Motor Authority - blog Category: Legacy

  • 2010 Subaru Legacy scores 31mpg highway in EPA tests

    2010 Subaru Legacy scores 31mpg highway in EPA tests Subaru has been curiously unaffected - or nearly so - by the tremors shaking the foundations of so many other carmakers' sales figures. And despite the 2010 Legacy's not-so-adorable face, it's developing its own following already. Today, that following will have a fairly tough pill to swallow with the release of the EPA's fuel economy figures.

    It's not all bad news, as the Legacy 2.5i with CVT transmission manages 23mpg in the city, 31mpg on the highway and 26mpg combined, putting it solidly in the upper half of its class, especially considering the sedan's size, power, and AWD capability. In fact, Subaru says it's the most efficient 2010... Subaru has been curiously unaffected - or nearly so - by the tremors shaking the foundations of so many other carmakers' sales figures. And despite the 2010 Legacy's not-so-adorable face, it's developing its own following already. Today, that following will have a fairly tough pill to swallow with the release of the EPA's fuel economy figures. It's not all bad news, as the Legacy 2.5i with CVT transmission manages 23mpg in the city, 31mpg on the highway and 26mpg combined, putting it solidly in the upper half of its class, especially considering the sedan's size, power, and AWD capability. In fact, Subaru says it's the most efficient 2010 mid-size AWD sedan in the U.S. "We are thrilled that the all-new 2010 Legacy not only offers more space and a more rewarding drive than the competition, but it also delivers better fuel economy at a very competitive price," said Tim Mahoney, senior vice president and CMO of Subaru America. But the sportier and more powerful 2.5GT and 3.6R versions offer significantly worse efficiency, ticking over 18mpg in the city and 25mpg on the highway for 21mpg combined. That's only marginally better than some SUVs, and not very competitive in the Legacy's segment. With real-world figures likely to fall somewhat below that mark for many drivers, it's an even darker picture. The only remaining model, the 2.5i with the six-speed manual transmission, does little to brighten the picture. Rated at 19mpg city, 27mpg highway and 22mpg combined, the manual is blown out of the water by the CVT. All of that said, however, the 2010 Subaru Legacy is actually more fuel efficient than the preceding generation, so current owners have something to sweeten an upgrade.2010 Subaru Legacy (Liberty) Read More
  • Subaru celebrates 20 years of STI division with new museum

    Subaru celebrates 20 years of STI division with new museum For over 20 years Subaru's motorsports division STI (Subaru Tecnica International) has been churning out championship-winning rally cars and incredible road-going versions that have impressed scores of motor journalists and customers alike. Now, to commemorate its work with Subaru models, the STI division will be getting its own special museum in Tokyo with a number of exclusive STI models on show to keep fans salivating whenever they visit.

    Named rather simply as the STI Gallery, the new museum will give visitors an insight into the history of Subaru's STI division, along with actual STI production models and racing vehicles that have... For over 20 years Subaru's motorsports division STI (Subaru Tecnica International) has been churning out championship-winning rally cars and incredible road-going versions that have impressed scores of motor journalists and customers alike. Now, to commemorate its work with Subaru models, the STI division will be getting its own special museum in Tokyo with a number of exclusive STI models on show to keep fans salivating whenever they visit. Named rather simply as the STI Gallery, the new museum will give visitors an insight into the history of Subaru's STI division, along with actual STI production models and racing vehicles that have appeared throughout the past 20 years. One of the highlights is the late Colin McRae's Subaru Legacy RS model that he drove to take out victory in the 8th round of the World Rally Championships in 1993. The actual museum is split up into three different areas, including the 'Car Exhibition' area where a number of STI production models and past racing models are held to show the division’s continuing work with Subaru. There is also an 'STI Concept' area, where enthusiasts will be able to view a number of exhibits including bits and pieces from STI racing cars and other related motorsport objects. There will also be an 'STI History' area where visitors can track the division’s progress throughout the years, from its inception to the present day. The new STI Gallery is located in the Mitaka district of Tokyo, at the same location where Subaru's parent company Fuji Heavy Industries runs its local office. Read More
  • Subaru expands Legacy range with new Touring wagon and B4

    Subaru expands Legacy range with new Touring wagon and B4 The fifth-generation Legacy (Liberty) and Outback were recently unveiled and to coincide with the car’s launch in Japan Subaru has added the new Touring wagon and sporty B4 to the range. Before you get all excited, the latest iteration of the B4 name only applies to a sports package in this case, not a high-performance twin-turbo model as in the past.

    As expected the new Touring model carries over the same controversial styling found on the sedan variant. Along with this styling, the Touring also adopts the same engine lineup as its sedan sibling, which means the base engine is a 2.5L unit rated at 170hp (127kW) and 170lb-ft (230Nm)... The fifth-generation Legacy (Liberty) and Outback were recently unveiled and to coincide with the car’s launch in Japan Subaru has added the new Touring wagon and sporty B4 to the range. Before you get all excited, the latest iteration of the B4 name only applies to a sports package in this case, not a high-performance twin-turbo model as in the past. As expected the new Touring model carries over the same controversial styling found on the sedan variant. Along with this styling, the Touring also adopts the same engine lineup as its sedan sibling, which means the base engine is a 2.5L unit rated at 170hp (127kW) and 170lb-ft (230Nm) of torque. Also on offer will be a 265hp (197kW) and 258lb-ft (350Nm) turbocharged version of the same engine for the Legacy 2.5GT wagon. Filling out the range will be the Legacy 3.6R wagon, which comes with a 256hp (191kW) and 247lb-ft (334Nm) of torque 3.6L engine. The Touring model is also bigger in almost every dimension compared with the outgoing model. Its wheelbase has been lengthened by 80mm thanks to a new platform, and overall the wagon is 95mm longer than its predecessor, as well as 50mm wider. Storage space has also been increased to 2,018L. As for the B4, the sporty saloon is based on the 265hp (197kW) 2.5GT turbocharged powertrain but comes with a range of subtle performance touches such as 18in wheels and a discrete bodykit to differentiate it from the more mundane models. Both the new Touring and B4 are expected to reach the U.S. by the end of the year and pricing shouldn’t start too far off from the sedan’s base price of $19,995.2010 Subaru Legacy Touring wagon2010 Subaru Legacy B4 Read More
  • Subaru reveals U.S. pricing for Outback range

    Subaru reveals U.S. pricing for Outback range For those of you eagerly awaiting Subaru's Outback crossover to hit the market, you will be glad to know that pricing details for the car have been revealed today - with the entry level model starting at $22,995, the same price as the outgoing one.

    This entry level model features the company’s 2.5L, 170hp (127kW) four-cylinder Boxer engine, as well as a six-speed manual transmission. An automatic transmission means forking out another $1,000, but even the most basic model still features the usual modern conveniences such as keyless entry, an electronic parking brake with a 'Hill Holder' system and a four-speaker audio system.

    Also... For those of you eagerly awaiting Subaru's Outback crossover to hit the market, you will be glad to know that pricing details for the car have been revealed today - with the entry level model starting at $22,995, the same price as the outgoing one. This entry level model features the company’s 2.5L, 170hp (127kW) four-cylinder Boxer engine, as well as a six-speed manual transmission. An automatic transmission means forking out another $1,000, but even the most basic model still features the usual modern conveniences such as keyless entry, an electronic parking brake with a 'Hill Holder' system and a four-speaker audio system. Also featuring the 2.5L engine is the Outback 2.5i 'Premium' - essentially the same as the entry level model but with a few extras thrown in for good measure. Starting at $24,995 in manual guise, the premium model gains fog lights, privacy glass, an electric driver's seat, leather steering-wheel and 16in alloys. Even more upmarket than the 'Premium' model is the $27,995 Outback 2.5i 'Limited', which features an automatic transmission, dual-zone climate-control, paddle shifters, all-season tires wrapped around 17in alloys, leather-trimmed upholstery and a Harman/Kardon audio system. The range-topping 3.6R variant of the Outback does away with the four-cylinder 2.5L Boxer engine found in the lesser models and instead adopts a new 256hp (191kW) six-cylinder engine, mated to a standard 5-speed auto. Starting at $27,995, the most basic 3.6R model misses out on premium features such as leather, unless they are optioned. It still gets all-season tires, 17in alloys, paddle shifters, fog lights and privacy glass. The 3.6R also gets 'Premium' and 'Limited' variants, which adopt the same additions as found in the 2.5L four-cylinder model. The 3.6R Premium starts at $28,995, while the 3.6R Limited is priced at $30,995. All models also get a delivery fee slapped on them that falls just shy of $700. For more on the new Legacy the Outback shares much of its internals with, check out our coverage here.2010 Subaru Legacy (Liberty)2010 Subaru Outback Read More
  • Subaru reveals pricing for 2010 Legacy (Liberty)

    Subaru reveals pricing for 2010 Legacy (Liberty) Subaru is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its Legacy (Liberty) sedan with the unveiling of the all-new fifth-generation model this year. Subaru is renowned for its love-or-loathe approach to designing cars, as seen in the frequent revisions to its Impreza line over the years, but the styling of the new Legacy is nowhere near as controversial though we’re sure it will leave opinions divided. The pricing, however, is sure to be regarded as attractive.

    Starting at just $19,995 for the 2.5i, or $800 lower than the last Legacy, the new car offers good value for money thanks to a slightly larger size and more standard features. Adding a... Subaru is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its Legacy (Liberty) sedan with the unveiling of the all-new fifth-generation model this year. Subaru is renowned for its love-or-loathe approach to designing cars, as seen in the frequent revisions to its Impreza line over the years, but the styling of the new Legacy is nowhere near as controversial though we’re sure it will leave opinions divided. The pricing, however, is sure to be regarded as attractive. Starting at just $19,995 for the 2.5i, or $800 lower than the last Legacy, the new car offers good value for money thanks to a slightly larger size and more standard features. Adding a CVT bumps the price by $1,000, while moving up to a 2.5i Premium trim raises the entry bar to $20,995 as well when equipped with a standard six-speed manual, though it also adds a bunch of features beyond the standard 2.5i, including 10-way power driver's seat, driver's side window with automatic up and down, leather-wrapped steering wheel, instrument storage bin w/door, overhead console with sunglass holder and ambient light, bright exhaust tip, body-colored mirrors and 16in alloy wheels. The 2.5i Limited starts at $24,995, and adds paddle shifters and a 6-speed manual shift mode, P215/50 R17 all-season tires, 17in alloy wheels, perforated ivory/off black leather-trimmed upholstery, four-way power front passenger seat, All-Weather Package and a Harman Kardon audio system to the 2.5i Premium's feature sheet. The 2.5GT models start at $27,995 and $29,995 for Premium and Limited, respectively. They add larger wheels, exhaust tips and of course the up-rated 265hp engine described below. Stepping up to the 3.6R models, built around a 3.6L boxer engine that replaces the outgoing 3.0L unit, the pricing starts at $24,995 - $1,600 lower than the previous 3.0R - for the entry model, $25,995 for the 3.6R Premium and $27,995 for the 3.6R Limited. Feature lists follow similar lines to the 2.5i, though all 3.6R models are slightly higher spec, with 17in alloys and paddle shifters standard across the range. Subaru has yet to reveal when the car will be available via retail outlets, however. The latest 2010 model is the roomiest Legacy yet and like its predecessors the car comes with a choice of horizontally-opposed ‘boxer’ engines and symmetrical AWD. The car also features Subaru’s latest Lineartronic continuously variable transmission, with a special manual model to allow the driver to change gears using steering wheel paddle shifters. A six-speed manual will also be offered for the first time on the full range of Legacy models. The base Legacy engine is 2.5L unit, which is rated at 170hp (127kW) and 170lb-ft (230Nm) of torque, and this is followed by a 265hp (197kW) and 258lb-ft (350Nm) turbocharged version of the same engine for the Legacy 2.5GT. Filling out the range is the Legacy 3.6R model, which comes with a 256hp (191kW) and 247lb-ft (334Nm) of torque 3.6L engine. McPherson front suspension and double-wishbone rear suspension are enhanced for increased roll stability, while the front suspension mount points also improve chassis rigidity by tying into the engine cradle. A distinctive wing-shape embellishment on the front grille shows the Subaru brand identity, and the front bumper designs accentuate flat horizontal surfaces. Embellished with solidly-designed headlamps, the front face of the Legacy is intended to be 'bold and powerful'. The cabin's dynamic design and a shorter deck give the vehicle what Subaru calls 'a sporty appeal', while the size and power of the vehicle are expressed in the rear-end design, which is rounded and capacious and framed by the combination lights. Both front seats are designed for comfort and support, and their stitched fabric builds on the Legacy’s sporty look. A 10-way driver’s seat, with power lumber support adjustment, and 4-way power front passenger seat are available on premium-grade models. As previously stated, the new 2010 model offers more space than any previous Legacy and measures up to 35mm longer, 90mm wider and 80mm taller than the outgoing car. While its overhang dimensions are shortened by 45mm, its wheelbase is expanded by 80mm, allowing for additional rear legroom.2010 Subaru Legacy (Liberty) Read More
  • Subaru's new Outback gains size, features

    Subaru's new Outback gains size, features The Subaru Legacy (Liberty for non-U.S. markets) sedan's design has sparked a lot of hatred in both Subie fans and foes alike, but today's debut of the Outback has the potential to quell some of the uproar. Wearing the new face somewhat more elegantly than its four-door sibling, the 2010 Outback has clear intentions of moving further up-market than its predecessor.

    A new 256hp (191kW) six-cylinder engine is available in 3.6R models, offering improved performance and capability, while the standard 2.5i's 170hp (127kW) four-cylinder Boxer balances efficiency with utility. A new six-speed manual is available with on 2.5i models, while an... The Subaru Legacy (Liberty for non-U.S. markets) sedan's design has sparked a lot of hatred in both Subie fans and foes alike, but today's debut of the Outback has the potential to quell some of the uproar. Wearing the new face somewhat more elegantly than its four-door sibling, the 2010 Outback has clear intentions of moving further up-market than its predecessor. A new 256hp (191kW) six-cylinder engine is available in 3.6R models, offering improved performance and capability, while the standard 2.5i's 170hp (127kW) four-cylinder Boxer balances efficiency with utility. A new six-speed manual is available with on 2.5i models, while an optional and also new Lineartronic CVT smooths out acceleration if chosen. The powerful 3.6R models get a standard 5-speed automatic. Despite gaining 8 cubic feet of interior room to 105.4cu ft and growing 2.8in in wheelbase to 107.9in, the 2010 Outback is about an inch shorter than the 2009 model thanks to shorter front and rear overhangs. Cargo capacity is also up 6cu ft to 71.3cu ft total. Safety measures for the new car are a step up as well, designed to keep pace with ever-stricter ratings systems in the U.S., Europe and Asia. Standard equipment for 2010 includes VDC (stability and traction control), hill-start assist, plus full-time symmetrical AWD. For more on the new Legacy the Outback shares much of its internals with, check out our coverage here.2010 Subaru Outback Read More

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