TOKYO — Mid-2009 signals the 20th anniversary of the Subaru Legacy. So what better time to unveil the next-generation model? Slated for a June 2009 launch, the fifth-generation Legacy will take its predecessor's exterior and add a larger grille, sharper up-slanting headlights, flared fenders and stronger edges all round.

As one insider says, "It'll employ significant cosmetic modifications, but you'll still be able to tell that it's a Legacy. But this time, opinions on its exterior looks will no doubt be divided."

Expected to sit on an almost identically sized platform as the current model, the new lineup will include the Legacy and Outback.

The future Legacy will be powered by newly developed 2.0-liter and 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engines, with one source saying that the six-cylinder 3.0-liter will be axed in lieu of improved emissions and fuel efficiency.

Our source also indicates that the construction of Subaru's recently launched boxer diesel engine (in Europe) has influenced company engineers to employ similar techniques in maximizing the new gas engine's design by incorporating an alloy cylinder block, which features a significantly reduced block length and longer stroke action. Such construction also allows for weight reduction and the ability to lower the engine's center of gravity even further.

The 2.0-liter naturally aspirated unit is expected to generate 200 horsepower while the 2.5-liter turbo model will produce over 300 hp. In order to reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency, two notoriously weak areas for Subaru, engineers are working on a continuously variable transmission in addition to the standard five-speed automatic.

With the 3.0-liter model discarded, we have it on good authority that Subaru is seriously considering adding a hot Legacy STI to the mix further down the road — a sedan destined to get a turbocharged version of the company's current 3.7-liter engine that will reportedly pump out upwards of 430 hp.

 

Article key :  Subaru Legacy, Subaru, New Car, 2010