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WORLD PREMIER OF ALL-NEW 2020 SUBARU LEGACY SEDAN

February 8, 2019

WORLD PREMIER OF ALL-NEW 2020 SUBARU LEGACY SEDAN

— 2.4-liter Turbo Boxer Engine and Subaru Global Platform bring
enhanced dynamic performance to Subaru’s flagship sedan —

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Marking 30th anniversary of its debut, Subaru’s flagship sedan has been significantly upgraded

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Superior driving dynamics with Subaru Global Platform and an available 2.4-liter direct injection turbo boxer engine

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Refined and innovative interior featuring new tablet-style 11.6-inch screen

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Superior safety based on Subaru’s comprehensive safety philosophy

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Sleek, yet bold exterior design expressing solid toughness and dynamic in-motion feel

Tokyo, February 8, 2019 – Subaru Corporation unveiled the all-new 2020 Legacy sedan (US Spec) at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show on February 7 (local time in Chicago).

Subaru Legacy, which has been Subaru’s flagship sedan since its debut in 1989, turns into the seventh generation with this all-new model. In its 30 years of history, Legacy has been enriching the lives of its owners as a vehicle that accompanies them in their day-to-day lives, by offering　a broader range of lifestyles and enjoyment. Legacy has gained customers’ trust by delivering this value through the generations. This seventh generation also carries the same value and has enhanced it under the product concept of “a sedan offering a go-anywhere, do-anything driving experience with a peace of mind”.

The all-new Legacy is powered by either a 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine delivering strong torque output from low RPM or a 2.5-liter normally-aspirated BOXER engine with improved efficiency thanks to direct injection system. Combined with the new engine is Subaru Global Platform which optimizes the body rigidity, and Legacy’s dynamic performance has been significantly enhanced as a result. In addition, Subaru’s exclusive EyeSight driver assist system comes standard in all trims and now equipped for the first time in the U.S. with the Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control including new Lane Centering function. Driver monitoring system*1 also supports the safe driving and brings peace of mind to passengers.

The exterior design incorporates sleek silhouette that appears to be in motion even when stopped, larger thickness in profile panel surfaces and a thicker appearance. As a result, the Legacy embodies solid toughness and a dynamic active image at the same time. For the interior, an updated infotainment system featuring 11.6-inch tablet style large screen has been applied and adds innovative new functions to the high quality interior which Legacy has carried for generations.
With a lot of additional enhancements, the all-new Legacy will deliver safer and more enjoyable life with “a sedan offering a go-anywhere, do-anything driving experience with a peace of mind” which meets the demands for the coming era
The 2020 Legacy will go on sale at U.S. Subaru retailers this fall.

Main features of the new Legacy (US Spec)

■ Enjoyment and peace of mind in any driving scene supported by superior dynamic quality

Improved control, stability, ride comfort, and quietness of new Legacy enable a worry-free driving in a variety of scenes, from cities to long drives, in any weather conditions

Chassis and body that support superior dynamic quality

・Application of Subaru Global Platform, which makes the vehicle body significantly rigid compared to previous model, ensures accurate steering response, greater ride comfort and quieter cabin space

・Significant enhancement in dynamic quality thanks to stiffer and lighter body structure with Subaru first full inner frame construction in which the outer panels are welded to the structure after the entire body framework is assembled

・Newly designed dampers and reduced unsprung weight due to the application of lightweight parts including aluminum lower L-arm contribute to much improved handling and ride comfort

Subaru unique mechanisms and technologies for distinctive driving experience

・Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive offers stable drive in any road conditions

・Available 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine generates strong torque from low rpm and delivers smooth acceleration

・Updated Lineartronic*2 with wider gear range and re-worked hydraulic system transfers engine power more efficiently and achieves better fuel economy and superior driving experience

■ High-quality and innovative interior space

Quality interior design, relaxing cabin space with improved packaging, and advanced feature with innovative functions provide comfort and enjoyment for all passengers

Innovative features for convenience and comfort

・Updated Starlink infotainment system with available 11.6-inch tablet-style touch screen equipped with a newly designed Human Machine Interface enables smartphone-like operation of various functions consolidated on one large screen

・In addition to Apple CarPlay*3, AndroidAutoTM*4, the SUBARU STARLINK now supports SmartDeviceLinkTM*5 which enables the use of various apps regardless of smartphone operating system

・Telematics system with additional functions including Wi-Fi hotspot and remote engine starter for more convenience

・Available Driver Monitoring System, which can alert the driver to signs of drowsiness or distraction on the road as well as automatically adjusting driver settings for seat position, door mirror angles and air-conditioning preferences with utilization of face recognition technology

High quality, comfortable interior design

・Subaru first tan-colored Nappa leather seats for a newly added top-of-the-line trim ‘Touring’

・Enlarged windshield and long line motif extended from the center of the instrument panel to the door panels express a relaxed and open atmosphere of the cabin space

・A color of the seat material is applied on a part of instrument panel consisted of 3 different surfaces to create a sense of openness

・Thick center console and arm rests surrounding passengers provide sense of protection

・Carefully selected materials for high quality feel throughout the entire cabin

Well-considered packaging and convenient features for a comfortable feeling

・Windshield has been moved forward and the front door windows moved outward for a class-leading driver visibility

・Extended overall vehicle length allocated for both rear passenger space and trunk space to improve passenger comfort and versatility at the same time

・New PTC heating system for quicker heating in winter (For 2.4L Turbocharged Boxer engine equipped model)

・Front seat ventilation standard for Touring trim

・Adjustable seat cushion length (driver only) for Limited and Touring trim level

■Functionality that supports various lifestyles

New Legacy is equipped with the functions that support wide range of active lifestyles, beyond traditional sedans

High functionality covers wider range of activities

・Standard roof carrier brackets for easy installation of roof carrier

・Large trunk space which can swallow four full-size roller bags

■ Overall safety top in its class

The new model offers safe and enjoyable driving for all passengers at all times and in all settings—not just in emergencies—based on Subaru’s philosophy of overall safety.

Outstanding visibility recognizable at a glance as soon as driver get into the car—Primary Safety

・The excellent high eye-level view and careful optimization of the shape of the pillars have reduced blind spots and provides outstanding visibility

・Well-considered interface layout to reduce unnecessary eye-movement while driving

・Optimization of the seat shape and cushion materials helps to reduce driver fatigue

Driving performance driver can depend on in the unlikely event of an Incident—Active Safety

・Active Torque Vectoring ensures that the driver is in control of the vehicle, exactly as the driver intended

Comprehensive advanced safety systems—Preventive Safety

・Subaru’s exclusive EyeSight driver assist system comes standard in all trims and now equipped for the first time in the U.S. with the new Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control including new Lane Centering function

・EyeSight assist monitor notifies the system activation status with LED lighting projected on the windshield

・Driver Monitoring System supports safe driving by providing a warning when it detects signs of distraction or drowsiness

・Standard LED headlights for better nighttime visibility

・Reverse Automatic Braking helps to avoid collisions when reversing and mitigates the damage in case of collision

・Subaru Rear Vehicle Detection system senses vehicles approaching from the rear and gives audio and visual alert

・Front view monitor captures images within the driver’s blind spots in front of the vehicle and displays a 180-degree view on the 11.6-inch display

Class-leading passenger protection—Collision Safety

・Optimized body structure with the adoption of Subaru Global Platform ensures class-leading passenger protection

・An increase in the amount of high-tensile steel panel materials ensures improved protection in frontal, side and rear end collision

■ Exterior design with strong presence

Following Subaru’s common “Dynamic x Solid” design philosophy, the exterior design of Legacy features sleek silhouette that appears to be in motion and solid toughness as a sedan with strong presence

Bold, yet sporty front face

・Frameless hexagonal grille adds sportiness to the Legacy

・Combination of wide lower grille intake and fog light bezels with C-shape motif emphasizes Legacy’s stability and low-center-of-gravity

Side silhouette that emphasizes a sense of stability and speed

・Not just expressing a sense of speed with a combination of the smooth side silhouette and dynamic window graphic, the side view of Legacy also emphasizes strength with bold door panel surfaces, bulging fenders and wheel-arch accents

・Re-designed side mirror with a motif streamlined through window frame

Wide stance rear design with sense of stability

・Wide motif shared with the front end emphasi..

Toyota debuts new Tacoma to protect its crown as No. 1 midsize pickup from encroaching US rivals

Source: Toyota
2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road

The pickup wars are spreading.

Toyota refreshed its best-selling Tacoma mid-size pickup trucks with Apple Car Play, larger touch screens and other features drivers have come to expect in today's utility vehicles, the company said Thursday. The Japanese automaker's move comes as American automakers — not content to rule the full-size segment —release smaller trucks that threaten the one category where Toyota has managed to hold its own with the Big 3 in Detroit.

Source: Toyota
2020 Toyota Tacoma Limited

The Tacoma has led the mid-size pickup segment in sales in the U.S. for the last 14 years, and the company is anxious to hold onto that crown. Ford just brought back the Ranger mid-size pickup truck, and Chevrolet has been successful with its Colorado.

Even Jeep is getting into action. Fiat Chrysler's brand known mostly for sport utility vehicles launched the Gladiator pickup at the Los Angeles Auto Show late last year. As the historical leader in the segment, Toyota has the most to lose.

The good news is this segment is growing overall, as the broader market turns toward utility vehicles. Mid-size pickup sales are expected to grow from about 3 percent of the total market in 2018 to 4 percent by 2021, according to data from LMC Automotive, a firm that tracks the auto industry.

Source: Toyota
2020 Toyota Tacoma Limited

The number of models is also expected to grow, reversing a multi-year pullback in the segment. In 2010, there were 11 mid-size pickup trucks to choose from, according to LMC. But there were only five models from 2014 to 2018. But again, by 2021, that is expected to more than double again back to a total of 11.

Source: Toyota
2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off Road

Toyota's refresh is not a dramatic redesign, said IHS Markit analyst Stephanie Brinley. But it's adding some key upgrades, such as an improved infotainment systems with Apple Car Play, and a few other features that customers have come to expect in new vehicles. A larger touchscreen in the truck's console will come standard on every model. Each trim level will come with upgrades specific to that variant, such as new grille designs and new headlights and taillights.

Source: Toyota
2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro

In addition to overhauling the Tacoma, Toyota is beefing up its TRD Pro off-road racing lineup, adding a TRD Pro version of its three-row Sequoia sport utility vehicle. Toyota already makes TRD Pro versions of its Tacoma and Tundra pickups and its 4Runner SUV.

Source: Toyota
2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro

Off-road and sporty on-road variants of pickup trucks and SUVs have been around for a long time, but automakers seem to be beefing up their selection of packages and options. Automakers are looking to leverage the shift to trucks and SUVS as an opportunity to find new ways to package features and capabilities to net a few more customers wherever they can.

“Every type of vehicle, every capability, every price point is looking to be exploited,” Schuster said. “It is a fight for customers and a fight for market share.”

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Tesla vs. Clayton Christensen’s Idea of Tech Disruption

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Batteries Published on January 26th, 2019 | by Guest Contributor
Tesla vs. Clayton Christensen’s Idea of Tech DisruptionTwitterLinkedInFacebookJanuary 26th, 2019 by Guest Contributor
Originally published on EVANNEX.
By Charles Morris
The words “innovation” and “disruption” have been casually tossed around in the press so much that, like “awesome,” they’ve lost most of their meaning for the average reader. However, there’s a whole community of people who study these phenomena in minute detail, and Dr. Clayton Christensen is one of their prophets. Recently, a doctrinal difference between Christensen and Elon Musk has catalyzed a lively theological debate.
Two iconic figures in the realm of business disruption, Elon Musk and Dr. Clayton Christensen (Images: Wired UK / Nieman Reports)To simplify for the layman, Dr. Christensen is an exponent of “low-end disruption,” whereas Tesla is an object lesson in “high-end disruption,” the concept that innovation can begin at the high end of a market and later trickle down to the mainstream. In December, Elon Musk tweeted, “Clayton is wrong. New tech is always expensive. Tech disruption occurs at *high end*, eg computers & cell phones. It takes many iterations & vast economies of scale to achieve mass market affordability.”
Far from being offended, Dr. Christensen replied, “We’re all rooting for you!” and invited Musk to join him for a chat on innovation.
Jay Gerhart, a practitioner of disruptive innovation theory and “a huge fan of both of these brilliant men,” set out to reconcile their conflicting positions in an article published in Medium.
Apparently the current debate was sparked by an article in TechCrunch in which Chandrasekar Iyer of the Clayton Christensen Institute argued that Tesla’s entry into China represents a “sustaining innovation” (as opposed to a “disruptive innovation”), and that Tesla “will enter an established market to compete along existing measures of performance, like acceleration, style and luxury.”
Elon Musk argues that Christensen has it backwards when it comes to disruption in the tech sector. (Twitter: Elon Musk)As Gerhart points out, many have written about the phenomenon of high-end disruption, citing Uber, Tesla, Apple, Garmin, and Dyson as examples of transformative technologies and business models that started at the high end of the market and worked their way down. However, Shaye Roseman of the Harvard Business School recently argued that high-end disruption is “unlikely to occur,” because struggles for the high ground favor deep-pocketed incumbents, and it’s difficult to move down-market once you start at the top.
Much of the disagreement among these theologians may have more to do with terminology than with real-world results. As Gerhart puts it, “I find many debates these days to be framed a bit too black and white. Dr. Christensen’s theory has certainly sparked decades of debate since its introduction more than twenty years ago [and] the digital era has introduced new, complex dynamics.” In a 2015 article, Dr. Christensen argued that Tesla should be classified as a “sustaining innovation” rather than a “high-end disruption.” But could it be that the distinction is not so clear-cut? “Is it possible that under specific circumstances, a sustaining innovation could have characteristics that have a transformative impact on incumbents?” Gerhart asks.
Gerhart believes that the uniqueness of Tesla’s business model (and of its CEO) may enable it to have a transformative effect on the automotive industry while still fitting the definition of a sustaining innovation. He points out that Tesla’s highly integrated approach, which has many similarities to that of Apple, gives it a significant near-term advantage over incumbents that are struggling to manage the transition to electrification.
Will the legacy automakers rise to the challenge? Ford, VW and others are currently making the right noises, but it remains to be seen whether the promises in their press releases will lead to volume production of compelling electric vehicles. Gerhart suggests that automakers may need to set up separate divisions to compete effectively with Tesla.

Touching on an experience at BMW, Christensen discusses some of the disruption dilemmas facing companies (YouTube: Implement Consulting Group)
Regardless of which side you take in the sectarian schism in the religion of disruption, there’s one thing everyone can agree on: “This will be a fascinating market to watch over the next few years.”

About the AuthorGuest Contributor is many, many people. We publish a number of guest posts from experts in a large variety of fields. This is our contributor account for those special people. 😀

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