Some Subaru surprises
Subaru has revealed the new-generation Liberty mid-sizer at the Chicago Motor Show, bringing with it a share of surprises and changes.
The wagon variant currently on sale will be dropped and the GT version also is likely facing the axe. It's thought the smaller, Impreza-based Levorg concept shown in Tokyo last year will shoulder the wagon and GT responsibilities.
There will be a choice of two engines in the new Liberty, both of which have appeared previously but have been retuned - a 2.5-litre four-cylinder boxer and a 3.6-litre six-cylinder unit.
The 130kW 2.5-litre now has a maximum output of 236Nm at 4100rpm. These figures won't blow anyone's socks off - they're up just 3kW and 1Nm on the current engine's outputs - but Subaru says mid-range torque has been improved for better driving in everyday situations.
More bizarre is the 3.6-litre power plant losing 1kW and 15Nm on the current power plant to offer 190kW and 335Nm.
Both engines are mated to a continuously variable transmission which Subaru says will, when combined with changes to the intake, exhaust and combustion systems, result in better fuel economy, although no figures have been released.
Called the Legacy in the US, the new Liberty has followed in the footsteps of its WRX cousin by being notably more sedate in appearance than its bold concept version shown at last year's LA Motor Show.
But it still has a certain Lexus-ish feel and some key changes which will flow on to other Subaru models.
The hexagonal grille and hawk-eye headlights will be seen elsewhere, while the new character lines and nose cone aim to give the Liberty a "classy new look".
Subaru's Eyesight driver assist program also has seen some changes, with multiple "stereo" cameras helping to improve how far ahead the system can detect obstacles and other vehicles on the road.
Australia can expect the new Liberty to arrive in roughly 12 months, about the same time as the next-generation Outback which is expected to debut at the New York Motor Show in April.
