Subaru has released the first pictures of it's all-new Legacy saloon. The saloon will be officially launched at the
New York Motor Show next week. The Legacy has been redesigned to be stronger, more spacious and more refined. One thing that has not changed is the use of horizontally-opposed engines and four-wheel drive.
The styling is based on the concept car seen at the
Detroit Motor Show. Compared with the show car, the styling has been toned down with smaller wheelarch blisters and less extreme side skirts. The new model is slightly larger than the
outgoing version with more rear legroom and a larger boot.
By using high-tensile steel in key areas Subaru has designed a stronger body without incurring a huge weight penalty; overall weight has increased by about 25kg. To improve refinement the engine, gearbox and front suspension are now carried by a sub-frame that is claimed to suppress noise and vibration. At the rear another sub-frame carries the differential and rear suspension.
Inside, the dashboard has been revised to create 'the impression of more space'. By fitting an electronic handbrake more stowage space has been created in the centre console.
Continuing Subaru's tradition of horizontally-opposed engines the legacy has a range of four- and six-cylinder motors ranging from 2.5- to 3.6-litres. The turbocharged 2.5-litre flat-four is the most powerful of the range with 261bhp, 9bhp more than the six-cylinder engine. The base model 2.5-litre has 168bhp and is offered with either a six-speed manual or the new 'Lineartronic' CVT automatic; the turbo is only available with a six-speed manual gearbox while the six-cylinder Legacy gets a five-speed automatic. Expect Subaru's 148bhp diesel to be added to the range for Europe and the UK.
The new Legacy will be unveiled at the New York International Auto Show on 8th April. The UK launch date has not been confirmed but the Legacy will go on sale in the US this autumn. Expect full details of prices and specifications of the European-market legacy to be released nearer the launch date.
John Lambert - 1 Apr 2009