2011 Subaru Legacy: More room, more refinement, more power

TORONTO, July 26 /CNW/ - After launching an all-new roomier and more powerful Legacy to great acclaim in 2010, Subaru adds more choices for the 2011 model year with new features and options that let drivers create the Legacy that best suits their needs.

Named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), Editor's Choice in the Family Car category by World of Wheels Magazine and Best Midsize Car in the Automotive Leasing Guide Canadian Residual Value Awards, Subaru has further enhanced the Legacy for the new model year with:

    
    -   Folding side-view mirrors, now standard on every Legacy sold in
        Canada
    -   A new Convenience Package for the Legacy 2.5i, including a voice-
        activated Bluetooth(R) system for hands-free cell phone connectivity,
        10-way power driver's seat, 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels, and a
        sporty stainless steel exhaust tip
    -   PZEV (Partial Zero Emission Vehicle) technology, available on the
        2.5i Convenience Package with the Lineartronic(R) Continuously
        Variable Transmission
    -   The addition of front fog lights to the 2.5i Sport Package
    -   Simulated carbon-fibre interior trim, aluminum alloy sport pedals,
        front fog lights, and silver upholstery stitching added to the Legacy
        2.5GT
    

Legacy continues to be offered in three exceptional trim levels: the 170-horsepower 2.5i, which can be fitted with either a 6-speed manual transmission (6MT) or optional Lineartronic(R) CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with paddle shift controls; the 265-horsepower turbo-charged 2.5GT with 6-speed manual transmission; and the 256-horsepower 6-cylinder 3.6R with 5-speed Electronic Direct Control Automatic Transmission with Manual Mode (5EAT), blipping control, and paddle shift controls.

Like all Subaru models, every Legacy is equipped with Symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive, an invaluable performance- and safety-enhancing system that sets Legacy apart among midsize sedans. All-wheel drive is rare in the midsize segment, and only Subaru makes it standard on every model it offers.

Besting Midsize Benchmarks

The long wheelbase and wide track put Legacy squarely in the midsize segment while retaining a taut, highly maneuverable package. Legacy offers more total passenger room (2.91 cubic metres or 103 cu. ft.) than many competitors with more hip, shoulder, and head room as well as a large trunk (.416 cubic metres or 14.7 cu. ft.). By itself, achieving a large trunk is significant, since the Legacy's AWD layout requires packaging a rear differential and drive axles. In fact, Parents magazine cited Legacy's "roomy back seat and a trunk that is perfect for stroller-toting moms and dads" as factors in its selection as a top family vehicle.

Confident, Agile Handling and Safety for any Road ... or any Weather

All Legacy models are equipped with Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), which combines stability and traction control capability. Every Legacy is also equipped with a standard 4-wheel disc Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and the Brake Assist safety system.

Comfort and Convenience in All Models

Standard comfort and available amenities for the Legacy 2.5i include steering wheel audio control buttons, electronic parking brake, automatic headlights, and an overhead console with a holder for sunglasses. The driver-selectable Hill Holder System holds the vehicle in place on grades greater than 5 percent until the driver applies the throttle to pull away from a stop.

The turbo-charged 2.5GT offers performance enhancements such as twin steel-tipped exhaust pipes, Bridgestone Potenza RE050A Summer Performance tires on 18-inch 15-spoke alloy wheels, as well as amenities such as a power moonroof, leather seating surfaces, 4-way power front passenger seat, premium harman/kardon audio system, voice-activated navigation with rear-view camera, voice-activated Bluetooth, and leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear selector.

The extremely well-equipped Legacy 3.6R is uniquely fitted with P225/50 R17 Bridgestone Turanza all-season tires fitted to 10-spoke alloy wheels. For even more well-equipped performance, both the 2.5i and the 3.6R may be fitted with Sport and Limited option packages, and Limited models may be further enhanced with a Multimedia package.

Three Levels of Engine Performance

Legacy offers three levels of performance. The Legacy 2.5i is powered by a 170-horsepower 2.5-litre 4-cylinder Subaru Boxer engine with a standard 6-speed manual transmission. The Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission) with Manual Mode is standard on the Convenience and Limited Packages and optional on the 2.5i and 2.5i Sport Package. Both transmissions help to improve acceleration, response and fuel economy. Legacy 2.5i models equipped with the CVT transmission offer an outstanding 9.1 L/100 km city/6.4 L/100 km highway rating.

The Legacy 2.5GT is powered by a 265-horsepower turbocharged/intercooled Subaru Boxer engine. This high-performance turbocharged engine is mated with a 6-speed manual transmission. Designed for the discerning enthusiast, the Legacy 2.5GT is equipped to challenge some of the best names in the sport sedan field.

The Legacy 3.6R offers a sophisticated blend of performance and comfort, powered by a 256-horsepower 3.6-litre 6-cylinder Subaru Boxer engine matched to a 5-speed electronic automatic transmission with Manual Mode and blipping control for smooth downshifts, and uses regular-grade fuel.

Subaru's Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

Subaru has adopted a chain-type CVT, the world's first longitudinally mounted CVT system for AWD production vehicles. Unlike a conventional automatic transmission, which uses fixed gear ratios, a CVT provides infinite variability between the lowest and highest available ratios with no discernable steps or shifts. The CVT continuously and smoothly adapts to performance demand, helping to keep the engine in its most efficient operating range for improved fuel economy and performance.

Because a CVT does not shift gears, the driver enjoys smoother performance in all driving situations. The selectable Manual Mode of the Lineartronic CVT uses six pre-selected ratios to allow the driver to "shift" manually using steering wheel paddle controls.

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive - The Subaru Advantage

Subaru offers three different Symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive systems in the 2011 Legacy line - Continuous, Active Torque Split, and Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) - each tailored to the engine and type of transmission. In all Legacy models equipped with the 6-speed manual transmission, the Continuous AWD system uses a viscous-coupling locking centre differential to distribute power 50/50 front to rear. Slippage at either set of wheels will send more power to the opposite set.

Legacy 2.5i models equipped with the Lineartronic CVT use the Active Torque Split version of Symmetrical AWD. An electronically managed continuously variable transfer clutch actively controls power distribution in response to driving conditions.

Legacy 3.6R models exclusively feature advanced Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) All-Wheel Drive with a 5-speed automatic transmission. A planetary centre differential works with an electronically controlled continuously variable hydraulic transfer clutch to manage power distribution. The VTD system normally sends more power to the rear wheels to enhance handling agility, and it continuously adjusts power distribution in response to driving and road conditions.

The Subaru Safety Story

The Legacy, like all Subaru models, has consistently earned top scores in government and insurance industry crash tests. Subaru's Advanced Ring-Shaped Frame Reinforcement safety structure, proven over a decade in all Subaru models, forms the foundation for crash protection and occupant safety. The 2011 Legacy features greater use of high-tensile steel to keep weight gain low despite the much larger interior package.

Legacy's standard equipment includes front seat-mounted side impact air bags and side curtain air bags that offer head protection for front and rear occupants. Legacy models are also equipped with the Subaru Advanced Frontal Airbag System. This intelligent air bag system employs dual-stage-deployment driver and front passenger air bags. The passenger side front seat incorporates an occupant detection module that classifies the seat as empty or the occupant as an adult or infant/child to control the force of air bag deployment.

For more information on the 2011 models, including complete specifications, please go to www.subaru.ca.

Subaru Canada, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of over 85 authorized dealers across Canada.

For further information: Elaine Griffin or Jen Giller, [phone]