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These spy shots shows two new cars in one picture - the bodywork is a cut-down version of the next Subaru Legacy, but underneath is the running gear and platform for the forthcoming Subaru/Toyota coupe.
The new Legacy is signed off and will be launched in either February or March 2009, according to sources in Japan, but the coupe won't be ready for another three years.
The car loses the current generation's crisp body style for a rounder and more conservative look, according to a well placed source, but it will be a better all-round drive, and crucially, greener than today's version.
Underneath, the platform is an evolution from the current car but the new Legacy will get Impreza/Forester-style double wishbone rear suspension. The coupe, too, will use Impreza underpinnings but will bin Subaru's four-wheel drive transmission in favour of rear-wheel drive to save weight.
The Legacy will use evolutions of the 2.0 and 2.5-litre flat-four engines, plus the top-spec 3.0-litre flat-six. And the acclaimed and now much in-demand 2.0-litre Boxer Diesel will be available, which will significantly improve the car's appeal in Europe.
Subaru is also planning to offer the new Legacy with CVT transmission to improve both economy and CO2 emissions, along with a stop start system under development.
Peter Nunn
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