The Tribeca goes on sale this summer and will be both Subaru's biggest and most expensive vehicle to date. It is a seven-seater crossover SUV that is more car than truck. A unibody platform carries four-wheel independent suspension, with a new control-arm rear end and struts up front. Subaru has fitted the Tribeca with its most sophisticated all-wheel-drive system that incorporates stability control. Power comes from its familiar, 250-hp, horizontally-opposed six-cylinder engine that drives through a five-speed automatic transmission with manu-matic control. Subaru is very proud that the Tribeca has a center of gravity 1.5 inches lower than a BMW X5, yet still has 8.4 inches of ground clearance. Externally, the car incorporates the new face of Subaru--a grille that is said to represent the fuselage of an aircraft, with wing-like vents on either side. Inside, there is a new direction, too, with sweeping surfaces and very high-quality materials. The middle row of seats moves fore and aft, while both middle and back rows fold flat to the floor. The Tribeca will be very well equipped for a base price around $37,000, with power front seats, leather, all manner of air bags, and a power moonroof. Available goodies include DVD entertainment and touch-screen navigation systems.
