Is this the 2005 Legacy?
Noted differences with current model year:
- New square/round headlights, similar to style introduced on 2004 Impreza models.
- HID headlights as an option.
- Rear doors have a straighter rear edge (less curvature around the rear wheel
arch).
- Looks to be a few inches longer, or perhaps the rear
wheels were moved back a bit.
- Integrated roof rack rails (less aerodynamic drag and a clean
uncluttered look)
- Roof "hump" is more subtle
- Roof seems to slope downward toward the rear, or is it
an optical illusion?
- integrated spoiler on tailgate above rear glass
- Windshield wipers are somewhat hidden by the rear edge of the hood (less
aerodynamic drag, but could be troublesome in winter)
- Larger rear corner taillights
- No "taillight bar" on rear hatch
- LED backup lights?
- Dual turn signals integrated into mirrors for both
oncoming traffic and vehicles in the blind spot (same as Mercedes).
- Dual Exhaust (on turbocharged models)
- Much more elegant instrument and radio/climate control
console.
Engines
- Expect a revised 2.5 litre engine with double overhead
cams (DOHC) and variable valve
timing (Subaru calls it AVCS (Advanced Valve Control System)). EJ25's with
AVCS have been available in Japan for quite some time, current EJ25 DOHC AVCS output is 168 hp
at 6000 RPM and 176 lb/ft at a low 2,800 rpm. The current North American EJ25
SOHC engine produces 165 hp at 5,600 rpm and 166 lb/ft of torque at 4,000 rpm.
- Diesel H4? Subaru and Isuzu have been working on a new
common rail diesel engine for some time now, should be available soon in
Europe.
- GT models will have a 245ps (about 245 hp)
turbocharged 2.0 litre H4 engine.
- An STi version may be available with a twin turbo 3
litre H6 engine. The prototype of this engine produces 394hp at 6,400rpm and
398 lb/ft of torque at 3,600. Expect 0-100 kph times in the very low 4 second
range.
- The STi version with the twin turbo H6 engine is not
permitted in Japan, where the manufactures have agreed to a 280 HP limit on
all domestic vehicles. Expect the H6 in Europe and North America where it will
compete with high performance AWD vehicles from Audi (S6) and Volvo (V70
Type R).
The new EJ20 engine
Note the sound proofing on the firewall, angled battery
mount, revised intake manifold and lack of throttle cables (uses electronic
throttle).
Transmissions
- Subaru will be adding a 5 electronically controlled
automatic transmission (5EAT) with with Sportshift (Tiptronic) controls on
transmission lever and steering wheel.
- Manual models will likely continue with a 5 speed
manual transmission (hopefully with a taller 5th gear for lower revs on the
highway), and GT/STi models will be equipped with a 6 speed manual.
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