Changes for the 2013 Outback

[Schof26]

May as well start this now. The sooner we have this up here, the more likely Subaru will find it (or we send the link to them) and maybe make some changes.

And even if someone else posts a change you'd like to see before you post, post it again! The more ofteb Subaru sees something, the more likely they are to make changes. Or something. I don't know.

Anyhow, here are a few of the changes I'm looking for in the 2013 Outback:

1) Memory presets for driver’s seat.

2) Turn signals on side mirrors.

3) Lights on back hatch.

Which changes would you like to see?

[Alchemist42]

Make the new engine presently in the Forester available in the Outback.

Adjust the front/back end to impove the approach/departure angles.

Better stereo option at the premium level.

A resturn of the Panoramic sunroof.

[subiesailor]

I'd put money on it all we see is a different color option and very very rare possibility the new engine line up might make an appearance but I wouldn't bet money on it.

[Space Wrangler]

Originally Posted by Alchemist42

Make the new engine presently in the Forester available in the Outback.

Adjust the front/back end to impove the approach/departure angles.

Better stereo option at the premium level.

A resturn of the Panoramic sunroof.

indeed. for a car that's supposed to be off road worthy, they sure to have a lot of overhang. ..especially in the front.

[subiesailor]

Originally Posted by Space Wrangler

indeed. for a car that's supposed to be off road worthy, they sure to have a lot of overhang. ..especially in the front.

It's a design issue with how the engine and transmissions are set up only way to change that is to redesign the engine and transmission in a big way. Chances are you would loose a very very large portion of the Subaru buyers as a result given the only way to do that would be to go to an inline transverse mounted engine and transmission set up which is a cheaper - less reliable - more expensive to maintain and no longer symmetrical regarding drive line lengths.

Every design has draw backs in this case the symmetrical set up with the engine drive shaft run fore and aft and the front drive lines mounted behind the engine vs under it in a transverse inline 4 type set up results in a longer over hang.

[GasGuzz]

I bet there’s more needing/wanting a larger spare well (even just to store/secure the flat 225/17), rather than a shorter overhang useable only in offroad.

[Alchemist42]

Originally Posted by subiesailor

It's a design issue with how the engine and transmissions are set up only way to change that is to redesign the engine and transmission in a big way. Chances are you would loose a very very large portion of the Subaru buyers as a result given the only way to do that would be to go to an inline transverse mounted engine and transmission set up which is a cheaper - less reliable - more expensive to maintain and no longer symmetrical regarding drive line lengths.

Every design has draw backs in this case the symmetrical set up with the engine drive shaft run fore and aft and the front drive lines mounted behind the engine vs under it in a transverse inline 4 type set up results in a longer over hang.

Im sure to some extent this is correct, but its quite possible. The forester has much better approach/departure to the outback. The 22 in the back is livable but the front 19 is dismal for off roading... the vehicle can climb a hill much steeper than it can actually get up on in the first place.

The problem isn't mechanical IMO its cosmetic. The outback is styled more like a car so you have that big low hanging front bumper. It could have been angled up adding 3-5 inches of approach while looking a bit more suv / agressive. They chose a more car like look on the outback to differenciate from the forester.

[05 llbean]

1) Hids
2) Better stereo option
3) panoramic sunroof like my 05
4) Full size spare tire well

[dstedman]

Euro rails. A guy can dream, right?

[vr4Legacy]

Well if it's all speculative....

1. Diesel
2. Ability to choose interior color, I hate beige, but love the Cypress Green Pearl....
3. Memory Seats
4. A La Carte options eliminate the "packages" and let us pick a sunroof without a
backup camera. (although now that I have it, I love the backup camer )
5. NO HIDs PLEASE!! More costly, annoying to oncoming vehicles and just excessive
IMO. Projection lamps give plenty of light.