On March 31, Subaru of America Inc. announced that the all-new 2010 Legacy sedan will debut at the New York International Auto Show, providing a bolder design language in a larger midsize package. The 2010 Legacy now features a longer wheelbase, almost four inches of extra rear seat legroom and a new powertrain lineup featuring the new Subaru Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission). 

The 2010 Legacy is built on a new platform that increases room and comfort while preserving the agility and fun-to-drive spirit of the previous model. New powertrains and new suspension design combine with proven Subaru safety technology to deliver a unique offering in the midsize segment. As are all Subaru models, every Legacy is equipped as standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. 

The Legacy line for 2010 will offer three levels of performance. Legacy 2.5i models - 2.5i, 2.5i Premium and 2.5i Limited - are powered by a revised 170-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder Boxer engine (with available PZEV rating) and equipped with a new standard 6-speed manual transmission or the new Lineartronic CVT. Both transmissions help to improve acceleration, response and fuel economy, according to the company. 

The Legacy 2.5GT models make a leap in performance for 2010. Both the 2.5GT Premium and 2.5GT Limited models are powered by a new 265-hp turbocharged / intercooled Boxer engine. The new engine features a unique turbocharger that is mounted below the engine. This new location not only contributes to smooth turbocharger response and improved emissions, but also lowers the car's center of gravity. In the Legacy 2.5GT models, this high-performance engine is mated with a new 6-speed manual transmission. 

Three new Legacy 3.6R models - the 3.6R, 3.6R Premium and 3.6R Limited - offer a sophisticated blend of performance and comfort. All are powered by a new 256-hp 3.6-liter 6-cylinder Boxer engine matched to a 5-speed electronic automatic transmission. Compared to the 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine it replaces, the more powerful 3.6 has the same external size and uses regular-grade fuel, rather than premium as the 3.0 required. 

The 2010 Legacy models include as standard equipment front seat side impact air bags and side curtain air bags that offer additional head protection for front and rear occupants. Intelligent dual-stage deployment front air bags use sensors to detect the presence and weight of a front passenger and also the driver's distance from the steering wheel. The system determines front air bag deployment strength for optimal occupant protection. 

New in the 2010 Legacy, high-strength front seat frames provide enhanced protection against whiplash injury in a rear-end collision. With the entire seat optimized for a rear-end collision, Subaru replaced the previous active front head restraints with a more comfortable design.