Subaru will unveil a surprise Legacy concept car at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show next week.

Since its launch in 1989, the Legacy - known as Liberty in Australia - has been praised worldwide for its safety, dependability and driving performance, delivered by the combination of Subaru Boxer engine and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD), Subaru's unique core technology.

The current fifth generation Liberty, which debuted in 2009, is a truly "global mid-sized" car, which has won accolades for its combination of Japanese build quality, driving enjoyment and traditional Subaru value-for-money.

As 2014 marks the 25th anniversary of Legacy, the concept expresses the design direction of the next generation version.

EXTERIOR

Large wheels and bold flares express the stability and performance of AWD. The design suggests high safety performance and dynamic, agile driving.

FRONT

The dynamic and solid appearance includes the iconic grille also used on the Subaru Viziv concept shown at the 2013 Geneva motor show. The distinctive silhouette of the headlights creates an advanced and aggressive look.

SIDE

While maintaining cabin volume for a comfortable interior, a sleek side profile is created by a low roofline and a flowing side window. The roofline - including the glass roof - helps create a comfortable and exhilarating cabin. A dynamic character line extends from front to rear and the aluminium silver side sill garnish accentuates body surface, creating a lean silhouette. The simple and powerful guards combined with the large wheels produce one of the characteristic features of the car's styling.

REAR

The same design motif used on the front headlight is applied to the rear lights, creating an iconic look, with a hexagonal design in both the front grille and the boot. This emphasizes the depth and dynamism of the overall style.

The dual exhaust pipes echo the shape of air intakes on the front bumper. At the bottom of rear bumper, a diffuser and aluminum silver garnish aid vehicle aerodynamics and produce a quality look.

INTERIOR

The interior look also embodies dynamic and solid design. With plenty of room for four passengers, the interior is designed for high functionality. Quality leather in a brown base tone with blue accents achieves a high end, yet sporty feel.

The instrument panel delivers a wide yet solid feel that conveys a sense of peace-of-mind to the driver.

A multi function display is located at the centre of the instrument panel, which can be operated similarly to a smart phone or tablet. The large floor console from the front to the back of the cabin provides an information display for rear-seat passengers too.

The gear shifter is angled to align with the driver's seating position to inspire a sporty driving feel.

Subaru's EyeSight driver assist system features on the front edge of roof trim. It includes a head-up display, which shows EyeSight's operation on the windscreen.

Seats are set well apart for ample space. These seats use a combination of air-conditioning function and breathable material to provide a comfortable environment for a long drive.

MAJOR SPECIFICATIONS

Overall Length x Width x Height (mm): 4930 x 1940 x 1500
Wheelbase (mm): 2880
Tyres: 265/40 ZR21
Seating capacity: four

A special website (http://www.subaru-global.com/2013la.html) will be updated with information relating to the Los Angeles Auto Show. This will include images of the Legacy concept as well as Subaru's press conference.

For further information, contact:

David Rowley
National Corporate Affairs Manager
Subaru Australia
Telephone: (02) 8892 9853
Mobile: 0418 237 252
Fax: (02) 8892 9121
E-mail: david.rowley@subaru.com.au