Subaru Introduces All-New Legacy 2.5 GT for 2005

Press Release

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive A Key To Brand Identity

All-Wheel Drive is a cornerstone of Subaru brand identity, not just an add-on feature. Consistent with this philosophy, all Subaru All-Wheel Drive systems are organized under the ???????????????????????????????????Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive???????????????????????????????? branding umbrella. Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is a total system that integrates a lightweight horizontally opposed (boxer) engine and full-time All-Wheel Drive. Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive provides excellent balance thanks to the longitudinally mounted boxer engine and the way power flows from it through the transmission and to the rear differential along a straight, near-horizontal path. Subaru offers three different Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive systems in the 2005 Legacy models, each tailored to the type of transmission. With the 5-speed manual transmission, the system uses a viscous-coupling locking center differential to distribute the power 50/50 front to rear. Slippage at either set of wheels will send more power to the other set of wheels. Legacy 2.5 GT models equipped with the 5-speed automatic transmission use a system called Variable Torque Distribution (VTD). A planetary center differential works with an electronically controlled continuously variable hydraulic transfer clutch to manage power distribution. The system normally sends more power to the rear wheels to enhance handling agility, and it continuously adjusts the power distribution in response to driving and road conditions. Legacy 2.5i and Legacy 2.5i Limited models will offer an optional 4-speed automatic transmission, with an AWD system that uses an electronically managed continuously variable transfer clutch to actively control power distribution in response to driving conditions.

All-New Interior Designed for True Grand Touring

Subaru redesigned the roomy Legacy interior and used high-quality materials to enhance the driver??????????????????????????????????????s environment and passenger comfort. The new unified design integrates the entire area from the instrument panel and large center panel to the console box. Flush surface treatments, a soft foam upper dashboard, soft foam door trim and aluminum side sill covers with the Subaru logo provide a premium appearance and ambience. The sporty new four-dial instrument panel features an electroluminescent LED (light-emitting diode) gauge display in Legacy 2.5 GT. On startup, the needle pointers swing to their maximum positions and then back, as in the Impreza WRX STi. The gauge panel is augmented in all models by a combination digital clock and trip computer, located in the center of the dashboard. Some of its functions and displays include outside air temperature, fuel consumption, remaining driving distance, estimated driving time, and a passenger airbag on/off indicator light. The 2005 Legacy 2.5 GT comes equipped with premium performance features that include as standard equipment a dual-zone automatic climate control system, performance-design front seats with 4-stage heating and heated exterior mirrors. The MOMO????????????????????-designed 3-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel features integrated SPORTSHIFT controls when the car is equipped with the optional 5-speed automatic transmission. The standard audio system includes a 120-watt AM/FM stereo, a 6-disc in-dash CD changer and six speakers. Larger controls and displays make the audio system easy to use, and all power window and seat switches are illuminated for ease of use. Legacy 2.5 GT Limited models add a more luxurious interior featuring leather-trimmed upholstery, an 8-way power driver??????????????????????????????????????s seat and a 4-way power passenger seat. A glass power moonroof is standard on all Legacy GT Limited and Legacy 2.5i Limited models. The moonroof on the wagon models is a new-design dual-panel type that provides a single large opening when the tilt-up front section and retracting rear section are opened. A remote keyless entry system is standard for all 2005 Legacy models, with the system in Legacy 2.5 GT and 2.5 GT Limited models adding an engine immobilizer function. The remote control includes a trunk release for sedans and a rear gate release for wagons. A versatile center console integrates two cupholders, a console box with a shutter-type lid and a height-adjustable armrest. The storage box will hold nine CDs and also has a 12-volt power outlet. The 2005 Legacy wagon models feature a new, one stage 60/40 split rear seatback that provides a flat load floor without the need to lift the rear seat cushion forward. The sedan??????????????????????????????????????s trunk hinges are fully encased and do not intrude into the cargo area.

Safety Taken To A New Level

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, 4-channel / 4-sensor ABS, excellent handling response and expansive visibility give the 2005 Legacy models a high degree of active safety (the tools that help a driver avoid hazardous situations). The foundation of passive safety in the 2005 Legacy models is a redesigned Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frame structure that incorporates larger cross-section frame members and straighter rear frame sections than before. The front-end structure disperses collision energy in three directions, and new hydroformed center pillars enhance side impact protection, which is further bolstered by repositioned side impact door beams. The increased focus on side impact safety continues inside, where all Legacy models for 2005 feature standard front seat-side impact air bags for thorax-area protection and side curtain air bags (full side coverage) for head protection. A new intelligent air bag system employs dual stage deployment driver and front passenger air bags. A seat position sensor on the driver??????????????????????????????????????s seat track detects if driver is sitting too close to the air bag, in which case the system would delay deployment of the air bag??????????????????????????????????????s second stage. The passenger side front seat incorporates an occupant detection module that detects weight on the passenger seat and determines if it??????????????????????????????????????s a child or adult to control air bag deployment. All Legacy models for 2005 feature active front head restraints, which can help reduce potential whiplash injury in a rear collision. A new safety brake pedal system can help reduce lower leg injury in a frontal collision.