Attention Automotive Editors:
Subaru Canada announces 2009 Legacy lineup
A great choice for drivers who want sporty power and fun-to-drive
performance.
MISSISSAUGA, ON, June 5 /CNW/ - Subaru Canada, Inc. (SCI) is pleased to
announce that the 2009 Legacy lineup goes on sale soon, including the
recently-launched 2009 Legacy PZEV, a new Legacy 3.0R Limited Sedan, and a new
Legacy 3.0R with Premier Package. With a range of new features, excellent fuel
economy, and top safety accolades for occupant protection, every Legacy is an
outstanding choice for drivers and families who want it all.
There are five models in the 2009 Legacy lineup: the Legacy PZEV (sedan
and wagon), 2.5i Touring (sedan and wagon), 3.0R Limited (sedan), 3.0R Premier
Package (sedan), and 2.5GT spec.B (sedan).
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- Every 2009 Legacy fitted with an automatic transmission, whether 4-
speed or 5-speed, is equipped with SPORTSHIFT.
- Every model in the 2009 lineup now includes pre-installed Sirius
Satellite radio and a 3-month trial subscription.
- In addition, every Legacy except the PZEV includes an upgraded Harmon
Kardon sound system with 9 speakers and power to spare (385 watts of
power in sedans and 440 watts in wagons).
- Due to strong interest in this new offering, the PZEV also now
includes a standard power driver's seat and heated front seats. An
optional manual transmission is also available for 2009.
- Standard equipment on the 2.5i Touring Package now also includes a
leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and Subaru's
outstanding Vehicle Dynamics Control system.
- The 2.5GT spec.B is fitted with new leather seating surfaces.
- Both the new Legacy 3.0R Limited and 3.0R Premier Package are
equipped with Vehicle Dynamics Control; a 5-speed electronic direct
control automatic transmission with SPORTSHIFT, blipping control and
steering-column-mounted paddle shifters; larger disc brakes; body-
coloured door mirrors with integrated LED turn signals; chrome trim
on side aero effects; and 17-inch 'grand touring style' alloy rims
with 215/45/17 tires; leather-wrapped steering wheel, gear selector
and parking brake.
- The 2009 3.0R Premier Package is further equipped with a new
navigation system.
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"Legacy becomes an even more important choice for consumers in these days
of soaring gas prices," said Katsuhiro Yokoyama, president and CEO of SCI.
"Legacy is a great choice for families who want safety and All-Wheel drive
confidence without excessive SUV fuel consumption."
Power According to Purpose
Every 2009 Legacy is equipped with Subaru's symmetrical full-time
All-Wheel Drive system - a lightweight horizontally-opposed SUBARU BOXER
engine, long-travel suspension and full-time All-Wheel Drive. It's a complete
system that provides optimal traction and handling performance on all types of
road surfaces.
The 2009 Legacy PZEV and 2.5i Touring Package are powered by a modified
version of Subaru's 2.5-litre 4-cylinder SOHC 16-valve horizontally opposed
SUBARU BOXER that produces 170 hp at 6,000 rpm and 170 lb.-ft. of torque at
4,400 rpm, and uses regular unleaded fuel. All Subaru's 2.5-litre naturally
aspirated engines incorporate Subaru i-AVL (intelligent Active Valve Lift)
variable valve lift technology to optimize the engine's volumetric efficiency
throughout the rev band. The engine can be mated to a 4-speed electronically
controlled SPORTSHIFT automatic transmission or a 5-speed manual transmission.
The 2.5i PZEV designation is awarded to vehicles that meet strict
emissions standards set by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). Subaru
PZEV vehicles in Canada meet the Super Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle standard
(SULEV) and eliminate fuel-system evaporative emissions. Compared to an
average new vehicle, Subaru PZEV vehicles have 90 percent cleaner emissions.
In certain cases, gasoline engine vehicles meeting PZEV emission standards are
also even cleaner than hybrid or alternative fuel vehicles.
The naturally aspirated 2.5-litre engine fitted with 5-speed manual
transmission achieves class-leading fuel economy, using just 10.6 L/100km
(city) and 7.6 L/100km (highway); with the 4-speed automatic, Legacy uses 10.5
L/100km (city) and 7.6 L/100km (highway).
The Legacy 2.5GT spec.B boosts the performance level-yet still offers
excellent fuel economy-with a turbocharged, intercooled 2.5-litre DOHC engine
that generates 243 hp at 6,000 rpm and 241 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,600 rpm.
The 2009 2.5GT spec.B is equipped exclusively with a 6-speed manual
transmission with a robust design for high-torque handling and short, positive
shifts. As a safety measure, the 6-speed transmission uses a reverse lockout
feature - the driver must pull up a ring on the shift lever before reverse
gear can be selected.
All Subaru 2.5-litre turbocharged engines incorporate Subaru AVCS (active
valve control system) variable valve timing technology to optimize the
engine's volumetric efficiency throughout the rev band. AVCS adjusts intake
camshaft timing to employ the ideal intake and exhaust valve overlap under all
engine operating conditions.
Legacy 3.0R models are equipped with Subaru's 3.0-litre DOHC 6-cylinder
engine, which produces 245 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 215 lb-ft of torque at
4,200 rpm.
The Subaru 3.0R engine employs both AVCS and Active Valve Lift (AVL)
variable valve lift technology. This combination results in one of the most
advanced valve control systems on the market. Subaru AVCS and AVLS vary both
cam phasing (intake valve timing) and the amount of lift exerted on the intake
valves. These systems enhance power at all engine speeds while ensuring
optimal efficiency and low emissions.
The SI-DRIVE Advantage
For the 2.5GT spec.B and 3.0R models, Subaru's innovative SI-DRIVE
(Subaru Intelligent Drive) engine management system allows the driver to
custom-tailor the car's driving characteristics by choosing from among three
selectable modes-Intelligent, Sport and Sport Sharp. In this way, the driver
optimizes engine performance, control, efficiency, and throttle response (as
well as transmission shift performance on models with the automatic
transmission).
When Intelligent mode is selected, the system reduces engine torque and
maximum power and switches to a more relaxed throttle response curve. By
controlling throttle angle and response of the Electronic Throttle Control
drive-by-wire system, SI-DRIVE restrains peak output by about 20 percent, and
peak torque is limited to 228 lb.-ft.
Intelligent mode is an ideal choice to provide smoother response while
commuting in traffic, for example, where it can increase real-world fuel
economy by as much as 10 percent. In addition, Intelligent mode's more relaxed
responses and lower peak torque output can be used to complement the
low-traction surface driving safety provided by the Subaru Symmetrical
All-Wheel Drive System.
In Sport mode, performance is enhanced by quick throttle responses and
powerful, linear acceleration. The linear acceleration characteristic of this
versatile mode makes it ideal for driving on freeways and suburban streets and
for merging or overtaking other vehicles on the highway with confidence.
In Sport Sharp mode, SI-DRIVE modifies the engine's electronic throttle
mapping to deliver lightning-quick throttle response and more power, sooner.
In models with the automatic transmission, Sport Sharp mode also employs a
more aggressive shift map, holding lower gears longer for more power. As its
name might suggest, Sport Sharp mode enhances the performance feel of the car
and is ideal for tackling twisty roads.
The Legacy 2.5GT spec.B is also equipped with a TORSEN(R) limited-slip
differential that provides quick reaction to torque inputs, for enhanced
traction during spirited cornering. Legacy 3.0R models include a viscous-type
limited-slip rear differential for enhanced stability, control and driving
confidence.
Further bolstering the All-Wheel Drive performance, the 2009 Legacy 2.5i
Touring Package, 2.5GT spec. B, and 3.0R models are also equipped with the
Vehicle Dynamics Control system that simultaneously co-ordinates front/rear
torque distribution, engine output and individual wheel braking as needed to
enhance vehicle stability.
Automatic Transmissions with SPORTSHIFT
A 4-speed electronic direct control automatic transmission with
SPORTSHIFT is optional on Legacy PZEV and 2.5i Touring Package. Standard on
Legacy 3.0R models is a 5-speed electronic direct control automatic
transmission with SPORTSHIFT and blipping control.
The SPORTSHIFT feature still allows manual shift control in all SI-DRIVE
modes, but alters the shift map to respond to the selection of Intelligent,
Sport or Sport Sharp mode.
Legacy 3.0R models provide SPORTSHIFT control from both the
console-mounted shift handle and steering-column-mounted paddle shifters. The
paddle shifters give drivers quick temporary access to manual mode even when
the shift handle is in Drive. The transmission resumes automatic mode after a
short period. The Subaru 5-speed automatic uses a lateral-g sensor and
cornering logic to choose and hold the appropriate gear when cornering. The
transmission helps maintain traction when the vehicle is accelerating out of a
corner by using more rapid downshifting. For inclines, the 5-speed automatic
transmission helps maintain traction by downshifting actively. For downhill
control, the transmission maintains efficient engine braking by holding the
most suitable gear.
Designed for Comfort and Convenience
Legacy continues to be well-equipped with a broad range of standard
features, including a split-folding rear seat, cruise control; power windows,
door locks and mirrors; adjustable dash illumination; dual-mode trip odometer;
generous cabin storage, a tilting/telescoping steering wheel, and an AM/FM/CD
stereo with MP3/WMA capability and an auxiliary audio input. Every Legacy is
now also equipped with Sirius satellite radio, and comes with a free 3-month
trial subscription.
For even greater convenience, the 2009 Legacy is also equipped with a
keyless entry transmitter integrated into the key blade. The system has four
buttons - lock, unlock, trunk and panic - and the most frequently used 'lock'
button is the largest, positioned to be easily accessible in the centre of the
transmitter.
The 2009 PZEV is further enhanced with new heated front seats and
body-coloured door handles as well as a power driver's seat, and heated
exterior mirrors with integrated LED turn signals. Wagon models are fitted
with a retractable cargo cover.
Already very nicely equipped, the 2.5i Touring Package adds a new power
driver's seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear selector.
The 2.5GT spec.B welcomes occupants with new black leather seats. The
paddle shift levers are designed such that they are always in the same
position, regardless of the angle of the steering wheel, so they can be
controlled with ease and will never interfere with steering. The levers are
made of rigid aluminum with pads to prevent slipping. The wiper icons on the
wiper control arm have been moved so that they are not hidden by the paddle
levers.
The 2.5GT spec.B also features audio control switches located in the left
spoke of the steering wheel, and the SI-DRIVE selector and the
multi-information display switches are also conveniently located on the
steering wheel, so that drivers can operate them without releasing the
steering wheel.
Legacy 2.5GT spec.B is also equipped with titanium finish trim;
sport-design electroluminescent gauges; power-adjustable sport-type front
seats; automatic dual-zone climate control; power moonroof; power-adjustable,
folding, heated exterior mirrors with integrated LED turn signals; and
contoured multi-reflector halogen (high) and projector beam halogen (low)
headlights with auto-off.
To this, the 2009 2.5i Touring, 2.5GT spec.B and 3.0R models add a
premium 9-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. Tuned specifically for Subaru,
the new audio system provides the ultimate in listening pleasure - crisp,
accurate and lavish sound.
Custom-optimizing the system for the dimensions of each vehicle's
interior, Harman Kardon's engineers improved bass response and reduced
distortion through the use of neodymium magnets and other space-age materials.
The 385-watt (440 watts in wagon models) 7-channel system (8 channels in
wagons) employs Digital Signal Processing (DSP) that continually evaluates
more than 100 unique audio parameters to capture every nuance of the recording
and re-amplify it for maximum audio quality.
The 2009 Legacy 2.5GT spec.B and 3.0R Premier Package further add a GPS
DVD-based navigation and monitor system with touch-screen display, premium
audio system with 6-CD changer, and 60/40 split flat-folding and lockable rear
seat with trunk pass-through. The 2.5GT spec.B also includes two-position
memory on the power driver's seat, aluminum alloy sport pedals and Bridgestone
Potenza summer performance tires with 18-inch wheels.
The Confidence of Driving with the Safety Leader
In addition to the active safety of Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
System, every Subaru is built to the highest levels of passive safety. Legacy
has garnered the highest award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
(IIHS) - "Top Safety Pick" - in the mid car segment, thanks to its light but
strong Ring-shaped Reinforcement Frame. In addition, 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.
Legacy's occupant protection also includes a driver's seat kneeguard to
help reduce injuries to the driver in the event of a frontal collision, and
the stalk section of the driver's seatbelt uses a metal design that helps
ensure the belt is held firmly against the driver's pelvis during a collision,
reducing the possibility of lower abdomen injury. The stalk also oscillates,
making it more convenient to engage and remove and more comfortable to wear.
The 2009 Legacy is fitted with 'smart' dual-stage deployment front
airbags with a passenger detection system for the passenger airbag, front
seat-mounted side impact airbags, side curtain airbags, and height-adjustable
active front seat head restraints. The three point front seatbelts with
pretensioners and force limiters are also height adjustable, and all passenger
seatbelts are ALR/ELR type. Three LATCH system child safety seat tethers in
the rear seat and rear child safety doorlocks help create a safe environment
for small passengers.
Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the Legacy PZEV sedan
with manual transmission is $26,995. The Legacy 2.5i Touring Package with
manual transmission has an MSRP of $29,495, just $300 more than the previous
model even though the added equipment has a value of over $1,100. The new
Legacy 3.0R Limited Sedan has a starting price of $36,995, and the luxurious
3.0R Premier Package has an MSRP of $38,995. At the top of the range, the
2.5GT spec.B has an MSRP of $41,995.
Subaru Canada, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries
Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, the company markets and
distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of 89
authorized dealers across Canada.
Looks like the GT Spec B sedan is still available.
