Legacy looks sharper than ever
 The
Subaru Legacy, the only range of permanent All-Wheel-Drive,
automatic and manual, sedan and wagon offerings in the premium
passenger car market, has been upgraded for 2007 with an engine
that was a category winner in the International Engine of the
Year Awards 2006, and with the installation of an advanced,
driver-controlled engine management system.
Already well-established as the thinking man’s alternative in
the segment, the latest Legacy heralds the debut of the
turbocharged 2, 5-litre Boxer engine in this model range, as
well as the introduction of the revolutionary SI-Drive to the
local Subaru stable.
Entry to the Legacy nameplate still comes in the form of the
2, 0R, with the flagship models powered by an ever-more refined
version of the 3, 0-litre flat six – at 180 kW still one of the
most powerful normally-aspirated production engines of this
capacity in the world.
The award-winning 2, 5-litre flat-four engine replaces the 2,
0-litre turbo motor previously fitted to GT models, the new unit
offering significantly better economy along with lower exhaust
emissions. In everyday driving it boasts more accessible
performance, thanks to a thicker seam of midrange torque, and a
wider spread of ratios from a six-speed gearbox. Automatic
models remain five-speed, but SI-Drive brings with it enhanced
communication between engine and gearbox for improved
driveability and all-round efficiency.
The physical manifestation of this Subaru Intelligent Drive
is an aluminium control wheel on the centre console and a switch
on the steering wheel. SI-Drive enables GT and 3.0R owners to
choose from three drive modes, through a shared intelligence to
match the preset mode. Start the engine and the car will default
to Sport mode, which means linear responses, a full availability
of torque, and the kind of crisp performance associated with
Subaru’s mid-range challenger. But it is the two additional
modes which add a new dimension to driving.
In ‘intelligent’ mode the engine’s torque curve and throttle
response is reconfigured to react like a 2,0-litre normally
aspirated engine, and this brings significant benefits in terms
of emissions and fuel consumption – in tests conducted by
Subaru, this can translate into as much as a 14 percent saving
in stop/start driving. Driveability is also improved by giving
the throttle ‘softer’ responses, to ease gear changes and
pull-offs in traffic. Automatic versions will change gear
earlier in this mode, and the interaction between engine and
transmission control units will influence the behaviour of the
torque converter for maximum efficiency.
Then there’s Sport Sharp mode. Think of it as a Red Bull for
the engine: it heightens awareness on all levels, changing the
mood of the car from recreational athlete to seriously-focused
competitor. Throttle response sharpens to bring hair-trigger
reactions, and the engine’s torque curve changes to add even
more low-end punch. If SI-Drive was a substance, it would most
probably have to be banned.
All Legacy models are available in sedan, wagon body styles
offered in 2.0R and the 2.5GT-B as a special order, all with a
choice of manual and automatic SportShift transmissions. The
entry-level derivatives are powered by a quadcam,
normally-aspirated 2, 0-litre, with headline numbers for this
engine unchanged at 121 kW @ 6 800 revs/min and 187 Nm @ 3 200
revs/min. A choice of four-speed auto or five-speed manual is
available with this engine.
The award-winning 2, 5-litre turbo motor (the first time a
horizontally-opposed engine has featured in the competition) has
been the subject of ongoing development, the latest round of
internal changes improving its efficiency. It produces 184 kW,
and a mammoth 339 Nm of torque. The 3,0R engine has 297 Nm of
torque to go with its 180 kW.
The entire Legacy benefits from detail changes to body
construction and suspension tuning to improve handling and
road-holding. The main benefits of these changes are more
immediate steering response and -- in versions with 18- inch
wheels in particular – enhanced ride comfort.
Key safety features of the entire Legacy range are 6 airbags,
anti-lock brakes with EBD, and ISOFIX mounting points. The
starting point for the Legacy’s excellent safety record (which
includes a Gold award from the USA’s Insurance Institute for
Highway Safety and a Five-Star ANCAP safety rating), is the
company’s ring-shaped safety cage which creates a series of
high-strength hoops extending up the A, B and C pillars as well
as across the roof and floor.
Styling changes include new headlights (Bi-Xenon on 2.5GT-B
and 3,0R-B), with a more flowing shape where they meet the front
fenders, communicating with a pressing line along the flanks. A
more distinctive and purposeful frontal appearance has been
achieved with new front bumpers, with multi-reflector fog lights
of a more prominent size.
The rear lights have changed too: those of the wagons have an
attractive, three-dimensional look, while the sedan lights are
shorter in a vertical plane, creating a wider look to the rear
of the car.
The revised mirrors with integrated turn indicators are more
aerodynamic in shape, reducing wind noise and reducing the size
of the blind spot between the mirror housing and the A-pillar.
New wheels complete the exterior changes.
Significant interior changes include new front seats, the
addition of telescopic adjustment for the steering column, and a
host of changes to how, where and what information is supplied.
Much of this has been prompted by the need to create a
user-friendly SI-Drive interface, though an opportunity to
improve the sound systems (2,0R models now also have an in-dash
six-CD changer with MP3 compatibility), ergonomics, and cabin
ambience in general has not been lost either.
Legacy is continuing to live up to its name. Think of the
latest changes as part of a honing process, with the starting
point being the famous Katana, sword of the Japanese Samurai
warriors. A sharper edge has been put on the Legacy, keeping it
at the cutting edge of a class where there is an abundance of
excellence.
Model line-up
The new line-up comprises 10 derivatives, with a choice of
SportsWagon and Sedan body styles, three engines, five and
six-speed manual gearboxes, or four- and five-speed automatic
transmissions.
Legacy Sedan
2.0R Manual 5MT
2.0R SportShift 4 Auto
3.0R-B 6MT
3.0R-B SportShift 5 Auto
2.5GT-B 6MT
2.5GT-B SportShift 5 Auto
Legacy SportsWagon
2.0R 5MT
2.0R SportShift 4 Auto
2.5GT-B 6MT*
2.5GT-B SportShift 5 Auto*
* By special order
Engines
The normally-aspirated DOHC engine in the 2.0R is a
high-revving unit and will spin effortlessly to 7 500 if
necessary. Maximum torque of 187 Nm is at 3 200 revs/min, and
with Active Valve Control System (AVCS) on the inlet camshafts,
there is plenty of it across a broad rev range. In fact, 80
percent of peak torque is available from just 1 500 revs/min.
This engine is unchanged from the pre-facelift version and was
introduced to the Legacy range towards the end of 2005, to
provide a fuel efficient and free-revving powerplant for lower
rung models. A choice of four-speed auto or five-speed manual is
available with this engine.
The newcomer to the Legacy range, engine-wise, is the
award-winning 2.5-litre turbo motor which produces 184 kW at 6
000 revs/min and 339 Nm at 3 600. Subaru’s engineers were
briefed to create an engine with excellent low-speed torque and
minimal emissions, and that’s exactly what they’ve delivered in
this latest round of developments.
Changes for the Legacy application included a four-into-one
exhaust which resulted in better catalytic converter
performance, redesigned water jackets – especially around the
spark plugs, the addition of a secondary airway in each exhaust
port which promotes re-combustion of unburnt gasses, and the use
of the world’s first five-arc scroll turbocharger. This improves
air flow in the compressor side of the turbo unit, and boosts
low- to mid-range torque.
The H6 engine fitted to the 3.0R-B remains unchanged in terms
of peak output, which means it has 297 Nm of torque to go with
its 180 kW. However, torque delivery has been enhanced by
reworking the camshaft profiles, and the exhaust port shape. In
addition, cylinder head rigidity has been improved, reducing
vibrations – particularly at idle.
Drivetrain
It isn’t how much torque you have that matters . . . it’s how
much of it you can get onto the road that is the real issue.
For Subaru, the starting point in this regard is Symmetrical
All Wheel Drive combined with efficient suspension systems, and
for 2007 Legacy these systems have been refined.
Bilstein suspension has been fitted to the 3.0R-B since local
introduction, and the same supplier has been used to fettle the
GT. The result is cars that handle like thoroughbreds,
irrespective of the road conditions.
Subaru’s six-speed manual gearbox has traditionally had a
very robust feel, but it has been used successfully in the
3.0R-B for three years, tailored to feel somewhat lighter and
smoother, yet retain a precise action. Additional gear honing
reduces gear noise so as not to compromise refinement. For use
with the 2, 5-litre turbo motor it has been reworked once again,
and the first three gear ratios have been widened, and clutch
release load reduced too. Finally, the front differential (which
is integral with the ‘box) has been uprated to a four-pinion
type.
With their high outputs, all versions of GT and 3.0R-B now
feature a Torsen (torque sensing) limited slip rear
differential. This kind of intelligent mechanical differential
uses a constellation of outer gears to bind the drive pinions
together, forcing both wheels to turn at the same speed. It is
superior to a viscous coupling for this application, because it
transfers torque to the wheel that can best utilise it before
the onset of slippage occurs.
All automatic transmissions (both the four-speed fitted to
the 2.0R and five-speed of the GT/3.0R-B) have been upgraded to
reduce internal friction. The five-speed has been optimised to
interface with SI-Drive, and ‘downshift blipping control’ added
when fitted to the normally-aspirated H6. This not only has a
sporty effect during manual changes, but generates smooth engine
braking and reduces gearshift response time by 20 to 40 percent.
Both transmission types are adaptive, and will make intelligent
decisions based on driver input, whether it be sudden braking,
steering, or accelerating.
The column-mounted paddles fitted to GT and 3.0R-B (they
remain in the same position irrespective of steering wheel
angle) can be used to instantly switch to Sport manual mode in
situations such as when additional engine braking is required or
for overtaking.
Minor changes have been made to the 2.0R’s five-speed manual
gearbox, namely development of the multi-cone synchromesh to
achieve effortless shifting.
Safety
Key safety features of the Legacy range are adaptive
dual-stage front airbags, side bags, and curtain bags. Antilock
brakes with EBD and mechanical Brake Assist are fitted across
the range. ISOFIX child seat mounting points, active head
restraints that support the head and neck in a rear-end
collision, and pre-tensioners on the front seatbelts complete
the safety picture.
Legacy’s safety credentials are impressive and include a Gold
award from the USA’s Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and
a Five-Star ANCAP (Australia and New Zealand’s equivalent of
Euro NCAP) safety rating.
The body structure is designed around the Ring Shaped
Reinforcement Frame, which links the floor, roof and pillars to
create a series of boxes which have rigidity and strength in all
planes. Different kinds of steel are used in different parts of
the body (while aluminium is used for the bonnet to save
weight).
Conclusion
The 2007 Legacy range offers those who want a premium brand
everything associated with that: quality in terms of engineering
and build, visual style both inside and out, a strong image
obtained through sporting success, and design excellence. But in
addition, the Legacy also provides a premium driving experience
– in terms of safety and dynamic behaviour -- thanks to
Symmetrical All Wheel Drive, the Subaru core competency. |
