Subaru is known for building fun-to-drive vehicles that are safe and feature the road-gripping benefits of full-time all-wheel drive. So it should come as no surprise that I thoroughly enjoyed driving the sporty all-new Legacy 2.5 GT spec.B sedan during a snow storm.
First offered for 2006 in a limited edition production run of 500 units, the Legacy 2.5 GT spec.B returns as a regular production model for 2007, featuring a host of performance and interior enhancements.
Simply known as the spec.B, there's much to like. The spec.B is not only appealing for its performance attributes, but also for its appearance that quickly grabs your attention. Factors like aerodynamic side ground effects and a road-hugging stance accented by 18-inch 10-spoke wheels hint at what this vehicle is all about.
The spec.B's power comes from a 2.5-liter intercooled turbo Boxer (4-cylinder) engine rated at 243 horsepower and 241 lb.-ft. of torque. It's an amazingly smooth, quiet and powerful engine that puts out V6-like muscle.
The spec.B spotlights Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive), a key new technology that enhances driving engagement by allowing the driver to select the level of engine performance.
Subaru says it's like having three engines in one. I won't argue. The new SI-Drive system allows the driver to maximize engine performance, control and efficiency by choosing from among three selectable modes - "Intelligent", "Sport" and "Sport Sharp" - using a rotary dial on the center console.
The SI-Drive controls the electronic throttle system's response and fuel and ignition curves to modify engine torque characteristics, changing the performance character of the car in each mode.
With "Intelligent" mode selected, the system reduces engine torque and maximum power and switches to a more relaxed throttle response curve. In this mode, the lower engine output level helps increase fuel efficiency by up to 10 percent.
In "Sport" mode, the performance of the 2.5 GT spec.B features quick throttle responses and powerful, linear acceleration. For even faster throttle response and more on-demand power, drivers can select the "Sport Sharp" mode.
Each mode offers a distinctively different level of performance and I believe Subaru has the right idea giving the driver the ability to choose varying power levels for varying driving conditions.
I enjoyed the "Sport Sharp" mode for open road driving. And as you might expect, I preferred "Intelligent" mode for trudging along in stop-and-go rush hour traffic.
In addition to the new SI-Drive system, the 2007 spec.B also gains a modified version of the 6-speed manual transmission from the Impreza WRX STI, plus the advanced Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System.
The 6-speed transmission has been tailored to suit the spec.B's refined driving characteristics and features unique gear ratios and a smoother shifting operation than the version used in the WRX STI.
The spec.B is agile and exhibits very little body roll when taking turns at high speeds. Yet, my spec.B's suspension delivered the right amount of give while driving over bumpy roads.
Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system operates seamlessly, which helps the spec.B stay planted in corners, as well as offering excellent traction for foul-weather driving.
The spec.B continues with its own exclusive interior, with the 2007 model featuring new Charcoal Gray leather-trimmed upholstery with Dusk Blue Alcantara inserts in place of the 2006 model's Brick Red leather-trimmed upholstery.
Being tall, there was just enough legroom for me up front, but with the seat all the back, rear legroom is compromised.
The standard 8-way power driver's seat gains a memory function for 2007, and the interior is further differentiated from the Legacy 2.5 GT Limited model by aluminum-alloy pedal covers, a 3-spoke MOMO leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio controls and "spec.B" floor mats.
I especially liked my spec.B's instrumentation, which featured white numbers on black faces trimmed with lighted red rings and needles.
The Subaru Navigation System remains standard on the spec.B model. And like all 2007 Legacy models, the spec.B features standard Subaru Advanced Frontal Air Bag System, front seat side impact air bags, active front seat head restraints and side curtain air bags.
With a pricetag of about $34,000, the spec.B is quite the bargain. The exciting spec.B proves that Subaru knows how to please consumers.
2007 Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT spec. B Sedan
Engine: 2.5-liter (243 hp) turbocharged H4
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Drive Type: AWD
Fuel Economy: 19 city/26 highway
Base Price: $33,995
As Tested: $35,118 (includes $625 for destination)
Website: http://www.subaru.com