Subaru confirms production of new crossover vehicle: ST-X
By Michael Binstock
Acorn Automotive Editor

Subaru of America, Inc. has announced plans to build a new crossover vehicle based on the ST-X concept unveiled at the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show earlier this year. The new vehicle, called the ST-X, will be produced at Subaru’s plant in Lafayette, Ind., beginning next year, with annual production scheduled for 24,000 units.

The new vehicle concept, combines the versatility of the Subaru Outback, with the utility of a pickup, creating a whole new type of vehicle.

"Subaru invented the crossover category with the introduction of Outback, the World’s First Sport Utility Wagon," said Subaru Of America, Chairman, President and CEO, Takao Saito. "Now, Subaru has taken this concept a step further, establishing a new segment to complement the active lifestyle. Based upon the overwhelming response by the public and our dealers to the ST-X, we are confident this new vehicle will form the latest chapter in the Subaru crossover success story."

The four-passenger ST-X (Subaru Truck X-perimental) doesn’t just join the four-door pickup trend – it predicts a whole new type of vehicle.

"Having created a new market niche with the Outback Wagon, we wanted to explore a new type of crossover niche that Subaru could fill comfortably," said Peter Tenn, the Subaru of America product planning designer who penned the initial ST-X sketches. "At the same time, we wanted to demonstrate the strength and flexibility of the Subaru Legacy/Outback platform and drivetrain."

The ST-X truly delivers on its promises of utility, performance and fun. With all the side and rear glass lowered and the huge power fabric sunroof opened, the ST-X provides nearly the open-air feel of a convertible. The unique pickup bed measures 55.5 inches long and extends forward by another 20.5 inches to give the ST-X utility unmatched by current four-door pickups.

A Subaru of America innovation called the Switchback System can extend the cargo bed length to 76.0 inches without using a bed extender which carries cargo on the tailgate far behind the rear wheels, which can compromise handling. With the Subaru Switchback System, the power-retractable rear window glass lowers completely into the rear seatback. The rear headrests, which pivot down from the roof, fold up and out of the way. The seat cushion folds up and forward, its bottom forming the new rear wall of the cargo bed. The seatback then folds down to form a flat cargo floor. The bottoms of the seat cushion and seatback feature the same durable finish as the bed.

"Aside from the car-like performance, ride and comfort characteristics of the ST-X, we knew we’d need something special, an advantage that no other pickup offers," said Tenn. "That’s what the Switchback does for the ST-X."

A handy, large under-floor compartment with flip-up lid will hold ice and canned beverages for tailgate parties – there are even built-in cupholders there and in the tailgate. There’s plenty of electric power available with two 12v outlets plus a 110v inverter.

A supercharged/intercooled version of the Outback 2.5-liter "boxer" engine gives the ST-X impressive on-road performance, while full-time All-Wheel Drive, a dual-range 5-speed transmission and 8.5 inches of ground clearance give it true off-road capability.

To give ST-X broad appeal, the designers chose to avoid giving it the "super macho" look of many truck-based concepts. They kept the size "just right" and avoided the pitfalls of an unrealistic ride height. They did not, however, restrain themselves with the vehicle’s appearance.

Echoing their desire to make the ST-X a fully functional concept, and to maintain a strong resemblance to current Subaru vehicles, the team decided to use as much Legacy/Outback exterior sheetmetal as possible.

The ST-X design team created an interior to match the intensity and function of the exterior. However, they resisted installing a "hose it out" type of interior because most pickup truck and SUV owners use their vehicles as cars, not dune buggies.

Next month, Subaru will start deliveries of the WRX. This version of the Impreza 2.5 RS, the only all-wheel drive car in the sport compact segment, continues to leave the competition spinning its wheels – literally. This is the nearest thing to driving a street-legal Rally car

Don’t expect to see the ST-X in showrooms until next year, but in the meantime all ther current models can be viewed and test driven at Subaru of Thousand Oaks in the Thousand Oaks Auto Mall.