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Christopher Jackson | 9/6/2007 | Subaru
Are we the only ones who have noticed that the more special a Subaru is, the longer and more arcane its name gets? Consider the flagship B9 Tribeca. Or the Forester 2.5 X L.L..Bean. Or the tongue-twisting Ouback 3.0 R VDC Limited Edition. So, when we saw the badge on the new Legacy GT 2.5 Spec B, we guessed that it would be something quite special indeed.
How right we were! Subaru's Legacy GT 2.5 is a Q-ship of the highest caliber, equipped with a 250-horse turbocharged engine, spirited handling and the ability to sneak beneath performance-car radar to surprise the unwary. For 2006, the limited-edition Spec B model adds even more performance to the mix. Only 500 Spec Bs are slated to be built for 2006, incorporating special suspension components for even tighter handling. For 2007, Subaru will add its new SI-Drive intelligent throttle system and make the Legacy GT 2.5 Spec B a permanent part of the lineup.
It doesn't look like much at the curb, but then that's the point. The Legacy GT 2.5's aero-conservative design does nothing to stand out from the crowd, with the possible exception of some handsome chrome-trimmed taillights. Sharp eyes will catch the dual exhaust, and a gentle hood scoop, but that's really about all there is. The Legacy GT 2.5's mission in life is subtle speed. When stepping out in Spec B trim, the Legacy GT 2.5 is decked out in an exclusive titanium-silver color and adds subtle ground effects and 18" wheels.
The interior is well-done, reminiscent of what a Japanese Audi might look like. We liked the unique red and black leather in our test car, when we got around to noticing it. The heated sport seats are comfortable. A Momo steering wheel and special number plaque are also part of the Spec B package. Like in most Subies, the shifter and controls have a rubbery but positive feel that takes some getting used to but works well once you've acclimated. Standard equipment on the Spec B also includes a navigation system and MP3-capable sound system. Slip the family inside, and no one need know that it's a high-performance sedan until it's time to go.
And the Spec B will Go, with a capital G. Throw it hard in to a corner and this sports sedan catches the motion, turns in confidently, and then pulls hard through the apex as the turbo spools up and unleashes 250 horses. The 2.5 liter boxer four-cylinder features double overhead-cam construction and active valve control. To keep the pretenders in lesser cars, the Spec B is available exclusively with a five-speed manual transmission. Why no six-speed? This car doesn't really need it; the large-displacement four offers reasonable torque at low revs and when the turbo comes on, things get fun in a big hurry. All-wheel drive keeps the road attack controllable, and the Legacy GT 2.5 Spec B is a true delight to drive. In normal driving the torque is split evenly front to rear; when slippage occurs, the viscous-coupling center differential will shift things to the front or rear as necessary.
Considering the DNA it shares with the rally-bred Subaru WRX, the Legacy GT 2.5 Spec B is more than just a straight-line performer, of course. Inverted struts replace the MacPherson struts found in the standard Legacy, and lightened components in the multi-link rear reduce unsprung weight for quicker reflexes. The Legacy likes to roll in turns, and the GT 2.5 Spec B tunes some of that out but there's still a bit more lean than in a comparable Audi. Body roll doesn't mean bad handling, however; the Legacy GT 2.5 Spec B is rolling on tuned Bilstein shocks that provide excellent road feel and confident feedback. The Legacy GT drives friendly; it's easy to get to know this car, and to drive it fast. Four-wheel disc anti-lock brakes are standard, and braking power is increased by larger vented rotors front and rear.
For drivers who like serious performance on the QT, it doesn't get much better than the Legacy GT 2.5 Spec B. It's got the same hot-rod goodness as the WRX, but in a larger, more family-friendly and spoiler-free package. Only 500 versions of the 2006 model will be produced, but next year the Spec B becomes a permanent, unlimited part of the Legacy lineup. Pricing starts at just over $33,000 for the Spec B.
Specifications:
All specs are for the 2006 Subaru Legacy GT Spec B.
Length: 186.2 in.
Width: 68.1 in.
Height: 56.5 in.
Wheelbase: 105.1 in.
Curb weight: 3400 lb.
Cargo space: 32.1 cu.ft.
Base price: $33,995
Engine: 2.5 liter DOHC turbocharged/intercooled boxer four-cylinder
Drivetrain: five-speed manual transmission, all-wheel drive
Horsepower: 250 @ 5600
Torque: 250 @ 3600
Fuel capacity: 16.9 gal.
Est. mileage: 20/26
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