Six Star Magazine Six Star Magazine Fall/Winter 2019 | Page 31

The turbocharged DOHC SUBARU BOXER 4-cylinder
that powered the first Legacy was smoother, more powerful
and more efficient than past engines of a similar design.
The AWD system delivered improved levels of control
and generated more precise handling. And the 4-wheel
independent suspension system created an inspired balance
between comfort and handling.
To prove the merits of the vehicle, the Legacy was entered
into various tests and competitions. The year it was introduced,
the Legacy set a world endurance record in Phoenix, Arizona,
driving for an incredible 100,000 kilometres at an average
speed of 223.345 km/h. The Legacy was also used to power
Subaru’s presence in the FIA World Rally Championship
(WRC) from 1990-93, absorbing endless punishment along
some of the roughest roads in the world.
In every respect, the original Subaru Legacy was the flagship
car for the Subaru brand—thirty years later, the same is true.
Over the past three decades, the Legacy has evolved to
become a more refined, safer and more technologically
advanced sedan. Previous generations have seen improvements
in terms of performance and efficiency. The platform was made
stronger. Higher-grade interior materials were incorporated.
All-wheel drive was made standard across the entire model
range. New engineering in the form of semi-automatic
transmissions and CVTs debuted. High-performance versions
were introduced. Awards were won. Safety standards soared.
Durability has remained a strength the entire time. More
awards were won.
As different generations of this flagship sedan have
brought more technology to market, each successive version
has also been a more focused version of its immediate
predecessor. In this newest model, the attention to detail is
what resonates most.
For the first time, the all-new Legacy is built on the widely
acclaimed Subaru Global Platform and this has created a
long list of benefits. Increased body stiffness, reduced body
roll, a lower centre of gravity, better driving dynamics
and improved ride quality are all part of the equation. An
improved version of Subaru’s fully independent suspension
system further allows the Legacy to be more agile and more
composed on any road surface and in all conditions.
This seventh-generation version of this dynamic sedan
continues to offer genuine all-road/all-weather capability
courtesy of standard Subaru Symmetrical Full-Time AWD,
augmented by standard Active Torque Vectoring. When
cornering, this system automatically applies the brakes to
the inside wheel and sends more engine torque to the outside
wheel, creating more responsive handling.
The theme of continuous improvement is furthered by the
addition to two all-new direct-injection SUBARU BOXER
engines, both engineered for crisp response, surprising
fuel efficiency and certain durability. The standard 2.5-litre
SUBARU BOXER 4-cylinder is a naturally aspirated engine
that develops 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque at 4,400
rpm. It’s linked to a Lineartronic® CVT with paddle shifters
for increased driver engagement.
The Legacy GT models are powered by a turbocharged
2.4-litre SUBARU BOXER 4-cylinder with a healthy 260
horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque from 2,000 to 4,800
rpm. In the GT, the transmission is a high-torque version
of the Lineartronic CVT, strengthened to handle the
increased performance.
Inside the entirely redesigned passenger cabin, there’s
more space, increased refinement and improved sound
insulation, all of these steps combining to create a more
luxurious sedan. The redesigned cargo area features a larger
trunk and more useable space. The 60/40-split seats fold
flatter for increased versatility when carrying longer items.
New integrated roof carrier brackets provide yet another way
to transport all the gear needed for that next great adventure.
six star magazine 29