Outback, Legacy Get Nip, Tuck

By Bengt Halvorson

Bengt Halvorson

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1,452 views January 8, 2007

2007 Subaru Legacy 3.0 R Limited

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On itsDetroit show stand, Subaru introduced substantially revised versions of its Legacy and Outback lines for 2008, with extensive, albeit minor changes throughout in both models. Both have a new winged grille, a design feature that has been phased in throughout the lineup (though a poor reception of the Tribeca’s front end may have changed that plan), and reflecting the company’s aeronautical heritage.

Otherwise, the front and rear ends on both cars have been restyled, and overhangs have been reduced slightly due to redesigned bumpers and fascias. The new Outback has a more upright grille and revised fascias like the Legacy, and has a new fog lamp design and new wheel offerings.

Most notable is the availability of the 245-hp, 3.0-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine on the Legacy for the first time; it had previously only been available in the Outback and the Tribeca crossover. A five-speed automatic is the only transmission offered with the six, but it adds new paddle shifters as well as a “downshift blipping control” to match revs on downshifts like a skilled manual rower. The Legacy 3.0 R offers the powertrain upgrade, while the 3.0 R Limited and Outback add a Bilstein sport suspension and the automaker’s Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive) system, which allows the driver to choose three different throttle attitudes — Intelligent, Sport, and Sport Sharp.

The 3.0 R Limited stakes claim as Subaru’s new flagship sedan. A navigation system is standard, along with memory heated seats, heated mirrors, a power moonroof, and a six-disc-changer system with satellite radio.

All six-cylinder Outback and Legacy models now get electroluminescent gauges, and top models get a redesigned steering wheel with built-in controls for SI-Drive and the multi-function display. Telescopic steering and keyless entry are now standard on all Legacys and Outbacks, and the keyfob has been integrated with the ignition switch.

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