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Subaru
Introduces Baja(TM) Turbo at New York International
Auto Show
Third
Version of Unique Crossover Model Powered by a
210-Horsepower Engine
NEW YORK, April 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Subaru of
America, Inc., the only manufacturer to have all-wheel
drive as standard equipment on every vehicle they
make, today introduced the Baja Turbo at the New York
International Auto Show.
Baja Turbo is the third version of the brand's unique
crossover vehicle that blends the versatility and
ruggedness of a compact 4-door pickup truck with the
driving dynamics, safety and comfort of a passenger
car. Powered by a 210-horsepower 2.5-liter intercooled
turbo boxer engine, Baja Turbo gives new definition to
"sport plus utility," adding an element of
driving fun absent in compact truck-based vehicles.
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Baja Turbo is the third new turbocharged model that
Subaru has introduced for 2004 MY: Forester 2.5 XT was
introduced at the Chicago Auto Show, and the
300-horsepower Impreza WRX STi at the North American
International Auto Show in Detroit in January. These
three models, along with the Impreza WRX, underscore
the brand's high-performance product strategy that's
reinforced by more than a decade of rally-winning
experience. All turbocharged Subaru models feature a
functional hood scoop that feeds outside air to an
engine-mounted intercooler.
The Baja models follow in the pioneering tire
tracks of the Subaru Outback, the World's First
Sport-Utility Wagon(R). Outback sparked the trend in
crossover vehicles that combine positive attributes of
a sport-utility vehicle with the handling, ride
comfort and fuel efficiency of a passenger car.
The Baja models deliver many of the practical
benefits of a 4-door compact pickup truck, but with
the kind of responsive handling and ride comfort that
eludes truck-based vehicles. The practical size makes
Baja easy to maneuver, while still offering
cargo-carrying versatility not possible in a sedan or
wagon. Baja models share a family resemblance with
Outback, including enlarged front fenders, four-beam
multi-reflector headlights (two-beam on Baja Sport),
large foldable mirrors and integrated foglights with
stone guards. In addition to the functional hood
scoop, Baja Turbo is distinguished by new-design
16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.
Switchback(TM) System Gives Baja the Work Ethic of
A Pickup
The key to the Subaru Baja models' versatility is
the Subaru-designed Switchback(R) system that provides
the ability to reconfigure the rear seating area, as
well as the cargo bed, to meet a variety of needs when
transporting people and cargo.
Subaru designed Baja with the active-lifestyle
person in mind. The rear seatbacks fold down to add
interior storage, and the Switchback panel between the
cargo bed and interior section can be lowered to then
extend the cargo area length. The expandable 41.5-inch
pickup bed can handle a variety of outdoor equipment,
such as mountain bikes, surfboards or scuba gear.
Lowering the tailgate and attaching the optional
Subaru accessory bed extender lengthens the bed to
over 58 inches. Then, lowering the rear seat and
Switchback cargo bed door can provide a maximum load
floor length of over 90 inches for carrying long
items.
Subaru equipped the Baja bed for rugged usage. An
integrated bed liner provides durability and allows
easy cleaning, and other useful features include bed
sport bars, a dual-illumination bed light and four
tie-down hooks. A swing-down rear license plate
bracket, carried over from the ST-X concept vehicle,
keeps the plate visible when driving with the tailgate
lowered. Baja also comes standard with roof rails and
cross bars, and Subaru offers attachments for carrying
bicycles, skis, kayaks and snowboards.
The Comfort Zone
Inside, Baja Turbo is more like a sport sedan than
a pickup. All Baja models are configured strictly as
4-passenger vehicles. The rear seating area provides
each passenger with the feeling of personal space and
comfort, further distinguishing Baja models from the
more utility-oriented models on the market. Dark smoke
tinted rear door glass and rear window glass reinforce
this ambience. A rear-seat console box in the seat
bottom integrates dual cupholders.
About Subaru of America, Inc.
Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan.
Headquartered near Philadelphia, the company markets
and distributes all-wheel drive Subaru vehicles, parts
and accessories through a network of nearly 600
dealers across the United States. Subaru is the only
manufacturer to have all-wheel drive as standard
equipment on every vehicle they make. Subaru has been
the best-selling import wagon in America for the past
20 years, based on R.L. Polk & Company new vehicle
retail registration statistics calendar year-end 2002.
For additional information, visit the Subaru Media
Site at www.media.subaru.com.
Web site: http://www.subaru.com/
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