Subaru of America announced that it will debut the re-styled 2013 Subaru Legacy at the 2012 New York International Auto Show. The 2013 Subaru Legacy features a new, sportier front styling with new headlights, grille and front bumper. The changes will 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.
The 2013 Legacy 2.5i models debut a new double-overhead-cam (DOHC) FB series 2.5-litre Boxer engine for increased performance and fuel efficiency. The new engine produces 173 horsepower and 174 lb.-ft. of torque, compared to 170 hp and 170 lb.-ft. from the previous 2.5-litre 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 six-speed manual transmission and the second-generation Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission). Models with the CVT also feature a six-speed manual mode with steering wheel paddle shifters, which allow the driver to control the transmission via six pre-set ratios.
The 2013 Legacy 3.6R continues with a 256-horsepower 3.6-liter six-cylinder BOXER engine and five-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.
