News : 2010 Subaru Legacy

Update : Bigger, faster, more fuel efficient

These words aren't paired together very often, but they perfectly summarize the 2010 Subaru Legacy sedan. The Legacy has grown longer, taller, and wider with a modest weight gain of 49-65 pounds, depending on the trim and equipment level. The engines are more powerful and more fuel-efficient than last year's. If you opt for the 2.5GT, the 0-to-60-mph sprint is estimated to be 5.9 seconds -- two full seconds faster than a year before. Is the Legacy finally ready for the mainstream midsize-sedan segment?

The Legacy grows up

For 2010, the Legacy grows 1.4 inches longer and 3.3 inches taller, and its track is 2.7 inches wider in the front and 3.3 inches wider in the rear. Those changes give passengers in the rear seat an additional 3.9 inches of legroom and make for a much larger door opening. Interior volume is now 103 cubic feet, just larger than the Toyota Camry's 101.4 cubic feet, but still a bit behind the Honda Accord's 106 cubic feet. Golfers can now consider the Legacy, as the 14.7 cubic feet of storage in the trunk will accommodate four golf bags.

Graceful and mature

Outside, the Legacy might not be the most exciting midsize sedan, but it looks tasteful and modern. The grille is a reverse trapezoidal shape that works especially well with the hood scoop on the turbocharged 2.5 GT models. It's easy to identify the Legacy as a Subaru, but the design is generic enough to appeal to most midsize sedan shoppers. We appreciate the subtle bulge at the wheel flares, which gives the profile some character and a hint of muscle. It also showcases the standard all-wheel-drive.

The features get more mature, too

Subaru may be associated with earthy, frugal owners, but the Legacy offers many luxurious technologies and features inside the cabin. Starting with full-frame doors that bring noise, vibration, and harshness levels down considerably, the Legacy also includes an auto-up driver's window. (Sometimes, Subaru is strangely behind the curve on commonplace features.) You'll also find larger, more comfortable seats, better materials, including some very supple leather on the high-end cars, and nicer looking gauges than on other Subaru products. Options are limited but include an upgraded Harman-Kardon stereo, Bluetooth phone and iPod connectivity, a backup camera, a moonroof, and a voice-activated navigation system.



2.5i

The entry-level Legacy is powered by a 2.5-liter Boxer four that produces 170 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque. A new-for-the-U.S. six-speed manual is paired with a viscous center differential that splits power equally between the front and rear wheels. Those opting for the CVT will get a slightly more sophisticated AWD system that uses a slip-clutch and fancy electronics to determine which end of the car needs more torque. Subaru informs us this is the first application of a CVT with a Boxer engine. A mere 170 hp does not do much to raise the enthusiast's pulse, but it provides enough thrust for getting around town and feels particularly refined when paired with the CVT. Those considering the 2.5i will likely be most interested in the standard AWD at its $20,690 base price. Equally impressive is the 31-mpg highway rating for cars equipped with the CVT.

2.5GT

Enthusiasts will be most interested in the 2.5GT trim level. The turbo four produces 265 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque solely through a six-speed manual. Subaru uses the same AWD system here as on the 2.5i with a six-speed manual. A functional hood scoop, 18-inch wheels, and an all-weather package separate the 2.5GT from the 2.5i, but the options and equipment otherwise match a 2.5i Limited or Premium trim level. Think of the 2.5GT as a WRX for your growing family.

3.6R

Those buyers who are looking for more performance than the 2.5i offers but who are not willing to deal with a manual transmission will appreciate the Legacy 3.6R. As the name implies, power comes from a 3.6-liter, normally aspirated Boxer six engine. Power is rated at 256 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, and the 3.6 runs on regular gas while the 2.5GT requires premium fuel. We found the 3.6-liter engine to be much more enjoyable than the 3.0-liter six it replaces, but the turbo-four cars were more fun on challenging roads. However, the six feels more refined and the automatic transmission adds smoothness to the package.



Behind the wheel

One of the biggest changes for the 2010 Subaru Legacy's ride is thanks to the double-wishbone rear suspension and front Macpherson-strut setup. If this combination sounds familiar, it's because all Subarus now use this suspension design. Body motions are well controlled, and the Legacy is stable going down the road thanks largely to its wider track and longer wheelbase. Sadly, the steering is overboosted but we found it offers good road feel as well as a quicker ratio. Braking performance has improved noticeably -- Subaru claims a 20% improvement in response from the new brake booster. Though the midsize sedan segment is hardly about superior driving dynamics, the Legacy is certainly fun to drive if you opt for the GT. Should fuel prices shoot up overnight, the normally aspirated four-cylinder model, particularly with a CVT, could be in demand. There's a smart mix of power, fun, and frugality available in the line, and all models, of course, have standard all-wheel drive



Who will buy it?

Subaru acknowledges it has a small following. According to Subaru's own research, less than 40% of midsize sedan shoppers know the Legacy exists. Those who are aware of the Legacy tend to be well educated, worldly, and environmentally conscious, as well as stylish and successful. Most of these people live in northern, coastal parts of the U.S. The marketing team thinks that {{{Volkswagen Passat}}}, Nissan Altima, and Mazda 6 owners are most likely to cross-shop the Legacy, which compares quite favorably with each of those cars.

What does it cost?

A basic 2.5i Legacy with the six-speed manual transmission will cost $20,690 with destination; the CVT transmission is $1000 extra, but there are no other options. Stepping up to the Premium trim level runs another $1000 and gets you an eight-way power driver's seat, 16-inch alloy wheels, a chrome exhaust tip, auto up/down driver's window, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The 2.5i Limited runs $25,690 and adds a power passenger seat, 17-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, mirrors, and wiper de-icers, dual-zone climate control, leather seats, and a premium audio system; the CVT is the only available transmission. PZEV models of any 2.5i CVT trim level are available in all 50 states for an extra $300.



The 3.6R begins at $25,690 and follows the same pricing strategy as the 2.5i family. Look to spend $1000 extra for a Premium and $3000 more for a Limited car. Aside from the engine and automatic transmission, the only difference between the 2.5i and 3.6R is standard 17-inch alloy wheels. All options and equipment are otherwise equal on comparable trim levels.

Enthusiasts will want the $28,690 2.5GT Premium and its turbo four powerplant, revealed by the functional hood scoop and standard 18-inch alloy wheels. A 2.5GT Limited runs $30,690 and matches the equipment found on other Limited models.

When can I buy it?

The 2010 Subaru Legacy should start showing up at dealers in early August. Wagon fans will want to wait for the 2010 Outback that arrives shortly after the Legacy sedan.

With configurations ranging from frugal and capable to fast and refined, the Legacy has broad appeal. There's also enough Subaru quirkiness to keep the early adopters happy with this generation--all engine choices are Boxers, AWD comes with every car, and there's a good array of safety features. If the 2009 Forrester's success is representative of the demand for a more mainstream Subaru, the 2010 Legacy sedan will be quite well received by the market.

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News, When the brain waves move the wheel

Tokyo: Japan original car manufacturer, Toyota Motor Corporation, at the wheel this car is driven with brain waves. This column does not create a manageable with conventional hand. Toyota claims the system is the invention of the fastest in the world in the ability to analyze brain waves. Such representations Toyota, as reported Associated Press, Monday (29 / 6).

Later the driver who sits akan impose similar headgear that is able to read signals that the brain is released. Signal is then delivered to the engine will brain electroencephalograph (EEG), which will then be analyzed in a computer program. This system will make someone able to run the column to the right, left and front quickly automatically. Even to stop only a blow cheek.

Rival Toyota, Honda Motor Corporation, also has developed a technology that is capable of connecting with the brain waves of movement mechanics. This year, Honda will show a video that shows a picture of someone the middle put on helmets. With the helmet, he can move the robot Asimo, which has been previously programmed response to brain signals, to the left and right.

However, both Toyota and Honda have not yet explain the exact time the product will be released to the market. So, be patient.
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Nissan immediately selling hybrid car

Yokohama: hybrid car at this time has become the main target of the automotive industry. Nissan Motor also do not want to lag. The third largest automotive company in Japan is planning a mass produced electric vehicles in the upcoming year 2012.


Nissan says, will release the first electric vehicle in Japan on 2 August and start selling next year. "We move forward with the zero emissions vehicle," said Nissan Chief Executive Carlos Ghosn.

Nissan will sell electric cars first in Japan and the United States (U.S.) after April 2010. Later, they will mass produce and market the car globally in 2012.

Along with the production in Japan and Europe, Ghosn said, Nissan will make electric vehicles in the U.S. in Smirna Tennessee. Factory has a production capacity of more than 100 thousand units per year.

On Tuesday (23 / 6), Nissan received a loan from the U.S. government worth US$ 2.1 billion, to build a green car partnership. Nissan will use the US$ 1.6 billion to equip the manufacturer in Smirna dan 465 million U.S. dollars to build electric trains in California. "U.S. will become a very important market, he said
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Toyota Planning, Production Fuel Cell Car

Tokyo: Japanese car manufacturer, Toyota Motor, plans will be issued a car equipped with a fuel cell in 2015 to come. Toyota President Masatami Takimoto explained, Tuesday (23 / 6), this was done as an effort to encourage Toyota to be in the forefront of manufacturers produce greener cars.

Fuel cell technology is seen as a quick solution to reduce carbon dioxide emissions are increasing. Energy produced this technology is a combination of hydrogen and oxygen form the substance and the rest water. During this time the manufacturer to concentrate more on the development of a battery driven car. For fuel cell technology is still considered expensive and not economical. This contention appears because it is still difficult to store hydrogen so that the car can go like a normal car.

Although expensive, in 2002, Toyota has issued a product of fuel cell car fuel is a limited market for Japan and the United States.
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SuperSkin Helmet for biker

Brussels: Although there is no magic way to prevent accidents on the road. However, people always perfect security factors driving the progress of technology. For motorcycle rider, recently created a new type of helmet. SuperSkin, a helmet LAZER enhanced, using technology Philips Head Protection System (PHPS). This one technology, applied to reduce the risk of significant head injury.

Strength of the helmet has been tested by a laboratory at the University Louis Pasteur in Strasbourg, France. Aimed to test the ability to know the maximum SuperSkin helmets protect the head in the driver motor.

Tests proved that the risk of SuperSkin of 67.5%. Ability is a very positive result, at the helm are producers incentive to improve security standards. (AND / lazerhelmets.com)
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SkyBike, Flying bike in the future

California: You will surely great surprise with the progress of technology. Recently, Samson Motorwork introduced, SkyBike, three-wheel motorcycle that can fly with wings fold automatically.

This vehicle has a wing-shaped clips that can be folded. Wing is easy to inflate with time akan terbang. According to the author, SkyBike made to meet the increased demand that will be the car that can fly the plane and can be used on the road.

This vehicle is the second version of the motor company's automotive production aircraft Samson Motorworks which have in California, the United States. Model previously only able to be supported telescopic wing.

Wing design this new model is lighter than 90 kilograms the previous model. In addition, the cockpit space so relieved and better treatment so more sparingly. This latest model is also very sporty with a place to sit side by side. Landing speed was lower.

This futuristic car models inspired from Ferrari. While the price up to now still be concealed. However, Samson expects next year to introduce a version of this vehicle can only be used on land. (AND/wheels24)
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