2009 Subaru Legacy

SUBARU INTRODUCES SECOND LEGACY 3.0R MODEL FOR 2009

• New 3.0R Model Brings 6-Cylinder Performance to A Lower Price Point

• VDC Stability System Now Standard on 2.5i Models
• New 385-watt harman-kardon® Premium Audio System





Subaru of America, Inc. has added a second 6-cylinder model to its All-Wheel Drive Legacy sport sedan line for 2009, and has also added a new harman-kardon® audio system to all but the base Legacy 2.5i model. In addition, the Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) stability and traction control system is standard on the 2.5i models for 2009 (it was already standard on the 6-cylinder models and most turbo models).

Legacy models in 2008 received a restyling plus significant performance, comfort and safety enhancements. For 2009, the new Legacy 3.0R model brings the powerful, refined driving performance of the 3.0R Limited (which was introduced for 2008) to a more accessible price point. The new model is a build on the 4-cylinder Legacy 2.5i Special Edition, which for 2009 is equipped with the new harman-kardon Premium Audio System, steering wheel audio controls, an 8-way power driver's seat and a power glass moonroof.



An All-Wheel Drive pioneer, Subaru is the only brand to equip all its models with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as standard. The Outback line employs three different versions of the system, depending on the engine and transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) (See page 5 for details.) Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), standard in most Legacy models for 2009, is designed to help keep the vehicle going in the direction the driver is steering, especially in slippery road conditions.

Two Types of High Performance
The Legacy 3.0R models are powered by a 245-horsepower 6-cylinder Boxer engine with Active Valve Control System (AVCS) variable valve timing that, in concert with Active Valve Lift System (AVLS) technology, helps optimize power at all engine speeds. Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE) performance control and a 5-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel paddle shifters and downshift blipping control provide an exceptional level of driver involvement. The 3.0R Limited features greater luxury content plus Bilstein Sport Suspension with 18-inch wheels and tires. The 3.0R Limited is in addition available with a touch-screen GPS navigation system.

The Legacy 2.5GT Limited and 2.5GT spec.B models are powered by a 2.5-liter intercooled turbocharged Boxer engine that produces 243 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 241 lb.-ft. of peak torque @ 3,600 rpm. Subaru Active Valve Control System (AVCS) variable valve timing optimizes power at all engine speeds. A functional hood scoop supplies air to the engine-mounted intercooler. The 2.5GT Limited is available with a 5-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed automatic; the 2.5GT spec.B is exclusively equipped with the 6-speed manual.

Offering both the 6-cylinder and the turbocharged 4-cylinder models gives Legacy customers a choice between two distinct kinds of performance driving: the 6-cylinder 3.0R Limited provides a smooth, linear power feeling; the turbocharged Legacy 2.5GT models offer a more sporty and exciting – though still refined – type of engine performance. The turbo engine also offers outstanding performance at high altitudes, where changes in atmospheric pressure reduce the power output of naturally aspirated engines.


The 2008 Subaru Legacy received 5-star ratings for the driver and front passenger and rear passengers in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) crash tests. The Legacy models have garnered the highest award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) – 'Top Safety Pick' – in the midsize car segment. Legacy in addition achieved the highest rating ('Good') in IIHS frontal offset, side and rear impact tests.

High-End harman-kardon Audio Debuts
All Legacy models for 2009 except the base 2.5i come equipped with the new 385-watt harman-kardon Premium Audio System that offers sound quality comparable to that provided in luxury-category vehicles. The harman-kardon system features 8-channel amplifier/equalizer, digital signal processing, and speed-sensitive automatic volume control. It is matched with an AM/FM stereo unit with 6-disc in-dash CD changer offering MP3 file capability. The system plays through nine speakers in seven locations:
• two front door 25-mm Metal Matrix dome tweeters
• two front door 160-mm Metal Matrix Diaphragm (MMD) cone woofers with Neodymium magnets
• two rear door 100-mm MMD cone woofers with Neodymium magnets
• two rear door 25-mm Metal Matrix dome tweeters
• one rear package shelf subwoofer

SI-DRIVE: Three Levels of Performance at the Driver's Command
Legacy 6-cylinder and turbo models are equipped with the SI-DRIVE performance-control system that allows the driver to maximize engine performance, control and efficiency by choosing from among three selectable modes – 'Intelligent,' 'Sport' and 'Sport Sharp.' The driver selects the performance modes using a rotary dial on the center console or a button on the steering wheel. SI-DRIVE enables three distinctively different modes of vehicle performance characteristics by regulating the engine control unit (ECÚ) – as well as the transmission control unit in the automatic transmission models – and by fine-tuning the electronically controlled throttle.

With Intelligent mode selected, the system reduces engine torque and maximum power and switches to a more relaxed throttle response curve. Intelligent mode is an excellent choice for smoother response while commuting in traffic congestion, for example, where it can also help boost fuel efficiency by up to 10 percent. In addition, Intelligent mode's more relaxed responses and lower torque output make it an ideal complement to the low-traction-surface driving capability provided by the Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive System.

The SI-DRIVE system's Sport mode yields quick throttle responses and powerful, linear acceleration. In Sport Sharp mode, the SI-DRIVE system modifies the engine's electronic throttle mapping to deliver quickest throttle response and more power earlier.

Delivering maximum driving enjoyment, Sport Sharp mode is ideal for twisty roads and for confidently merging or overtaking other vehicles on the highway. With the 5-speed automatic transmission, Sport Sharp holds each gear longer, through the rpm range, and downshifts quicker under hard acceleration, making it an ideal performance partner for the new paddle-shift automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com)

The SI-DRIVE system includes instrument panel displays that allow the driver to monitor performance. The multi-information display located in the tachometer face – in addition to providing trip computer functions – denotes the selected SI-DRIVE mode and provides an active torque curve display. When 'Intelligent' mode is selected, an 'ECO' gauge encourages efficient driving habits, and in vehicles with a manual transmission, a shift-up indicator blinks to signal the optimal shift point for maximum fuel efficiency.

Bilstein Sport Suspension
The Bilstein Sport Suspension equips the Legacy 3.0R Limited with performance-tuned shock absorbers for improved cornering. Though similar to the Bilstein Sport Suspension used on the Legacy 2.5GT spec.B, the system on the 3.0R Limited differs in components and tuning and is configured for a ride-and-handling balance unique to this model. The standard 3.0R model shares the suspension tuning with the 2.5i Special Edition but does feature the TORSEN® limited slip rear differential used on the 3.0R Limited and 2.5GT spec.B models.

On the Legacy 3.0R Limited, standard 18-inch alloy wheels are fitted with 215/45 R18 Bridgestone Potenza RE92 all-season tires (Bridgestone Potenza RE050A summer performance tires in the same size on the 2.5GT spec.B model). A 4-wheel disc Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) is standard on all Legacy models. The 2.5GT Limited, 2.5GT spec.B and 3.0R Limited models use 4-wheel vented disc brakes, with larger rotors than naturally aspirated Legacy models.

Elegance and Luxury in 3.0R Limited
The Legacy 3.0R Limited exterior is distinguished by subtle aerodynamic side ground-effects moldings with chrome trim. This model also features an exclusive 7-spoke, 18-inch alloy wheel design. Its appearance is even stealthier than the 2.5GT spec.B, deleting the telltale functional hood scoop that is featured on all turbocharged Subaru models. The Subaru Navigation System is available on the 3.0R Limited and 2.5GT Limited (with automatic transmission) and is standard on the 2.5GT spec.B.

The 3.0R Limited emphasizes a subtle, luxurious cabin with standard perforated leather seats, power-adjustable front seats with 4-stage heating, driver's seat with 2-position memory system, dual-zone automatic climate control, power glass moonroof, and heated exterior mirrors. Many of these features are also shared with the Limited and 2.5GT Limited models.

The Legacy 2.5GT models and the 3.0R models feature distinctive electroluminescent gauges. On the premium models, a 3-spoke steering wheel provides buttons for the audio system, cruise control, the multi-information display and, on models so equipped, SI-DRIVE.

2.5i Models: 27 MPG and PZEV-Certified
The naturally aspirated 2.5-liter 4-cylinder Boxer engine that powers Legacy 2.5i models produces 170 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 170 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,400 rpm. Models with this engine achieve up to an EPA-estimated 27 miles per gallon in highway driving (5-speed manual transmission). The i-Active Valve Lift system helps to ensure responsive performance at all engine speeds. This engine offers Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) certification in the 11 states that require it, with the same power output as federal emissions vehicles.

Advanced Safety Construction
Built around the proven Ring-Shaped Frame Reinforcement safety structure, all Legacy models feature as standard equipment front seat side impact air bags and side curtain air bags that offer additional head protection for front and rear occupants. Intelligent dual-stage deployment front air bags use sensors to detect the presence and weight of a front passenger and also the driver's distance from the steering wheel. The system determines front air bag deployment strength for optimal occupant protection. Active front head restraints can help reduce potential whiplash injury in a rear collision.

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
Subaru All-Wheel Drive systems are organized under the 'Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive' branding umbrella. Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is a total system that integrates a lightweight horizontally opposed (Boxer) engine and one of the four different full-time power distribution systems employed across the Subaru line. Subaru offers three of those versions of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive in the 2009 Legacy line, each tailored to the type of transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com)

The 3.0R models and the 2.5GT Limited equipped with the 5-speed automatic transmission use a version called Variable Torque Distribution (VTD). A planetary gear-type center differential works with an electronically controlled continuously variable hydraulic transfer clutch to manage power distribution. The VTD system normally directs more power to the rear wheels (45:55) to enhance handling agility, and it continuously adjusts the power distribution in response to driving and road conditions.

The advanced Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) stability and traction system is standard on all Legacy models except the low-volume 2.5GT Limited with 5-speed manual transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) VDC is designed to help keep the vehicle going in the direction the driver is steering, especially in slippery road conditions. Traction control functions as a second line of defense against wheel slip, after All-Wheel Drive. The VDC system can be deactivated for conditions that require some wheel slippage, such as extricating the car from deep snow.

In all Legacy models with a manual transmission, a viscous-coupling locking center differential distributes the power 50:50 front to rear. Slippage at either set of wheels will send more power to the opposite set of wheels. On 4-cylinder Legacy models equipped with the 4-speed automatic transmission (standard on 2.5i Limited), an electronically managed continuously variable transfer clutch actively manages power distribution based on acceleration, deceleration and available traction, also transferring more power to the wheels with the best grip should slippage occur.

Source - Subaru