Is This the Spec B We've Been Waiting For?

[BMWDave]

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Exclusive Spy Video and Pics 2006 Subaru Legacy GT Spec B

Is This the Spec B We've Been Waiting For?
By: Ed Hellwig

Date Posted 08-15-2005

There's been no official announcement, but the 2006 Subaru Legacy GT Spec B looks like it's headed for showrooms soon. Our latest spy photos of an undisguised preproduction unit reveal all the details. The most obvious upgrade is in the wheel and tire department as the Spec B gets a set of multispoke 18-inch wheels wrapped in high-performance Bridgestone Potenza RE050A rubber. Behind the larger wheels and tires is a set of Bilstein struts for improved ride control. We didn't get any peeks under the hood, but most rumors suggest that engine improvements aren't expected.

More changes were evident on the inside as the Spec B will get eye-catching red interior trim on the seats and door panels along with aluminum pedals and special floor mats. A navigation system looks to be part of the package as well along with what looked like a premium audio system with steering wheel audio controls.

Most speculation suggests that this special-edition Legacy GT will go on sale later this fall in limited numbers.

[giant_mtb]

God I love the Legacy.    

[Run Away]

It's a classy looking car, that's fo sho.

[giant_mtb]

It's a classy looking car, that's fo sho.

Classy with a helluva lotta sport inside.  B)  

[BMWDave]

Yup, I love this car...its quite attractive, both inside and out.

[R33 GT-R]

sweet

[Colonel Cadillac]

I'm excited for this one to come out.  

[footoflead]

Wonder if i could talk the folks into one ...actually right now i would settle for an impreza even though its not quite as nice...both pretty sweet cars  B)  

[Raghavan]

the new legacy is sweet!

[giant_mtb]

Ahhh Subaru.

[Raghavan]

Ahhh Subaru.

Ahhh Troll.    

[giant_mtb]

Ahhh Subaru.

Ahhh Troll.  

 :ph34r:

At least I'm not annoying and go around sayin Subaru is the best thing in the world...now that would be trolling.

[Raghavan]

Ahhh Subaru.

Ahhh Troll.  

 :ph34r:

At least I'm not annoying and go around sayin Subaru is the best thing in the world...now that would be trolling.

You're annoying me with that huge-ass sig...  

[Fire It Up]

New Jersey!

[Raza]

No engine improvements?

[Secret Chimp]

No engine improvements?

Many reviews have said that the 2.5GT had a sport sedan lurking inside somewhere, but the suspension was too floppy. If this supposed plan doesn't work, though, it's not like it'd be terribly hard to use the STi's 2.5.

[Raza]

No engine improvements?

Many reviews have said that the 2.5GT had a sport sedan lurking inside somewhere, but the suspension was too floppy. If this supposed plan doesn't work, though, it's not like it'd be terribly hard to use the STi's 2.5.

It is the STi's 2.5, but it's got less power and is mated to the WRX's 5 speed.  What it does need is that suspension, true.  But now, it's not the performance value it once was.  The Bimmer has now 215bhp and is faster than it was before, and still handles better.  The G35 is pushing 300bhp and is roughly the same price.  Hell, even the Audi 2.0T has some grunt to it, and has a much nicer interior.  Boosting that 250 to 275 would help alot.

[TBR]

All of the cars you listed are at least $5000 more expensive when comparably equipped.

[Raza]

All of the cars you listed are at least $5000 more expensive when comparably equipped.

Yes, but they also carry premium names which many people are willing to pay for.  Plus, to some, AWD is a turnoff (to buyers like me, for example).  I think it's a great car--you know that, and I tell so many people to look into them when they tell me they're thinking about something in the entry level luxury category, but the badge and gas mileage are turnoffs to many people.  Plus, when equipped with an automatic, you're not getting a whole lot of go compared to more balanced engines like the VQ or 2.5i.

[FlatBlackCaddy]

I seriously hope subie will do some motor changes and bump the hp up, it would be easily within their reach and as stated a bump from 250-275 or 280 with a 6 speed would really round out the package.

[Secret Chimp]

No engine improvements?

Many reviews have said that the 2.5GT had a sport sedan lurking inside somewhere, but the suspension was too floppy. If this supposed plan doesn't work, though, it's not like it'd be terribly hard to use the STi's 2.5.

It is the STi's 2.5, but it's got less power and is mated to the WRX's 5 speed.

Insert world's biggest "DUH". I meant the 300hp version of the 2.5. You should know I know that, sheesh :P

[Raza]

No engine improvements?

Many reviews have said that the 2.5GT had a sport sedan lurking inside somewhere, but the suspension was too floppy. If this supposed plan doesn't work, though, it's not like it'd be terribly hard to use the STi's 2.5.

It is the STi's 2.5, but it's got less power and is mated to the WRX's 5 speed.

Insert world's biggest "DUH". I meant the 300hp version of the 2.5. You should know I know that, sheesh :P

:o
:D
Of course, sir Chimp.

[mazda6er]

The engine is detuned, so the Legacy's internal computer can be tweaked to make the engine produce something like 50 more horses. $600 later you've got yourself a mean machine.

[TBR]

All of the cars you listed are at least $5000 more expensive when comparably equipped.

Yes, but they also carry premium names which many people are willing to pay for.  Plus, to some, AWD is a turnoff (to buyers like me, for example).  I think it's a great car--you know that, and I tell so many people to look into them when they tell me they're thinking about something in the entry level luxury category, but the badge and gas mileage are turnoffs to many people.  Plus, when equipped with an automatic, you're not getting a whole lot of go compared to more balanced engines like the VQ or 2.5i.

I agree that those cars do have a badge advantage over the Subaru, but that doesn't mean the Subaru needs more hp, it can already outrun or at least keep up with every sports sedan under $40,000, including the 330i.

[Raza]

All of the cars you listed are at least $5000 more expensive when comparably equipped.

Yes, but they also carry premium names which many people are willing to pay for.  Plus, to some, AWD is a turnoff (to buyers like me, for example).  I think it's a great car--you know that, and I tell so many people to look into them when they tell me they're thinking about something in the entry level luxury category, but the badge and gas mileage are turnoffs to many people.  Plus, when equipped with an automatic, you're not getting a whole lot of go compared to more balanced engines like the VQ or 2.5i.

I agree that those cars do have a badge advantage over the Subaru, but that doesn't mean the Subaru needs more hp, it can already outrun or at least keep up with every sports sedan under $40,000, including the 330i.

With a hard launch to 60, you're just slipping below 6 seconds, a feat that the G35 has been doing for quite a while, and that the old 330i performance package could do, and the new 330i can do easily as well.   With AWD, as well, the RWD competitors pull away after that.  

[TBR]

Car and Driver got 5.7 seconds to 60 for a '05 GT Limited, better than any time they have gotten for the G35 and only a tenth slower than the time they got for a E90 330i. And, an important little note, the GT is a full $10,000 cheaper than a 330i (base $26,245 compared to $36,995 for a 330i) and is $5000 cheaper than a G35 6mt.

[giant_mtb]

Car and Driver got 5.7 seconds to 60 for a '05 GT Limited, better than any time they have gotten for the G35 and only a tenth slower than the time they got for a E90 330i. And, an important little note, the GT is a full $10,000 cheaper than a 330i (base $26,245 compared to $36,995 for a Legacy) and is $5000 cheaper than a G35 6mt.

Go Subaru!    

[Fire It Up]

Car and Driver got 5.7 seconds to 60 for a '05 GT Limited, better than any time they have gotten for the G35 and only a tenth slower than the time they got for a E90 330i. And, an important little note, the GT is a full $10,000 cheaper than a 330i (base $26,245 compared to $36,995 for a 330i) and is $5000 cheaper than a G35 6mt.

I dont think they ever tested the 300HP version though.

[TBR]

True, however even with an extra 38hp it shouldn't make much of a difference as the new engine is down on torque compared to the old one. A 298 hp G35 would likely have a 5.7 time since the old one took 5.9 seconds to get to 60.