Subaru Introduces All-New Legacy 2.5 GT for 2005

Press Release

250 horsepower Turbocharged Sedan and Wagon Spearhead Fourth-Generation Legacy Line

Subaru of America Inc., the only company that offers Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as standard on every vehicle in its product line, has introduced the 2005 Legacy 2.5 GT Sedan and Wagon at the 2004 North American International Auto Show. The most powerful Legacy ever offered in the U.S. market, the 2005 Legacy 2.5 GT is powered by a new 250-horsepower intercooled / turbocharged Subaru Boxer engine. Arriving at Subaru dealerships in spring 2004, the 2005 Legacy 2.5 GT will lead a thoroughly revised model line that includes a Legacy 2.5 GT Limited Sedan and Wagon, which feature additional luxury content. Legacy 2.5i and Legacy 2.5i Limited models, both available as a sedan and wagon, are powered by a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter boxer engine that provides enhanced response for 2005. With a distinctive fusion of style, performance and function, the Legacy 2.5 GT will deliver on the promise of a premium driving performance experience. Combining strong emotional appeal with intelligent engineering, the new-generation Legacy 2.5 GT will offer stunning performance while remaining true to the core values that make Subaru a unique brand: A boxer engine, standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, a functional and comfortable driver's environment, a high degree of safety and comfort for passengers and renowned durability and reliability. "The 2005 Legacy 2.5 GT is designed to provide the kind of 'sensuous performance' that truly sets it apart from mainstream models," said Fred Adcock, Executive Vice President, Subaru of America, Inc. "Legacy 2.5 GT has been designed to give the driver the kind of power, performance and control that instills premium-brand cars with distinct and memorable brand identity," he added. All Legacy models for 2005 will feature even greater safety and high-value content than the previous-generation models. Built on a new version of the company's proven Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frame safety structure, the 2005 Legacy models will feature as standard equipment side impact air bags, new side curtain air bags and new intelligent dual-stage deployment front air bags. The 2005 Legacy 2.5 GT is the latest in the brand's line of exciting turbocharged performance models that Subaru has introduced in the U.S. market since the Impreza®WRX® debuted for the 2002 model year. The rally-bred Impreza WRX STi® followed for 2004, along with the Forester® 2.5 XT and Baja™Turbo crossover models. These turbocharged All-Wheel Drive performance models reflect the brand's long-running experience and success in World Rally Championship (WRC) competition.

Bold New Design Strengthens Brand Identity

Subaru designed the fourth-generation Legacy to express its more dynamic performance and nimbleness, and in particular its low center of gravity - a hallmark of all Subaru models. The pronounced wedge body shape conveys a low and stable presence, accentuated by aerodynamic side ground effects and standard 17-inch alloy wheels on Legacy 2.5 GT and 16-inch alloy wheels on other Legacy models. Wheelbase of the 2005 Legacy has been increased from 104.3 inches to 105.1 inches and overall length has been increased by just under two inches for the sedan and wagon models. The sedan's rear glass is slightly recessed in "sail panels" for a distinct rear appearance, as well as aerodynamic efficiency. The new Legacy design is not only sleeker to the eye, but in the wind tunnel, as well, where the sedan registers a coefficient of drag (Cd) of 0.28 and the wagon 0.30. A functional hood scoop supplies outside air to the engine-mounted intercooler, and tailpipe tips extend from the dual-muffler exhaust system through bumper cutouts for a sporty flair.

High-Performance Intercooled / Turbocharged Engine

The 2005 Legacy 2.5 GT is powered by an intercooled and turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine that produces 250 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm and 250 lb-ft. of peak torque @ 3,600 rpm. The engine shares architecture and technology with the engines used in other Subaru turbocharged performance models such as the WRX STi, but most key components - including the cylinder block, turbocharger and intercooler - are unique to Legacy 2.5 GT. Active Valve Control System (AVCS) variable valve timing technology helps optimize low and mid-range torque and high-end output, and the Legacy 2.5 GT engine is characterized by a wide torque curve for outstanding power at all speeds. All Legacy engines for 2005 use an Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system, sometimes referred to as "drive by wire" or "throttle by wire."

Choice of 5-Speed Manual or 5-Speed Automatic Transmissions

The 2005 Legacy 2.5 GT will offer a choice between a smooth-shifting 5-speed manual transmission or an all-new 5-speed electronic direct control automatic transmission with a SPORTSHIFT feature for manual control when desired. The advanced new 5-speed automatic transmission offers a higher degree of control in either automatic or manual mode. Using a lateral-G sensor and cornering logic, the transmission can select and hold the appropriate gear to enhance cornering performance. The transmission will actively downshift to maintain optimal traction and control on inclines, as well. With the SPORTSHIFT feature, the driver can choose to shift manually using the console shift handle or shift buttons on the steering wheel. When placed in "D," the lever can be toggled to the left for manual shift control, and then pushed forward for upshifts and pulled rearward for downshifts. The transmission can provide temporary access to manual mode when in "D" by using the steering wheel shift buttons.

Performance-Bred Chassis

A new, stiffer unitized body structure makes greater use of aluminum and high-strength steel, as well as advanced construction techniques including hydroforming and tailored-blank welding. Aluminum parts include the hood and bumper beams and the rear gate on wagons. Using aluminum at the vehicle's extremes helps to concentrate more mass near its center of gravity, which helps to enhance handling. The engine in the new Legacy models is mounted lower than in the previous generation, which helps to lower the center of gravity. The proven MacPherson type strut front suspension uses all new components, including aluminum lower L-arms that reduce unsprung weight. A wider track and revised geometry significantly enhance handling and stability. The multilink rear suspension attaches to a new, hydroformed steel sub-frame for added rigidity, and the roll center has been lowered to enhance handling and stability. Suspension, braking and steering have been optimized to complement the powertrain performance in Legacy 2.5 GT. Legacy 2.5 GT models roll on standard 17 x 7-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 215/45 R17 all-season tires. A 4-wheel disc Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) is standard equipment on all 2005 Legacy models. Legacy 2.5 GT features larger front brake rotors than other Legacy models, as well as ventilated rear discs (solid discs on other models). The rack-and-pinion steering system in Legacy 2.5 GT has been redesigned for quicker response, greater precision and improved feel. A new, high-strength "cannon mount" secures the steering rack to the front subframe. A damper valve helps prevent the kickback and vibration that would otherwise result from the added stiffness provided by the cannon mount.