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Lexus Reloads GS With Luxury, Technology
The 2013 Lexus GS sport sedan debuts the new face of the brand in an efficient but powerful statement. The stronger design and more luxurious interior are hoped to attract a new type of buyer. The five-seat sedan will be sold in three trim levels …Read more.
Pride of Porsche: Redesigned 911 Carrera Has Evolutionary Styling, Revolutionary Performance
There were some changes made to the new 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera that caused consternation among corporate board members and raised eyebrows among loyalists. But in the end, the 911 Carrera — known in company terms as the 991 — is a …Read more.
Sport Hybrid Hatch: CT 200h Is the Green, Lean Entry to Lexus
The Lexus CT 200h begins its second full year on sale and debuts a new external sound system for pedestrian notification that will be applied to other Lexus hybrids. Also new for this hot-looking, five-passenger, four-door hatchback is an F Sport …Read more.
Confident Camry: 7th-Generation Model Has Understated Finesse, Improved Interior
You know you're getting older when you're testing a new Toyota Camry and you catch yourself saying, "This is nicely done." I almost forgot I was driving what many would consider the most boring car on sale in the United States.
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Outback Gets You There and Back in StyleThe new Subaru Outback isn't just about getting to the backcountry; it is about arriving there in style and comfort. The humble, wagonlike Outback has traveled a long road in its 14 years. For 2010, it emerges at a clearing surrounded by very capable crossover-type vehicles. Outback could be a Car of the Year contender, or at least Most Improved Car of the Year, which is also true of its platform partner, the Legacy sedan. I tested two nicely equipped, not loaded, models. The 2.5i Premium, with 170-horsepower four-cylinder engine, has a starting price of $25,990. The 3.6R Limited, with 256-hp six-cylinder, starts at $28,690. The base model of Outback with six-speed manual transmission starts at $23,990 for the PZEV model sold in California and other states with similar emissions standards. Outback has a couple of significant features — and not just that all Subarus are all-wheel-drive and all have Boxer-type engines, with horizontally opposed pistons: — The optional Lineartronic continuously variable transmission ($1,000) is the best shifting CVT I've tested. It has none of the usual motor-boating effect of the engine revving followed by some forward motion. In Manual mode, the transmission simulates shift points, which gives an absolute hook up of power on hard acceleration. — The 3.6R engine provides brisk acceleration using regular unleaded fuel. — All Outbacks now have an electric parking brake. It saves space and has a hill-holder function, which brakes the vehicle on a hill until the accelerator is used. — Fuel economy with the CVT is 22 mpg city and 29 highway; the 3.6R is rated 18/25. As a family vehicle, the Outback is roomy, comfortable, quiet, smooth-riding and functional. I found the performance of the four-cylinder to be strong and enjoyable. For those parents who are always a few minutes late, the 3.6R makes up lost time. It is quick and even fun to push through corners. Braking on both models is smooth, refined and strong. And the turning circle is modest at 36.8 feet. Upscale materials are used through the Premium models.
Sightlines are good, though there is slight complication over the shoulder at the second-row head restraints. The navigation package, with rearview camera ($2,000), will solve that, plus it's always good to have another set of eyes when backing up. The back-seat area has comfortable legroom even with tall parents in front. The cargo area is wide with a comfortable loading height. There is basement storage, tie-downs and a roller cover. Outback is a clever reinvention of the wagon into a crossover that people will want. SPECS BOX 2010 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited Body style: midsize, five-passenger, all-wheel-drive wagon Engine: aluminum, DOHC, six-cylinder with horizontally opposed cylinders and variable valve timing Horsepower: 256 at 6,000 rpm Torque: 247 foot-pounds at 4,400 rpm Transmission: five-speed automatic with steering wheel shifters EPA fuel economy estimates: 18 mpg city, 25 highway; 87 octane recommended DIMENSIONS Front head/leg/shoulder room: 40.8/43/56.3 inches Rear head/leg/shoulder room: 39.3/37.8/56.1 inches Length/wheelbase: 188.2/107.9 inches Curb weight: 3,658 pounds FEATURES Standard equipment includes: perforated Ivory (or off-black) leather-trimmed seats, four-way power passenger seat, 10-way power driver's seat, aluminum door-sill plates, nine-speaker Harman Kardon audio system with Bluetooth and six-disc in-dash CD and digital playback ability, wood trim, weather package of two-stage heated seats-mirrors and wiper de-icer Safety features include: six air bags, rollover sensor, ABS, brake assist PRICING Base: $31,690, including $695 freight charge Where assembled: Lafayette, Ind.
Mark Maynard is driving in cyberspace at Mark.Maynard@uniontrib.com. COPYRIGHT 2009 THE SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE. DISTRIBUTED BY CREATORS.COM. 
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