Subaru: Legacy News
05-08-2003, 01:43 PM
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Subaru: Legacy News
Sorry no pics available on line yet. Soon though. Interesting info:
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By Dan Strong
Auto Express magazine has got its hands on the world's first pictures of the sensational new Subaru Legacy. Set to hit UK roads in September, the car will not be officially revealed until 23 May.
It's pitched as Japan's answer to the BMW 5-Series and Audi A6, and the pictures in the magazine clearly show that Subaru has retained the Legacy's basic shape, but sharpened the headlights, grille and bonnet to create a more dynamic appearance. The lamps share the teardrop design of the facelifted Impreza, while the tail-lights have been revised to give a more upmarket look. Newly appointed chief designer Andreas Zapatinas arrived too late to have any input into the car's exterior, but says the Legacy reflects the company view that all future Subarus will be based on a similar design.
Our source confirms the new range will employ a powerful version of the H6 3.0-litre engine from Subaru's Legacy Outback soft-roader. Developing around 250bhp, the unit will be mated to the firm's first-ever five-speed auto to offer sequential shifts. The new box will also be available on the 2.0-litre turbo, while a four-speed self-shifter will be reserved for normally aspirated 2.0-litre models. Meanwhile, a 2.5-litre turbo Legacy is destined for release in the US next year, alongside a 300bhp edition of the Impreza WRX STi and Forester turbo, both of which are due there in the autumn.
Other engine changes include the phasing out of the 280bhp twin-turbo 2.0-litre that powered the Japan-only Legacy B4. The new version, which will come to the UK, will instead feature a more efficient single booster with identical power - and this unit eradicates the lag between the sequential turbos.
The revised engine and exhaust will improve bottom-end torque and help deliver strong response from as low as 2,000rpm. The flagship turbo is also to feature a revised four-wheel-drive system. This transmission will split power 45:55 between front and rear axles. The 2.0-litre four-speed auto will use the current Impreza's Active Torque Split 4WD.
Insiders also say Subaru has added a revised engine mount between the body and the powerplant to restrict block movement and help improve refinement. A shorter rack should provide sharper steering responses, while front suspension revisions are also expected to help reduce understeer.
By employing a completely new dual exhaust system, Subaru has also been able to tone down the distinctive boxer sound, a move it feels will help attract a wider range of buyers. Brake response is now better thanks to a larger capacity booster and discs, again from the Impreza WRX STi.
Cabin quality has been improved significantly, with higher-grade plastics and a more Audi-like feel for the newcomer. MacIntosh, the world-renowned in-car stereo builder, designed the audio system for the outgoing Legacy and, for the all-new model, it has upgraded the unit. This means the six-CD/Mini-Disc system offers better mid-range sound. Prices for the car have yet to be announced, but are not expected to increase by much.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
By Dan Strong
Auto Express magazine has got its hands on the world's first pictures of the sensational new Subaru Legacy. Set to hit UK roads in September, the car will not be officially revealed until 23 May.
It's pitched as Japan's answer to the BMW 5-Series and Audi A6, and the pictures in the magazine clearly show that Subaru has retained the Legacy's basic shape, but sharpened the headlights, grille and bonnet to create a more dynamic appearance. The lamps share the teardrop design of the facelifted Impreza, while the tail-lights have been revised to give a more upmarket look. Newly appointed chief designer Andreas Zapatinas arrived too late to have any input into the car's exterior, but says the Legacy reflects the company view that all future Subarus will be based on a similar design.
Our source confirms the new range will employ a powerful version of the H6 3.0-litre engine from Subaru's Legacy Outback soft-roader. Developing around 250bhp, the unit will be mated to the firm's first-ever five-speed auto to offer sequential shifts. The new box will also be available on the 2.0-litre turbo, while a four-speed self-shifter will be reserved for normally aspirated 2.0-litre models. Meanwhile, a 2.5-litre turbo Legacy is destined for release in the US next year, alongside a 300bhp edition of the Impreza WRX STi and Forester turbo, both of which are due there in the autumn.
Other engine changes include the phasing out of the 280bhp twin-turbo 2.0-litre that powered the Japan-only Legacy B4. The new version, which will come to the UK, will instead feature a more efficient single booster with identical power - and this unit eradicates the lag between the sequential turbos.
The revised engine and exhaust will improve bottom-end torque and help deliver strong response from as low as 2,000rpm. The flagship turbo is also to feature a revised four-wheel-drive system. This transmission will split power 45:55 between front and rear axles. The 2.0-litre four-speed auto will use the current Impreza's Active Torque Split 4WD.
Insiders also say Subaru has added a revised engine mount between the body and the powerplant to restrict block movement and help improve refinement. A shorter rack should provide sharper steering responses, while front suspension revisions are also expected to help reduce understeer.
By employing a completely new dual exhaust system, Subaru has also been able to tone down the distinctive boxer sound, a move it feels will help attract a wider range of buyers. Brake response is now better thanks to a larger capacity booster and discs, again from the Impreza WRX STi.
Cabin quality has been improved significantly, with higher-grade plastics and a more Audi-like feel for the newcomer. MacIntosh, the world-renowned in-car stereo builder, designed the audio system for the outgoing Legacy and, for the all-new model, it has upgraded the unit. This means the six-CD/Mini-Disc system offers better mid-range sound. Prices for the car have yet to be announced, but are not expected to increase by much.
05-08-2003, 06:40 PM
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i saw some pics(yea i know this is worthless without em), but i can't remember where @ this second. think subaru officially released teaser pics of the wagon already. it looked good, similiar to the 04 wrx but better.
MMMMMMM 4 door turbo 
05-11-2003, 11:10 PM
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Well, they already sell a hot 250hp Legacy in Japan, of course we get the sleepy version. The LL BEAN Legacy is already a 33k car which is OVERPRICED, Subaru can kiss my arse if they go upmarket.
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05-23-2003, 03:06 PM
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couple more here http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show...y&pagenumber=1
05-23-2003, 05:45 PM
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The sizzle in the Steak
Now just put a Turbo in it!!!
05-23-2003, 10:12 PM
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an adult perspective
Too bad they've gone to the angled audio face-plate which will cause similiar problems for aftermarket fitments such as we currently face with the CL ... the current Legacy's effective have the space for 3 (count 'em, 3) din units which could accomodate 1) an aftermarket head unit (din) 2) a 6-disc CD changer (din) and 3) a DSP (din). This was the route I was going to persue b4 deciding to get the '00 Max instead.
05-25-2003, 10:55 PM
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OOOOO SOOO HOT!
Please god say that the number in the dash in b/t "ECO" and "SPORT" relates to some kind of boost controll. How could would it be for Subura to offer a boost controller, even if it only varies it like 5 psi. ECO = good mileage, SPORT = full power.
Please god say that the number in the dash in b/t "ECO" and "SPORT" relates to some kind of boost controll. How could would it be for Subura to offer a boost controller, even if it only varies it like 5 psi. ECO = good mileage, SPORT = full power.
05-26-2003, 10:37 AM
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Looks nice! Don't like the tail lights at all but maybe they are better in person. Interior looks great and the front end look nice too. Overall a pretty nice ride! I have liked the Legacy in the past. It is the only Subaru that I like. The rest are dopey looking.
06-03-2003, 02:15 AM
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gauges that light up gradually and whose needles "wave hello" in a friendly sweep when you switch on the ignition; an artfully-integrated 1970s-style McIntosh stereo with 6-disc CD changer on upper trim levels; a smaller, grippier three-spoke steering wheel with shift buttons for the optional automatic transmission; and a set of storage spaces and door bins that are much larger and more practical than the old car's. Materials feel more solid, the trunk's lined in flock, and the metal-look pieces are actually real metal.
Though the base 2.5-litre boxer, updated for '05 with variable valve timing - will be familiar to current Legacy owners, the car's powertrain options will get increasingly more interesting in the next couple of years. First to come will be a turbocharged 2.5-litre flat-four for the Legacy GT which will probably be shared with the upcoming turbo Forester, probably producing about 250 horses. If time spent on Subaru's test track with a Japan-market old Legacy is any indication, the new GT will be one fun car, with smooth, punchy power delivery and deliciously flingable handling to go with a Brembo brake package. In the cards is also probably the 3.0-litre 212-hp flat-six currently sold in the top-line Outback, whose smoothness and silence would make for a convincing luxury model. Though the base four will still come with a standard five-speed manual and an optional four-speed automatic, upper-line models will offer a brand-new, and very slick, five-speed automatic as an option.
06-04-2003, 11:50 AM
#30
Outnumbered at home
Will the top line come with a stick? No pictures of one and from the lines under the pictures could not tell if manual was standard and new 5 speed auto was an option or if auto was only transmission for top line.
Amazing looking car.
Amazing looking car.
08-03-2003, 02:24 PM
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Its very nice! but maybe just a little too clean...