What is it?
2007 Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT spec.B
What's special about it?
Subaru wasn't sure a high-performance version of its all-wheel-drive Legacy sedan was going to fly in the U.S. market, so it introduced the spec.B version of the Legacy GT 2.5 last year as a limited-production model to test the waters. Only 500 were available and they must have gone fast, because Subaru announced another year of production for the spec.B at its New York press conference.
It won't be a limited-production model this time around, but it will include the same mechanical upgrades as before. These include Bilstein struts, aluminum suspension arms and 18-inch wheels with performance tires.
There are some new upgrades as well. For 2007, all spec.B models switch from a five-speed manual transmission to a six-speed gearbox borrowed from the WRX STI. It uses different gear ratios and a smoother shift action. All spec.Bs also get Subaru's Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system, a Torsen rear limited-slip differential and a tire-pressure-monitoring system.
Subaru also used the unveiling of the 2007 spec.B to introduce the company's new Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive) system. It's a driver-controlled engine program that allows you to choose one of three settings: Intelligent, Sport and Sport Sharp. It will be standard on all Legacy and Outback models with the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine that makes 243 horsepower and 241 pound-feet of torque.
Kenichi Yamamoto, the engineer in charge of developing SI-Drive, told us to think of "Sport" mode as the normal setting. "Sport mode is similar to last year's engine in terms of its response and power," he explained. Intelligent mode is a unique innovation as it actually slows throttle response to improve mileage by up to 10 percent, according to Subaru. "Intelligent mode is good for everyday driving when you don't need maximum performance," said Yamamoto. The Sport Sharp mode is the opposite of Intelligent, as it quickens the engine's response for maximum performance.
There are few changes to the interior as well. Instead of last year's Brick Red trim, the 2007 spec.B uses Blue Dusk Alcantara trim to contrast with the standard gray leather seats. The driver seat adds a memory feature and the standard navigation system remains. Metallic pedals, a three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel and "spec.B" floor mats also continue as upgrades over the standard Legacy GT Limited model.
Pricing is still classified, but production begins this summer, with cars expected to reach dealers in August.
What's Edmunds' take?
The SI-Drive system could be a useful piece of technology if it works as advertised. Adding the six-speed gearbox should help quicken the spec.B up a little, too, but we would have liked to have seen more work done on the suspension as its softness was one of our few complaints about the previous version. — Ed Hellwig
2007 Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT spec.B
What's special about it?
Subaru wasn't sure a high-performance version of its all-wheel-drive Legacy sedan was going to fly in the U.S. market, so it introduced the spec.B version of the Legacy GT 2.5 last year as a limited-production model to test the waters. Only 500 were available and they must have gone fast, because Subaru announced another year of production for the spec.B at its New York press conference.
It won't be a limited-production model this time around, but it will include the same mechanical upgrades as before. These include Bilstein struts, aluminum suspension arms and 18-inch wheels with performance tires.
There are some new upgrades as well. For 2007, all spec.B models switch from a five-speed manual transmission to a six-speed gearbox borrowed from the WRX STI. It uses different gear ratios and a smoother shift action. All spec.Bs also get Subaru's Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system, a Torsen rear limited-slip differential and a tire-pressure-monitoring system.
Subaru also used the unveiling of the 2007 spec.B to introduce the company's new Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive) system. It's a driver-controlled engine program that allows you to choose one of three settings: Intelligent, Sport and Sport Sharp. It will be standard on all Legacy and Outback models with the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine that makes 243 horsepower and 241 pound-feet of torque.
Kenichi Yamamoto, the engineer in charge of developing SI-Drive, told us to think of "Sport" mode as the normal setting. "Sport mode is similar to last year's engine in terms of its response and power," he explained. Intelligent mode is a unique innovation as it actually slows throttle response to improve mileage by up to 10 percent, according to Subaru. "Intelligent mode is good for everyday driving when you don't need maximum performance," said Yamamoto. The Sport Sharp mode is the opposite of Intelligent, as it quickens the engine's response for maximum performance.
There are few changes to the interior as well. Instead of last year's Brick Red trim, the 2007 spec.B uses Blue Dusk Alcantara trim to contrast with the standard gray leather seats. The driver seat adds a memory feature and the standard navigation system remains. Metallic pedals, a three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel and "spec.B" floor mats also continue as upgrades over the standard Legacy GT Limited model.
Pricing is still classified, but production begins this summer, with cars expected to reach dealers in August.
What's Edmunds' take?
The SI-Drive system could be a useful piece of technology if it works as advertised. Adding the six-speed gearbox should help quicken the spec.B up a little, too, but we would have liked to have seen more work done on the suspension as its softness was one of our few complaints about the previous version. — Ed Hellwig
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