2009 Subaru Legacy
First of all, two new models will join the lineup for 2009: the Legacy PZEV and 3.0R.
Available in sedan and wagon variants, the PZEV will become the new entry-level model, starting at only $26,995. At that price, buyers get a comprehensive list of features: 5-speed manual transmission, side and side-curtain airbags, active front head restraints, cruise control, power mirrors, door locks and windows, a tilt/telescopic steering wheel and heated front seats with power adjustments for the driver. In addition, SIRIUS satellite radio and keyless entry will now be part of the standard equipment.
This Legacy meets Super Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) standards. According to the company, the PZEV is 90-percent cleaner than the average new car. As for fuel economy, Subaru announces ratings of 10.6 L/100 km in the city and 7.6 L/100 km on the highway.
If you want to purchase a turbocharged model, you should know that the Legacy GT will no longer be offered. For 2009, only the 2.5GT spec.B model will remain. Retailing for $41,995, this sedan benefits from 243 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 241 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm. The turbo engine is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. For extra dollars, buyers can add 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Brigestone Potenza tires.
Legacy 3.0R
Also new for 2009 is the Legacy 3.0R, which carries a base price of $36,995. This 4-door model boasts a 3-liter, horizontally-opposed, 6-cylinder "boxer" engine. It produces 245 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 215 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm through a 5-speed semi-automatic transmission with paddle shifters on the steering wheel. Harnessing all that power is a viscous-coupling limited-slip rear differential. Just like the 2.5GT spec.B, the Legacy 3.0R is only available as a sedan. Both can be equipped with a touch-screen navigation system and a premium audio unit featuring a 6-CD changer.
2009 Subaru Outback
Meanwhile, the Legacy-based, off-road capable Outback also gets a number of improvements for 2009. The lineup now consists of the entry-level 2.5i, the PZEV Plus, the 2.5i Limited and finally the 3.0R Optimum.
Subaru upgraded the equipment level of all Outback models. While still priced at $30,995, the base 2.5i now comes standard with heated front seats with power adjustments for the driver. SIRIUS satellite radio is standard across the lineup.
The PZEV model, available at $34,145, offers Vehicle Dynamics Control, 9-speaker Harman Kardon audio, tinted windows, power outside mirrors with integrated LED turn signals, body-colored door handles, leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob as well as splash guards.
Both the PZEV Plus and 2.5i Limited are motivated by 2.5-liter, horizontally-opposed, 4-cylinder boxer engine producing 170 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque. A choice of two transmissions is available: a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic with manual mode.
Finally, the Outback 3.0R Optimum uses the same 245-hp, 215 lb-ft, 6-cylinder engine as the Legacy 3.0R, not to mention the 5-speed semi-automatic transmission with paddle shifters on the steering wheel. This model starts at $43,595.
The 2009 Subaru Outback and Legacy are scheduled to arrive in dealerships this summer.
photo:Olivier Delorme
First of all, two new models will join the lineup for 2009: the Legacy PZEV and 3.0R.
Available in sedan and wagon variants, the PZEV will become the new entry-level model, starting at only $26,995. At that price, buyers get a comprehensive list of features: 5-speed manual transmission, side and side-curtain airbags, active front head restraints, cruise control, power mirrors, door locks and windows, a tilt/telescopic steering wheel and heated front seats with power adjustments for the driver. In addition, SIRIUS satellite radio and keyless entry will now be part of the standard equipment.
This Legacy meets Super Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) standards. According to the company, the PZEV is 90-percent cleaner than the average new car. As for fuel economy, Subaru announces ratings of 10.6 L/100 km in the city and 7.6 L/100 km on the highway.
If you want to purchase a turbocharged model, you should know that the Legacy GT will no longer be offered. For 2009, only the 2.5GT spec.B model will remain. Retailing for $41,995, this sedan benefits from 243 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 241 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm. The turbo engine is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. For extra dollars, buyers can add 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Brigestone Potenza tires.
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| 2009 Subaru Outback PZEV |
Legacy 3.0R
Also new for 2009 is the Legacy 3.0R, which carries a base price of $36,995. This 4-door model boasts a 3-liter, horizontally-opposed, 6-cylinder "boxer" engine. It produces 245 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 215 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm through a 5-speed semi-automatic transmission with paddle shifters on the steering wheel. Harnessing all that power is a viscous-coupling limited-slip rear differential. Just like the 2.5GT spec.B, the Legacy 3.0R is only available as a sedan. Both can be equipped with a touch-screen navigation system and a premium audio unit featuring a 6-CD changer.
2009 Subaru Outback
Meanwhile, the Legacy-based, off-road capable Outback also gets a number of improvements for 2009. The lineup now consists of the entry-level 2.5i, the PZEV Plus, the 2.5i Limited and finally the 3.0R Optimum.
Subaru upgraded the equipment level of all Outback models. While still priced at $30,995, the base 2.5i now comes standard with heated front seats with power adjustments for the driver. SIRIUS satellite radio is standard across the lineup.
The PZEV model, available at $34,145, offers Vehicle Dynamics Control, 9-speaker Harman Kardon audio, tinted windows, power outside mirrors with integrated LED turn signals, body-colored door handles, leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob as well as splash guards.
Both the PZEV Plus and 2.5i Limited are motivated by 2.5-liter, horizontally-opposed, 4-cylinder boxer engine producing 170 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque. A choice of two transmissions is available: a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic with manual mode.
Finally, the Outback 3.0R Optimum uses the same 245-hp, 215 lb-ft, 6-cylinder engine as the Legacy 3.0R, not to mention the 5-speed semi-automatic transmission with paddle shifters on the steering wheel. This model starts at $43,595.
The 2009 Subaru Outback and Legacy are scheduled to arrive in dealerships this summer.
photo:Olivier Delorme