Subaru of America, Inc., presented the North American debut of its re-designed 2008 Subaru Legacy model, at the 2007 North American International Auto Show. Subaru also debuted its new flagship sedan model, the Subaru Legacy 3.0 R Limited, a first-ever 6-cylinder Legacy model for the North American market. An All-Wheel Drive pioneer and leader, Subaru is the only brand to equip all its models with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as standard.
The 2008 Legacy model lines are distinguished by revised styling for 2008, featuring a new grille with chrome crossbars and a central Subaru logo that represents the company’s aeronautical heritage. The new 2008 Subaru Legacy features all-new front sheet metal with a larger grille opening, new front and rear bumper fascias, and new headlights and taillights. The new front and rear design features reduced overhangs for a sportier appearance.
The Legacy 3.0 R is positioned to compete against midsize All-Wheel Drive performance sedans and introduces a performance-oriented paddle-shift transmission with a new “downshift blipping control” that gives the rev-matching behavior of an expertly shifted manual transmission. The Legacy 3.0 R is also equipped with Bilstein Sport Suspension and 18-inch wheels and tires.
Inside, Legacy model gains a redesigned instrument panel and revised interior fabrics. A telescopic steering column and a new integrated ignition key/remote entry unit are now standard. Distinctive electroluminescent gauges, formerly featured only on the turbo Legacy a model, will now be on the 6-cylinder models for 2008.
On the premium models, a redesigned steering wheel offers additional controls, including the audio system, cruise control, the multi-information display and separate Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE ) controls. SI-DRIVE allows the driver to maximize engine performance, control and efficiency by choosing from among three selectable modes – “Intelligent,” “Sport” and “Sport Sharp.” The driver selects the performance mode by using a rotary dial on the center console or, newly added for 2008, a button on the steering wheel.
For 2008, the advanced Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) stability and traction system will be offered in more Legacy models, and the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is now standard on all Legacy models.
The Subaru Legacy has garnered the highest award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) – “Top Safety Pick” – in the midsize car segment. The Legacy achieved the highest rating (“Good”) in IIHS frontal offset, side and rear impact tests. In addition, the 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.