Making its debut at the New York Auto Show, the 2010 Subaru Legacy is 35 mm longer, 90 mm wider and 80 mm higher than the previous model. Much like the earlier released Subaru Legacy Concept but without the fancy LED-lights, shiny metallic paint and a change in the mirrors, the latest legacy does not look like something astonishingly new. Coming in three trim levels- Legacy 2.5i with a 170 HP 2.5-liter engine, Legacy 2.5GT with a 265 HP version of the same engine and Legacy 3.6R with a 256 HP output, Subaru seem to have come out with very few changes for the newest member of the Legacy line up. But, you could still wait for the Wagon version, which might take a bit longer to step out. [via Jalopnik]

A more accessibile version of the renowned WRX STI, Subaru announced that they’ll be releasing a new Impreza WRX STI A-Line edition. Using the company’s 4-cylinder turbocharged 2.5 liter Boxer engine mated a five speed automatic transmission dubbed as SPORTSHIFT, it manages to sport 300 hp and 350 Nm of torque. And if we already know what the Japanese can do with the engines and performances, they’ve outdone themselves when it comes to the interior. There’s an 8-directional electronically adjustable driver’s seat (there’s the option for leather) and leather trim on the inner door paneling highlighted with silver stitching. Furios yet elegant, the new Subaru Impreza WRX STI A-Line is definitely hot in that “Satin White Pearl”.

Here are more details:

• a single scroll turbocharger for steady torque
• Downshifting Blipping Control for better shifting of the automatic transmission
• VTD (Variable Torque Distribution) AWD system
• a Tumble Generation Valve that controls air intake for maximum combustion efficiency

The Subaru Legacy Concept is all set to mark the company’s 20th anniversary with its release at the North American International Auto Show in January. The Legacy Concept will indicate the direction Subaru has in mind for the future Legacy and the first little teaser is out for all of us to start speculating. The teaser in the dark does not reveal much beyond the flashy LED driving lights and the slotted front spoiler beneath the bumper. But the 3.6-liter, 258 hp Legacy seems to have been shaped with a futuristic look in mind. Wonder how that would pan out for Subaru …

Ok, it’s one thing looking at pictures of Ken Brough’s awesome hand-built ATV (or Quad-Bike) that’s powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine from a Subaru Impreza WRX STi but seeing and hearing it in live action, is something else. Once you’re finished watching the video (don’t be shy, do it more than once, we did) you can click here and read the story behind this invigorating Quad.

I’ve been fortunate enough to be invited by Subaru to test drive the new Subaru WRX STI tomorrow in Durban, KZN. Subaru motor group are flying me out from Cape Town to Durbs for the day. I will be joined by car journalists from other motor publications for the launch of the new car in South Africa. I should be back tomorrow evening (Wednesday) and will publish my review then! For now induldge in some of these photos of the scoobie at the Toyto auto show.

More Subaru news

A quad-bike with a turbocharged Subaru Impreza WRX STi engine? We’ve seen some crazy stuff here at Car Blog but this “thing” is totally nuts and we want one ASAP! The hand made ATV (All-Terrain-Vehicle) was built by a Ken Brough, a New-Zealander who describes himself as “a 50-year-old with petrol in my veins”.

The insane quad-bike, which Ken calls the STiATV, is fitted with a 90′s Subaru Impreza WRX Sti engine and a 5-speed gearbox using a clutch assembly from a 1.8-litre Leone. We don’t have any acceleration or horsepower figures but Ken supports that the STiATV weighs a mere 530 kg (1,168 pounds) so performance is definitely not a problem. What may create a few problems is the weight distribution of the AWD quad as it’s split 70/30 between the front and rear end. However, that’s something we could live with. What’s really bad is that, despite his efforts, Ken couldn’t get the STiATV approved for road use in New Zealand.

Here are the first shots of the 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX sedan, which again moves the approval meter a bit more to the negative side. The front end is virtually the same as the five-door hatchback’s with an obscenely large intake and matte grille flanked by bits of chrome.

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