2007 Tokyo Auto Show Preview: Subaru Impreza BEAMS Edition

TOKYO — Subaru has been moderately successful in North America in teaming with outfitter L.L. Bean on outdoorsy versions of several models. Now, Japanese domestic buyers have their own special vehicle: the Impreza BEAMS Edition.

Subaru has teamed with BEAMS, a Japanese purveyor of hip fashions with the advertising slogan of "Art for Everyday." Curiously, the BEAMS Web site promotes clothing with "Clean American Casual Style."

There isn't much more to the Impreza BEAMS than paint and trim. The car is painted orange — the BEAMS signature color — and the black leather seats are top-stitched in orange.

Without elaboration, Subaru says in its Tokyo show teaser that "we aimed to create a car that puts a smile on your face." We have to admit, the orange-and-black theme just before Halloween works for us.

What this means to you: Consider the BEAMS edition as the Japanese equivalent of our L.L. Bean models.