Subaru Canada, Inc. (SCI) introduced the 2013 Subaru Legacy at the New York International Auto Show. The 2013 Legacy offers a choice of a 3.6-liter horizontally-opposed H6 or a new, more efficient 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine.
Under the hood, the 2013 Legacy 2.5i models debut a new double-overhead camshaft (DOHC) 2.5-liter boxer engine for increased performance and fuel efficiency. This new engine produces 173 hp (129 kW) and 174 lb-ft (236 N·m) of torque, as compared to 170 hp (127 kW) and 170 lb-ft (230 N·m) from the outgoing model. The new engine produces greater low-end torque across a broad speed range, making it 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 second-generation Lineartronic CVT offers more responsive and quieter operation compared to the transmission it replaces.
The 2013 Legacy 3.6R Limited continues to be offered with a 256-hp (191 kW) 3.6-liter 6-cylinder boxer engine and 5-speed Electronic Direct Control Automatic Transmission with Manual Mode (5EAT). A downshift blipping feature enhances its 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 even greater fuel efficiency than the outgoing model. Legacy models equipped with the Lineartronic CVT are able to travel over 1,000 km (621 miles) per tank, delivering fuel efficiency equivalent to comparable two-wheel-drive sedans.
The 2013 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. Combining safety and convenience features, this new technology—which uses a stereo camera design developed by Subaru to provide a detection angle wider than that of radar-based systems—can detect obstacles in front of the car and limit potential damage in an impact.
At relative speeds under approximately 30 km/h (18.6 mph), EyeSight’s Pre-Collision Braking System can help avoid a potential collision. The system can detect obstacles in the car’s path and, if the driver has not applied the brakes in time, the system can act to slow the vehicle or bring it to a full stop. Pre-Collision Braking is always on in the background to act like a second set of eyes for the driver. It can also be turned off temporarily for off-road or rough road travel.
At relative speeds above approximately 30 km/h, the system 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. The system, which can recognize programmed objects such as vehicles, motorcyclists and bicyclists, can help mitigate collision damage.
By monitoring traffic lane markers and lines, the Subaru EyeSight system 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 travelling distance. Adaptive Cruise Control is operational from 40-145 km/h (25-90 mph) and can continually brake until the vehicle stops 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 damage by cutting the throttle when it senses an obstacle in front, even though the accelerator pedal continues to be pushed.
Numerous enhancements to the body structure, suspension and steering give the Legacy a smoother, quieter ride for 2013, while also delivering improved handling and agility. Greater stiffness at key points of the structure, including the front strut mounts and rear frame rails, helps reduce 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%. The Legacy driver will experience a more responsive yet quieter vehicle overall.
Subaru offers three different symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive systems in the 2013 Legacy lineup, each tailored to the engine and type of transmission. In all Legacy models equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission, the AWD system uses a viscous-coupling limited-slip center differential to distribute power 50/50 front to rear.
Legacy 2.5i models equipped with the Lineartronic CVT use Subaru’s electronically controlled MPT (Multi-plate Transfer Clutch), which adjusts torque distribution to the front and rear wheels in real time to suit driving conditions. The Multi-plate Transfer Clutch AWD maintains a 60/40 torque split front-to-rear for more predictable handling, and then automatically adjusts to a 50/50 split under strong acceleration or when road conditions warrant.
The Legacy 3.6R Limited Package exclusively features advanced Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) All-Wheel Drive with a 5-speed automatic transmission. A planetary centre differential works with an electronically controlled continuously variable hydraulic transfer clutch to manage power distribution. A 45/55 front/rear torque distribution is continuously variable using a multiple-disc clutch limited-slip differential. Torque distribution is controlled automatically up to an equal 50/50 front and rear to suit road surface conditions for superb stability.
Source: Green Car Congress
