SUBARU
STX
(“X” as in experimental)
Let’s start with the engine. The ST-X cradles a supercharged and intercooled 2.5-liter four-banger that chugs out 230 horsepower and 210 lb/ft of torque. Gearing is manual, with a five speed, dual-range tranny. Now as you may have noticed, gas prices are reaching the point where we may have to sell our women or get used to commuting on horseback. Can only speak for myself, but a strong four-cylinder plant looks mighty tempting right about now.
Still, this Subaru’s best party trick has got to be its "Switchback" Seat conversion that transforms the ST-X from a four-door sedan with a tiny, glommed-on bed to a two-door pick-up with space for mountain bikes, 4x8 plywood sheets, power tools, and other manly things. In Switchback mode, the rear glass slides down into the back seat, which then folds forward to form a new cargo wall and add extra 20 square feet of storage. Just for kicks, the side glass and forward-sliding roof can also disappear with the flick of a switch.
Designed by Subaru of America in the United States, the four-passenger ST-X concept is based on the successful new-for-2000 Legacy/Outback platform and shares the 104.4-inch wheelbase of those models. The vehicle could appeal to consumers -- especially younger car and truck shoppers -- who want the versatility of a four-doorr pickup truck, but would prefer the driving dynamics of a car.
A Subaru of America idea called the Switchback seat (patent-pending) can extend the 55.5-inch cargo bed length forward to 76.0 inches. 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.
With the Subaru Switchback seat, 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, easy-to-wash Sherwin-Williams Zolatone® finish as the bed.
A 230-horsepower supercharged/intercooled version of the Outback 2.5-liter "boxer" engine gives the ST-X impressive on-road performance. Full-time All-Wheel Drive, a dual-range 5-speed transmission and 8.5 inches of ground clearance give the ST-X true off-road capability.
Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes specially blended the ST-X Solar Flare orange paint, which is complemented by Moondust silver lower body cladding.
Bed features include:
Inside, the ST-X features black/orange leather trim with an "aboriginal" finish on the console and armrest, plus a combination gauge pack with satin-chrome look trim. The air bag-equipped Momo steering wheel provides a sporty touch one might find in a sports car.
McIntosh Audio, known for its high-end home system components, customized a 650-watt, 7-speaker CD sound system for the ST-X.
Additional functional and sporty features include