Subaru ‘spec.B’ special

This week, we’re driving Subaru’s 2007 Legacy GT “spec.B” Sedan, an all-wheel-drive, rally based compact that Subaru says “isn’t unique.” That’s because Subaru is still the only manufacturer to offer AWD as standard equipment on all its vehicles, regardless of entry price range.

Starting at $18,620 for the base Impreza up to the inspiring $37,920 Tribeca Limited seven-passenger, Subaru makes sure it has a vehicle for buyers in diverse economic divisions.

However, let the record show this GT “spec.B” is indeed unique, regardless of any humble sentiments by the Japanese manufacturer.

For 2007, GT “spec.B” becomes a full production model, it contains 50-percent U.S./Canadian parts, and is built in Lafayette, Ind. How’s that for distinction!

Subaru’s decision to drop two wheel drive cars from its lineup in 1997 helped establish its current AWD “top of mind awareness” in consumers. The company’s distinctive passion in AWD development, where engineers build a near perfect balance of self-assurance and handling by combining a horizontally opposed engine and symmetrically designed traction system, is widely heralded and highly rated.

Under the hood of our test Legacy sits a 243-horse Rally-bred DOHC 2.5-liter 4-cylinder horizontally opposed (Boxer) turbocharged engine. Legacy Turbo engines feature technology from the WRX STi high-performance model (with less boost) and accentuate strong torque at low to mid engine speeds.

Noteworthy is the standard six-speed manual transmission, which makes driving even more fun. This transmission has a Viscous-coupling locking center differential that distributes engine power equally front and rear, the latter where a TORSEN limited-slip differential offers up even more stability.

However, for you non-gear-pullers, Legacy offers an advanced electronic direct control automatic transmission version, so check with your dealer.

Inside, Legacy seats five passengers and is attractively finished. All Legacy GT models feature a new instrument cluster and more than 32 standard items, including air, power moon roof, tire pressure monitor, power windows, seats, mirrors and door locks, tilt-adjustable steering column, cruise, Touch Screen GPS Navigation system (Yep, standard!) all weather package with heated seats, XM Satellite capable, temperature gauge, remote keyless entry, aluminum alloy pedals, 6-disc in-dash CD changer AM/FM Stereo, leather-wrapped MOMO steering wheel and more.

The suspension is one of Legacy GT “spec’s” best attributes, as a four-wheel independent design featuring Bilstein Sport Suspension keeps the 18-inch tires planted. Up front are MacPherson-type inverted struts with aluminum lower L-arms and liquid filled L-arm bushings, stabilizer bar and negative scrub geometry. The rear is a multilink setup with one aluminum upper link, two aluminum lower links and one radius arm per side with coil springs, shocks and stabilizer bar.

On the road, GT’s underpinnings offer up both sports car rally type handling to “go in snow” capabilities.

We took GT on a run through the mountain roads, and emphasize this car is indeed a handler, and a fast one at that. When it comes to stopping, the 4-wheel ABS disc brakes are excellent while the overall ride is firm yet comfortable.

Legacy also scores excellent in crash tests, including a Top Safety Pick “Gold” from the Insurance Institute. All come equipped with dual front and front side air bags, and side curtain air bags. The final cost, with $625 destination, came in at $34,620.

Important numbers include a wheelbase of 105.1-inches, 3,515-pound curb weight, 11.4- cubic feet of cargo space, 16.9-gallon fuel tank and EPA numbers of 19 city and 26 highway on Premium 91 Octane fuel.

For building such a resourceful, fun vehicle, Subaru’s Legacy GT “spec.B” Sedan receives a strong nine on a scale of one to 10.

Likes: All-wheel-drive, acceleration, functionality, handling, power.

Dislikes: GT spec’s outward design not awe-inspiring.