Subaru’s Next Legacy in Sight

Subaru’s midsize Legacy Sedan is about to enter its fifth generation starting next year, according to British magazine Autocar. Having been on sale since 2003 as a model year 2004 product, it marked the return of a turbocharged Legacy to the North American model, and raised the brand’s status for luxury and refinement.

The new Legacy will draw from the current car, as well as the new Impreza and Forester, and will feature the double wishbone style rear suspension in place of the old multi-link setup. As usual, symmetrical all wheel drive will be featured as standard equipment. The car will come in sedan and wagon body styles, as well as the beefed up Outback model, though, styling will be different. It will follow more closely in line with Subaru’s recent styling endeavors, so expect rounded edges like those on the Impreza.

A key priority for Subaru will be to make the Legacy a greener vehicle. Internationally, Subaru just launched its first diesel engine, but this won’t be available for another few years here in North America. Instead, what Subaru will do is optimize its powertrains to reduce their fuel economy. Word has it that Subaru is considering adapting CVT transmissions, using a strategy similar to Nissan. Expect to see the same application of 2.5-liter naturally aspirated and 2.5-liter turbocharged engines, as rumor has it that the luxury 3.0R model will be dropped.

With Toyota as a growing stakeholder, Subaru is also poised to adapt hybrid technology to the mix, and the Legacy may be the first production vehicle in the lineup to feature such a system.

According to the British magazine, the car will be launched domestically in either February or March of next year.