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New York 2011: Subaru looking at XV Concept for US, but wouldn't be called Outback Sport

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 15:20:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, New York Auto Show, Hatchback, Subaru, Shanghai Motor Show

Subaru XV Concept - Click above to view high-res image gallery

At the 2011 New York Auto Show, we asked Dominic Infante, Subaru's U.S. product manager, about the XV Concept revealed at the Shanghai Motor Show. "It's probably not for us," he said, "but we're looking at it. And if it did come, it probably wouldn't be called Outback Sport."

That's because the Outback Sport is an anomaly in Subaru's U.S. line-up that the brand's marketing arm would like to correct - an Outback in name only, it is actually based on the Impreza platform. But it sells so well, Infante says, "that the sales guys don't want them to change anything. They're like, 'Don't mess it up.'"

What do you think? Should Subaru bring a production version of the XV to the States, or is it too much like the Outback Sport to matter? Make yourself heard in our poll below.

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Gallery: Subaru XV Concept

New York 2011: Subaru looking at XV Concept for US, but wouldn't be called Outback Sport originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Apr 2011 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru XV concept crossover unveiled in Shanghai

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Crossover, Subaru, Shanghai Motor Show

Subaru XV Concept - Click above to view high-res image gallery

Subaru has just revealed this, the XV Concept, at the Shanghai Motor Show. Although it looks like an Outback with an arced roof, it's a substantially smaller crossover - seven inches shorter in length, an inch narrower and about two inches lower. Even if considered a mini Outback with wheel-arch cladding, its design is said to be something completely new: "Protren," defined as "express[ing] the integration of 'authentic functionality as a professional tool' and 'urban and stylish design'."

If you know what that means, then perhaps you'll also understand the Electro Yellowgreen matte finish. What is easy to grasp is the full-length panoramic roof and the "silvery white leather" seating for five. Forward-looking concept bits can be found in the lighting elements and the EyeSight stereo cameras that project images on an LCD screen for the driver.

There's no indication of us seeing the XV in production form, but we've got precedent in the form of the current Impreza-based Outback Sport (a car known as the XV in other markets). There's a press release after the jump with more details and a high-res gallery below for your viewing pleasure.

Gallery: Subaru XV Concept

Continue reading Subaru XV concept crossover unveiled in Shanghai

Subaru XV concept crossover unveiled in Shanghai originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Apr 2011 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shanghai Preview: Subaru XV

Chris Shunk — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, China, Crossover, Subaru, Shanghai Motor Show

Subaru XV Concept - Click above to enlarge

The Shanghai Motor Show is beginning to look like a pretty big deal, with more than enough high-impact reveals to pique our interest. The latest vehicle to be teased in advance of the show is the XV concept, which Subaru says is "a design concept car that defines a new generation of crossover vehicle, blending exceptional SUV practicality with a fashionable form."

The Japanese automaker says the theme of the crossover concept is "Enjoyment and Peace of mind," which, loosely translated, means that the XV will be practical to own yet fun to drive. Subaru hasn't provided many facts other than what we could have already guessed; that the automaker's symmetrical all-wheel drive system is part of the package. We're guessing a boxer engine isn't far behind.

As you can see from the teaser photo above, the XV will feature four doors, stylized headlamps, big concept car wheels and the shape of a crossover, albeit one with a backlight that's got more rake than a typical utility-first Subaru. Given the short distance from the rear doors to the tailgate, we might also guess that the XV will be on the smaller side; perhaps the size and shape of a puffed-up Impreza, but the company already has the Forester in that role - could there be room for two such models? Either way, we're going to have to wait for the vehicle's official unveiling on April 19 to know for sure. Hit the jump to read over the Fuji Heavy Industries press release.

[Source: Subaru]

Continue reading Shanghai Preview: Subaru XV

Shanghai Preview: Subaru XV originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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