2010 Subaru Legacy to Debut at the 2009 New York Auto Show

Having teased us with the Legacy concept earlier this year, Subaru’s unveiling the all-new 2010 Legacy production model at next week’s 2009 New York auto show.

The new 2010 Legacy is built on a new platform, which was designed to improve usable space without sacrificing the agility of the outgoing model. Subaru’s focus on space can be seen in how the car has literally grown: it’s 3.2 inches taller, 3.6 inches wider, and rides on a wheelbase that’s been stretched by 3.2 inches.

The increases in the Legacy’s size are immediately apparent inside.  Passenger volume has increased to 103 cubic feet (10 more than the last Legacy), while the trunk swells to 14.7 cubic feet (up from 11.4). The added length between the wheels went to rear-seat passengers, where an extra four inches in legroom is found.

The new Legacy is available with a host of new powertrain offerings.  Base 2.5i models are powered by a revised 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer engine, available with a new six-speed manual transmission or the new “Lineartronic” CVT.  The CVT is standard fare in 2.5i Limited models, where it is also equipped with a manual mode and steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

Opting for the 2.5GT model nets you 265 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque (up from 243 hp and 241 lb ft) from a 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-four borrowed from the WRX.  Changes for 2010 include mounting a larger turbocharger below the engine to increase boost pressure, improve weight distribution, and lower the center of gravity.  Also notable is a standard six-speed transmission that is 50 pounds lighter than the six-speed unit featured on the 2.5GT Spec B.

Topping off the Legacy lineup are the 3.6R models, which feature a 3.6-liter flat-six.  Although this engine displaces 600 cc more than the outgoing 3.0-liter unit, it’s still the same physical size. The new 3.6-liter engine produces 256 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque  (up 11 hp and 32 lb-ft from the 3.0-liter), and achieves these numbers on 87-octane gasoline.

As with all Subarus, all-wheel-drive comes standard on all Legacy models.  Look for the 2010 Legacy to hit the stand next week at the 2009 New York International Auto Show.