The current generation Legacy was introduced for the 2005 model year and is starting to show its age. It has received much praise by automotive journalists and tuners alike for its excellent performance, reliability, and value. Well, Subaru has just released an all-new Legacy Concept at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show.

While its still officially in “concept” mode, it’s no secret that these concept vehicles are really thinly disguised versions of upcoming models – dressed up with fancier wheels, cooler electronics & gadgets, and unique paint jobs. So, we can assume that much of what we see in this new Legacy Concept (minus all the really cool stuff, that is), will make it into the next generation Legacy.

The exterior gives off a very heavy or bloated appearance. It no longer has that lean, athletic stance of the current Legacy. Instead, when viewed from the front 3/4 angle in particular, it looks like an Infiniti G sedan has mated with a Chevy Malibu. Dimensionally, the Legacy Concept is larger in almost every way (wheelbase alone is up over 3-inches). Interestingly, this Legacy Concept forgoes the trend of big blingy wheels and is sportin some rather goofy lookin wheels. Note: If these wheels are big, then this car really IS big and bloaty because they look dinky and small, IMHO. And, did you see those laughable stubs for side view mirrors? I mean WTF?! They’re supposedly part of a technology feature that’s shown off on this concept, but it sure doesn’t do much to help the odd proportions of the car. When viewed head-on the concept’s design isn’t half bad. But, it has a meaty, muscular appearance that isn’t quite befitting of a sporty mid-size sedan. Instead it looks butched out in the way crossover utility vehicles try to look rugged.

The hoodline is raised significantly, losing that sloped, sleek lowered hoodline of the current Legacy. This makes sense as Subaru claims that the Legacy Concept was equipped with a 3.6L 6-cylinder boxer engine, rumored to be producing horsepower in the upper 200s to 300s. Unfortunately, Subaru told reporters not to expect the big 3.6L as it was merely for effect here, and to expect engines similar in-size to existing engine offerings. If that’s so, why such a honkin nose? I don’t get it I think they could’ve done more to make it sexier. The overemphasized bulging wheel arches or flared fenders, look overdone, as well.

The badonkadonk, on the other hand, looks pretty good. You can sense some design cues of the B9 Tribeca, particularly in the creased rear license plate and bumper area. It’s interesting to note that the concept car is missing an integrated rear license plate lamp. So, I’m sure the design will change slightly to incorporate this necessary feature, and lose some of the concepts “tight” appearance. On the plus side, the lighting used for the headlamps, accent lighting, and brake lamps are all pretty impressive. Check them out…

The interior looks pretty good, showcasing a lot of cool technology that will more than likely not make it into production. Check out the tricked-out rear view mirror and cool CP or display for rear passengers on the back of the center console/armrest. You can definitely sense a similar design here to that of the interior of the Infiniti G sedan. Take a closer look at the doors, with its Infiniti washi-esque blades of metal accents, and the general layout of the dash. You will see that Subaru carried over its “info strip” at the top of the dash that’s seen in the new Impreza & Forester. The steering wheel looks much better than the Momo steering wheel used in the current Legacy. And, again, check out all those gadgets! How ya like the bright blue lighting?

Overall, it’s an improvement over some of the other designs Subaru has toyed around with. But, I think it still needs some work. Let’s hope that this car continues the sporty trend and packs a crapload of performance like the Legacy 2.5GT & Legacy Spec-B models did. Without the performance edge, Subaru may run the risk of abandoning its loyal Subie tuners once again (like it did when it released its 2008 WRX and then quickly went back to the drawing board for 2009!). Given todays tough times, I don’t think they can afford to do that again. Share your thoughts below.