Future: Subaru B9X
9-6x plus 2 equals B9X
By Editors of Motor Trend
Photography by the manufacturer
Subaru announced the name for its 2006 seven-passenger crossover SUV at the Miami motor show: B9X. The name seems designed to create confusion with the Subie's platform sibling, Saab's 2007 9-6x, which will bow as a concept this spring at the New York show. And Subaru plans to use the B9X to compete with the Acura MDX and Volvo XC90, taking the brand upmarket--into Saab territory.
But there are differences: Besides exclusive sheetmetal and a mostly exclusive interior, the 9-6x will be available only with two rows of seats, because Saab doesn't want to put a third row of passengers in its rear crumple zone. Most similarities are under the skin. The Saab 9-6x will have Subaru's 245-horsepower, 3.0-liter flat six and its Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system. And that new Subaru face, described as "a central intake flanked by two wings" is the reason for the name B9X, the Japanese automaker says. Subaru first showed the design theme on its 2003 Geneva B11S show car, then on the B9SC and R1e Detroit concepts, and "B9X" is similar to those names. The winged grille is meant to reflect Subaru's legacy as an aircraft manufacturer--just like Saab.