The continuous rise in oil prices have made SUV sales drop lower and lower in the last few years. But just when many people have agreed that major SUV manufacturers should now start producing smaller cars, Subaru says just not yet.

Last Thursday, Subaru of America, Inc. unveiled to the world the Special Edition model of the 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca, which is touted as the company’s flagship vehicle for the 2007 model year. Among other things, the Special Edition B9 Tribeca boasted of an exclusive mesh grille and chrome-finish wheels for its exterior and a standard XM Satellite radio package for its interior. These are apart from all the other new features that all other 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca model shares.

Along with the introduction of the 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca Special Edition model, the company also gave further details about vehicle’s standard version, which is also on display at the Chicago Auto Show. Details given by the company were centered mainly on the SUVs 3.0-liter 6-cylinder Boxer engine that outputs 245 horsepower and 215 lb-ft of peak torque. Another feature that was given much attention was the vehicle’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system.

The surprises for B9 Tribeca lovers, however, do not end on those two performance features because the new SUV has more to offer both inside and out. The vehicle’s exterior, for example, features a revamped front fascia highlighted by a new black grille that made it look more aggressive and aerodynamic. There are also a lot of surprises inside the vehicle, with an interior that is considered by many as the most lovable among the many SUVs presented in the auto show.

The 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca also showcases new features on the safety department. One of the new safety features is the Rollover sensor system that deploys the side curtain air bags whenever a possible rollover is sensed. Another is the new Brake Assist which further enhances the performance of the vehicle’s ABS brakes, Vehicle Dynamics Control and four-wheel traction control.

The entire line-up of the 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca SUV, including the Special Edition model, will appear in dealers’ showrooms sometime in June this year. Prices for the different trim levels are yet to be unveiled by the company, although the additional Special Edition package has already been priced at an extra $1,295.