CHICAGO, Feb. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Subaru of America, Inc. revealed the enhanced 2007 B9 Tribeca Progressive SUV today at the 2006 Chicago Auto Show. Boasting new safety technology, more refined styling and an improved suspension, the B9 Tribeca is the first-ever Subaru SUV with available seating for seven passengers. The B9 Tribeca features a 245-hp 6-cylinder Boxer engine and a Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system as its core technology. Subaru is America's All-Wheel Drive leader, with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive standard on every vehicle in its model line.

The 2007 B9 Tribeca is distinguished by a new black grille that emphasizes the silhouette of the aircraft-inspired design. A new B9 Tribeca Special Edition package combines an exclusive mesh grille, chrome-finish wheels and a standard XM Satellite radio package for an MSRP of $1,295. All B9 Tribeca models for 2007 come pre-wired for XM Satellite radio, and all gain a new console-mounted auxiliary jack to connect portable audio players to the vehicle's audio system. The B9 Tribeca Limited models add the convenience of a new two-position memory feature for the standard power-adjustable front seats.

Also for 2007, the front and rear suspensions have been revised to deliver a smoother ride and improved after-shock damping on rough surfaces, without sacrificing the balance and sharpness of the B9 Tribeca driving characteristics. Revisions include revised front and rear strut tuning, adjusted spring rates and rear stabilizer bar rate changes.

New Rear Vision Camera, Plus Additional Convenience for 2007

For 2007, all B9 Tribeca Limited models ordered with the optional touch- screen navigation system will now include a rear vision camera. When the driver moves the transmission shift handle into Reverse, the center LCD display will show what the color camera detects within its field of vision behind the vehicle. Reference lines showing 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 meter increments as well as vehicle width (including outside mirrors) help guide the driver as they back up.

Customers can now also order the new Reverse Assist Sensors as an optional accessory for any B9 Tribeca model. Ultrasonic sensors mounted in the rear bumper detect objects behind the vehicle and emit an audible beep that increases in frequency as the vehicle gets closer to the object behind it. Two new optional accessories further enhance convenience in the 2007 B9 Tribeca. A new remote starter feature allows the owner to start the vehicle remotely from up to 800 feet away. A newly available shade-type retractable rear cargo cover enhances cargo security for the rear compartment.

The B9 Tribeca earned the highest rating in the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) crash tests (2006 model tested) with 5 stars in both the frontal and side-impact crash tests for both the driver and passenger seating positions. These results are in addition to the 4-star rating in the NHTSA tests for rollover resistance. (No SUV to date has earned 5 stars in the rollover test.)

For 2007, Subaru has further bolstered B9 Tribeca safety technology, equipping all models with a new Rollover Sensor system that detects a potential vehicle rollover and deploys the standard side curtain airbags. The system also sets the seatbelt pre-tensioners in anticipation of an event. In addition, the new Brake Assist joins the extensive roster of dynamic handling technology, which already includes four-channel ABS brakes, Vehicle Dynamics Control and four-wheel traction control. Brake Assist analyzes the force and stroke velocity on the brake pedal and increases hydraulic boost to provide enhanced emergency braking.

Like all Subaru models, B9 Tribeca delivers a high level of "active safety" owing to the all-weather traction of its standard Symmetrical All- Wheel Drive system and the low center of gravity afforded by the Subaru boxer engine design.

The B9 Tribeca is built at the Subaru of Indiana Automotive plant in Lafayette, Indiana.

About Subaru of America, Inc.

Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes All-Wheel Drive Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of nearly 600 dealers across the United States. Subaru is the only car company that features Symmetrical All-Wheel drive as standard equipment on every vehicle in its product line. Subaru makes the best-selling All-Wheel Drive car sold in America based on R.L. Polk & Co. new vehicle retail registration statistics calendar year-end 2004.