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All-New 2010 Legacy/Outback?

689 messages,  Last post on Nov 30, 2009 at 3:21 PM

You are in the Subaru Legacy & Outback Forum. Your Host is kcram

What is this discussion about? Subaru Legacy, Subaru Outback, Subaru Forester, Car Buying, Car Comparisons, Sedan, Wagon


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#101 of 689
Re: Driving the CVT vs. 6-speed manual [rsholland] by colloquor
Jul 03, 2009 (8:57 am)
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Replying to: rsholland (Jul 03, 2009 5:27 am)

Yes, I was aware of Leonardo da Vinci's design, but I only wanted to refer to the "modern era" - if you will.
#102 of 689
Thoughts on how CVT fuel efficiency may have been achieved by seabrook7039
Jul 03, 2009 (9:52 am)
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On the surface it's very surprising that the CVT could achieve significant fuel savings over a manual transmission. Usually automatics come at a lower savings, not higher, when compared to manuals. But one item in the specs listed on cars101 are the front/rear power distribution ratios. With the 6-speed manual "symmetrical viscous coupling 50/50 front/back power split" is listed. With the CVT "constantly varying front/back power split 90/10 front/back power split" is listed. I wonder if this difference in ratios allows the CVT-based engines to send less power thru the driveshaft and rear differential, a path which may offer inefficiencies over power that is directed to the front wheels?
#103 of 689
Re: Thoughts on how CVT fuel efficiency may have been achieved [seabrook703 by rsholland
Jul 03, 2009 (10:06 am)
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Replying to: seabrook7039 (Jul 03, 2009 9:52 am)

The CVT uses the same AWD as did the older 4-speed automatic (4EAT), with the same front/rear power splits, and still gets better gas mileage.
 
Bob
#104 of 689
2010 Outback TV commercial by rsholland
Jul 03, 2009 (10:07 am)
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Saw it on TV last night. The theme was hand-me-downs, as in the younger child always getting stuff from older siblings and/or parents. Finally, towards the end the parents get a new Outback, and their old Outback gets handed down to this kid, suggesting that the kid will also get this 2010 Outback someday.
 
Bob
#105 of 689
Re: Driving the CVT vs. 6-speed manual [colloquor] by 204meca
Jul 03, 2009 (11:55 am)
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Replying to: colloquor (Jul 03, 2009 4:04 am)

As has been said, the CVT is not new. I have had it in a Civic 97 HX and a 04 Audi A4. In terms of smoothness., power, & fuel efficiency the CVTit beats the snot out of any other transmission I have had. I love shifting a good manual (e.g. typical Honda, even Subaru) but fact is that the CVT is simply a better transmission. I never had any issues with mine & am not aware of problems with any manufacturers . Yes there are not millions & millions of them out there with 100,000 plus miles, but so far they appear to be very reliable.
 
Because of the fact that the CVT almost instantaneously takes a engine to its peak horsepower & torque & then stays there until one lets up on the gas, it sounds & feels odd.. But nothing does the job as well & it in 5 -10 years everyone will be used to it. I am still bemoaning the fact that the 2010 Forester does not have a CVT & may well buy a Outback instead solely for that reason.
#106 of 689
Drove a 2.5 GT Limited today by rsholland
Jul 03, 2009 (4:28 pm)
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Had everything but NAVI. Since I had already driven two 2.5i models, and an Outback, I was more focused on the 6-speed tranny.
 
...And it's a sweet unit, indeed. I don't understand what the complaints were from (some of) the media. I found it to be a really good shifting unit. Yeah, it's a little notchy, but I like that.
 
I was also particularly impressed with the large center armrest and the relationship it had with the shift lever. It was just so natural to rest your arm on it while shifting; really good ergonomics there.
 
As some of you know I'm a big fan of the gear indicator, which this car has. 5th and 6th gears are so close, you could easily forget what gear you're in, and this little touch is really appreciated, at least by me. It's interesting that the gear readout does not show when the clutch is pushed in. So, if you're at a stop light with the clutch in, it doesn't show.
 
My drive was limited to some interstate and city driving. Unfortunately I did not get a chance to find some windy roads, as I would have liked to have seen how it handled those roads. Ah... another excuse to go and drive one.
 
Compared to my '09 WRX, it is much more refined, very quiet and softer riding (but still firm). Well, it is a "GT" after all. It will make taking trips really something to look forward to, as it's a great highway car. My WRX feels and is faster, and in that respect I'm a little disappointed in the GT. I can't help but wonder what this car would be like with a 3.6 turbo.
 
And yeah, the seats need better side bolstering—especially if it's to be a true grand touring sedan. Oh, that e-parking brake? It does feel weird with a manual tranny. Not sure I like with a manual?
 
Bob
#107 of 689
Re: Drove a 2.5 GT Limited today [rsholland] by seabrook7039
Jul 03, 2009 (5:51 pm)
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Replying to: rsholland (Jul 03, 2009 4:28 pm)

Bob,
Having driven both transmissions (6-speed and CVT) and also you being a fan on a good manual what would/will you now get if you were/are buying a 2010 H4 Outback? How did the acceleration feel and which accelerated faster?
#108 of 689
Re: Drove a 2.5 GT Limited today [seabrook7039] by rsholland
Jul 04, 2009 (4:16 am)
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Replying to: seabrook7039 (Jul 03, 2009 5:51 pm)

Tough question. I think I'd get the CVT, only because—for this kind of vehicle—I think the CVT makes more sense. The Outback is not a sporty car, whereas the LGT is, and the 6-speed makes more sense for that model, I think. Also, I have not driven a non-turbo 6-speed, so I can't address the acceleration aspect of that powertrain combo. Having said that, if you really prefer shifting for yourself, the 6-speed manual I think will be fine—if you can find one, as I suspect those models will be hard to find.
 
Also, I'm used to driving a WRX. So when I get into my wife's '01 Forester automatic, it seems dog-slow to me.
 
Bob
#109 of 689
other CVT's by jhd
Jul 05, 2009 (10:48 am)
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Nissans has been using CVT"s starting 2003 (or 2002) model. There were tranny problems reported, more back few years ago. I looked at Altimas and CVT was what turned me away as far as reliability. Not much towing capacity neither. They even tell you not to drive it on the highway during the first weeks. Once you wear out a groove in the pulleys, you are done. No replacement parts with exception to valve module. Other then that, the whole tranny needs to be replaced ($8-$9k here). Then the MINI tranny issue just popped up a couple of months back. $11k for replacement, many cases reported, there was a program about it on TV. So I decided to buy 2009 Legacy with 4 auto. Picked it up yesterday, it is looking to be a great car.
I heard that 2010 Subaru CVT is of a chain type, different then Nissan. Hopefully they designed out the troubles (that they know of).
On the other hand, I have always been too conservative, so take it for what is worth.
#110 of 689
Re: other CVT's [jhd] by rsholland
Jul 05, 2009 (12:30 pm)
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Replying to: jhd (Jul 05, 2009 10:48 am)

The Subie CVT chain belt is made by the same company that supplies CVTs to Audi. I don't expect any problems. Having said that, I'd probably opt for an extended warranty, just in case something does crop up.
 
As to towing, the CVT-equipped Outback is rated to tow the same as last year's 4EAT Outback.
 
Bob

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