Subaru yesterday confirmed that premium versions of its 2007 Legacy and Outback will feature the company’s new SI-Drive system. Subaru Intelligent Drive offers the option of three different driving modes. The modes are easily selected using a centre console dial, or steering wheel controls. For those wanting to achieve optimum fuel consumption and ride comfort in stop-start traffic around town, or cruising on the freeway, ‘Intelligent mode’ is activated by simply pressing the button. By accelerating gently and noting an ‘Eco gauge’ on the instrument cluster, drivers can achieve maximum economy. ‘Sport mode’ is activated by turning the button left. It is ideal for everyday flowing traffic, including on urban roads. ‘Sport #’ mode is activated by turning the button right. It is aimed at producing great car response for enthusiastic drivers on open roads.
Zero obligation price quote from a trusted local dealer.
08/08, 4:56 PM
posted by:
jay
Nice I like Subaru, they make fairly nice cars, make an great Awd system, and a good wagon.
Hmm I wonder how much this will improve economy?
08/08, 5:07 PM
posted by:
1952 MG TD
Jay, how much it will improve fuel economy? it is nothing more than a light on a dash that lets you know if you are driving like there is:
1) an egg under the accelerator pedal
2) a fire at your house and you are trying to beat the trucks.
any/all savings can be had on vehicles without this fricking light.
08/08, 5:21 PM
posted by:
The Stig
Knobs…
08/08, 6:41 PM
posted by:
mike
It’s not just a knob or a light. It’s a engine mapping software. It will make the accelorator less responsive to pressure in the event you are in traffic, possibly making the transmission change gears differently.
08/08, 8:15 PM
posted by:
ncp101nzfe
probably lowers boost in the turbo models too.
08/08, 9:05 PM
posted by:
Mike T
Its not really a bad idea. Different ECU maps for different situations. It’s gotta be nice to get a few MPG extra, without changing your driving habits.
The only problem is that I would leave it in the “sport #” mode all the time : )
08/08, 10:07 PM
posted by:
A.K. Maloney
This is old news, my friends. Although I applaud all the work you do here at LLN, this is simply old news. The Legacy and Outback turbo models with the SI-Drive have already been on dealer lost for a few weeks now.
Now, in reply to all those that think it’s “just” a light, just a gimmick, just a “knob” — you are wrong!! It is a genuine engine mapping software system that enhances (in sport and sport sparp modes) throttle response, and shifts transmission shift points when applicable (read: auto tranny). In “Intelligent mode” it actually reduces engine output by nearly 20 % and changes settings on the ECU to maximize fuel efficiency by as much as 10 %.
What I’m waiting to see is how the huge aftermarket industry for Subaru’s goes about working with this setup.
08/08, 10:10 PM
posted by:
A.K. Maloney
Re-reading what I’ve wrote I realize my typos. It’s late and I’m tired and I didn’t care about proof reading what I was typing. So, let’s not get into the nitpicking games of who can spell and who can’t and stick to the topic @ hand please
08/08, 11:22 PM
posted by:
Renton
Thank God it’s not on the STI.
08/09, 1:06 AM
posted by:
1c3d0g
The STI isn’t all that you lame ass.
08/09, 2:33 AM
posted by:
Camron
^^^ whats better for under 35,000?
exactly.
08/09, 12:01 PM
posted by:
Michael
Old news. This was announced at the New York Auto Show. The new part of the news is that LLN should have said “SI-Drive is coming to Australia”.
08/09, 2:40 PM
posted by:
madcapp
Wow that’s and old timey reference #2, its “drive like there’s an egg between your foot and the accelerator pedal” not under the pedal. I still have one of those brochures from Shell in the 70’s that had a picture of a gas pedal, an egg, and a leather dress shoe. They also used to preach “pulse and coast” with the gas pedal. Its annoying as hell if you’re ever driving with some cheap old bastard trying to save a nickel by pulsing the gas pedal.