Anyhow, the addition of the 3.6 as an engine option for the Legacy was rumored as soon as Subaru announced it as a replacement for the horrible 3.0 in the “Flying V.” I’m glad it wasn’t just a rumor and can’t wait to see a review.

Hopefully they won’t go too much up-market.

I’ll match the interior of my 2006 Spec. B (oxblood leather + aluminum trim) with any of the Euro saloons any day. Considering the great driving dynamics and ability to avoid the “Auto Spa”, Subaru’s ability to beat the BMAUMBs in the content per dollar analysis could serve them well as the economy tightens.

Actually, they will have a hard time going too far upmarket anyway. Have you seen many Subaru dealerships? I mean, where would they put the latte’ machine?

I can’t wait to see what the final/new legacy looks like. I’d seriously look at a base legacy wagon as a replacement for my wifes 9+ year old car a few years down the road.

Power is not important to me (I have an STi already) but handling is.

amen on the cowl height!
i have a legacy GT, and the low cowl doesn’t make its presence known until i’m in someone else’s car. other cars make me feel like i’m driving a ship or a tank or something.

i’m as tall as the roof in the LGT allows, so visibility in *any* car (minus a 1977 thunderbird) should not be a problem for me, but the legacy provides MUCH better visibility than most other cars. i hope they don’t screw it up.

i hope they offer a GT wagon that isn’t an outback this time. i have a feeling they won’t, but that’s okay. model bloat means i can get a five door WRX hatch that’s as big as an old legacy.

On the other hand, I think they are going to have a tough time getting significant numbers of people to cross shop Subaru vs. BMW or Lexus.

The 3.6 returns just about the same mileage, and some more “torques” as our English, Tesla-disparaging friend would say.

Significantly, though, unlike the 3.0 H-6, the 3.6 runs on regular unleaded instead of the premium required by the 3.0 providing lower cost of operating consistent with the needs shoppers in the “Flying” Tribeca’s market segment.

On the new Legacy:

Exciting!

Hopefully Subaru will continue to take advantage of the low height of their engines and offer a saloon AND wagon with a low cowl height and downward sloping hoodline. The design of the Exiga, which was purported as a harbinger of the next-gen Outback makes me worry that Subaru will “jack-up” all their cars to Outback height. That would be a real shame especially as it’s not like they have to house an LS7 under the hood.

Exiga pics: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subaru_Exiga

I think it’s a good move all around, but don’t expect the headlights to stay like this.

Interesting – I’ll reserve judgment until I see the whole car. Subaru has already reached for “upmarket” as their pricing dictates. Success? Notasmuch.

IMHO the styling peaked in ‘05-07… the ‘08 refresh looks kinda hodge-podge. Of course I’m biased with my ‘05 OBXT.

Fuel economy? Yeah right. I gave up on that long ago… and the diesel is just a righteous tease. (as is a 6-spd manual).

Subaru has always ventured off the beaten path when it comes to their styling. The 1st gen Legacy was ahead of its time and I’m a big fan of the current Legacy. On the other had the 1st Gen Tribeca was a disaster. They have had other oddities like the BRAT and Baja pickups or the mini window on the SVX.

Subaru has offered a larger engine that only goes into a a relative handful of higher trim lines.

Now if they would only bring the Diesel to the USDM!

You can tell that someone at Subaru was offended that people didn’t appreciate the design brilliance of the Impreza and Tribeca’s grille, because they’re trying to slip it in for a third go.

Robert EDIT doesn’t work again.