid vehicle
and invented the World's First Sport-Utility Wagon(R), has introduced two new
superbly equipped six-cylinder models to its trend-setting Outback line for
2001. The Outback H6-3.0 VDC model and the Outback H6-3.0 L.L.Bean Edition
debut an all-new 3.0-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine and raise
the level of comfort above the Outback Limited.
The Outback H6-3.0 VDC -- flagship of the Subaru model line for 2001 --
introduces Variable Torque Distribution All-Wheel Drive, the most advanced
All-Wheel Drive system Subaru has ever offered in the United States. The
Outback H6-3.0 VDC also introduces the U.S. market's first factory
installation of a premium car stereo system by McIntosh Audio. Famous for its
high-end home audio equipment, McIntosh Audio brings a new level of mobile
sound to the auto industry.
The 2001 Subaru Outback H6-3.0 L.L.Bean Edition is the first vehicle
offered as part of a multi-year strategic marketing partnership between Subaru
of America and the renowned retailer of active-lifestyle clothing and
equipment. The agreement makes Subaru the official car of L.L.Bean and
L.L.Bean the official outfitter to Subaru. The Outback H6-3.0 L.L.Bean
Edition embodies the outdoor spirit and sense of adventure made famous by this
Maine-based outfitter. Exclusive identification and comfort features include
two-tone beige/brown leather trimmed seats embossed with the L.L.Bean
insignia, an "L.L.Bean Edition" badge on each front fender, and floor mats
embroidered with the L.L.Bean logo.
The new Outback H6-3.0 models will compete with the Audi A4 Avant Quattro
2.8, the Volkswagen Passat 4Motion wagon, and the Volvo V70 XC Cross Country.
The new aluminum six-cylinder engine that powers both new Outback H6-3.0
models features double-overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder. The
high-output powerplant produces 212 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 210 lb.-ft. of
torque @ 4,400 rpm -- 30 percent more power than the 2.5-liter H-4 engine used
in other Outback models. A variable intake manifold and a dual-stage muffler
help optimize power delivery throughout the engine speed range.
Standard safety equipment in the Outback H6-3.0 models includes
three-point seatbelts for all five seating positions, four-channel anti-lock
brakes (ABS), dual front airbags and front seat side impact airbags.* A new
dual-stage front airbag on the passenger side determines the correct
deployment strength depending on the severity of an impact. The front
three-point seatbelts feature electrically triggered pre-tensioners with force
limiters. These work together to gradually restrain the occupants and absorb
the impact energy of a frontal collision.
Both Outback H6-3.0 models are equipped with the Subaru 4EAT four-speed
automatic transmission but feature different versions of the Subaru All-Wheel
Driving System. The Outback H6-3.0 VDC comes equipped with Variable Torque
Distribution (VTD) All-Wheel Drive, plus a new stability system called Vehicle
Dynamics Control (VDC).
The VTD system splits the power 45 percent front/55 percent rear under
most conditions. The slight rear bias enhances the performance driving feel,
and VTD responds to road and driving conditions to direct more power to the
wheels that need it most. A new four-wheel electronic traction control system
(TCS) adds an extra margin of driving safety without impeding All-Wheel Drive
operation. The VDC stability system helps keep the car going where the driver
is steering it by detecting and correcting understeer (front-wheel drift) or
oversteer (rear-wheel drift). The system uses split-second braking on
individual wheels to make corrections, and can also reduce engine power to
restore stability.
The Outback H6-3.0 L.L.Bean Edition is equipped with Active All-Wheel
Drive, the system currently used in other automatic transmission-equipped
Subaru vehicles. An electronically controlled hydraulic transfer clutch can
direct power to the wheels that need it even before slippage occurs.
Standard comfort equipment in the Outback H6-3.0 VDC includes automatic
climate control with an ambient temperature gauge, an eight-way power driver's
seat, rear-seat center armrest, plus a distinctive mahogany wood and leather
steering wheel designed by Momo.
The Outback L.L.Bean Edition shares the interior comfort features of the
Outback H6-3.0 VDC model, without the McIntosh Audio stereo system. The
L.L.Bean Edition adds an auto-dimming rear-view mirror with integrated digital
compass, an air filtration system, and a standard security system.
Heavy-duty four-wheel independent raised suspension, a generous 7.3 inches
of ground clearance and 225/60 R16 Firestone Wilderness tires on new-design
16-inch x 6.5-inch alloy wheels give both Outback H6-3.0 models recreational
off-road capability.
Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy
Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered near Philadelphia, the company
markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a
network of nearly 600 franchised dealers across the United States. All Legacy
and Outback models sold in the U.S. are produced at the company's
manufacturing plant, Subaru-Isuzu Automotive, Inc., near Lafayette, Indiana.
* Always wear seat belts. Children should be properly restrained in the
rear seat.
