SUBARU LEGACY® GAINS ADDED REFINEMENTS FOR 2012

• New Audio Systems for Premium and Limited models.

• Additional month of free XM Select Satellite Radio service for factory-equipped models.

• New Alloy Wheel Value Package for Base 2.5i adds additional value at a low price.

• New Standard Fog Lights for Limited models.

CHERRY HILL, NJ – Subaru of America, Inc. has introduced the 2012 midsize Legacy sedans featuring upgraded audio technology and additional standard equipment. The wide selection of models and powertrains, along with generous interior room and standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive have driven the Legacy to significant sales increases since the third-generation models were introduced for the 2010 model year.

Reflecting Subaru's focus on value, the 2012 Legacy remains priced similarly to its primary front-wheel drive midsize competitors. The 2012 Legacy continues is available in 4-cylinder, 4-cylinder turbo and 6-cylinder performance levels, with the 4-cylinder/Lineartronic® CVT (continuously variable transmission) combination delivering an EPA-rated 31 mpg highway. Standard, Premium and Limited trim lines are offered, with the turbocharged 2.5GT model available exclusively in Limited form. The 2012 Legacy models continue with the 'Top Safety Pick' rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

New for 2012, the Legacy 2.5i base model offers a new Alloy Wheel Package that includes 16-in. alloy wheels, fog lights and the All-Weather Package (2-stage heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors and windshield wiper de-icer). Previously, the All-Weather Package was available only on the Legacy Premium, where it remains optional, and Limited, where it remains standard. On Limited models, fog lights are now standard for 2012.

New Legacy Audio Choices for 2012

The Legacy line offers two new audio choices for 2012. In the 2.5i and 3.6R Premium models, the new standard audio system includes AM/FM stereo, single-disc CD player with Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming, Radio Data Broadcast System (RDBS), iPod® control capability, USB port, 3.5mm aux. input jack and 6 speakers. In addition, the vehicle comes pre-wired for XM® / Sirius Satellite Radio, which is available as a dealer accessory and requires a subscription.

Newly standard for the 2012 Legacy 2.5i and 3.6R Limited models and optional for the Premium models is a new harman/kardon® display-type audio system that includes all of the versatility and connectivity features in the Premium models' new standard audio system (described in previous paragraph) and adds a 4.3-inch LCD display, HD Radio, standard XM Satellite Radio and plays through 9 harman/kardon speakers, including a subwoofer. All factory-equipped models with XM Satellite Radio receive an additional free month of the XM Select package.

Three Levels of Legacy Performance

The 2012 Legacy features three powertrain choices: Legacy 2.5i models are powered by a 170-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder Boxer engine (with available PZEV rating) and equipped with a standard 6-speed manual transmission or the Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission). The CVT is standard in the 2.5i Limited. The Legacy 2.5GT Limited is powered by a 265-hp turbocharged / intercooled DOHC 4-cylinder Boxer engine teamed exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission. The Legacy 3.6R models are powered by a 256-hp 3.6-liter 6-cylinder Boxer engine and are exclusively equipped with a 5-speed electronic automatic transmission.

Midsize Standout

The new-generation Legacy offers one of the roomiest interiors in the midsize category yet preserves the agility and fun-to-drive spirit that have long been hallmarks of this model line. The Legacy offers more total passenger room than some of its competitors offering 103 cu. ft. total and featuring 37.8 inches of rear seat legroom. The 14.7 cu. ft. trunk is a significant achievement considering that the Legacy's AWD system requires packaging a rear differential and drive axles.

As are all 2012 Subaru models, every Legacy is equipped as standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, an invaluable performance- and safety-enhancing system that sets Legacy apart among midsize sedans. All-wheel drive is rare in the midsize segment, and only Legacy makes it standard on all models and trim lines.

The current Legacy introduced a new Subaru design language that is also featured on the all-new 2012 Impreza models. The Subaru badge is the focal point of the grille, which features a squared off lower edge. Character lines arc from the grille and form power bulges on the hood, tapering off into the A-pillar. The coupe-influenced silhouette incorporates a large, airy greenhouse, and the powerful wheel arches and a short deck give the vehicle a sporty stance.

Confident, Agile Handling and Safety for any Road -- or any Weather

The Legacy retains the crisp handling and balance for which Subarus are known while providing exemplary ride quality. Legacy 2.5i and 2.5i Premium models feature 16-in. wheels (alloy with 2.5i Alloy Wheel Value Package and on Premium trim level); the 2.5GT Limited is exclusively equipped with 18-in. alloy wheels with 225/45R18 performance tires. All versions of the 6-cylinder Legacy 3.6R come with 17-in. alloy wheels and 225/50R17 tires.

MacPherson-type strut front suspension is mounted to an engine cradle, and the engine is attached to the cradle using hydraulic mounts. The cradle is designed to also enhance crash-worthiness in front. A double-wishbone rear suspension, mounted to a sub frame, provides an optimal combination of ride comfort, handling agility, noise isolation and interior roominess.

Like all new Subaru models, the 2012 Legacy features standard Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), which stability and traction control capability. Likewise, all new Subaru models are also equipped with a standard 4-wheel disc Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and the Brake Assist safety system.

High Level of Comfort and Convenience in All Models

Inside the Legacy, a four-dial instrument panel is augmented by a multi-information display with a trip computer located in the center of the dashboard. Rich looking appointments and details abound, including a sporty 3-spoke steering wheel (leather-wrapped in all but the base 2.5i and 3.6R models). An electronic parking brake with an electronic Hill Holder System eliminates the traditional parking brake handle, freeing up space in the center console.

The generous roster of standard features in the 2012 Legacy 2.5i includes steering wheel cruise control buttons, a 60/40 split fold-down rear seat, electronic parking brake, automatic headlights, overhead console with holder for sunglasses and a 3.5mm auxiliary audio jack. The electronic Hill Holder System holds the vehicle in place until the driver applies the throttle to pull away from a stop.

Legacy Premium models add more amenities including steering wheel Bluetooth controls, a 10-way power driver's seat (with power lumbar support adjustment) and driver's auto up/down window, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio switches, instrument storage bin with door, ambient light for overhead console, chrome exhaust tips and body-colored mirrors.

The Premium models also offer additional comfort and convenience options, including new-for-2012 display-type harman-kardon Audio Package, a power moonroof, and the All-Weather Package that adds heated front seats and mirrors and a windshield wiper de-icer.

The Legacy Limited models feature standard leather upholstery, dual zone automatic climate control, the new-for-2012 display-type harman-kardon® Audio Package, and a 4-way power front passenger seat. The Limited models also exclusively offer an available voice-activated GPS navigation system with an 8-in. LCD display and rear-view backup camera, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity and audio streaming for smartphones.

Torque-Rich 2.5-liter Boxer Engine

Legacy 2.5i models are powered by a 2.5-liter SOHC 4-cylinder Boxer engine teamed to a new 6-speed manual transmission or the available Lineartronic CVT with 6-speed manual shift mode. The CVT is standard in the Legacy 2.5i Limited. The 2.5-liter engine, which is available as PZEV-certified, delivers 170 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 170 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,000 rpm. The i-Active Valve Lift System (AVLS) ensures a broad torque curve and smooth response at all engine speeds, while also helping to improve fuel efficiency.

Equipped with the Lineartronic CVT, the 2012 Legacy 2.5i achieves 23 mpg city / 31 mpg highway / 26 mpg combined EPA fuel economy ratings. An 18.5 gallon fuel tank yields excellent driving range.

Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

Subaru's chain-type CVT was the world's first longitudinally mounted CVT system for AWD production vehicles. Unlike a conventional automatic transmission, which uses fixed gear ratios, a CVT provides infinite variability between the lowest and highest available ratios with no discernable steps or shifts. The CVT continuously and smoothly adapts to performance demand, helping to keep the engine in its most efficient operating range for improved fuel economy and performance.

Because a CVT does not shift gears, the driver enjoys smoother performance in all driving situations. The selectable manual mode of the Lineartronic CVT uses six pre-set ratios to allow the driver to 'shift' manually using steering wheel paddle controls.

Legacy 2.5GT Limited: 265 Turbocharged Horses

The 2012 Legacy 2.5GT Limited comes equipped exclusively with a 265-horsepower 2.5-liter intercooled/turbo Boxer engine teamed to a 6-speed manual transmission. This sporty performance sedan, which also features the Legacy range's top luxury feature content as standard, can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in under six seconds.

3.6-liter 6-Cylinder Boxer Engine: Premium Performance with Regular-Grade Fuel

The 3.6-liter 6-cylinder Boxer engine in Legacy 3.6R models produces 256 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 247 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,400 rpm. This smooth engine sustains at least 225 lb.-ft. of torque from 2,000 to 6,000 rpm, making the Legacy 3.6R feel exceptionally smooth and responsive in everyday driving. Active Valve Control System (AVCS) variable valve timing on both the intake and exhaust valves optimizes power delivery across the engine's speed range while helping to reduce emissions. The 3.6R models use recommended regular-grade fuel.

The 3.6-liter engine is teamed exclusively with a specially tuned five-speed automatic transmission that significantly reduces 'hunting' between gears when driving in hills. A downshift 'blipping' feature adds a touch of sportiness when using the steering wheel paddle shifters in Legacy 3.6R models.

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive A Key To Brand Identity

Subaru offers three different versions of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive in the 2012 Legacy – Continuous, Active Torque Split, and Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) – each tailored to the type of engine and transmission.

In all Legacy models equipped with the 6-speed manual transmission, the Continuous AWD system uses a viscous-coupling locking center differential to distribute power 50/50 front to rear. Slippage at either the front or rear wheels will cause the system to send more power to the opposite wheels. Legacy 2.5i models equipped with the Lineartronic CVT use the Active Torque Split version of Symmetrical AWD. An electronically managed continuously variable transfer clutch actively controls power distribution in response to driving conditions.

Legacy 3.6R models exclusively feature Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) All-Wheel Drive with a 5-speed automatic transmission. A planetary center differential works with an electronically controlled continuously variable hydraulic transfer clutch to manage power distribution. The VTD system normally sends more power to the rear wheels to enhance handling agility, and it continuously adjusts power distribution in response to driving and road conditions.

Exemplary Safety

The Legacy, like all Subaru current models, has consistently earned top scores in government and insurance industry crash tests. Subaru's Ring-Shaped Frame Reinforcement safety structure, proven over a decade in all Subaru models, forms the foundation for crash protection and occupant safety in the new-generation Legacy. A front subframe (engine cradle) helps improve front impact safety. The new-generation Legacy features extensive use of high-tensile steel, which helps enhance safety without adding bulk.

The 2012 Legacy models include 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.

The front seat frames are designed to provide enhanced protection against whiplash injury in a rear-end collision. With the entire seat optimized for a rear-end collision, Subaru was able to replace the previous model's active front head restraints with a more comfortable design.

by Subaru

In February 1989, an all-new mid-sized sedan rocked the world with its introduction. The Subaru Legacy was introduced as the replacement for the Subaru Leone/Loyale and featured a 2.0L engine that had been originally available only with all-wheel drive but later became standard worldwide. In Australia, the Legacy was marketed as the Subaru Liberty in part because Legacy Clubs rejected the use of their name. For 1994 and 1998, the Subaru Legacy was Wheels magazine s Car of the Year. Worldwide distribution of the Subaru Legacy began in 1990. Beginning in 1989, all USA Legacy s were built at either the Indiana plant in Lafayette, Indiana or the Gunma plant in Japan.

Subaru s longest-running nameplate in the U.S., the Legacy, was introduced nearly two decades ago and has continued to be a recognized and popular vehicle. Legacy is also very often chosen as a winter-beating alternative to the midsize sedan or wagon segment because of its all-wheel drive. The Subaru Legacy has also won two Edmunds.com Editors Most Wanted SM awards. Part of the initial design goals for the Legacy model was to provide Subaru with a vehicle that they could compete with in the advantageous North American midsize market, against competitors like the Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry. Many higher-performance variants of the Legacy area offered as a competitive alternative to company exec cars like the Alfa Romeo 159, BMW 3 Series, Volkswagen Passat and the Audi A4.

A pretty large departure from Subaru offerings in the past, the first generation of the Legacy was introduced in 1989. Subaru had long held a reputation of building vehicles that had been considered to be quirky, but the introduction of the Legacy was Subaru s attempt to join the growing upscale market. The Legacy Subaru was unveiled to the public at the same time as the Lexus and Infinity. Breaking with many of Subaru s traditions, the Legacy no longer featured a spare tire in the engine compartment, but not behind the engine and above the transmission. Placed above the Leone in Subaru s model range, the Legacy was an all-new model.

Beginning with a 5-door station wagon or 4-door sedan body style with FWD, the Legacy featured an optional full-time AWD package, and was unveiled in the USA, Germany, UK, Japan, Australia and the Netherlands. The Legacy featured a variety of luxurious and technological advancements that were normally only found on more expensive vehicles as standard equipment. These features included central locking, power windows, fuel injection, AC, alloy wheels, power assist rack and pinion steering, 4-wheel independent suspension with both negative scrub and anti-dive and squat geometry, along with 4-wheel disc brakes. Optional items included 4-channel ABS, and air suspension height control. Japanese police departments have also used the Legacy for patrol cars, and still continue to do so today.

Currently unique to the Legacy in this class size of vehicle was the standard equipped symmetrical all-wheel drive system. Both sedan and wagon models were available in 1990, and in 1991 a turbocharged sedan model was introduced to the lineup and it came with an engine that different slightly from current market offerings. There has been four generations of the Subaru Legacy so far. The first generation Legacy was introduced from 1990 through 1994 and was in Japan by Isuzu at the Aska CX. Introduced first in the Legacy was the EJ-series engine. Featuring various improvements over the earlier engines, the EJ-series came with five main bearings rather than three. The EJ20 also featured versatility, and any EJ-style engine would fit into any Subaru made from 1990 through 2006.

A notable departure from Subaru products in the past, the Legacy was formally introduced on January 23, 1989, in Japan. It was priced introductory at $18,800. The first Legacy was available at Japanese dealerships on February 1, 1989. Worldwide distribution began in 1990.

On October 7, 1991, the second generation of the Legacy's sales began. The second generation was officially debuted in 2005 in North America with a full body and chassis revision. The second generation lasted until 1999 and the exterior was designed by Olivier Boulay who had been hired by Subaru on a short-term basis. Influenced by the taillights on the SVX, new tail lights appeared on both the sedan and wagon in this generation. Subaru chose to make AWD standard equipment in all vehicles in 1996 for the North American market from that day until today. Subaru continued to offer a choice between AWD and FWD for its domestic market vehicles for this 2nd generation.

Between 1991 and 1994, the 2.2L turbocharged four-cylinder engines were available in the North American Legacy. While featuring a single overhead camshaft, this unique version did not come with an intercooler. Beginning in 1996, 2.5L, DOHC normally aspirated and fuel-injected four-cylinder engines were available in the US market. Beginning in 2000, a revised version with a single overhead camshaft became available in North American models. Beginning in 2005, 2.5L, DOHC, turbocharged and inter-cooled four-cylinder engines were made available in North American market GT models.

In 1995 Subaru introduced a raised, crossover version of the Legacy wagon which they called the Legacy Outback. The Legacy Outback with this generation came with AWD only internationally.

In 1996, USA-spec GT models that had been first available in 1990 as a turbocharged sedan or wagon in Japan (and as a trim package for the U.S. version in 94) transformed into a top-level model upgrade using the new EJ25D DOHC 2.5 L naturally-aspirated engine. Introduced in this year, Limited trim level editions came, offering heated leather or cloth, seats, and trim along with a tinted, glass moonroof. The name Limited also appeared on the GT which was known as the GT Limited in 1998. In 1998, the term Limited was used by itself on the Outback. Complying with USA Federal Government regulations, driver and front passenger airbags were added with the redesigned interior.

The 30th year anniversary of Subaru in America rolled around in 1991, and it also marked the end of the second generation in North America. To honor this, a special 30th Anniversary Edition was offered in the U.S. It came with an upgraded interior, sunroof, alloy wheels on the L trim level cars and spoiler. The U.S. spec Brighton trim level also came over from the previous year and remained priced below the L trim option.

The GT-B was introduced in June of 1996 in Japan. The front and rear struts were supplied by Bilstein and the upgrade was available on the RS. B designation stood for Bilstein. Turbocharged variations were still available in markets that utilized right-hand drive configurations. Also available in Japan were specialty touring and racing versions, along with the DOHC 2-liter twin sequential turbocharged EJ20H version on both the Legacy GT sedan and wagon with an automatic transmission. Along with RS sedan and wagan with the EJ20R and a manual transmission and a slightly higher hp rating, both of these identified Boxer 2-stage Twin Turbo on the engine cover shroud.

In 1998 Australia finished out the last of the second generation Liberty with a special Bilstein Edition RX, which was identifiable by a Bilstein badge on the rear trunk lid. It also featured a lower stand due to front and rear Bilstein struts. The model also featured leather seats and door inserts as well as Momo sports leather steering and 16in BBS alloys, all as standard equipment. In Israel, the Legacy second generation was introduced and the Legacy name was replaced by the B4 brand.

The third generation of the Subaru Legacy was launched in Japan and Europe in June 1998, while the North American model debuted in late 1999 as a 2000 model. The European models ranged from a normally-aspirated 2.0 L flat-4 to the EZ30 flat-6 in the 3.0R model. The twin-turbo that had been offered in the earlier generation was still offered on performance models. The EZ30, a newly designed 3.0 L H6 was available in the Outback models in 2001. The engines now meet California s LEV emission standard.

The raised roof is now used for both the Legacy wagon and the Legacy Outback and the flat roof wagons and no longer manufactured worldwide. Beginning in the 2000 model year was the introduction of daytime running lights. The following year cabin air filters were available and installed beneath and behind the glove compartment door.

Dubbed SportShift, Japanese speculation vehicles with the twin-turbo had a choice of manual or semi-automatic transmission which allowed the driver to push the automatic gearshift selector to the let, and then allowed the driver to shift the automatic like a manual transmission.

The fourth generation of the Subaru Legacy debuted in 2003 until 2009. Fuji Heavy Industries introduced their all-new redesigned Legacy on May 23, 2003. It was also known as the BL for sedan model and BP for wagons. Worldwide this generation was released in 2004. Subaru Indiana Automotive commenced production in January 2004 for the North American market. Winning Subaru s first win for the award, the Legacy was given the 2003-2004 Japan Car of the Year. Lance Armstrong was elected the spokesman for both the wagon and the sedan and Sheryl Crow s 96 hit Everyday Is a Winding Road was the theme song in U.S. commercials. Subaru sold its three-millionth Legacy on March 14, 2005.

Heralding the return of a turbocharged engine to North American Legacies, the chassis was newly redesigned and made stiffer and featured a 2.5-liter unit derived from that of the North American Impreza WRX STI. The twin-turbo setup was dropped from the lineup due to advancements in turbocharger technology and stricter emission standards. Offering Subaru s first 5-speed automatic transmission, turbocharged models, and the H6 featured SportShift technology which was licensed from Prodrive, Ltd.

The Legacy wagon and the Outback sedan were discontinued in the U.S. market in the 2008 model year. This left only the Legacy sedan and the Outback wagon. In Canada, though, the Legacy wagon wasn't discontinued. This year Subaru actually brought back the 3.0 L flat-6 engine to the North American Legacy sedan. For the first time since 2000, the flat-6 was once again available in the Outback sedan wagon. The 2.5i U.S. model was certified PZEV emissions for 2008 and received a badge attached to the rear of the vehicle on the bottom right hand side of the trunk lid or tailgate. Meanwhile, all other models are certified LEV2. Throughout the entire U.S. the PZEV Legacy is available, unlike other manufacturers that only sell PZEV-certified cars in states that share CA s emission standards.

EyeSight is a new safety feature that consists of twin cameras, one on each side of the rearview mirror which uses human-like stereoscopic vision to judge distances. It also keeps tabs on the driver and is now available on the Japanese-spec Legacy as of May 10, 2008. EyeSight helps the vehicle (more like the driver) retain a safe distance on the highway, a lane departure warning system, a driver alert warning for numerous safety situations and even keeps an eye open for pedestrians. SI-Cruise has also been integrated into the EyeSight feature as a driver safety aid.

The first ever fit to a passenger car, the Subaru EE flat-4 diesel engine was available in both the Legacy and Outback sedans and wagons, which were dubbed as the Subaru Legacy 2.0D. Beginning in March 2008, this car was released in the European Union and was available with a 5-speed manual transmission only. Both the Legacy and Outback diesel were debuted officially at the Geneva Auto Show in March of 2008.

The fifth generation of the Subaru Legacy was introduced the final week of May 2009 at their Indiana location. The 2010 Legacy was shown at the 2009 New York Auto Show. The Legacy was introduced in Japan on May 20, 2009, in Japan and the STi Legacy will continue in production.

Lineartronic Continuously variable transmission was all new for this generation and was utilized internationally on the EJ25 2.5 L flat-4 engine and the EJ20 several markets. In the North American and Australian markets 6-speed manual transmission was also offered.

Exclusively used in Japan and North America was the 2.5GT turbocharger with a 6-speed manual transmission, and Australia was able to choose between the 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission. Cars identified as 3.6R use the EZ36 flat-6 engine with a 5-speed SportShift conventional automatic transmission. On AWD models the Lineartronic CVT transmission is also shared with the JDM-spec Subaru Exiga. Today the North American PZEV Legacy 2.5i continues to be available throughout the U.S.

The EZ36 flat-engine is only used internationally on the Outback, but it is available in the Legacy in North America and Australia. Offering the EJ25 in both turbo and non-turbo versions the Japan-spec car has discontinued the EJ20 engine. Standard equipment on all Japanese-spec vehicles was the SI-Drive, as well both the Australian 2.5GT and the 3.6R sedan, but not in North America. Standard on the international Outback was SI-Drive with the EZ36 except in North America.

Only in North America was the Legacy wagon available as an Outback, whereas the wagon is available ad both a Legacy and Outback in Japan, Australia, Europe and the U.K. The wagon was the only version offered in the UK, and the engine choices are limited to the Subaru EE20 turbo-diesel or the EJ25. The EJ20 is still available in both the sedan and a wagon in Europe, alongside the EE20 turbo-diesel and the EJ25. In Australia, the EE20 turbo-diesel is available in the Outback. Euro5 emission standard compliant are the European and UK Legacy EE20 diesel, the EJ20 and EJ25.

Putting an end to a Subaru tradition that began with the first generation Leone in the early 1970s was the side windows no longer being frameless. Ending a design tradition that had been established with the first generation, the D pillar on the wagon was no longer covered in glass, borrowed from the Subaru XT. A new center console-mounted hand brake was replaced with an electric handbrake switch installed on the dashboard.

Both the stereo control and climate control buttons along with the CVT gear selector, were oriented to either left- or right-hand driving. Manual control of the CVT transmission was done by pulling the gear selector lever in the driver s direction.

A Subaru Legacy concept was designed in 2009 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Subaru model. The concept vehicle officially debuted at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show.

by Jessican Donaldson