Subaru Legacy, 2013

 

 

 

•  Subaru Legacy, 2013

Subaru of America, Inc. introduced the 2013 Subaru Legacy. The 2013 Legacy is powered by either a 3.6-liter H6 or a new, more efficient 2.5-liter 4-cylinder powertrain and debuts revised styling as well as the new EyeSight driver-assist system. Chassis enhancements improve both ride quality and agility in the 2013 Legacy, which also offers new amenities and audio capabilities.

The 2013 Subaru Legacy features new, sportier front styling with new headlights, grille and front bumper. The changes  further enhance the appeal of the Subaru Legacy, which has sold in record numbers since its 2010 redesign. With standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, the 2013 Subaru Legacy remains the most fuel-efficient midsize all-wheel drive sedan in America. At the same time, the Legacy rewards drivers with engaging performance and a high level of driving comfort and offers outstanding safety performance. For added safety, the 2013 Legacy adds a new Brake Override system.

The 2013 Subaru Legacy remains a standout in the midsize field in terms of roominess. At 103 cu. ft., the Legacy offers more total passenger room than some of its competitors, and rear seat legroom measures a generous 37.8 inches. The 14.7 cu. ft. trunk is on par with front-wheel drive competitors, a significant achievement considering that the Symmetrical AWD system requires packaging for a rear differential and drive axles.

The Most Fuel-Efficient All-Wheel Drive Midsize Sedan with up to 32 MPG
The 2013 Legacy 2.5i models debut a new double-overhead-cam (DOHC) FB series 2.5-liter Boxer engine for increased performance and fuel efficiency. The new engine produces 173 hp and 174 lb.-ft. of torque, compared to 170 hp and 170 lb.-ft. from the previous 2.5-liter SOHC engine. More significant is that the new engine produces greater low-end torque across a broad speed range, making the 2013 Legacy 2.5i models more responsive in everyday driving.

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 latter is standard on the 2.5i Premium and Limited. The second-generation Lineartronic CVT offers more responsive and quieter operation compared to the transmission it replaces.

The 2013 Subaru Legacy 3.6R continues with a 256-horsepower 3.6-liter 6-cylinder Boxer engine and 5-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. A downshift "blipping" feature adds a 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 24 mpg city/32 mpg highway/27 mpg combined, compared to 23/31/26 for the 2012 model. That makes the 2013 Legacy 2.5i competitive with many midsize sedans that come only with front-wheel drive.

Unlike a conventional automatic transmission that 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. 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 Subaru 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. Projected to be one of the most affordable such technologies available in the U.S. market, EyeSight uses a stereo camera design developed by Subaru to provide a detection angle wider than that of radar-based systems.

The EyeSight system processes stereo images to identify the vehicles traveling in front, as well as obstacles, traffic lanes and other items. Below a speed differential of approximately 19 mph, EyeSight is capable of detecting pedestrians or objects in the vehicle's path and can activate in order to mitigate or even avoid the collision. Under certain circumstances, Eyesight is able to bring the car to a complete stop.

At relative speeds above approximately 19 mph, EyeSight 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, to help mitigate collision damage.

The Lane Departure and Sway Warning feature 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 traveling distance. Adaptive Cruise Control is operational from 1-87 mph and can fully brake the vehicle to a stop 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 damages by cutting the throttle when it senses an obstacle in front, but 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 and quieter ride for 2013, while also delivering improved handling agility. Greater stiffness at key points of the structure, including the front strut mounts and rear frame rails, helps reduce the transmission of 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 enhances comfort in the 2013 Legacy, while dark, glossy wood grain trim provides a luxurious appearance on Limited models. Limited trim level models for 2013 feature a new rear-seat A/C outlet.

With the Keyless Access & Start system, the driver can unlock the car by touching the door handle while carrying the remote control in a pocket or purse. (The trunk also has an unlock touch sensor.) A start/stop switch operates the ignition. A new electro-luminescent instrument cluster in the Limited models integrates a 3.5-inch color screen for the multi-information display, which also shows EyeSight functions when the car is so equipped.

Three Trim Levels
The 2013 Subaru Legacy 2.5i is available in three trim levels - base, Premium and Limited. The Legacy 3.6R is available in base and Limited. The base 2.5i features a long roster of standard features, among them Bluetooth® hands-free phone and streaming audio, a USB charging port, steering wheel cruise control and audio switches; a 60/40 split fold-down 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 Premium models add the Lineartronic CVT plus additional amenities, including a 10-way power driver's seat (with power lumbar support adjustment) and driver's auto up/down window; leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter; instrument panel storage bin with door; ambient light for the overhead console, body-colored side mirrors and 17-in. alloy wheels (all 3.6R trim lines have 17-in. alloy wheels as standard).

The 2013 Subaru Legacy Premium models offer three option packages: (1) The All-Weather Package adds heated front seats and mirrors and a windshield wiper de-icer; (2) power moonroof, and (3) The harman/kardon® display-type premium audio system with standard XM® Satellite Radio service (now with a 4-month free trial subscription included), a 4.3-in. color display, and 440-watt high-performance audio amplifier and 9 harman/kardon premium speakers, with subwoofer.

The Limited models feature perforated leather upholstery, dual zone automatic climate control, the display-type harman/kardon premium audio package, rear A/C duct, electro-luminescent gauges, and a 4-way power front passenger seat. The Limited models also exclusively offer an available voice-activated GPS navigation system with a rear vision camera and XM® NavTraffic (now with a 4-month free trial subscription included), among other features. (See "Updated Audio Technology" section, below.)

Updated Audio Technology
The standard audio system in the Legacy 2.5i model is upgraded for 2013. New features include Bluetooth hands-free phone capability and audio streaming, iPod® control capability and a USB port. The system continues with an AM/FM stereo, single disc CD player, Radio Data Broadcast System (RDBS), 3.5mm aux. input jack and 4 speakers. The Premium trim level adds a pair of dash-mounted tweeters.

The top-level Legacy Limited models exclusively offer an optional new navigation system that includes all of the features in the harman/kardon audio package plus: touch-screen GPS navigation system with 7.0-inch LCD display; voice activated controls and navigation; XM NavTraffic (subscription required); rear vision camera, and an SD card slot for convenient navigation map updates.

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive: Three Different Types
Subaru offers three different Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive systems in the 2013 Legacy line, each tailored to the type of transmission. In Subaru Legacy 2.5i models equipped with the 6-speed manual transmission, the Continuous AWD system uses a viscous-coupling locking center differential to distribute power a nominal 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 Active Torque Split AWD. An electronically managed continuously variable transfer clutch actively controls power distribution in response to driving conditions and wheel slippage.

The 2013 Legacy 3.6R exclusively features the Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) AWD system with a 5-speed electronic 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 (45:55) to enhance handling agility, and it can continuously adjust power distribution in response to driving and road conditions.

Subaru Safety
The Subaru Ring-Shaped Frame Reinforcement body structure has been proven for occupant protection in more than a decade of use. Inside, the Subaru Legacy features standard front side pelvis/torso airbags and side curtain airbags that offer front and rear outboard seat coverage.

Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) combines stability and traction control functions, and traction control works to augment the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive functionality. The 4-wheel disc Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) integrates Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and the Brake Assist safety system that automatically applies maximum braking pressure in an emergency stop.

The electronic Hill Holder System holds the vehicle in place until the driver presses the accelerator pedal to pull away from a stop. New for 2013, a Brake Override system ensures that engine power will be cut when both the brake and accelerator are pressed simultaneously.

Subaru produces a full line of all-wheel drive sedans, crossovers and SUVs, and for 2013 has also introduced the rear-wheel drive BRZ sports car to its portfolio.