The Subaru ST-X resulted from the work of a team of marketing and product planning
personnel at Subaru of America, Inc. Introduced at the Los Angeles International
Auto Show on January 6, 2000, the ST-X was the forerunner of the Baja.
The front end was from the Legacy, and the cabin was based on the Forester and Outback.
It was custom-built from behind the rear door to the rear bumper.
The foundation for the engine was a 2.5-liter four-cylinder from a WRX STi. Specialized
Vehicles, Inc. in Troy, Michigan, modified the engine with a supercharger and intercooling
to produce 230 horsepower. It drives through a five-speed transmission that offers
four-wheel drive in high or low range.
Innovative exterior highlights include the Switchback, which extends the truck bed
by lowering the rear seat. The tailgate lowers hydraulically, and the bed includes
an extender. A removable “bucket” for storing wet items fills the tire
well. On the roof, between the custom rails, is a soft, fold-back top. The rails
have turn signals incorporated in their leading edges. The light bar across the
top is custom-made. There are two sets of bumper-mounted lamps – one used
for running lamps and the other for fog.
Called “Solar Flare,” the custom orange paint was developed by Sherwin-Williams.
Cladding paint is called “Moondust.” These are patented by Subaru.
The orange and black interior was custom- built. Features include a two-tone steering
wheel, 650-watt McIntosh Audio system, and satin chrome trim.
See the attic’s performance cars in the next Subaru Drive Performance
magazine. Sign up for a free two-year subscription at www.driveperformancesubaru.com.
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