New Subaru Legacy sedan revealed: Full Details!

Posted by Harvinder

April 1, 2009

Japanese-based auto maker Subaru has released official images and details (preliminary for the U.S market) regarding the new Subary Legacy sedan ahead of its official debut at the upcoming New York Auto Show. Overall, the new Legacy sedan which has grown to offer a bigger cabin and trunk space, is 35 mm longer, 90 mm wider, 80 mm higher and 80 mm longer in terms of wheelbase compared to the previous model. Overall, it measures 4,735 mm in length, 1,820 mm in width, 1,505 mm in height and has a wheelbase of 2,750 mm.

With its exterior styling heavily based on the Legacy Concept, the all new interior is, among others, finished with a new instrument panel featuring four dials outlined with aluminum-steam-plated meter rings, a 10-way driver’s seat, with power lumber support adjustment and 4-way power front passenger seat (for top of the line versions) and newly-designed 3-spoke steering wheel with audio and cruise control buttons as well as paddle shifters for models with the automatic transmission and the Lineartronic CVT. There is also a multi-information display with average-MPG indicator that is located in the center of the dashboard.

Suspension wise, the 2010 Legacy which comes with the Symmetrical AWD system features a MacPherson-type strut suspension with a thicker stabilizer while the rear is treated to a double-wishbone setup. All models are equipped with a standard 4-wheel disc ABS with EBD. Further control is offered by Subaru’s Brake Assist safety system, which is also available on all models. With a new electronic parking brake feature with an electronic Hill Holder System, all models also come with Subaru’s Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system, which is basically another version of the ESP system.

In terms of safety, all models also feature front seat side impact air bags and side curtain air bags, apart from front airbags for the driver and front passenger that insure additional head protection for front and rear occupants. Intelligent dual-stage deployment front air bags use sensors to detect both the presence and weight of the front passenger and the driver’s distance from the steering wheel. For optimal protection of occupants, the system determines deployment strength of front air bags. The side airbags and curtain airbags are enlarged to further enhance passenger protection.

Continue reading for the rest of the report and to view an image gallery.

Three Boxer engine options are available, all mated with three different transmissions. First up is the 2.5 liter SOHC engine in the Legacy 2.5i that kicks out 170HP at 5,600 revs and 230Nm of torque at 4,000 revs. This engine which features a resin-based intake manifold, improved engine cooling performance and a new catalyst can be mated to either a 6 speed manual transmission or Subaru’s chain-type Lineartronic CVT tranny. In the Legacy 2.5T, there is a 2.5 liter DOHC Turbo engine that is able to produce 265HP at 5,600 revs and 349Nm of torque.

With peak torque available from 2,000 revs through out 5,200 revs, the Legacy 2.5T is offered with a 6 speed manual gearbox. Lastly, there is the Legacy 3.6R that features a naturally aspirated 3.6 liter DOHC engine that is good for 256HP at 6,000 revs and 334Nm of torque at 4,400 revs. Coupled with a 5 speed automatic transmission, the powerplant features Active Valve Control System (AVCS) which incorporates variable valve timing on both the intake and exhaust valves to help optimize power delivery across the engine’s speed range while maintaining low emissions output.

The 2.5 liter models feature standard 16-inch wheels, in optional aluminum alloy, and 205/60R16 tires. Range topping models within the 2.5 liter line up are fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/50R17 tires. 2.5 turbo models are furnished with 18-inch alloy wheels with 225/45R18 tires. On the Legacy 3.6 liter models, 17-inch alloy wheels with 225/50R17 tires are standard.

Other features include; headlights that are governed by an automatic lights-on and -off function that responds to specific driving situations, rear seat with a 60/40 split and more. Range topping models feature additional comfort and convenience options, including a Harman-Kardon audio system and a power moonroof with a tilt-up and slide mechanism.