Subaru Legacy Concept at 2009 Detroit Auto Show

• Looks like: The Legacy got taller but not prettier
• Defining characteristics: Vertical headlights and an all-new profile for the brand
• Ridiculous features: Matte silver paint job
• Chance of being mass-produced: This is what the next generation of Legacys and Outbacks will look like

Subaru’s Legacy Concept is certainly a new look for a company known for polarizing designs. Remember the Tribeca’s grille? The Legacy concept is no different, but its polarizing feature is its tall, round roofline. It’s functional for sure, and should provide lots of headroom, but most automotive designs have shifted to severely sloping rooflines, leaving the Legacy Concept looking somewhat out of date.

What’s good is that the concept rides on a longer wheelbase than the old model, and the company says legroom in the front and rear has been greatly enlarged. There are no specs on legroom — this is still a concept — but one gripe about the current Legacy and Outback is their cramped rear quarters. Competition like the Honda Accord and Mazda6 have also grown by leaps and bounds in the rear space department.

The paint on the concept is a matte silver that will never make it to production, but the 3.6-liter six-cylinder and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive are Subaru standards that will most likely make a production model.

Subaru hasn’t said when a new Legacy will debut, but it could easily turn this design into a production vehicle in short order from the looks of it on the show floor. More images below, including live shots from Detroit.  

Comments

From the sole picture and angle, it looks like a cross between a Mazda 3 and the Infiniti G sedan.

i don't like the vertical headlights

sorry guys. photos are fixed. You can also go here for a gallery: http://www.cars.com/go/features/autoshows/vehicle.jsp?vehicletype=concept&autoshowyear=2009&vehicle=concept_subaru_legacy_concept&make=Subaru&model=Legacy%20Concept

Is that a typo, or is Subaru really going to offer a V-6???

I think you meant to say "H-6" -- the engine Subaru is famous for.

But regardless, this is another HIDEOUS car from Subaru. First, they ruined the WRX and Sti... And now they're beating the 2011 legacy with the same ugly stick. Wow.

The grille, headlight and tailend's chrome bar has to go. Any words on the drivetrain??

Subaru tried the Audi grill with an epic fail with this concept. I agree that Subaru has been on beating a lot of their designs with an ugly stick lately (B9 Tribeca design curse strikes again?).

I still prefer the design of the late 90's models with the newer ones looking a bit too bloated for my taste.

I don't know why, but the vertcial headlights remind me of that of the Chrysler Sebring's headights. That is if you look at the second to last photo angle of the headlight. But the photo before that, it reminds me of a G37 sedan. It depends how you look at it. The car overall did get taller, although. And another thing, it's ugly.

I'm going to go against the grain here and say I like it. I think once Subaru tones down the concept to build the production model, alot of these styling cues are going to be unique and original and this car will once again stand out in the Accord/Camry/Altima midsize market. Shame Subaru isn't showing off the next Outback at this show.

I like the new look, might give a 7 series BMW a run for the $$.Subaru is a great sleeper performance value, I love mine!

I don't know why, but I think that car is freaking sweet looking! In a time of ho-hum sedans, this one has a little bit of dare I say, personality. Hope the production car stays close.

I think this car looks awesome. The only thing stopping me from buying it is the fact that my 2001 Legacy GT Limited is still performing and doesn't need to be replaced. As long as the new Legacy isn't overly heavy with it's larger size, 3.6L H6 engine, and handles as well or better than my current GT. I'll have to wait to test drive one to see. I hope this has an LSD as well.

The silver paintjob looks so cool! Almost futuristic!