2006 Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT spec.B Limited Edition (USA)

Press Release

Limited to 500 numbered units

• New spec.B limited to 500 numbered units
• First time offered in the United States
• Navigation system standard

Subaru of America, Inc. has introduced the Legacy 2.5 GT spec.B performance sedan and will offer just 500 of these special cars for model year 2006. Previously only offered in Japan and Europe, the U.S. version of the spec.B pairs the performance of the 250- horsepower intercooled turbo Boxer engine in the Legacy 2.5 GT Limited Sedan, with exclusive suspension enhancements along with unique design elements and interior features. The Legacy 2.5 GT spec.B, the newest offering from America's All-Wheel Drive leader, stands as the ultimate Subaru Legacy.

The Legacy 2.5 GT spec.B is available exclusively with a 5-speed manual transmission and, like all Subaru models, features Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as standard equipment. Like the Subaru Impreza(R) WRX(R) and WRX STI(R) models, the Legacy spec.B built a loyal following in Japan and Europe before coming to the United States. As it did with the WRX and WRX STI models, Subaru designed a version of the Legacy spec.B specially tailored for U.S. customers.

The Legacy 2.5 GT spec.B is quickly identified by its exclusive Titanium Silver Metallic exterior color and aerodynamic side ground-effects moldings with chrome trim. The road-hugging stance of the spec.B is further accentuated by unique 18-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels and 215/45 low profile performance tires that work with the suspension upgrades to deliver improved handling performance. (The standard 2.5 GT Limited Sedan features 17-inch alloy wheels.)

More than just a pretty face

The taut suspension of the Legacy 2.5 GT Limited has been thoroughly revised for even sharper response and greater road feel in the Legacy 2.5 GT spec.B. The exclusive Bilstein Sport Suspension equips the Legacy 2.5 GT spec.B model with performance-tuned shock absorbers for flatter cornering response.

Subaru engineers also replaced the MacPherson strut front suspension with an inverted strut configuration similar to that in the rally-bred Impreza WRX STI, including aluminum-alloy lower control arms. The multi-link rear suspension gains aluminum-alloy rear arms and upper links in place of cast- iron pieces to reduce unsprung weight (and thereby enhance handling response). Finally, the 18-inch alloy wheels are fitted with 215/45 R18 Bridgestone Potenza RE050A summer performance tires.

Exclusive spec.B interior

The striking Brick Red leather trimmed upholstery highlights the unique interior styling of the Legacy 2.5 GT spec.B. The distinctive interior is further differentiated from the 2.5 GT Limited model by aluminum-alloy pedal covers, a 3-spoke MOMO(R) leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio controls, "spec.B" floor mats and an individually numbered limited-edition plaque.

The Legacy 2.5 GT spec.B further builds on the generous standard equipment of the 2.5 GT Limited Sedan, adding the new Subaru Navigation System and an upgraded audio system with MP3 capability. Standard features shared with the 2.5 GT Limited Sedan include dual-zone automatic climate control, performance- design front seats, power moonroof, an 8-way power driver's seat and a 4-way power passenger seat (both with 4-stage heating) and heated exterior mirrors. All Legacy models for 2006 feature, as standard equipment, Subaru Advanced Frontal Air Bag System, front seat side impact air bags, active front seat head restraints and side curtain air bags.

Big power, confident control

The 2.5-liter intercooled turbo Boxer engine in the spec.B produces 250 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm and 250 lb.-ft. of peak torque @ 3,600 rpm. Putting the power down is the Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive which, when teamed with a 5-speed manual transmission as in the Legacy 2.5 GT spec.B, employs a viscous-coupling locking center differential with a 50:50 torque split. Slippage at the front or rear wheels will transfer more power to the opposite set.

A 4-wheel disc Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) is standard on all Legacy models. The 2.5 GT Limited and 2.5 GT spec.B models employ larger brake rotors than other Legacy models, with ventilated rear discs in place of solid discs.

About Subaru of America, Inc.

2006 Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT spec.B Basic Specifications

Engine

2.5-liter 4-cylinder intercooled/turbocharged Boxer 250 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm / 250 lb.-ft. of peak torque @ 3,600 rpm.

Transmission

5-speed manual

All-Wheel Drive

Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive using viscous-coupling locking center differential with 50:50 torque split

Suspension

4-wheel independent, Bilstein Sport Suspension, aluminum-alloy front control arms and aluminum-alloy rear arms and upper links

Wheels and tires

18 x 7-in. aluminum-alloy wheels with 215/45 R18 Bridgestone Potenza RE050A summer performance tires

Brakes

4-wheel disc Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD); 12.3-in. front ventilated discs and 11.3-in. rear ventilated discs

Wheelbase        105.1 in.

Length              186.2 in.

Height               56.5 in.

Curb weight       3,400 lbs.