Subaru has lifted the covers on the all-new, 2010 Legacy ahead of the mid-size sedan's world premiere at next week's New York International Auto Show. The production version of the Legacy Concept that was shown in Detroit earlier this year comes with new looks inside and out, a revised engine line-up that includes a new 3.6-liter 6-cylinder boxer and improved space for passengers and their luggage alike.
As was expected, Subaru's designers toned down the Legacy Concept's exterior styling with the production model looking much less aggressive and yes, the car's rear-end does bring to mind the Lexus GS. Inside, the new Legacy has been updated from ground up though Subaru's clientele will most likely feel right at home which isn't a bad thing at all.
The 2010 Legacy is built on a new, larger platform that promises to offer increased room and comfort while preserving the previous model's driving dynamics. The new Legacy is 3.2-in. higher, 1.4-in. longer and 3.6-in. wider than the previous model while the wheelbase grows to 108.3-in., a 3.2-in. increase over the previous model. According to Subaru, the 2010 Legacy provides nearly four inches of additional rear legroom for passengers while the trunk volume has grown from 11.4 to 14.7 cu.ft.
Under the hood, the 2010 Legacy will be offered in the States with three new or revised engines, all combined with Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. The entry level 2.5i model is powered by an updated 2.5-liter normally aspirated four-cylinder boxer that delivers 170HP at 5,600 rpm and 170 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,000 rpm. This engine is matted to a new standard 6-speed manual transmission or the new Lineartronic CVT.
Up next is the 2.5GT models that come with a revised 2.5-liter turbocharged four-pot boxer (based on the Impreza WRX engine) teamed to a new standard 6-speed manual transmission. that is more than 50 pounds lighter than the 6-speed unit used in the 2009 Legacy 2.5GT spec.B. The turbo unit produces 265HP and 258 lb.-ft. of peak torque (compared to 243 hp and 241 lb.-ft. in the previous 2.5GT models) allowing the 2.5GT to accelerate from zero to 60 mph (96km/h) in under six seconds.
Finally we have the new Legacy 3.6R model powered by a new 3.6-liter H6 engine that replaces the previous 3.0-liter H6. The 3.6-liter boxer engine produces 256HP and 247 lb.-ft. of peak torque, compared to 245 hp and 215 lb.-ft. of torque for the previous 3.0-liter unit. This engine is hooked up to a five-speed automatic transmission.
Sales of the new Legacy will begin in the U.S. this summer with prices expected to be similar to the '09 models. The European version of the Legacy that will be offered 2.0-liter gasoline and diesel boxer engines will most likely be unveiled at the Frankfurt auto show in September.
