2007 SUBARU LEGACY® 2.5 GT spec.B DEBUTS NEW SI-DRIVE PERFORMANCE SYSTEM AND 6-SPEED TRANSMISSION

· New SI-Drive Enables Driver to Select Engine Performance Level
· VDC Stability System Supports Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
· New Audio System Offers Satellite Radio Capability


NEW YORK, April 13, 2006 – Subaru of America, Inc., America’s All-Wheel Drive leader, today unveiled the 2007 Legacy 2.5 GT spec.B performance sedan at the New York International Auto Show. The introduction 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.

First offered in 2006 as a limited edition production run of 500 units, the Legacy 2.5 GT spec.B returns as a regular production model for 2007 and features a host of performance and interior enhancements. 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. Also new for 2007, a Torsen® limited-slip rear differential helps to optimize traction at the rear wheels.

Like all Subaru models, the 2007 Legacy 2.5 GT spec.B features Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as standard equipment. The 2.5-liter intercooled turbo Boxer engine in the spec.B produces 243 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 241 lb.-ft. of peak torque @ 3,600 rpm. The new Subaru SI-Drive system will also be standard on all Legacy 2.5 GT Limited and Outback® 2.5 XT Limited models for 2007 (all are powered by the same engine).

SI-Drive: Three Engines in One
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.

--more--
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. Intelligent mode is an ideal choice for commuting in traffic, for example, where it can also help boost fuel efficiency by up to 10 percent.

In “Sport” mode, the performance of the 2.5 GT spec.B (and other 2007 turbo Legacy and Outback models) is similar to the 2006 model, with quick throttle responses and powerful, linear acceleration.
In “Sport Sharp” mode, SI-Drive modifies the engine’s electronic throttle mapping to deliver lightning quick throttle response and more power sooner. Delivering maximum driving enjoyment, this mode is ideal for tackling twisty roads and for merging or overtaking other vehicles on the highway with confidence.

On 2007 Legacy and Outback models equipped with the 5-speed automatic transmission (not available on Legacy 2.5 GT spec.B), SI-Drive also changes the transmission’s shift patterns. It will hold each gear longer through the rpm range and downshift more quickly under hard acceleration, depending on the mode selected.

The SI-Drive system includes instrument panel displays that allow the driver to monitor performance. The multi-information display located in the tachometer face – in addition to providing trip computer functions – denotes the selected SI-Drive mode and provides an active torque curve display.

Exclusive Bilstein Sport Suspension
The 2007 model carries forward the Bilstein® Sport Suspension with inverted front struts similar to that in the rally-bred Impreza WRX STI, including aluminum-alloy lower control arms, 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and high-performance tires. The multi-link rear suspension features aluminum-alloy rear arms and upper links in place of cast-iron pieces to reduce unsprung weight.

Luxury, Power and Performance
Once again, the Legacy 2.5 GT spec.B features an exclusive interior design, for 2007 featuring Charcoal Gray leather-trimmed upholstery with Dusk Blue Alcantara® inserts. A new standard SRS® WOW audio system brings a new sonic performance and quality to the Legacy line, plus MP3 and Windows® Media Audio (WMA) playback and an input jack for iPods and other portable audio devices. All Legacy and Outback audio systems for 2007 offer XM® Satellite Radio capability.

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. The Subaru Navigation System remains standard on the spec.B model and available for all automatic transmission-equipped Legacy 2.5 GT Limited models.

Standard features shared with the 2.5 GT Limited Sedan include dual-zone automatic climate control, performance-design front seats, power moonroof, 4-stage heated front seats, a 4-way power passenger seat and heated exterior mirrors. In addition, all Legacy sedan models for 2007 gain a new standard 60/40 split fold-down rear seat with trunk pass-through to enhance cargo-carrying versatility.

All Legacy models for 2007 feature, as standard equipment, the Subaru Advanced Frontal Air Bag System, front seat side impact air bags, active front seat head restraints and side curtain air bags.


.



Subaru Media Center

First three Links


Pictures I took at a sneak peek in Mass

__________________
:bd: -Randy

Political/news Forums clicky here!!

I like!

__________________

Turbocharged Honda Civic (EJ8)

the only probalem is that the Si drive is going to interfere with tuning the ECU.. Im sure COBB will be able to tune around it.. I hope...

I love the 6 speed!

__________________
:bd: -Randy

Political/news Forums clicky here!!

I'm glad to see the front end didn't get fux0rd too.

trust me... all of us in the legacy community are very happy too!

__________________
:bd: -Randy

Political/news Forums clicky here!!

Daddy likes.

__________________

Oh man! Im so happy the front stays the same! Im very intrested in getting that car! I test drove a 2005 Legacy and loved the thing!

Autoweek write up

The spec.B comes only in gray. The new Alcantara seat inserts are grippy, and the iDrive-like button can activate one of three different driving styles for the car.
2007 Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT & spec.B Power of the Button: Subaru brings Sport mode to the masses


AT A GLANCE: 2007 SUBARU LEGACY 2.5 GT LIMITED
ON SALE: August
BASE PRICE: $29,000 (est.)
POWERTRAIN: 2.5-liter, 243-hp, 241-lb-ft turbocharged H4; awd, five-speed manual
CURB WEIGHT: 3415 pounds
0 TO 60 MPH: 5.6 seconds (mfr.)
FUEL ECONOMY (EPA CITY/HIGHWAY): 20/26 mpg






Why should people who can afford Porsches and M-badged BMWs be the only ones to enjoy advanced performance technology? We’re talking here about those trick sport modes that sharpen throttle response and kick the engine up a notch with the touch of a button.

Subaru has broken the high-end monopoly on this technology by offering its own interpretation of a sport button. Called Subaru Intelligent Drive or SI-Drive, the system is featured on the 2007 2.5-liter turbocharged Legacy. Unlike those systems that offer just two choices, on/off, SI-Drive has three modes: Intelligent, Sport and Sport Sharp.

Push the BMW iDrive-style knob to toggle Intelligent mode and the electronic control unit tells the engine and electronic throttle to adopt a relaxed attitude. I-mode reduces torque by around 20 percent, limiting it to 228 lb-ft, and dials back the throttle response. Ideal for urban driving and bumper-to-bumper traffic, I-mode can also increase overall fuel economy by up to 10 percent, says Subaru. http://cwimg.us.publicus.com/apps/pb...ef=V2&maxw=490

Twist the SI-Drive knob to the left for Sport mode and performance resembles what you would expect from a Legacy that doesn’t have this system: a balance between comfort and sport. A turn to the right engages Sport Sharp, which modifies the electronic throttle mapping to deliver instant action with the right foot and more power sooner with every inch of travel.

For cars equipped with automatic transmissions, the shift maps also change. In I-mode, shifts are the smoothest and in Sport Sharp, the car anticipates cornering and overtaking by holding onto lower gears longer when needed.

In addition to SI-Drive, the new Legacy 2.5 GT Limited gets restyled six-spoke wheels, a better audio system with auxiliary input, tire-pressure monitors and a split-folding rear seat. http://cwimg.us.publicus.com/apps/pb...ef=V3&maxw=490

But what interests us most is the 2.5 GT spec.B. If you recall, the Legacy spec.B was introduced to the United States last year to the tune of 500 copies. Now the car goes into regular production.

The spec.B is painted a solitary color, dark gray, and comes only with a manual transmission. Instead of last year’s five-speed, the spec.B gets a modified version of the STI’s six-speed, with higher gear ratios from second through sixth gear. The shift linkage and shift lever ratio are changed for smoother shifts, and clutch effort is reduced from that in the STI to match the Legacy’s more civilian job description.

The new spec.B gets a final drive ratio of 4.11, up from 3.90, a four-pinion front differential from a two-pinion for extra durability, and a more active Torsen (torque-sensing) rear limited-slip differential instead of the viscous type that depends on wheelslip to react. http://cwimg.us.publicus.com/apps/pb...ef=V4&maxw=490

From behind the wheel, the new bits are all welcomed improvements. Shifts are indeed more fluid than the direct yet often notchy STI gearbox, and the extra gear helps enhance the boxer-four’s already potent acceleration.

The B in spec.B stands for Bilstein, the same shocks that were used last year. The 215/45R-18 Bridgestone Potenza RE050A summer tires are also the same as on last year’s limited run of cars.

Coupled with the inverted-strut setup borrowed from the STI, cornering grip is abundant and the rear Torsen limited-slip improves corner-exit feel over the spec.B we drove last year. On twisty mountain roads, this spec.B is able to maintain a worthy sport-sedan pace without as much understeer as we’ve come to know with past Subies. http://cwimg.us.publicus.com/apps/pb...ef=V5&maxw=490

We wish the same attention were paid to the suspension as to the gearbox and differentials. With the familiar STI shift feel, strong acceleration and high grip levels, the way the spec.B leans at the limit is out of character with the rest of the car. It unsettles the suspension particularly after hard braking, when the weight transfers forward as you steer into a tight corner. Subaru is a respected member of the tuner community, so spec.B owners can probably be expected to address the suspension first.

There isn’t much to complain about with 243 hp at 6000 rpm and 241 lb-ft of torque at 3600 rpm on tap, but we found ourselves looking for more hp in the spec.B. With all the other performance-oriented changes and an estimated base price of around $36,000, even 10 more horses in the spec-B would make the decision to upgrade that much more convincing.

Subaru might feel the same. Buzz that a 300-hp package will be available prompted smiles from Subaru personnel before they labeled it “just a rumor.”As for SI-Drive, the system is simple to use and works exactly as advertised. Subaru believes it has a winning system on its hands and is applying for a patent. Expect to see SI-Drive proliferate throughout the lineup.

The Legacy sports a nicely finished interior that befits its near-entry-level luxury status. The charcoal gray leather seats are comfortable yet supportive, and the new Alcantara inserts do a better job of gripping your bottom side than the full leather seats ever could.

With the spec.B in the range, Subaru enthusiasts now need not look elsewhere for a more appropriate performance family sedan when the time comes to graduate from an Impreza WRX or STI. Others can choose the Legacy 2.5 GT Limited rather than a Toyota Camry, Chrysler 300 or Honda Accord. The Subaru is easily the sportiest of the bunch and stands apart with standard all-wheel drive, choice of manual or automatic transmission, and of course SI-Drive.

__________________
:bd: -Randy

Political/news Forums clicky here!!