These images were taken in Death Valley. The Legacy test mule pictured here has a huge STI-like hood scoop, so that tells me there's something really interesting under the hood—and as you know, hood scoops on recent Subarus mean turbos...
Okay, as to rumors: There's been a pretty persistent rumor that the '08 Tribeca will get a 3.6L H6, but there's been no word of a turbo. Maybe the Legacy will also get the 3.6 too, and perhaps with turbo?..
There have also been some long-standing rumors of a twin-turbo (3.0 H-6?) but no word as to which vehicle might get it, should they decide to produce it. Interesting that the tires don't appear to be any different from current models, at least in terms of size; and I couldn't see any exhaust tips coming out the rear, although there are cutouts in the rear bumper for them.
The US-spec '08 Legacy and Outback reportedly will look like the '07 JDM models, which have been on sale since late May. I would not be surprised one bit if there are some surprises under the hood of our '08 models as well.
The US-spec '08 Legacy and Outback reportedly will look like the '07 JDM models, which have been on sale since late May. I would not be surprised one bit if there are some surprises under the hood of our '08 models as well.
jeffmc says:
07:17 PM, 09/ 1/06
Nice "scoop", Bob. :) Tantalizing and puzzling. '08 bumper/grille, but not '08 taillights, right?
rsholland says:
06:50 AM, 09/ 2/06
One person, whom I have a lot of respect for, thinks it might be a test mule for the '08 WRX, and not the Legacy.
Why? The lack of visible exhaust pipes. The '08 Impreza is reportedly will be built off a "shortened" Legacy platform. That could mean same wheelbase as current Legacy, but with shortened overhangs. My understanding is the next Impreza will be about the same length as current models.
Also, the front bumper you see on this mule is not a US-spec bumper, but a shorter one from the JDM model, again with less overhang. Finally this other person mentioned that the large WRX-like scoop is more necessary for the WRX (because of the intercooler design, I think?), and is not needed on the Legacy. Not that's assuming we're talking about the current engine lineups.
Actually Ed gets the credit, as he got it, and passed it on to me, along with some Subie questions. I said I would post it with my comments, and he said okay. :)
rsholland says:
06:57 AM, 09/ 2/06
Grrrrr... A corrected version of the above post follows, sans typos (I hope)...
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One person, whom I have a lot of respect for, thinks it might be a test mule for the '08 WRX, and not the Legacy.
Why? The lack of visible exhaust pipes. The '08 Impreza reportedly will be built off a "shortened" current-generation Legacy platform. That could mean same wheelbase as current Legacy, but with much shorter overhangs—especially at the rear. From what I've read the next Impreza will be about the same length as current models.
Also, the front bumper you see on this mule is not a US-spec bumper, but a shorter one from the JDM model, again with less overhang. Finally this other person mentioned that the large WRX-like scoop is needed for the WRX (because of the intercooler design, I think?), and is not needed on the Legacy. Now that's assuming we're talking about the current engine lineups.
Actually Ed gets the credit, as he got it, and passed it on to me, along with some Subie questions. I said I would post it with my comments, and he said okay. :)
ateixeira says:
08:09 AM, 09/ 5/06
The spec.B doesn't need any more power. An H6 turbo would just take prices where Subaru shoppers can't afford them.
I think the STI idea is more likely. With the same wheelbase, the different body is the perfect disguise.
Remember, too, the new Legacy was tested on an old Legacy body, so Subaru like to throw people off like that.
locke2c says:
09:43 AM, 09/ 8/06
I hate that bird-catcher scoop on the STi and I hate it even more on the Legacy. Subaru very badly needs to move to front-mounted intercoolers.