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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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: 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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Filed under: Etc., Safety, Technology, Subaru

Texting and driving is a dangerous practice, we can all agree on that. But would you be surprised to learn that texting might cause you trouble even when your vehicle is locked up tight? As more and more daily items tap into the Matrix, we're exposing more products to those crafty enough to have taken the red pill that is a complete understanding of computer science.

The Black Hat organization gathers industry professionals for events that focus on technical security, and hosts meetings around the world. A recent event in Las Vegas brought out a few folks from iSec Partners, who demonstrated that they could unlock and start a Subaru Outback using their Android phone. By setting up their own GSM network, the pair from iSec grabbed authentication passwords by way of text messages. This gained them entry to the vehicle, and also allowed them to fire up the engine.

This security issue isn't a flaw related solely to the Outback either, as the duo from iSec explained how they could gain control over any device that is accessible via similar networks. Excuse us while we go wrap everything we own in tinfoil, including our heads.

Hackers prove they can break into Subaru Outback via texting originally appeared on Autoblog 5.0 on Fri, 05 Aug 2011 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Two security researchers at a Black Hat security conference demonstrated how they were able to break into a Subaru Outback using a technique they call "war texting" in just a few hours, a revelation sure to warrant a mention in the REI customer newsletter. More »

Filed under: Crossover, Hatchback, Subaru

Subaru unveiled its steroid-enhanced Impreza - the XV concept - at the 2011 Shanghai Motor Show earlier this year, previewing what a high-riding version of the automaker's new C-segment hatchback could look like. Here in the United States, the XV is better known as the Impreza Outback Sport - a vehicle which we've gotten quite accustomed to, especially for its signature two-tone look.

Interestingly, when we spoke with Subaru officials earlier this year, we were told that the XV isn't in the cards for the U.S., but that it's being considered. However, other markets are slated to get a production version of the crossover as early as next year, and the final design looks to be revealed with these Chinese patent office filings. It looks like exactly what you'd expect from a modern-day Outback Sport, which is to say higher-riding and modestly toughened up visually.

If the XV does arrive in the States someday, Subaru tells us that it likely won't be called Outback Sport. Still, with these patent filings showing a left-hand-drive setup, and with China Car Times reporting that a 2.0-liter inline-four (the new boxer engine) will be underhood, we don't think it'll be too hard for Subaru to adjust this thing for American use.

Subaru XV (read: Impreza Outback Sport) leaked via patent renderings originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Jul 2011 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments