2010 Subaru Legacy Revealed

Subaru of America has confirmed previous 2010 Legacy reports, which said the model would attend the 2009 New York Auto Show and promises the new vehicle packs both a punch and a restyled look. Built on a longer platform than its predecessor, the new Legacy makes use of new powertrains and new suspensions, as well as the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, a rara avis amidst the midsize segment.

For the 2.5l engine, the 2010 Legacy will offer three levels of performance: the Legacy 2.5i, 2.5i Premium and 2.5i Limited. The powerplant is a 170 horsepower 4 cylinder Boxer engine, controlled via either a new standard 6-speed manual transmission or the new Lineartronic CVT. The i-Active Valve Lift System (AVLS) ensures a broad torque curve and smooth response at all engine speeds, while improving fuel efficiency. The Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive for this version uses a viscous-coupling locking center differential to distribute power 50/50 front to rear.

The Legacy 2.5GT version benefits from an upgraded powerplant based on the Impreza WRX engine, which is capable of producing 265 horsepower. The new unit features a turbocharger that is mounted below the engine, allowing for smoother turbocharger response and improved emissions, as well as lowering the car's center of gravity.

The biggest engine fitted on the 2010 Subaru Legacy, the 3.6l 6 cylinder Boxer powerplant, develops 256 horsepower and is matched to a 5-speed electronic automatic transmission. Compared to the 3.0l six cylinder engine it replaces, the new 3.6l has the same external size and uses regular-grade fuel, rather than premium required by its predecessor. The Legacy 3.6R models feature advanced Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) All-Wheel Drive.

As we said, the wheelbase stands now at 108.3 inches, a 3.2 inch increase over the previous Legacy. The new vehicle is also 3.2 inch higher and 3.6 inch wider than the previous model, yielding gains in head, shoulder and hip room.

Visually, the Subaru badge centers the new grille, which features a squared off lower edge. Character lines arc from the grille and form power bulges on the hood and taper off into the A-pillar. The silhouette incorporates a larger greenhouse and a shorter deck to give the vehicle a sporty look.

The interior of the new Legacy is dominated by the four-dial instrument panel, augmented in all Legacy models by a multi-information display with trip computer located in the center of the dashboard. Another thing that catches your eye is the lack of a ordinary hand break, which has been replaced by an electronic Hill Holder System.

Safety wise, all Legacy models are equipped as standard with Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) and 4-wheel disc Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).

As for the prices, well, we'll have to wait and see. With the 2099 New York Auto Show just around the corner, Subaru is likely to let us know when the car will be available and for how much in a few days. Rumors say that sales will begin as soon as summer, or at least late autumn, but as we said, Subaru will surely clear that up in a few days.