Filed under: Sedan, Wagon, Subaru

The launch of the new XV Crosstrek may be the bigger news for Subaru here at the New York Auto Show, and the BRZ coupe may still be getting the lion's share of the attention, but the Legacy and its high-riding counterpart, the Outback, have also debuted here in Manhattan with a series of updates.

Most noticeable (that term being a relative one) is the pair's revised front fascia, but behind the new look is a fresh boxer four that replaces the old one in the 2.5i model, now producing three more horsepower and four more pound-feet of torque (173 hp/174 lb-ft.) while returning improved fuel economy. An updated CVT is the principal transmission for the 2.5-liter four, with a six-speed manual available, both driving all four wheels in typical Fuji Heavy Industries style. The available 3.6-liter flat six carries over with a five-speed automatic. Subaru says it has also revisited the suspensions on both models for improved ride comfort and performance.

There's also a suite of new electronics packed into the revised Legacy and Outback, including everything from new active safety technology features like lane departure warning and collision mitigation to improved audio system connectivity.

Sadly, Subaru has axed the enthusiast-minded Legacy 2.5GT model for 2013.

Continue reading Subaru tweaks Legacy and Outback for 2013, kills off 2.5GT

Subaru tweaks Legacy and Outback for 2013, kills off 2.5GT originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 17:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We’re just days away from the 2012 New York International Auto Show. As show time edges closer, Subaru today previewed revised versions of the 2013 Legacy sedan and Outback CUV which will be formally unveiled in New York next week. While the Legacy and Outback were completely redesigned for 2010 and have since enjoyed considerable sales success, Subaru has definitely gone beyond the typical mid-cycle refresh.

While the front end has been completely restyled, Subaru is introducing an all-new engine for 2013. A new 2.5L boxer four rated at 173hp takes over as the base engine in the Legacy/Outback. As always, all-wheel drive is standard. Buyers can choose from a six-speed manual or a Continuously Variable Transmission. While the new engine offers only modest gains in power and torque from the motor it replaces, Subaru claims improved low-end torque. Fuel economy is also improved, projected at 24/30 MPG city/highway for the Outback, with the Legacy getting 32 MPG on the highway. Both Legacy and Outback are still available with a 3.6L boxer six, rated at 256hp, paired to a five-speed automatic.

Apart from the new engine, Subaru has also made improvements the body structure, suspension and steering. Subaru claims the work results in a smoother, quieter ride, improved handling agility and a 40% reduction in body roll. Also new for 2013 is EyeSight Driver Assist, which bundles adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking and vehicle lane departure warning in what Subaru says will be one of the most affordable safety systems available. Inside, buyers are treated to a new instrument panel, improved seat fabrics, while base Legacy/Outbacks now get Bluetooth, USB charging port and iPod control capability as standard fare.

While there is no word yet on pricing or availability, I must hand it to Subaru for taking a mid-cycle refresh to a new level. In a business where new headlights and taillights are enough to be considered a ‘revision’, Subaru has gone to great lengths with a new engine and chassis improvements to stay ahead of the competition. Stay tuned, as The Garage will be eager to review the latest from Subaru!

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Wagon, Tokyo Motor Show, Subaru, Design/Style

Many of us were big fans of the visuals of the previous-generation Subaru Legacy. While it was a little long-in-the-tooth by the time its replacement rolled around, it was a pretty slick little number. The current Legacy may be more advanced than the model it replaced, but we've never warmed to its look the way we did with the fourth generation model. That's why we're encouraged by these preview images of this new concept.

At the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show later this month, Subaru will unveil the Advanced Tourer Concept seen here, together with its much-anticipated new BRZ coupe. We're hoping this is a glimpse at the next-gen Legacy wagon, as the Advanced Tourer Concept packs much more aggressive, muscular styling than the current model (we're also hoping that Subaru brings back the wagon bodystyle to North America). It's also possible that it will be a standalone model outside of the Legacy range.

The interior has been done up in all manner of luxury features, from lashings of leather and brushed aluminum trim to the panoramic glass sunroof and, intriguingly, an infotainment screen mounted right on the steering wheel.

There's also a new crash avoidance system based on two cameras mounted to the rearview mirror, but the bigger technological feature is the new in-house hybrid drivetrain that couples an electric motor to a 1.6-liter turbo boxer four to deliver the same output as a 2.0- or 2.5-liter but with better fuel consumption, driving all four wheels through a CVT. Like what you see? Check it out in the high-res image gallery and the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Subaru Advanced Tourer Concept to bow in Tokyo

Subaru Advanced Tourer Concept to bow in Tokyo originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Nov 2011 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Sedan, Recalls, Safety, Crossover, Subaru

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has just announced a safety recall affecting 69,590 model year 2011 Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles. The recall concerns adhesive, or a possible lack thereof, used to affix moonroof glass to its retainer. This action covers 2011 Legacy and Outback models manufactured from August 3, 2010, through July 1, 2011.

NHTSA says an inadequate amount of adhesive on the moonroofs of affected models could allow the glass to loosen or even detach while the vehicle is in motion. This flying glass, says the agency, could become a road hazard and possibly even lead to a crash.

Subaru will contact owners of affected Legacy and Outback models in October and says its dealers will inspect the adhesive and, if necessary, apply more of the sticky substance to ensure the glass doesn't detach. As is always the case with a federal recall, dealers will inspect and repair components free of charge, and owners are urged to contact Subaru for more info. Click past the jump to read the official recall notice.

Continue reading 2011 Subaru Legacy, Outback models recalled over fly-away moonroofs

2011 Subaru Legacy, Outback models recalled over fly-away moonroofs originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Sep 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Colin McRae will always be remembered as someone who could drive just about anything, faster than just about anyone. Here he properly stretches a Subaru Legacy RS around the bends. More »

Colin McRae will always be remembered as someone who could drive just about anything, faster than just about anyone. Here he properly stretches a Subaru Legacy RS around the bends. More »