NEW YORK – Subaru of America, Inc. announced the all-new 2010 Legacy sedan will debut at the New York International Auto Show, featuring a longer wheelbase, almost four inches of extra rear seat legroom, and a new powertrain lineup featuring the new Subaru Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission), according to the manufacturer.

Every Legacy is equipped as standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive performance- and safety-enhancing system.

The Legacy line for 2010 will offer three levels of performance. Legacy 2.5i models -- 2.5i, 2.5i Premium and 2.5i Limited -- are powered by a revised 170-hp 2.5L, 4-cyl. Boxer engine (with available PZEV rating) and equipped with a new standard 6-speed manual transmission or the new Lineartronic CVT. Both transmissions help to improve acceleration, response, and fuel economy.

Built on an all-new platform, the 2010 Legacy offers roominess comparable to mainstream midsize sedans, with a focus on usable space and long-distance driving comfort. The wheelbase grows to 108.3-in., a 3.2-in. increase over the previous Legacy, with nearly four inches of additional rear legroom, which is enhanced by the scalloped back design of the new front seats.

The new Legacy is 3.2-in. higher and 3.6-in. wider than the previous model, yielding gains in head, shoulder and hip room. The 2010 Legacy offers more total passenger room (103 cu. ft) one of the largest trunks (14.7 cu. ft.) in the segment. Overall vehicle length is up by just 1.4-in. (now 186.4 in.), but overhang dimensions are reduced compared with the previous model.

A new electronic parking brake - with an electronic Hill Holder System -- eliminates the traditional parking brake handle, freeing up space in the center console.

The new model improves crash-worthiness and provides a stiffer platform for a smoother, quieter ride - but retains the crisp handling and balance.

All Legacy models for 2010 are equipped as standard with Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), which combines stability and traction control capability and  4-wheel disc Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). Additionally, Subaru's Brake Assist safety system is available on all models.

Subaru's Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frame safety structure, proven over a decade in all Subaru models, again forms the foundation for crash protection and occupant safety in the new-generation 2010 Legacy. A new engine cradle design improves front impact safety, and the 2010 Legacy features greater use of high-strength steel.

The 2010 Legacy models include as standard equipment front seat side impact air bags and side curtain air bags that offer additional head protection for front and rear occupants. Intelligent dual-stage deployment front air bags use sensors to detect the presence and weight of a front passenger and also the driver's distance from the steering wheel. The system determines front air bag deployment strength for optimal occupant protection.

New in the 2010 Legacy, high-strength front seat frames provide enhanced protection against whiplash injury in a rear-end collision. With the entire seat optimized for a rear-end collision, Subaru replaced the previous active front head restraints with a more comfortable design.