Six Star Magazine Six Star Magazine Winter 2008/2009 | Page 25

LEGACY 6 DEGREES OF SEPARATION The smoothest SUBARU BOXER engine in the fleet powers the Legacy 3.0R Limited and others to inspiring performances W hile it’s true that many of the cars in the current Subaru lineup are powered by 4-cylinder engines, the 6-cylinder SUBARU BOXER is rapidly gaining in popularity. The latest addition to the 6-cylinder set is the 2009 Subaru Legacy 3.0R Limited, a sleek and stylish sedan that combines genuine smile-inducing performance with real luxury appointments. At the heart of the matter is the 3.0-litre DOHC horizontally-opposed 6-cylinder SUBARU BOXER engine, which produces an invigorating 245 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 215 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm. The engine is a rolling showcase for advanced technologies including the Active Valve Control System (AVCS) and SI-DRIVE (Subaru Intelligent Drive). The AVCS system optimizes the timing of the intake valves to create better low-end torque, engine efficiency and top-end power. It also helps the Legacy achieve strict emissions standards and delivers impressive fuel economy. Meanwhile, the SI-DRIVE engine management system offers drivers the choice of three different modes: Intelligent mode for better fuel economy and increased smoothness in low-traction conditions; Sport mode for all-around daily driving; and Sport Sharp mode for heightened throttle response and more immediate power delivery. With so much advanced technology at play, this engine delivers genuine 6-cylinder performance combined with real-world 4-cylinder efficiency. Aside from all the great qualities of the 3.0-litre SUBARU BOXER engine, there’s plenty of other entertaining aspects to be found on the new Legacy 3.0R Limited. Of course, this sophisticated sedan comes standard with Subaru symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive and the rally-proven, 4-wheel independent suspension system. These unique features serve to create a distinctly sporty experience behind the wheel – on all types of roads and under all kinds of weather conditions. A limited-slip viscous-type rear differential helps things along even further, ensuring superior traction is always part of the picture. The standard Vehicle Dynamics Control system and Traction Control System bring even more safety and security into play. On the topic of luxury, the Legacy 3.0R Limited is a clear winner as well. The standard package includes leather seat inserts, woodgrain interior trim, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear selector. The audio system is similarly rich; it’s a 385-watt Harman Kardon system with 9 speakers, a 7-channel Harman Kardon amplifier, 6-CD changer and SIRIUS® Satellite Radio with 3-month free trial subscription. Meanwhile, the optional Premier Package adds a GPS DVD-based navigation system with a touch-screen display. With the emergence of the 6-cylinder SUBARU BOXER engine, Subaru drivers are discovering whole new levels of driving excitement and driving comfort. These feelings are being shared by people behind the wheel of the all-new Subaru Legacy 3.0R Limited and the Subaru Outback 3.0R Premier (both featuring the 3.0-litre engine), and the Subaru Tribeca, which boasts the largest engine in company history, a 3.6-litre 6-cylinder SUBARU BOXER. While there’s certainly nothing wrong with the tried-and-true 4-cylinder SUBARU BOXER engine – in fact, the exact opposite – perhaps it’s time to swing by your friendly neighbourhood Subaru dealership to find out what an extra two cylinders can add to your life. LEGACY 3.0R LIMITED 3.0L 6-cylinder SUBARU BOXER engine 245 hp @ 6,600 rpm; 215 lb-ft of torque @ 4,200 rpm 5-speed Electronic Direct Control Automatic Transmission with SPORTSHIFT™ (5 All-Wheel Drive fuel economy 6CD/MP3/WMA Premium audio system with auxiliary audio input, steering wheel integrated audio controls, Harman Kardon speakers with amplifier and 3-month free trial subscription for SIRIUS® Satellite Radio system available with Premier Package | 25