IMPREZA/WRX/STI/OUTBACK SPORT: 2.5i, 2.5GT and Outback Sport models get a new grille. The 2.5i Premium now offers a Special Edition package (moonroof, foglights) and an All Weather package (heated front seats and mirrors and wiper de-icer). The WRX gets a new side sill design and the STI ditches its grey Alcantara interior with silver stitching for black with red stitching. The optional navigation system now includes Bluetooth phone connectivity.

LEGACY: (photo) The Legacy is all new with a longer body that provides more back seat and trunk space. The styling is quite a departure from the old Legacy, and yes, the side windows now have full door frames. The 170 horsepower 2.5 liter base engine is unchanged, but now gets a 6-speed manual (in place of last year’s 5-speed) or a continuously-variable automatic transmission as an option, which maximizes power and fuel economy. The six-cylinder R model gets a bigger engine (3.6 liters versus last year’s 3.0) that now burns regular fuel instead of premium and puts out 255 hp. The GT gets a 265 hp turbocharged engine and now comes exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission. Electronic stability control and automatic headlights are standard on the new Legacy, and newly-available options include voice-activated navigation, a backup camera, Bluetooth phone connectivity and audio streaming, and a USB input jack for the stereo.

OUTBACK: Like the Legacy on which it is based, the Outback is all new for 2010. But while the old Outback looked pretty much like a Legacy wagon, the new car is bigger and beefier and styled to look more like a rough-and-tumble SUV — and according to Jason Fogelson, our Guide to SUVs, the new Outback actually works pretty darn well off-road. The Outback is available in 2.5i and 3.6R models, with powertrains and features similar to those of the Legacy (see above); however the turbocharged version has been dropped.

TRIBECA: The 5-seat version has been dropped; all Tribecas are now seven-seaters. All models get heated seats and rear air conditioning, and Limited and Touring trims get more standard equipment.

Specifically the Outback 2.5i CVT now exhibits better fuel economy (EPA combined) than such competitors as the Toyota Venza, Volvo XC70, VW Passat, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ford Explorer. The 2010 Subaru Outback now scores better on EPA fuel economy than the much smaller Suzuki SX-4 AWD and has significantly more power coming from its 170HP 2.5L 4-cylinder Boxer engine.

“The all-new 2010 Subaru Outback combines great on- and off-road capability, comfortable space, incredible cargo carrying ability and fuel economy all for a great price,” said Tim Mahoney, senior vice president and CMO of Subaru of America, Inc. “We think this new Outback will really raise the bar in the crossover segment.”

With its unique Boxer engine, segment-leading 8.7 inches of ground clearance, standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and fold-away roof rack crossbars, the all-new Subaru Outback has an entry-level price of $22,995 (excluding destination and delivery). The Outback provides an alternative for customers looking for more room than a midsize sedan and features the off-road capabilities of an SUV, with the fuel economy of a small car.

Subaru USA

CHERRY HILL, N.J., Dec. 3 /PRNewswire/ — Subaru of America, Inc. today announced pricing on the 2010 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Special Edition model at $32,995 plus $695 D&D. The new model is priced $2,000 lower than the base price of the 2010 WRX STI and will be limited in production. The vehicle features an upgraded performance suspension from the Japanese domestic market WRX STI spec C and spec C wheels.

The 2010 WRX STI Special Edition is aimed at the driving enthusiast who is willing to trade a few amenities to gain an extra measure of handling performance over the already extraordinary WRX STI. Suspension for the new version of this high-performance machine is adopted from the Japanese domestic market WRX STI spec C model, which adds a 1-millimeter thicker rear stabilizer bar, stiffer rear sub-frame bushings plus upgraded springs. The front springs are 16-percent stiffer, while the rear springs have been stiffened by 29-percent.

Available in early spring, only 125 units of the 2010 WRX STI Special Edition will be painted in exclusive Aspen White. The WRX STI Special Edition will also be available in Obsidian Black Pearl, WR Blue Mica and Dark Gray Metallic colors. All models will be set off by the charcoal-colored 18 x 8.5 in. 14-spoke alloy wheels from the JDM WRX STI spec C.

The WRX STI Special Edition was developed by Subaru Tecnica International, the high-performance and motorsports subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. Compared with the standard 2010 WRX STI, the WRX STI Special Edition features halogen rather than HID headlights; a single-disc CD player / 4-speaker audio system instead of the 6-CD / 10-speaker system; manual air conditioning in place of automatic climate control, and side mirrors without integrated signals.

All other aspects of the WRX STI Special Edition remain as on the standard model, including the 305-horsepower / 290 lb.-ft. 2.5-liter intercooled, turbocharged SUBARU BOXER engine, 6-speed manual transmission and a high level of driver-selectable powertrain- and dynamic handling-control systems. The car’s bulged fenders and rear quarter panels, rear gate-mounted spoiler and aerodynamic ground effects give the WRX STI a direct link to Subaru competition cars. The hood scoop, brake-cooling air intakes and engine heat outlets are all functional.

The Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) version of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, which remains exclusive to the Impreza WRX STI, offers three selectable automatic performance modes in addition to six manual center differential locking settings. The WRX STI is in addition equipped with limited-slip front and rear differentials. The Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) stability and traction control system features three driver-selectable positions. On all WRX STI models, the 18-in. wheels are fitted with Dunlop SP600 245/40R18 Summer performance tires.

The Brembo Performance Brake System employs ventilated 4-wheel Super Sport anti-lock (ABS) disc brakes with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). Side-curtain airbags and front seat side airbags are standard. The Incline Start Assist feature can momentarily prevent the vehicle from rolling backward when being driven away from a stop on an incline.