Subaru's All-New Liberty Sedan For New York Motor Show
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The new generation Subaru Liberty
will make its public debut in USA on 10th April,
where the car is sold as a Subaru Legacy |
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Subaru
1st April, 2009
- Roomiest Legacy (Liberty) Sedan Ever with New Levels of Comfort and Refinement
- Legacy 2.5-Litre Naturally-Aspirated Models Feature Newly Developed Lineartronic™ CVT
Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), manufacturer of Subaru automobiles, announced overnight the unveiling
of the all-new Legacy sedan (U.S. specifications) at the New York Motor Show (open to the public from 10th
April through 19th April). The new sedan will be introduced in the U.S. market as the 2010 Legacy. In
Australia, this model is known as the Subaru Liberty.
In the 20 years since the introduction of the first Legacy (Liberty) model, FHI has remained committed
to enhancing both sporty handing and safety technology and has made significant improvements to this
fifth-generation Legacy sedan. Featuring Subaru’s core technology, symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive (AWD), along
with FHI’s original Horizontally-Opposed (BOXER) engine, the all-new Legacy sedan draws together superb
driving performance and vital environmental considerations, while providing increased room and unparalleled
comfort. The new Legacy sedan also features the new Subaru Lineartronic™ CVT (continuously variable
transmission) and a new engine cradle design.
Larger mid-size package
On an all-new platform, the new Legacy sedan offers roominess comparable to mainstream mid-size sedans
in the North American market that are built around comfort and space.
- The new Legacy sedan is 35 mm longer, 90 mm wider and 80 mm higher than the previous model. While its
overhang dimensions are shortened by 45 mm, its wheelbase is expanded by 80 mm, allowing for additional rear
legroom.
- The boot is enlarged and offers larger volume than the previous model, while its opening is also wider and
placed lower for easier access and utility. The boot will accommodate four nine-inch golf bags.
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Exterior design
Based on the design concept of Presence, the new Legacy embodies advances in the Legacy sedan styling, combining
boldness and beautility into its sporty look.
- Overall exterior design, accentuated by sharp edges and character lines, highlights the vigor of the new Legacy.
- Prominently projected wheel arches express the power running through the Symmetrical AWD system, enhancing the
presence of the Legacy.
- A distinctive wing-shape embellishment on the front grille shows the Subaru brand identity, and the front bumper
designs accentuate flat horizontal surfaces. Embellished with solidly-designed headlamps, the front face of the
Legacy makes a bold, powerful statement.
- The cabin with dynamic design and a shorter boot lid give the vehicle a sporty appeal, while volume and power
of the vehicle are expressed in the rear-end design, rounded and capacious and framed by the combination lights.
- Mouldings around the windows accentuate the sleek design of cabin area with a quality feel.
Interior designs
For interior design development, Subaru focused on the key words, Active and Quality Feeling. A new interior
design echoes the dynamic exterior lines and shapes and provides a more spacious cabin.
- The new instrument panel, accentuated by sharp edges, provides the impression of more laterally-opened space in
the front
- A sense of powerful presence and fine quality is expressed in the centre console shapes and in the decorative
hairline finish on the surfaces of the console.
- The incorporation of a new electronic parking brake eliminates the need for a brake lever and provides more
space for the centre console. The centre console features two cup holders arranged side by side, and the console box
and arm rest are enlarged to provide more inside storage space.
- Both front seats excel in comfort and support, and their stitched fabric emphasises the Legacy’s sporty look. A
10-way driver’s seat, with power lumber support adjustment, and 4-way power front passenger seat are available on
premium-grade models.
- A newly-designed 3-spoke steering wheel provides a sporty feeling and comes with audio and cruise control
buttons. Steering wheel paddle shifters are featured on models with automatic transmissions and Lineartronic™ CVT.
- The four dials on the instrument panel are outlined with aluminium-steam-plated meter rings, and, for immediate
reading, their illuminated backgrounds are always on. A multi-information display with average-MPG indicator is
located in the centre of the dashboard.
Engine and transmission
The new Legacy (Liberty)sedan is powered by improved Boxer engines that provide good fuel economy. Three engine
types are available in the U.S. market.
Legacy 2.5i
Engine displacement: 2,457 cc
Max. output/max. torque: 170 hp @ 5,600 rpm/170 lb-ft.@ 4,000 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual/Lineartronic™ CVT
Legacy 2.5GT
Engine displacement: 2,457 cc
Max. output/max. torque: 265 hp @ 5,600 rpm/258 lb-ft.@ 2,000 - 5,200 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Legacy 3.6R
Engine displacement: 3,630 cc
Max. output/max. torque: 256 hp @ 6,000 rpm/247 lb-ft.@ 4,400 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
2.5-litre SOHC engine
- Employing a resin-based intake manifold, the engine is lighter in weight and improves low speed range torque.
Additionally, better fuel economy is achieved through engine cooling performance improvements. Optimising the
specifications of its catalyst, the engine offers outstanding exhaust gas control.
2.5-litre DOHC Turbo engine
- Design changes in the turbocharger have raised performance and lowered emission levels.
- Peak torque is generated at levels as low as 2,000 rpm, and sustained smoothly at higher rpm ranges.
- The turbocharger unit is placed directly under the forward part of the crankshaft. This layout shortens the distance
that exhaust gas must travel, increases response with smoother turbocharging and improves filtering of emissions. It also
helps to lower the vehicle’s centre gravity, which results in more efficient weight distribution.
3.6-litre DOHC engine
- Featuring the same external dimensions as the earlier 3.0-litre engine, the new 3.6-litre engine is compact and
lightweight.
- The Active Valve Control System (AVCS), which incorporates variable valve timing on both the intake and exhaust
valves, optimises power delivery across the engine’s speed range while helping to reduce emissions. Not only does the
3.6 engine offer greater performance than the previous 3.0-litre unit, but it does so economically by using regular
grade fuel. The 3.0-litre engine required premium grade.
The Subaru Lineartronic™ CVT (continuously variable transmission) offers driveability and fuel economy.
Lineartronic™ CVT
- The 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated engine model is equipped with a chain-type CVT, the world’s first* longitudinally
mounted CVT system for AWD production vehicles. (*Claim based on Subaru research.)
- Chain-type CVTs boast higher torque delivery capacity and lower friction, helping provide better fuel efficiency
than belt-type CVTs. The Lineartronic™ CVT employs smaller pulley cores, which makes the unit compact. And due to the
significant size difference between the smallest and largest pulley core diameters, the CVT provides infinite variability
between the highest and lowest available ratios, helping to keep the engine operating in its most efficient range.
- With a perfect balance of torque delivery and engine revolutions, the Lineartronic™ CVT provides smooth acceleration
with a linear feeling in response to the accelerator pedal.
- The manual mode of the Lineartronic™ CVT, which a driver can choose to engage, uses six pre-selected steps that allow
the driver to “shift” manually using steering wheel paddle controls. The shift response is always quick and smooth,
comparable to the conventional sports AT models.
Five-speed AT
- Fuel economy is improved through the reduction of friction and weight in the AT unit.
Six-speed MT
- For the first time in the U.S. market, the six-speed manual transmission is offered with the 2.5-litre non-turbo
Legacy model. The new 6MT provides excellent fuel economy and improved driveability, as well as quieter rides in
high-speed ranges, thanks to its wider ratio coverage.
- The compact design of the modified 6-speed transmission for turbo engine models is made possible by optimising the
gear layout. This unit is also more than 25 kg lighter than the previous unit.
Chassis
A new engine cradle design not only helps reduce noise and provides more refined ride and stability but also improves
front impact safety.
- The engine is mounted to the cradle frame, no longer installed on the chassis. The cradle system supports the engine
on four mounts that utilise cushioning rubber filled with liquid material. By situating the engine in precise relation to
the torque roll axis of the power unit, the cradle system helps reduce vibration. In addition, the cradle layout allows
the turbocharger to be placed under the engine, which also helps reduce emissions.
- The MacPherson-type strut front suspension is mounted to the new engine cradle, further improving steering response
and handling and adding to overall rigidity. By changing the layout of the stabilisers with increased diameter, roll
rigidity is enhanced. This keeps the stroke in line and improves ride comfort.
- A new double-wishbone rear suspension is mounted to the sub frame. All suspension links and the rear differential
are also mounted to the sub frame via bushes, while the link bushes and shock absorber mounts are optimised to suit the
new Legacy. Those enhancements have significantly lowered overall noise levels.
- The 2.5-litre models feature standard 16 inch wheels, in optional aluminium alloy, and 205/60R16 tyres. Premium
grade models are fitted with 17 inch alloy wheels with 215/50R17 tyres. And the 2.5 turbo models are richly furnished
with 18 inch alloy wheels with 225/45R18 tyres. On the Legacy 3.6 litre models, 17 inch alloy wheels with 225/50R17
tyres are standard.
- All models are equipped with a standard 4-wheel disc Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), which is augmented by Subaru’s
Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). Further control is offered by Subaru’s Brake Assist safety system, which is
available on all models.
- A new electronic parking brake eliminates the traditional parking brake handle and allows for more storage space
in the centre console. An electronic Hill Holder System in the parking brake is automatically activated if the vehicle
stops on any hill with a slope of more than 5%.
- Also standard on all models is Subaru’s exclusive Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system, which further enhances
stability and traction control capacity by optimising the control time.
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2010 Subaru Legacy (US sppec)
The Subaru Legacy is sold as the
Subaru Liberty in Australia |
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Body construction
- Use of high-tensile steel in critical body parts contributes to weight reduction and higher overall rigidity. The
engine cradle design enables more efficient impact absorption, while keeping the body dimensions and weight virtually
unchanged from the previous model.
- The bonnet and boot lid are fitted with gas springs for greater ease of operation.
Safety
- In the event of front impact, the engine cradle frame folds inward and causes the power unit to slide downward,
thus providing greater zone of protection for the cabin space. In combination with Subaru’s Ring-Shaped Reinforcement
Frame safety structure, which is designed for efficient absorption of impact, front impact safety has been
significantly improved.
- Two impact beams have been added in each of the front and rear doors. With an optimised layout of its inner
components, the door provides enough crushable space between its panels to afford another level of protection to the
vehicle's occupants.
- Despite a shorter overhang, energy produced on rear impact is effectively absorbed through optimised frame
construction.
- All models feature front seat side impact air bags and side curtain air bags that ensure additional head protection
for front and rear occupants. Intelligent dual-stage deployment front air bags use sensors to detect both the presence
and weight of the front passenger and the driver’s distance from the steering wheel. And for optimal protection of
occupants, the system determines deployment strength of front air bags. The side airbags and curtain airbags are
enlarged to further enhance passenger protection.
- Newly designed high-strength front seat frames and energy-absorbing headrests provide enhanced protection against
whiplash injury in a rear-end collision.
Other equipment
- Headlights are governed by an automatic lights-on and -off function that responds to specific driving situations.
- A 60/40 split fold-down rear seat provides a wider passage to the boot compartment.
- A cup holder inside the rear seat armrest comes standard.
- Premium grade models offer additional comfort and convenience options, including a Harman-Kardon® audio system
and a power moonroof with a tilt-up and slide mechanism.
Major Specifications:
Body Styles 4-door, 5-passenger
Body Size (length/width/height) 4,735 X 1,820 X 1,505 mm
Wheel Base 2,750 mm
Track (front/rear) 1,565/1,570 mm
Specifications are preliminary and subject to change. Kindly note this
news article relates to the US specification Subaru Legacy. This model is sold in Australia as the Subaru Liberty.
Next Car will have details of Australian specifications later in the year, closer to the local release time.
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