- New, more powerful and efficient 2.5-litre SUBARU BOXER engine
- Most fuel efficient AWD mid-size sedan in North America
- New, second-generation Lineartronic continuously variable transmission
- Smoother, quieter ride with enhanced agility
- Redesigned front styling
- New creature comforts and audio features
- Newly available EyeSight driver-assist system with:
- Pre-Collision Braking
- System Capable of Pedestrian Detection
- Lane Departure and Sway Warning
- Adaptive Cruise Control
MISSISSAUGA, ON - Subaru Canada, Inc. (SCI) is pleased to announce the debut of the 2013 Subaru Legacy at the New York International Auto Show. The 2013 Legacy is powered by the choice of a 3.6-litre H6 or a new, more efficient 2.5-litre four-cylinder powertrain. The 2013 Subaru Legacy debuts revised styling as well as the new EyeSight driver-assist system. Chassis enhancements improve ride quality in the 2013 Subaru Legacy, which also offers new amenities and audio capabilities.
The 2013 Subaru Legacy features a restyled front end for a sportier appearance, including new headlights, grille and front bumper. With standard Subaru symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive, the 2013 Legacy remains the most fuel-efficient mid-size all-wheel-drive sedan in North America. At the same time, the Legacy rewards drivers with engaging performance, a high level of driving comfort and outstanding safety performance. For added safety, the 2013 Legacy adds a new Brake Override system, and an air bag deployment signals fuel cutoff.
Under the hood, 2013 Legacy 2.5i models debut a new double-overhead camshaft (DOHC) 2.5-litre SUBARU BOXER engine for increased performance and fuel efficiency. This new engine produces 173 hp and 174 lb.-ft. of torque, as compared to 170 hp and 170 lb.-ft. from the outgoing model. More importantly, the new engine produces greater low-end torque across a broad speed range, making it more responsive in everyday driving.
In terms of spaciousness, the 2013 Subaru Legacy remains a standout in the mid-size class as rear seat legroom measures a generous 960 millimetres. The 415-litre trunk is on par with front-wheel-drive competitors, a significant achievement considering that the Subaru symmetrical full-time AWD system requires packaging for a rear differential and drive axles. And unlike many competitors, the Legacy's trunk lid is supported by hydraulic struts resulting in more useable space.
The Most Fuel-Efficient All-Wheel Drive Mid-size Sedan
The 2013 Legacy 2.5i offers a choice between a standard 6-speed manual transmission and the second-generation Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission). The second-generation Lineartronic CVT offers more responsive and quieter operation compared to the transmission it replaces.
The 2013 Legacy 3.6R Limited continues to be offered with a 256-hp 3.6-litre 6-cylinder SUBARU BOXER engine and 5-speed Electronic Direct Control Automatic Transmission with Manual Mode (5EAT). A downshift blipping feature enhances its sporty feel when using the Legacy 3.6R steering wheel paddle shifters.
Although official EPA fuel economy figures are not yet available, Subaru projects that the 2013 Legacy 2.5i with the Lineartronic CVT will achieve even greater fuel efficiency than the outgoing model. Legacy models equipped with the Lineartronic CVT are able to travel over 1,000 km per tank, delivering fuel efficiency equivalent to comparable two-wheel-drive sedans.
Unlike a conventional automatic transmission that uses fixed gear ratios, a CVT provides infinite variability between the lowest and highest available ratios with no discernible steps or shifts. The CVT continuously and smoothly adapts to performance demand, helping to keep the engine in its most efficient operating range. Models with the CVT also feature a 6-speed manual mode with steering wheel paddle shifters, which allow the driver to control the transmission via six pre-set ratios.
New EyeSight Driver-Assist System
The 2013 Legacy (and Outback) models debut Subaru's new EyeSight driver-assist system, which integrates Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking and Vehicle Lane Departure Warning. Combining safety and convenience features, this new technology - which uses a stereo camera design developed by Subaru to provide a detection angle wider than that of radar-based systems - can detect obstacles in front of the car and limit potential damage in an impact. Unlike other manufacturers who only introduce this system in top-end models, Subaru's plans to incorporate EyeSight in its intermediate, mid-size segment will further enhance an already value-packed offering and reinforce Subaru's commitment to remaining leaders in safety.
At relative speeds under approximately 30 km/h, EyeSight's Pre-Collision Braking System can help avoid a potential collision. The system can detect obstacles in the car's path and, if the driver has not applied the brakes in time, the system can act to slow the vehicle or bring it to a full stop. Pre-Collision Braking is always on in the background to act like a second set of eyes for the driver. It can also be turned off temporarily for off-road or rough road travel.
At relative speeds above approximately 30 km/h, the system can apply the brakes when an object is detected, and will attempt to brake if the driver takes no evasive action or does not brake appropriately. The system, which can recognize programmed objects such as vehicles, motorcyclists and bicyclists, can help mitigate collision damage.
By monitoring traffic lane markers and lines, the Subaru EyeSight system can detect if the car begins to wander outside the intended lane without a turn signal being used, or if the car begins to sway within the travel lane.
Intended for freeway use, EyeSight's Adaptive Cruise Control system can maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front, braking and/or accelerating the car as needed to maintain the driver-selected target speed and travelling distance. Adaptive Cruise Control is operational from 40-145 km/h and can continually brake until the vehicle stops if the system "locks on" to a vehicle ahead. As an added convenience, Adaptive Cruise Control assists the driver in heavy stop-and-go freeway traffic by maintaining distance from the vehicle ahead.
In heavy traffic conditions, EyeSight will also alert the driver when the vehicle ahead has moved if he or she doesn't react within several seconds. The technology can also help reduce collision damage by cutting the throttle when it senses an obstacle in front, even though the accelerator pedal continues to be pushed.
Retuned Suspension Enhances Agility and Ride Quality
Numerous enhancements to the body structure, suspension and steering give the Legacy a smoother, quieter ride for 2013, while also delivering improved handling and agility. Greater stiffness at key points of the structure, including the front strut mounts and rear frame rails, helps reduce vibration while also contributing to more responsive handling.
In tandem with the structural enhancements, Subaru has increased the diameter of the double-wishbone rear suspension's sway bar and also increased the spring and damper rates and bushing stiffness. As a result, body roll has been reduced by up to 40 percent. The Legacy driver will experience a more responsive yet quieter vehicle overall.
Increased Interior Comfort and Convenience
New seat fabric feels more comfortable, while dark, glossy wood grain trim provides a luxurious appearance on Limited Package models.
Four Trim Levels
The 2013 Subaru Legacy 2.5i is available in four trim levels - entry, Convenience, Touring and Limited Packages, while the Legacy 3.6R Limited will feature the optional brand new EyeSight driver assistance system. The entry 2.5i features a long roster of standard features, among them power-adjustable, foldable, heated body-colour door mirrors; heated front seats; Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity and streaming audio; a USB charging port; steering wheel cruise control and audio switches; a 60/40-split flat-folding rear seat; electronic parking brake with Hill Holder system and an automatic headlight function. The electronic Hill Holder system holds the vehicle in place until the driver applies the throttle to pull away from a stop.
Legacy models with the Convenience Package add additional amenities: a 10-way power driver's seat including power lumbar support adjustment, 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels, instrument panel storage bin with door and an ambient light for the overhead console.
Additionally, Legacy models with the Touring Package also include new 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, a power tilting and sliding glass sunroof, windshield wiper de-icer, a 6-speaker system, dual-zone automatic climate control with synchronize button, driver's automatic up/down power windows as well as a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.
Models with the Limited Package additionally come equipped with Subaru's Lineartronic CVT, perforated leather upholstery, harman/kardon speakers and amplifier, electro-luminescent gauges and a 4-way power front passenger seat. A new electro-luminescent instrument cluster in Limited Package models integrates a 3.5-inch colour screen for the multi-information display, which also shows EyeSight functions when the car is so equipped.
Updated Audio Technology
The standard audio system in Legacy 2.5i models is upgraded for 2013. New features include Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity and audio streaming, iPod control capability and a USB port. Carryovers from the previous model year include an AM/FM stereo with four speakers, single-disc CD player, Radio Data System (RDS) and auxiliary audio input. The Touring Package adds a pair of dash-mounted tweeters.
Top-level Legacy models with the Limited Package exclusively offer a new navigation system that includes all of the features in the harman/kardon audio package plus a touchscreen GPS navigation system with 7.0-inch LCD display; voice-activated controls and navigation, XM Satellite Radio (subscription required), rear-vision camera, and an SD card slot for convenient navigation map updates.
Symmetrical Full-time All-Wheel Drive: Three Different Types
Subaru offers three different symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive systems in the 2013 Legacy lineup, each tailored to the engine and type of transmission. In all Legacy models equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission, the AWD system uses a viscous-coupling limited-slip centre differential to distribute power 50/50 front to rear.
Legacy 2.5i models equipped with the Lineartronic CVT use Subaru's electronically controlled MPT (Multi-plate Transfer Clutch), which adjusts torque distribution to the front and rear wheels in real time to suit driving conditions. The Multi-plate Transfer Clutch AWD maintains a 60/40 torque split front-to-rear for more predictable handling, and then automatically adjusts to a 50/50 split under strong acceleration or when road conditions warrant.
The Legacy 3.6R Limited Package exclusively features 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. A 45/55 front/rear torque distribution is continuously variable using a multiple-disc clutch limited-slip differential. Torque distribution is controlled automatically up to an equal 50/50 front and rear to suit road surface conditions for superb stability.
Subaru Safety
The Legacy, like all Subaru models, has consistently earned top scores in government and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash tests. To help drivers avoid a collision, the Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system combines stability and traction control functions, working to augment the AWD torque distribution, engine output and brakes at each wheel to help keep the vehicle on course. In addition, an advanced 4-wheel disc Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) integrates Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) to automatically adjust front/rear braking pressure, while Brake Assist provides greater force in sudden panic situations. New for 2013, a Brake Override system ensures that the engine power will be cut when both the brake and accelerator are pressed simultaneously.
In terms of passive safety features, the Subaru ring-shaped reinforcement frame body structure has been proven in more than a decade of use. Inside, the Legacy features standard driver and front passenger front and side-impact air bags as well as side curtain air bags that offer front and rear outboard seat coverage.
About Subaru Canada, Inc.
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 additional information, please visit www.pr.subaru.ca or www.subaru.ca.
* EyeSight is not designed as a substitute for due care and attention to the road. The system may not react in every situation. There are certain operational limitations, such as when weather conditions obscure the view of the cameras. Finally, even with the advanced technology used, a driver with good vision and who is paying attention will always be the best safety system.
CONTACT: Joe Felstein or Julie Lychak (905) 568-4959
Amyot Bachand Media Relations, Quebec Region (514) 691-9276
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