Subaru to star at New York Show

Subaru is set to play a headline role at the New York International Auto Show. Indeed, the near-premium Japanese all-wheel drive marque is tipped to debut one all-new model and a thoroughly revised version of another at the show which opens in the Big Apple early next month.

Set to make its world debut at NY is the MY2008 Impreza. An all-new car, the third-generation Impreza will replace the current model which has been in production in essentially the same form since 2001.

Subaru has managed to keep a tight rein on spy shots of the new car. Tipped to debut as a five-door hatch with improved cabin design and occupant space, the new Impreza will spawn a new range of STI-improved rally-oriented turbocharged WRX models. Unlike the previous generation, however, it will not morph into the Forester. The next-generation softroader will get its own underpinnings, Subaru sources say.

The revised model tipped to debut at NY is the updated version of Subaru's slow-selling and largely unloved medium SUV, the Tribeca (pictured). Powered by the same 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine that is fitted to Liberty and Outback models, the Tribeca has been only moderately successful (at best) in most world markets.

The 2008 Tribeca is claimed to feature a new nose (gone is the aircraft-inspired three-element fascia) and, arguably more importantly, a new engine.

The engine is believed to be a naturally-aspirated six-cylinder, however, it will likely feature the bore and stroke dimensions (and tune) of Subaru's torquey 2.5-litre four. Such internals would yield a capacity of around 3.7-litre and a potential engine outputs in the region of 170kW/330Nm.

Though this is less power than the current six it is significantly more torque -- something the larger, heavier, seven-seat Tribeca desperately needs.

The New York show opens April 6. For more check out the website here.

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