2009 Subaru Outback

SUBARU MAKES VDC STANDARD ON ALL OUTBACK® MODELS FOR 2009

• Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) Added to 2.5i Models
• New 440-watt harman-kardon® Premium Audio System




Subaru of America, Inc. has added the Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) stability and traction control system to the Outback 2.5i models for 2009, making this important safety feature standard across the Outback line. In addition, a new high-performance harman-kardon® audio system is standard on all but the base Outback 2.5i model for 2009, and dark tint privacy glass is added to all Limited models.

The newest refinements to the Outback line follow a year when Subaru restyled its best-selling vehicle and added significant performance, comfort and safety enhancements to it. For 2009, Subaru offers five versions of the Outback wagon: 2.5i, 2.5i Special Edition with enhanced content; the 2.5i Limited with extensive luxury amenities; the 2.5XT Limited with a high-performance turbo/intercooled Boxer engine and the top-of-the-line Outback 3.0R Limited with a 245-horsepower 6-cylinder Boxer engine.



The Subaru Outback garnered the highest award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) – 'Top Safety Pick' – in the midsize car segment. Outback achieved the highest rating ('Good') in IIHS frontal offset, side and rear impact tests. In addition, Outback received 5-star ratings for the driver and front passenger and rear passengers in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) crash tests.

High-End harman-kardon Audio Debuts
All Outback models for 2009 except the base 2.5i come equipped with the new 440-watt harman-kardon Premium Audio System that offers sound quality comparable to that provided in luxury-category vehicles. The harman-kardon system features 8-channel amplifier/equalizer, digital signal processing, and speed-sensitive automatic volume control. It is matched with an AM/FM stereo unit with 6-disc in-dash CD changer offering MP3 file capability. The system plays through nine speakers in seven locations:
• Two front door 25-mm Metal Matrix dome tweeters
• Two front door 160-mm Metal Matrix Diaphragm (MMD) cone woofers with Neodymium magnets
• Two rear door 100-mm MMD cone woofers with Neodymium magnets
• Two rear door 25-mm Metal Matrix dome tweeters
• One rear cargo area dual voice coil subwoofer

The World's First Sport Útility Wagon®
Outback launched the crossover trend when it was introduced for the 1995 model year, melding passenger car and SÚV attributes, such as increased ground clearance and a command-seating position. Outback quickly became basic equipment for outdoors enthusiasts and family car buyers who needed all-road, all-weather capability and SÚV-like versatility but with the comfort, handling and fuel economy of a passenger car.

2.5i Models: 27 MPG and PZEV-Certified
The naturally aspirated 2.5-liter 4-cylinder Boxer engine that powers Outback 2.5i models produces 170 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 170 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,400 rpm. Models with this engine achieve up to an EPA-estimated 27 miles per gallon in the highway driving (5-speed manual transmission). The i-Active Valve Lift system helps to ensure responsive performance at all engine speeds. This engine offers Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) certification in the 11 states that require it, with the same power output as federal emissions vehicles. In contrast, some PZEV-compliant vehicles sacrifice power to achieve zero evaporative emissions.

2.5XT Limited and 3.0R Limited: Distinct High-Performance Choices
A 3.0-liter DOHC 6-cylinder Boxer engine powers the Outback 3.0R Limited model. This smooth powerplant produces 245 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 215 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,200 rpm. The Active Valve Control System (AVCS) variable valve timing, in concert with Active Valve Lift System (AVLS) technology, helps optimize power at all engine speeds. The Outback 2.5XT Limited is powered by a 2.5-liter intercooled turbocharged Boxer engine that produces 243 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 241 lb.-ft. of peak torque @ 3,600 rpm. Subaru Active Valve Control System (AVCS) variable valve timing optimizes power at all engine speeds. A functional hood scoop supplies air to the engine-mounted intercooler.


Offering both the 6-cylinder and the turbocharged 4-cylinder models gives Outback customers a choice between two distinct kinds of performance driving: the 6-cylinder 3.0R Limited provides a smooth, linear power feeling; the turbocharged Outback 2.5XT Limited offers a more sporty and exciting – though still refined – type of engine performance. The turbo engine also offers outstanding performance at high altitudes, where changes in atmospheric pressure reduce the power output of naturally aspirated engines.

The turbocharged 2.5XT Limited offers a choice between a 5-speed manual transmission and a 5-speed automatic transmission, the latter standard for the 6-cylinder model. The automatic's SPORTSHIFT feature allows the driver to manually control up- and downshifts using the console shift and, on 2.5 XT Limited, steering wheel paddle shifters, as well. Adding to the driving fun with this transmission, Downshift Blipping Control gives the rev-matching behavior of an expertly shifted manual transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com)

SI-DRIVE: Three Levels of Performance at the Driver's Command
In the Outback 2.5XT Limited and 3.0R Limited models, the driver will enjoy exercising more control over this turbine-smooth engine with the SI-DRIVE system. SI-DRIVE allows the driver to maximize engine performance, control and efficiency by choosing from among three selectable modes – 'Intelligent,' 'Sport' and 'Sport Sharp.' The driver selects the performance mode by using a rotary dial on the center console or a button on the steering wheel.

SI-DRIVE enables three distinctively different modes of vehicle performance characteristics by regulating the engine control unit (ECÚ) – as well as the transmission control unit in the automatic transmission models – and by fine-tuning the electronically controlled throttle.

With Intelligent mode selected, the system reduces engine torque and maximum power and switches to a more relaxed throttle response curve. Intelligent mode is an excellent choice for smoother response while commuting in traffic congestion, for example, where it can also help boost fuel efficiency by up to 10 percent. In addition, Intelligent mode's more relaxed responses and lower torque output make it an ideal complement to the low-traction-surface driving capability provided by the Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive System.

Sport mode yields quick throttle responses and powerful, linear acceleration. In Sport Sharp mode, the SI-DRIVE system modifies the engine's electronic throttle mapping to deliver quickest throttle response and more power earlier. Delivering maximum driving enjoyment, Sport Sharp mode is ideal for twisty roads and for confidently merging or overtaking other vehicles on the highway. With the 5-speed automatic transmission, Sport Sharp holds each gear longer, through the rpm range, and downshifts quicker under hard acceleration.

The SI-DRIVE system includes instrument panel displays that allow the driver to monitor performance. The multi-information display located in the tachometer face – in addition to providing trip computer functions – denotes the selected SI-DRIVE mode and provides an active torque curve display. When Intelligent mode is selected, an 'ECO' gauge encourages efficient driving habits, and in vehicles with a manual transmission, a shift-up indicator blinks to signal the optimal shift point for maximum fuel efficiency.

Engineered for Performance, Ruggedness and Comfort
Outback models offer the rugged, go-anywhere capability that Subaru customers expect while also providing crisp handling response and smooth, quiet ride comfort. The stiff unitized body structure makes extensive use of high-strength steel and aluminum, as well as advanced construction techniques including hydroforming and tailored-blank welding. The multilink rear suspension attaches to a hydroformed steel sub-frame for added rigidity.

Four-wheel independent heavy-duty raised suspension and generous ground clearance contribute to Outback's all-road, all-weather agility. Ground clearance compares to that of many dedicated SÚVs -- 8.7 inches for Outback 2.5XT Limited and 8.4 inches on other Outback models. Yet, thanks to the design of the Outback suspension systems, this ground clearance is achieved with low step-in height. The rack-and-pinion steering system is designed for quick response, high precision and excellent feel. Outback models ride on 17-inch alloy wheels with 225/55 R17 tires, except the base 2.5i model, which features 16-inch steel wheels with 225/60 R16 tires.

Packaged for An Active Lifestyle
The Outback 2.5i is one of the best-equipped wagons on the market. Standard comfort touches include a tilt and telescopic steering column and an integrated ignition key/remote entry unit.

The Outback 2.5i Special Edition, a comprehensive model upgrade, adds a number of functional features and comfort amenities, including: the new harman-kardon Premium Audio System, four-stage heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors, windshield wiper de-icer, 17-inch alloy wheels, limited-slip rear differential, 8-way power driver's seat, halogen fog lights, a cargo area 12-volt power outlet, cargo area cover and tray, roof cross bars, and splash guards.

The Outback 2.5i Limited grade adds a layer of luxury with a standard automatic transmission, leather-trimmed upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control system, dual-panel glass moonroof, dark tint rear privacy glass and exclusive exterior and interior trim items, steering wheel controls for the audio, cruise control, the multi-information display and, on 2.5XT Limited and 3.0R Limited, separate SI-DRIVE controls. Distinctive electroluminescent gauges are featured on the 2.5XT Limited and 3.0R Limited models.

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
Subaru All-Wheel Drive systems are organized under the 'Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive' branding umbrella. Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is a total system that integrates a lightweight horizontally opposed (Boxer) engine and a full-time power distribution system. Subaru offers three different versions of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive in the 2009 Outback models, each tailored to the type of transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com)

The Outback 2.5XT Limited and 3.0R Limited use a version of the system called Variable Torque Distribution (VTD). A planetary gear-type center differential works with an electronically controlled continuously variable hydraulic transfer clutch to manage power distribution. VTD normally directs more power to the rear wheels (45:55) to enhance handling agility and continuously adjusts the power distribution in response to driving and road conditions.

In Outback models with a manual transmission, a viscous-coupling locking center differential distributes the power 50:50 front to rear. Slippage at either set of wheels will send more power to the opposite set of wheels. On 4-cylinder Outback models equipped with the 4-speed automatic transmission (standard on 2.5i Limited), an electronically managed continuously variable transfer clutch actively manages power distribution based on acceleration, deceleration and available traction, also transferring more power to the wheels with the best grip should slippage occur.

Proven Safety Construction
Built around the proven Ring Shaped Frame Reinforcement safety structure, all Outback models feature as standard equipment front seat side impact air bags and side curtain air bags that offer additional head protection for front and rear occupants.

Intelligent 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. Active front head restraints can help reduce potential whiplash injury in a rear collision.

Source - Subaru