2010 Subaru Legacy Sedan review and pictures

Subaru Legacy Sedan review:

Subaru Introduces All-New Legacy Sedan at New York International Auto Show
Roomiest Legacy Sedan Ever with New Levels of Comfort and Refinement
Legacy 2.5-Liter Naturally-Aspirated Models Feature Newly Developed LineartronicTM CVT
Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), manufacturer of Subaru automobiles, today announced the unveiling of the all-new Legacy sedan (U.S. specifications) at the New York International Auto Show (press days on April 8 and 9, open to the public from April 10 through 19). The new sedan will be introduced in the U.S. market as the 2010 Legacy.

In the 20 years since the introduction of the first Legacy model, FHI has remained committed to enhancing both sporty handing and safety technology and has made significant improvements to this fifth-generation Legacy sedan. Featuring Subaru`s core technology, symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive (AWD), along with FHI`s original Horizontally-Opposed (BOXER) engine, the all-new Legacy sedan draws together superb driving performance and vital environmental considerations, while providing increased room and unparalleled comfort. The new Legacy sedan also features the new Subaru LineartronicTM CVT (continuously variable transmission) and a new engine cradle design.

[Note: Information provided in this release is based on U.S. specifications.]

Larger midsize package for all occupants to enjoy

On an all-new platform, the new Legacy sedan offers roominess comparable to mainstream midsize sedans in the North American market that are built around comfort and space.

* The new Legacy sedan is 35 mm longer, 90 mm wider and 80 mm higher than the previous model. While its overhang dimensions are shortened by 45 mm, its wheelbase is expanded by 80 mm, allowing for additional rear legroom.
* The trunk is enlarged and offers larger volume than the previous model, while its opening is also wider and placed lower for easier access and utility. The trunk will accommodate four nine-inch golf bags.

Engine and transmission

The new Legacy sedan is powered by improved Boxer engines that provide outstanding fuel economy. Three engine types are available in the U.S. market.

Legacy 2.5i
Engine displacement: 2,457cc
Max. output/ max. torque: 170 hp@ 5,600rpm/ 170 lb-ft.@ 4,000rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual / LineartronicTM CVT

Legacy 2.5GT
Engine displacement: 2,457cc
Max. output/ max. torque: 265 hp@ 5,600rpm/ 258 lb-ft.@2,000- 5,200rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual

Legacy 3.6R
Engine displacement: 3,630cc
Max. output/ max. torque: 256 hp@ 6,000rpm/ 247 lb-ft.@ 4,400rpm
Transmission: 5-speed automatic

2.5-liter SOHC engine

* Employing a resin-based intake manifold, the engine is now lighter in weight and improves low speed range torque. Additionally, better fuel economy is achieved through engine cooling performance improvement in an engine head. Optimizing the specifications of its catalyst, the engine offers outstanding exhaust gas control.

2.5-liter DOHC Turbo engine

* Design changes in the turbocharger have raised performance and lowered emission levels.
* Peak torque is generated at levels as low as 2,000 rpm, and sustained smoothly at higher rpm ranges.
* The turbocharger unit is placed directly under the forward part of the crankshaft. This layout shortens the distance that exhaust gas must travel, increases response with smoother turbocharging and improves filtering of emissions. It also helps to lower the vehicle`s center gravity, which results in more efficient weight distribution.

3.6-liter DOHC engine

* Featuring the same external dimensions as the earlier 3.0-liter engine, the new 3.6-liter engine is compact and lightweight.
* The Active Valve Control System (AVCS), which incorporates variable valve timing on both the intake and exhaust valves, optimizes power delivery across the engine`s speed range while helping to reduce emissions. Not only does the 3.6 engine offer greater performance than the previous 3.0-liter unit, but it does so economically by using regular grade fuel. The 3.0-liter engine required premium grade.

The Subaru LineartronicTM CVT (continuously variable transmission) offers superb driveability and fuel economy.

LineartronicTM CVT

* The 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated engine model is equipped with a chain-type CVT, the world`s first* longitudinally mounted CVT system for AWD production vehicles. (*Claim based on Subaru research.)
* Chain-type CVTs boast higher torque delivery capacity and lower friction, helping provide better fuel efficiency than belt-type CVTs. The LineartronicTM CVT employs smaller pulley cores, which makes the unit compact. And due to the significant size difference between the smallest and largest pulley core diameters, the CVT provides infinite variability between the highest and lowest available ratios, helping to keep the engine operating in its most efficient range.
* With a perfect balance of torque delivery and engine revolutions, the LineartronicTM CVT provides smooth acceleration with a linear feeling in response to the accelerator pedal.
* The manual mode of the LineartronicTM CVT, which a driver can choose to engage, uses six pre-selected steps that allow the driver to "shift" manually using steering wheel paddle controls. The shift response is always quick and smooth, comparable to the conventional sports AT models.

Five-speed AT

* Fuel economy is improved through the reduction of friction and weight in the AT unit.

Six-speed MT

* For the first time in the U.S. market, the six-speed manual transmission is offered with the 2.5-liter non-turbo Legacy model. The new 6MT provides excellent fuel economy and improved driveability, as well as quieter rides in high-speed ranges, thanks to its wider ratio coverage.
* The compact design of the modified 6-speed transmission for turbo engine models is made possible by optimizing the gear layout. This unit is also more than 25 kg lighter than the previous unit.

Body construction

* Use of high-tensile steel in critical body parts contributes to weight reduction and higher overall rigidity. The engine cradle design enables more efficient impact absorption, while keeping the body dimensions and weight virtually unchanged from the previous model.
* The hood and trunk lid are fitted with gas springs for greater ease of operation.

Safety

* In the event of front impact, the engine cradle frame folds inward and causes the power unit to slide downward, thus creating greater zone of protection for the cabin space. In combination with Subaru`s Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frame safety structure, which is designed for efficient absorption of impact, front impact safety has been significantly improved.
* Two impact beams have been added in each of the front and rear doors. With an optimized layout of its inner components, the door provides enough crushable space between its panels to afford another level of protection to the vehicle`s occupants.
* Despite a shorter overhang, energy produced on rear impact is effectively absorbed through optimized frame construction.
* All models feature front seat side impact air bags and side curtain air bags 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. And 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.
* Newly designed high-strength front seat frames and energy-absorbing headrests provide enhanced protection against whiplash injury in a rear-end collision.

Other equipment

* Headlights are governed by an automatic lights-on and -off function that responds to specific driving situations.
* A 60/40 split fold-down rear seat creates a wider passage to the truck compartment.
* A cup holder inside the rear seat armrest comes standard.
* Premium grade models offer additional comfort and convenience options, including a Harman-Kardon® audio system and a power moonroof with a tilt-up and slide mechanism.

Major Specifications:
Body Styles: 4-door, 5-passenger
Body Size: (length/width/height) 4,735 X 1,820 X 1,505 mm
Wheel Base: 2,750 mm
Track (front/rear): 1,565/1,570 mm

Specifications are preliminary and subject to change.