Subaru, the only car company in Canada that offers Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as standard equipment on every vehicle in its product line, today staged the Canadian premiere of the all-new 2005 Outback at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto. The completely redesigned Outback features a striking new design that expresses a fresh sense of nimble power - power that is provided by a choice of three potent new Subaru Boxer engines, including an enhanced 3.0 H6 a new 2.5-litre turbo.

The complete 2005 Outback lineup will consist of the naturally aspirated Outback 2.5i and 2.5i Limited, turbo-charged Outback 2.5XT, and the Outback 3.0R, powered by the second generation of Subaru's 3.0-litre 6-cylinder engine. Outback 2.5i is equipped with the naturally aspirated 2.5-litre engine and will be offered with a choice of 5-speed manual transmission or Subaru's new 4-speed automatic with Sportshift®; the Sportshift® automatic is standard equipment on the 2.5i Limited . The 2.5XT turbo can be fitted with a 5-speed manual or a new Sportshift® 5-speed automatic. The Outback 3.0R is also equipped with the new 5-speed automatic. The choice of powertrains means that there's an Outback to fit the needs of virtually any active lifestyle.

"Outback has always been a pace-setter, and the 2005 model will give an even greater sense of style, power and performance to its unique brand identity," said Norio Osakabe, chairman, president and CEO of SCI. "Combining strong emotional appeal with intelligent engineering, the new-generation Outback offers outstanding new levels of power and performance while remaining true to the core values that make Outback - and Subaru - unique."

The 2005 Outback 2.5XT is the latest in Subaru's line of exciting turbocharged performance models, following the 2002 Impreza WRX, and the rally-bred Impreza WRX STi and Forester 2.5XT in the 2004 model year. These turbocharged Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive performance models reflect the brand's long-running experience and success in World Rally Championship competition.

Bold New Design Strengthens Brand Identity
Subaru designed the new-generation Outback to express its more dynamic performance and nimbleness, and in particular its low centre of gravity - a hallmark of all Subaru models. The pronounced wedge body shape conveys a low and stable presence, accentuated by aerodynamic side ground effects.

Wheelbase of the 2005 Outback has been increased from 265 cm (104.3 inches) to 267 cm (105.1 inches) and overall length has been increased by 31 mm (just under two inches). The rear glass is slightly recessed in "sail panels" for a distinct appearance, as well as aerodynamic efficiency. The new Outback design is sleeker to the eye as well as in the wind tunnel where it registers a coefficient of drag (Cd) of just 0.30 and zero aerodynamic lift.

A functional hood scoop supplies outside air to the turbo's engine-mounted intercooler, and both turbo and naturally aspirated models feature a dual-muffler exhaust system. All Oubacks feature a roofline spoiler, and the 2.5 XT and 3.0R have LED turn signals mounted on the exterior mirrors.

Three Exceptional Powerplants
The naturally-aspirated Outback 2.5i is powered by a refined 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder SOHC unit where output has been increased to 168 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 166 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm.

The engine driving the new Outback 3.0R and 3.0R VDC is a newly-refined version of Subaru's 3-litre, 6-cylinder DOHC H6. In the 2005 Outback, it achieves 250 horsepower at 6,600 rpm, and 219 lb-ft of torque at just 4,200 rpm.

The 2005 Outback 2.5XT is powered by an intercooled and turbocharged 2.5-litre 4-cylinder boxer engine that produces 250 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 250 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm (preliminary values only). The engine shares architecture and technology with the engines used in other Subaru turbocharged models, but many key components - including the cylinder block, turbocharger and intercooler - are unique to this engine.

Active Valve Control System (AVCS) variable valve timing technology helps the turbo and H6 engines optimize low and mid-range torque and high-end output. All H6 Outback powerplants for 2005 use an Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system, sometimes referred to as "drive by wire" or "throttle by wire." The H6 also has Variable Valve Lift (VVL).

Choice of 5-Speed Manual or Automatic Transmission with Sportshift®
The naturally-aspirated Outback can be fitted with a choice of redesigned transmissions, either a 5-speed manual or an advanced new 4-speed automatic.

The turbo-charged Outback offers a choice of 5-speed manual transmission or a sporty new 5-speed automatic with finely-tuned gear ratios. Both the 4- and 5-speed automatics are electronically controlled from multiple inputs including throttle position, engine speed and acceleration or deceleration rates. Both are also fitted with Sportshift® gear selection, giving drivers the choice between fully-automatic gear selection in both Normal (economy) and Sport modes. The 2.5XT models also feature wheel mounted shift buttons.

In "Sport" mode, shift points are adjusted higher, holding the car in gear longer to take full advantage of the additional available power. The result is exhilarating performance during acceleration and even more potent power at the driver's command. For even better control over shift points, the driver can up- and down-shift by nudging the gearshift lever up or down from the "Sport" mode position.

The 5-speed Sportshift® automatic is standard on both the Outback 3.0R and 3.0R VDC.

Performance-Bred Chassis
The extensive use of advanced weight-reduction technology has resulted in a vehicle that, although larger and with more features, is approximately 50 kg (110 pounds) lighter than the previous model. This weight reduction improves vehicle driving performance and fuel economy.

The new, stiffer unitized body structure makes greater use of aluminum and high-strength steel, as well as advanced construction techniques including hydroforming and tailored-blank welding. Tailored blanks are created by laser-welding different thicknesses of sheet steel together to the optimal thickness, enhancing rigidity while reducing weight. Aluminum parts include the hood and bumper beams and the rear gate. Using aluminum at the vehicle's extremities concentrates more mass near its centre of gravity, which enhances handling.

The engine in the new Outback models is mounted lower than in the previous generation, which helps to lower the centre of gravity. All Outbacks feature a raised, heavy-duty suspension for greater ground clearance and improved rough road capability and the proven MacPherson type strut front suspension uses all new components. A wider track and revised geometry significantly enhance handling and stability. The multilink rear suspension attaches to a new, hydroformed steel sub-frame for added rigidity, and the roll centre has been lowered.

All-New Interior Designed for Sophisticated Comfort
Subaru redesigned the roomy Outback interior with an emphasis on high-quality materials to enhance the driver's environment and passenger comfort. The new unified design integrates the entire area from the instrument panel and large centre panel to the console box. Flush surface treatments, a soft foam upper dashboard, soft foam door trim and aluminum side sill covers with the Subaru logo provide a premium appearance and ambience.

The sporty new four-dial instrument panel for naturally-aspirated models features red instrument illumination, and the 2.5XT, like the Impreza WRX STi, has an electroluminescent display. On startup, the needle pointers swing to their maximum positions and then back. The gauge panel is augmented in all models by a combination digital clock and trip computer, located in the centre of the dashboard. Its functions and displays include outside air temperature, fuel consumption, driving range, and a passenger airbag on/off indicator light.

All Outbacks are equipped with heated seats and a front windshield wiper/de-icer, which are ideal for Canadian winters. The 2005 Outback 2.5XT is further equipped with standard comfort and performance features that include a dual-zone automatic climate control system, performance-design front seats with integrated head restraint and 4-stage heating, and heated exterior mirrors.

Outback 2.5XT also adds grey metallic trim, leather-trimmed upholstery, a MOMO steering wheel and a large power twin moonroof in a new dual-panel design that provides a single large opening when the tilt-up front section and retracting rear section are opened.

A remote keyless entry system is standard for all 2005 Outback models, with the system in Outback 2.5XT and 3.0R adding an engine immobilizer function. The remote control includes a rear gate release.

A versatile centre console integrates two cupholders, a console box with a shutter-type lid. The storage console box will hold nine CDs and also has a 12-volt power outlet.

Safer and Smarter Than Ever
The new Outback continues to improve on the already excellent Subaru reputation for vehicles with exceptional levels of functionality and safety. Both active and passive safety features have been significantly enhanced for 2005, including an advanced new version of Subaru's unique Symmetrical All-Wheel Driving System. Comfortable as well as durable, and with new levels of environmental performance, the new Outback is a package of extraordinary versatility, as well as being a lot of fun to drive.

Safety, a primary consideration in the design and construction of every Subaru, is also improved across the board. In addition to the active safety provided by the stable and responsive Symmetrical All-Wheel Driving System, a host of even better passive safety features are built in. Subaru's Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frame has been completely redesigned to provide a safer, stronger body frame for better protection against impact forces from every direction. Both front airbags use dual-stage inflators, and Subaru has added standard side-impact and curtain airbags. With the introduction of the 2005 lineup, these important occupant protection features will be standard on every Outback sold in Canada.

Safer new brake, throttle and clutch pedals release from their brackets in the event of a frontal impact to protect the driver's legs, and the new front-end design includes impact absorbers in the bumper and shock-absorbing hood hinges. These not only help absorb and deflect crash forces to protect occupants, but also reduce injuries to pedestrians and damage to other vehicles.

The 2005 Subaru Outback is expected to go on sale in Canada in early June, 2004.