Subaru Introduces the All-New Legacy

Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), a global manufacturer of transportation and aerospace-related products, and the maker of Subaru automobiles, today announced the domestic release of the Legacy series, comprised of the Station Wagon (Touring Wagon) and the Sedan (B4). The company has immediately begun to sell the Station Wagon models through its Subaru dealerships nationwide. The sedans will go on sale in Japan starting June 23.

The new Legacy has been developed on the concept of integrating responsive driving, superb functionality, and outstanding beauty. With a Horizontally-Opposed Engine and the symmetrical layout of the pistons around the central crankshaft as core features, the new generation Legacyfs power train performance has been further enhanced. FHI engineers have pursued the realization of the essence of the Grand Touring Car, and the new Legacy represents Subarufs ambition to achieve truly global performance levels in a Grand Touring Car born in Japan.

Although traditional Legacy design elements are inherited, the new Legacyfs design, engine, chassis, and body construction have been entirely altered, as engineers developed the new generation series with the goals of building in driving pleasure, beauty, and moving experience. Environmental concerns have been also taken into consideration in the Legacyfs technological advances: specifically, making the vehicle substantially lighter in weight.

FHI also introduced the Legacy Station Wagon TransCare: Wing Seat, which comes with a rotating front passenger seat adapted for the handicapped. The company plans to introduce the CNG (compressed natural gas) Sedan to the market in one year. Major product features

1. Design and packaging

Exterior While original Legacy styling elements are retained and polished, the new Legacy styling expresses a new identity, distinguished by its beautiful, sporty, dynamic silhouette.

Along with the optimized body size, the functional and aerodynamic exterior styling accents the new Legacy. The underside of the floor has been made as flat as possible by the attachment of covers over several components located below the floor. The Station Wagon boasts a drag coefficient ratio (CD) of 0.3, and the Sedan model achieves 0.28. Aerodynamic styling contributes to improved straight-line driving stability, quietness, and fuel economy. Power and compactness are represented in the wider Legacy body with slanted ends. The sharp curving line on the front hood to the front bumper, together with the projected fenders, express expectations of stability and dynamic driving, and those expectations are met by the low center of gravity of the Horizontally-Opposed Engine and symmetrical AWD. The sharp, bold design of the headlamps reveals the image of the sharp eyes of a falcon, which ultimately represents individuality. The brightness of the lamps themselves has been also enhanced. The Legacyfs rear end design emphasizes volume, styled to express simplicity and power. The rear combination lamps, consisting of multiple clusters of lenses in a three-dimensional layout, stress the look of a high-quality vehicle. Their design is consistent with the design of the front lamp inner lenses. Clean-lined, sashless windows, which is our tradition, highlight the side view of the vehicle. The door mirrors feature a design that prevents dust and dirt from sticking to the mirrors. They are fitted with light-emitting diode (LED) turn signal lights that are known to improve recognition levels of turns by pedestrians and bikers, who have higher eye positions compared with car drivers Seven new body colors express its sporty, high quality (satin white, arctic white, pearl*, brilliant silver, metallic, Obsidian black pearl, garnet red pearl*, legal blue pearl, Atlantic blue pearl)

Interior The interior design focuses on the integration of soft and sharp surfaces, the high-quality feel of an enthusiastfs car through the clean design of the instrument panel and the round, expanding lines of the door trim and center console embodying a sporty and sophisticated interior space. The front interior reflects a sporty, compact cockpit design. For the best driving function, the center panel is tilted toward the driverfs seat, and switches for various functions are laid out to be easily seen and reached. Four circular meters are clustered together with overlapping sliver meter circumference rings. The three-dimensional design effect between the ring and the depressed meter surface guarantees high visibility. Electro-luminescent meters are installed on the 2.0 GT and 2.0 GT spec. B versions. They highlight the sporty, high-quality look by adding red luminescent light to the rings and indicator hands for all cars. The metersf indicator hands also jump to the maximum limit when the ignition key is turned on, playing up the anticipation of driving. Audio and air conditioning controls are combined in a metallic-look center panel for a simple, elegant design. Seats have been redesigned to reduce fatigue on long journeys. By using high-density urethane foam and vertically placed S-shaped springs in the seats, body pressures are equally distributed between the seat and seat backrest. The round shape in the middle of the seat backrest holds passengers firmly and comfortably. [ Waon utilities ]

Four large suitcases can be easily stored in the Station Wagonfs cargo space, as in the previous model. This space was made available by the design of the wheelhouse to limit its projection and by changes to the rear gate opening. All the Station Wagon models come with a one-touch folding switch, which automatically folds forward the backrests of the rear seats to open up the flat cargo floor in the rear of the car. An electromagnetic switch in the cargo area repositions the rear seat backrests (not available on the 2.0 GT Customized or 2.0i Casual editions). The cargo space tonneau cover with a high-quality finish is lightweight and smaller, improvements achieved through the use of aluminum. The tonneau cover can be stored under the floor mat, giving a more open, spacious cargo area (not available on the 2.0 GT Customized). Six luggage hooks made of die-cast aluminum are located on the cargo space floor, hanger hooks are available under both sides of the cargo room roof trim, and two side cargo pocket nets are attached to the sides of the cargo area. The new Station Wagon has been designed for more ample and convenient storage. Packaging The optimal body size achieves a higher plane of driving performance, maneuverability, comfort, and safety. Widening the wheelbase (body width: 1,730 mm) improves driving stability, and the minimum radius is even shorter than in the previous Legacy model. More safety measures for side collisions have been added.

The range of driving position adjustability has been expanded for optimal driving comfort. The lowest hip position in the driverfs seat has been lowered by 5 mm, and the steering wheel has been placed 10 mm closer to the driver than in the previous model. The new Legacyfs interior space is designed to provide comfort and high functionality, as well as to give peace of mind to passengers during transport in its warm and secure environment. The seats have been developed to provide a comfortable ride and to hold passengers firmly.

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2. Core mechanism

Engine About 80% of the engine components have been redesigned to further enhance driving pleasure under any driving condition. A revolutionary new engine exhaust system and twin mufflers (except in the 2.0i and 2.0i Casual edition) have been added to improve engine exhaust efficiency and to deliver high torque in either the high or low revolution ranges. The gequal length/constant pulsation independent exhaust systemh is fitted with two equal-length exhaust pipes, which help to induce equal levels of combustion in all four cylinders. Through the use of the new exhaust system and realigned exhaust mechanism, a sporty and light revving New Subaru Boxer Sound is created by the engine. An electronically controlled throttle optimizes torque delivery in response to the level of acceleration. The computerized control system opens the throttle according to the extent of accelerator depression. [ Turbo-charged engine ]

The single-turbine turbo system employs a new twin scroll titanium turbo charger. Improved turbine rotation achieves efficient gas intake levels through the use of two independent exhaust gas housings in combination with the new gequal length/ constant pulsation independent exhaust system.h Through the use of lightweight titanium alloy in the turbine, the newly designed turbo charger excels in response to acceleration and delivery of high torque at any rotation speed. An Active Valve Control System (AVCS) optimizes the timing of the intake and exhaust valves according to engine revolutions, which results in better fuel efficiency and optimal torque output. mNon-aspirated dual overhead cam (DOHC) engine n

The NA DOHC engine features a new intake manifold designed to induce the intake gas to reduce ventilation resistance. This design promotes efficient gas intake into cylinders, thereby achieving high power output. AVCS is fitted in the intake valves to enhance power output, optimal torque delivery, and to boost revolutions. mNon-aspirated single overhead cam (SOHC) engine n

Intake efficiency has been further improved by the use of the new intake manifold (same as that of the NA DOHC engine), as well as changes in intake and exhaust ports and cam opening angles. These modifications also help improve maneuverability and increase fuel efficiency. Transmission Automatic transmissions (AT) have been significantly upgraded for smooth gear changes and precise control. The turbo-engine models come with a newly designed 5-speed AT.

All AT-equipped vehicles are equipped with Sportshift gear selection and an Info-ECO mode to facilitate fuel-efficient gear shifting patterns. All MT-equipped, turbo-engine models are equipped with an Info-ECO mode. All AT cars are fitted with an electronically controlled device that adjusts the hydraulic pressure of the AT clutch and brake independently, providing seamless, responsive gear shifting and an enjoyable ride without vibration. All AT models are actively controlled to provide optimal gear positions, according to the driverfs depression of the accelerator, engine revolutions, and acceleration and deceleration rates. The shift lever sequence in the Legacy series AT models is P (park), R (reverse drive), N (neutral), and D (forward drive) in vertical order, with the S (Sportshift) lever horizontally placed next to the D position. Manual mode positions (shift up and down) are selected by moving back and forth horizontally in the S position. m5-speed ATn

The new 5-speed AT connected to the turbo-engine model promises a smooth, sporty ride, through its finely tuned gear ratios. By selecting the manual mode positions (shift up or down) from a switch placed on the steering wheel, the driver can swiftly change gears while remaining in the D position without touching the shift lever (not available on the 2.0 GT Customized edition). m4-speed AT n

The 4-speed AT comes with N Control, which automatically shifts from the D position of AT to neutral when the car has been stopped for some time with its brake pedal depressed. This mechanism and low friction in the transmission further reduce fuel consumption and vibrations. m5-speed MT n

A dual-mass flywheel in the 5-speed manual transmission vehicles provides better driving comfort. The 2.0 GT and 2.0 GT spec. B versions come with double-cone synchromesh in the first gear mechanism for better maneuverability. Chassis The engine position has been lowered by 22 mm in the front edge and by 10 mm in its front differential to improve driving performance by utilizing Horizontally-Opposed Engine features.

Driving stability has been further improved by an expanded tread and altered geometry, providing excellent traction. By expanding the steering angle, the minimum turning radius has been shortened, further enhancing the already nimble cornering. Chassis rigidity and strength were augmented by changes in the front cross members and the rear support subframe construction, as well as by reinforced joints between the body and cross members. Excellent driving stability has been enhanced by the even more rigid construction. The rear suspension improvements include the use of aluminum rear arms, the adoption of upper links, and changes in the mounting subframes (only for turbo-engine models). The gbelow-springh drive train weight in the car, which includes the weight of tires, brake components, and axles that are connected below the suspension springs, has been reduced without sacrificing stiffness in the drive train. The Bilstein-made damper on the 2.0 GT and 2.0 GT spec. B versions has been modified in its valve construction. By optimizing the damping force at the initial low force ranges, vehicle stability is further enhanced. Other versions are equipped with dampers with layered-valve construction, which uses friction control oil to maximize driving comfort. The steering gear box construction has been modified, and a new method is now used to mount the box to cross members. A damper valve is used in the box as well. These changes further enhance steering response and maneuverability. Outstanding braking performance and control have been achieved through the use of a smaller diameter master cylinder and a tie-rod type brake booster, which help strengthen booster shells by connecting them with rods that reduce deformation in the shells during braking. The 2.0 GT and 2.0 GT spec. B models are equipped with 17-inch front brake disks that provide high braking performance. Turbo-engine models feature a linear motion mount that transfixes the right back of the engine with the body. This mount reduces the rolling effects of the engine during sharp cornering and helps elevate driving comfort. The 2.0 GT, 2.0 GT spec. B, and 2.0 R versions are fitted with custom-made Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires, which provide a firm grip on both dry and wet roads.

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3. Weight reduction for overall performance enhancement

Body Using advances on the New Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frames with reinforced subframes around pillars, engineers have improved the body structure and achieved their goals for higher levels of strength and safety. Body weight has been reduced through the application of lightweight materials.

The body structure has been streamlined with the optimization of mainframe shapes, cross-section sizes, and joint connecting methods. Ultra high tensile steel panels and tailored blanks are widely used for the body construction. This kind of engineering work has yielded ideal body strength, durability, and weight. To augment vehicle stability, yaw movement has been decreased by reductions in the weight of components located far from the carfs center of gravity. These components include the front hood, rear gate (on the Station Wagon), and bumper beams, all now using lightweight aluminum. The new mounting position of the battery also contributes to decreased yaw. Safety Both driving performance and safety features are incorporated into the new Legacy, thanks to its Symmetrical AWD system, which provides unparalleled driving stability and traction. With improvements in the new ring-shaped reinforcement frames, front, rear, and side collision safety performance has been greatly enhanced.

The new Legacy is equipped with the Vehicle Dynamics Control system, which coordinates the engine, transmission, and brakes in order to recover the vehiclefs position when unstable movements occur on a slippery road. (The system is available as a manufacturerfs option on the 2.0 GT and 2.0 GT spec. B.) The front dual SRS* air bags with dual-stage inflators deploy the bags in two stages, according to impact level, further improving passenger protection. *SRS=Supplemental Restraint System. Most effective when used in conjunction with seat belts. Side-impact air bags have been added to protect the passengerfs torso. Also added are overhead front and rear side-curtain air bags (available as a manufacturerfs option, except on the 2.0 GT Customized or 2.0i Casual editions). Active headrests are mounted on the front seats, helping reduce the risk of neck injury in a rear collision. New safety brake and accelerator pedals release their brackets in frontal crash impacts, allowing the pedals to retract to reduce the risk of lower-limb injuries. Engine room clearance is secured by changes in the engine position, impact absorbing insulators are placed in the front bumper, and front hood hinges are designed to incorporate shock-absorbing elements. These improvements have been made to efficiently absorb crash impact between the car and a pedestrian, reducing the risk of injury to the pedestrian in an accident. The front wiper system has been redesigned for better rigidity. A fin has been added to the wiper blade to cover the stable, wider windshield area at high speeds. A pressurized spray washer nozzle has been placed under the front hood. Washer liquid is sprayed onto the windshield in a wide angle from the tip of the nozzle that faces directly at the gap between the front hood and the windshield, and spraying performance at high speeds has been improved. Rear seats are equipped with three-point Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) seatbelts, as well as with the ISOFIX child seat construction with tether anchors. Environmental considerations

The 2-liter SOHC engine is the first Subaru engine to meet the Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (U-LEV) standards of Japanfs Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MLIT), which call for an additional 75% reduction in emissions from FY2000 exhaust emission levels. All other engines satisfy MLITfs Good Low Emission Vehicle (G-LEV) standards, which require an additional 25% reduction from FY2000 exhaust emission levels. Legacy engines, except for that of the 2.0 GT spec. B version, satisfy the 2010 fuel economy standards of the MLIT. Through the redesigning of the engine, torque output at low- and middle-speeds has been improved, and lightweight materials are extensively used for overall body weight reduction. These changes have made possible a viable balance between outstanding driving performance and superb fuel economy. All models, except for the 2.0R MT model, come with the Info-ECO mode for actively promoting fuel-saving driving patterns. Recyclability of polypropylene has been increased through the further use of the same kind of polypropylene material in interior parts. Recycled plastic materials, including recycled plastics from PET bottles, have been actively utlized. The use of lead has been greatly reduced. Environmentally harmful lead use in the new Legacy has reduced substantially, achieving the goal of the Voluntary Action Plan of the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, Inc., to reduce the lead content in new vehicles in 2005 to one third of 1996 levels.

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4. High-quality features

Building on the solid reputation of the sound quality in its previous model, Subaru has installed an advanced McIntosh audio system. The system reconfiguration was already under consideration in the early stages of vehicle redesign, taking into account the doorfs length, angles, and shape. The new McIntosh audio system has 13 speakers, including new midrange speakers, which deliver clarity and quality of sound nearly compatible to home audio systems. A highly luminous, 7-inch touch-panel LCD with a DVD navigation system is available as a manufacturerfs option. In addition to navigation functions, its multi-information display functions include instantly available mileage calculation and car maintenance check lists through the use of the in-car LAN network. The Legacy comes with an anti-theft warning system, which activates the horn and hazard lamps when doors, a trunk, or rear gate are unlawfully opened, while a remote-control door lock system is in use to close doors. The 2.0 GT and 2.0 GT spec. B models are equipped with an anti-theft immobilizer system. When the preprogrammed ignition key is used to send signals to the engine control unit, the engine starts. But the engine is immobilized when the wrong signals are sent to the engine. A big tilt/slide power sunroof is available on the Station Wagon. The roof glass opening has been expanded to create an open, spacious cabin. Sunroof frames and other parts have been redesigned to reduce the weight on the higher gravity point of the car. (A sunroof is available on the Station Wagon, except on the 2.0 GT Customized or 2.0i Casual editions.) A tilt/slide power sunroof is also available on the Sedan.

Legacy Development Features

1. New design and packaging Although the traditional flowing form and styling of the Legacy have been preserved so that the Legacy is identified immediately as the Legacy, the new elements of the exterior design focus on a beautiful, sporty, dynamic look.

Superior sporty looks are achieved in smooth, rounded interior designs through the integration of soft flat surfaces and sharp lines.

While realizing a sporty vehicle with a fully loaded cockpit for car enthusiasts, an optimal body size has been crafted, providing stable driving through a widened track, agile handling, and improved safety performance.

Flowing lines connect interior parts, from door trim to the center console, which make the interior cabin a single, coordinated space. And comfort is enhanced through the optimal driving position and other design changes in the cockpit.

Enhanced rigidity and the complete redesign of the body and suspension promise excellent Legacy packaging for superb driving performance and ease of operation.

2. Core mechanismg

By lowering the center of gravity of the symmetrical power train layout by further improvement of the Horizontally-Opposed Engine, both outstanding safety performance and a high level of driving pleasure are obtained.

Engine performance has been enhanced through the redesign of intake and exhaust mechanisms and other changes. Pleasurable driving is possible at any engine revolution rate. In addition, overall fuel economy has been improved by substantial changes in the transmission and other power train units.

Enhanced rigidity in the suspension mounting and the complete redesign of the steering and braking systems promise excellent handling and vehicle stability.

3. Weight reduction for overall performance enhancement

Structural body changes and the use of new technologies and new materials have achieved the goal of making the car substantially lighter in weight and have enhanced body durability. Safety and environmental concerns are also addressed to enhance overall performance of the car.

By improving on the body construction and the performance of chassis components, features that are protective in a collision and active in preventative safety are further strengthened.

The 2-liter SOHC engine is the first Subaru engine to meet Japan's Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (U-LEV) standards set forth by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MLIT), which call for an additional 75% emission reduction from FY2000 exhaust emission levels. In addition, most Legacy engines satisfy the 2010 fuel economy standards* determined by the MLIT. Other environmentally friendly measures are incorporated in the Legacy, including the wide use of recycled materials and a reduction in the use of lead.