Subaru Liberty GT spec.B to Australia

Subaru Liberty GT spec.B

SI-Drive introduced

By Text & photos edited by Brian Potter
September 1, 2006 7:44 PM
Filed Under: Japanese, Subaru

Press Release

Subaru Discovers New Form of Intelligence

A comprehensive list of refinements to Subaru's ultra-safe All-Wheel Drive 2007 Liberty range includes the debut of the revolutionary Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive) system.

The expanded range includes reintroduction of the sporty GT, featuring a new award-winning turbocharged 2.5 litre horizontally opposed boxer engine.

With improved torque, it is now capable of regular running on 95RON fuel.

New to the range are Liberty GT spec.B sedans and wagons, offering even greater choice of premium variants.

The SI-Drive system introduced on all turbocharged and 3.0 litre Liberty's, offers optimum driveability and power delivery across the operating range, whether seeking a frugal drive, outstanding performance or in day-to-day traffic.

Pricing of some Liberty's has decreased as much as 3.8 per cent while entry-level models remain unchanged.

On range-topping GT and 3.0R spec.B variants, customers can now take pricing out of the equation on transmission choice - six-speed manual and five-speed Sportshift automatic versions are priced identically.

Sporting an exciting new look, Liberty introduces a wide range of innovations including:

All new Libertys retain their outstanding independent five star crashworthiness rating for occupant safety, from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).

Nick Senior, Managing Director, Subaru Australia, said: "This is our most comprehensive Liberty range ever.

"We are delighted to reintroduce Liberty GT with a bigger, and more refined award-winning engine and also add the option of a spec.B version, which has proved such a success in 3.0 litre guise.

"SI-Drive is a fantastic Subaru initiative that enables our customers to get the very best out of their driving, right across the operating range. It's like having the advantage of three engines in one.

"Once again, engineers from Fuji Heavy Industries spent many days testing all this new technology in a variety of Australian conditions, ensuring suitability for our market."

He added: "We have a great pricing story too - there is no change on entry level models, while pricing is reduced by up to 3.8 per cent on 2.5i variants.

"With both GT and 3.0R spec. B variants, we've simplified pricing by making the manual and Sportshift automatic versions the same price, so customers can choose purely on the basis of transmission preference.

"There's also a much more linear progression through pricing of the entire range, bringing aspirational models within reach of customers who may have previously found the margin too great."

Subaru Intelligent Drive

Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive) is introduced on turbocharged and 3.0 litre Libertys, offering three different driving experiences in the same car.

Drivers have the option to refine performance to suit their preferences.

SI-Drive can optimize fuel efficiency and ride comfort in stop-start city traffic, produce a lively response in flowing freeway or town traffic, or a rapid sporty drive on the open road.

It features three modes, each of which is clearly displayed on the instrument panel:

Intelligent mode ensures gentle, smooth power output. It may contribute to greater economy in congested city driving at low to mid-speed, when teamed with a smooth driving style, or cruising on the freeway. Ideal for those searching for ride comfort and frugal fuel figures.

Sport mode optimizes performance on city and highway drives. Good for routine, day-to-day driving.

Sport # mode boosts engine revolutions for sharp, sporty driving (cannot be used while the engine is cold). Provides dynamic performance for true driving enthusiasts through highly responsive engine and throttle control.

SI-Drive regulates the engine and transmission control units, and fine-tunes the electronic throttle control.

The control button is installed on the centre console. By pushing the dial, Intelligent mode is set. Sport mode is activated by turning the dial left and Sport # mode by turning it right.

There is also a steering wheel button to activate Sport # mode.

The modes can be changed while the car is moving.

The instrument panel includes an SI-Drive Multi-Function Display (MFD).

This communicates vehicle behaviour in the different modes. It includes an Eco gauge and Shift-up indicator (manual-only).

The needle of the Eco gauge stays in the green zone when fuel consumption is low, for the benefit of economy-minded drivers. Higher fuel consumption is indicated by the needle heading into the yellow zone.

The MFD shows comprehensive information about the power characteristics of the chosen mode via a simplified torque curve.

The Shift-up indicator, located in the tachometer on manual transmission models, uses a blinking indicator to advise the driver to change up a gear and save fuel when engine revolutions reach a certain level.

Internal testing by Fuji Heavy Industries, the maker of Subaru vehicles, indicates a vehicle driven in Intelligent mode can record up to 10 per cent more range.

Interior

Liberty's dashboard, centre console and steering wheel are revised to produce an integrated and wholly contemporary look.

Instrument clusters of turbocharged and 3.0 litre variants feature a vast array of information in the multi-function display, including SI-Drive visuals, odometer, time, range, outside temperature, fuel consumption and open door warnings.

Attention to detail includes speedometer increments changed from five to two kilometres, for easier visual recognition.

All Libertys have steering wheel mounted cruise control buttons.

Turbocharged and 3.0 litre variants add steering wheel audio and SI-Drive Sport # mode controls, plus an "Information call-up" or I button. This can switch between six different information screens, using adjoining up or down arrow buttons to display:

If a warning screen is displayed, drivers press the I button to identify the nature of the warning, such as door open or low temperature.

Automatic transmission GT and 3.0 litre models also gain Sportshift steering column "paddles" plus illuminated centre console cup holders.

Telescopic steering wheels, with 40 millimetres of travel, are new to every Liberty.

Turbocharged, 2.5i Premium and 3.0 litre Libertys also get power driver's seats with dual memory function and rear window tint (side and back). GTs and 3.0R variants add dual zone air conditioning.

3.0 litre variants also get rear seat ventilation and dual cup holders in the rear centre armrest.

The premium McIntosh audio system shared by turbocharged and 3.0 litre Libertys is further enhanced with the addition of a 70 mm dashboard centre speaker, taking the speaker count to 14.

Audio systems in 2.0 and 2.5 litre Libertys get a new matt-finish facia, while all Libertys now offer six-stack in-dash CD players with MP3 and WMA compatibility.

The gearshift surround features a new circular design, while ashtrays are eliminated from all Libertys in line with customer feedback.

Cloth and leather trim patterns are revised in line with Liberty's refined appearance.

Exterior

Liberty features a variety of exterior refinements that highlight its contemporary appearance.

Grilles, front guards, bumpers, light clusters and fog light surrounds all have new lines while distinctive new design alloy wheel patterns are introduced across the range.

State-of-the art High Intensity Discharge (HID) self-levelling headlights are introduced on all turbocharged and 3.0 litre Libertys, featuring both high and low beam Bi-Xenon.

Wing mirror design is refined to further reduce wind resistance and enhance visibility of the in-built indicator.

New colours to the range are:

Engine

Liberty GT's new award-winning 2.5 litre turbocharged engine produces 184 Kilowatts of power at 6000 rpm in both manual and automatic variants. It offers the advantage of being able to run on cheaper 95RON fuel.

Torque is improved to 339 Newtonmetres at 3600 rpm.

Power of automatic transmission Liberty GT is up 4 kW, while manual versions are down 6 kW. This is due to the car's ability to use lower grade fuel and also meet Australian emission requirements.

The engine recently won the 2.0 to 2.5-litre class of the International Engine of the Year Awards at the Engine Expo in Stuttgart, Germany.

It is also used in the Impreza WRX and Forester XT.

Liberty 3.0R and 3.0R spec.B feature Subaru's Active Valve Control System (AVCS) and Variable Valve Lift, ensuring optimum power and torque output, fuel consumption and low exhaust emissions.

3.0 litre Liberty's torque is improved at low revolutions, for refined pulling power. Torque is up 4.0 per cent between 1200 and 1600 rpm and up 3.0 per cent between 2000 and 2800 rpm.

Emissions are improved on 3.0 litre engines through changes to the camshaft profile, aiding combustion efficiency.

Transmission

Liberty GT spec.B offers the choice of the renowned six-speed STI-derived manual gearbox originally introduced in the 3.0R spec.B.

The constant mesh transmission is a development of that used in the Impreza WRX STI.

It is completely designed and manufactured by Subaru and features double synchronizer mechanisms on first, third and reverse gears, while second gear is equipped with a triple synchronizer mechanism.

The synchronizers provide consistent, smooth gearshift performance.

The transmission has large gears and bearings for added strength, while a positive lubrication system increases durability, using a vehicle speed-driven oil pump.

The transmission features Subaru's well-known centre differential with viscous coupling, used on all its manual transmission vehicles, to provide 50:50 front and rear torque split to the All-Wheel Drive system.

There are two groups of gear ratios. First to fourth are close ratio for instant and efficient power delivery at low speeds.

Fifth and sixth gears are wider ratio for improved fuel consumption while cruising and reduced noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) at high speeds.

Transmission casing and internal components are also designed to reduce NVH.

Clutch operation is optimized to produce a light feel.

An innovative aspect of the design is integration of the Electronic Throttle Control system with clutch actuation, reducing the likelihood of stall.

GT spec.B also has strengthened front and rear differentials. The premium Torsen rear limited slip differential (LSD) enhances driving performance.

In automatic transmission 3.0 litre and 2.5 litre turbocharged Libertys, smoother downshift is achieved by the introduction of "blipping" control. This optimizes engine and transmission synchronization.

For reduced NVH, manual GT spec.B and all 2.0 litre transmission tunnels have added insulation.

Gear ratios


2.0R man

2.0R auto

2.5I man

2.5I auto

GT auto

GT spec.B man

GT spec.B auto

3.0R auto

3.0R spec.B man

3.0R spec.B auto

First

3.454

2.785

3.454

2.785

3.54

3.636

3.54

3.54

3.635

3.54

Second

2.062

1.545

2.062

1.545

2.264

2.235

2.264

2.264

2.235

2.264

Third

1.448

1

1.448

1

1.471

1.521

1.471

1.471

1.521

1.471

Fourth

1.088

0.694

1.088

0.694

1

1.137

1

1

1.137

1

Fifth

0.825

-

0.78

-

0.834

0.891

0.834

0.834

0.891

0.834

Sixth

-

-

-

-

-

0.707

-

-

0.707

-

Reverse

3.333

2.272

3.333

2.272

2.37

3.545

2.37

2.37

3.545

2.37

Final reduction ratio

4.111

4.444

4.111

4.111

3.083

3.9

3.272

3.083

3.9

3.272

Suspension

Fuji Heavy Industries engineers undertook extensive local testing to produce optimum suspension set-up for the GT spec.B.

It features Bilstein suspension in line with its sports credentials.

This offers enhanced lateral rigidity and suspension performance to match the car's weight distribution.

Safety

All MY07 Libertys maintain an outstanding independent five-star ANCAP crashworthiness rating for occupant safety.

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive ensures stability and grip in all conditions.

Liberty 2.0R and 2.5i variants introduce Brake Assist. The ECU detects panic braking and automatically applies optimum force by assisting driver operation in a linear fashion, in minimal time.

Body rigidity on all Libertys is enhanced by the addition of a reinforced engine bay strut tower, a larger firewall corner panel and reinforcement of the sill at the A-pillar base. These measures also reduce NVH.

Security

All Libertys are equipped with the latest advanced engine immobilisers and DataDot theft protection.

For added security, all models have only one barrel lock, located in the driver's door.

Sedans have remote boot release and wagons have remote tailgate unlocking.

New Liberty model specifications at a glance:

Liberty 2.0R

Safety

Interior

Exterior

Other features

Liberty 2.5i adds:

Liberty 2.5i Premium adds:

Interior

Optional: satellite navigation.

Liberty GT adds (to 2.5i Premium specification, but does not have Brake Assist):

Interior

Exterior

Liberty GT spec.B adds (to GT specification):

Optional: satellite navigation

Liberty 3.0R (automatic-only; adds to GT specification):

Safety

Interior

Exterior

Optional: satellite navigation

Liberty 3.0R spec.B adds (to 3.0R specification):

Liberty 3.0R spec.B adds:

Optional: VDC and satellite navigation.

All new Liberty variants are available as both sedan and wagon.


Liberty MY07 pricing

-

These are retail recommended prices and do not include dealer and statutory charges.

-

Liberty 2.0R manual sedan

$31,990 (No change from MY06)

Liberty 2.0R automatic sedan

$33,990 (No change)

Liberty 2.0R manual wagon

$33,990 (No change)

Liberty 2.0R automatic wagon

$35,990 (No change)

-

Liberty 2.5I manual sedan*

$34,990 (previously $35,990, -2.7 %)

Liberty 2.5I automatic sedan*

$36,990 (previously $38,490, -3.8 %)

-

Liberty 2.5I manual wagon*

$36,990 (previously $37,990, -2.7 %)

Liberty 2.5I automatic wagon*

$38,990 (previously $40,490, -3.7 %)

-

*Formerly known as 2.5i Safety Pack

-

Liberty 2.5i Premium automatic sedan

$41,490 (previously $42,990, -3.5 %)

Liberty 2.5i Premium automatic wagon

$43,490 (previously $44,990, -3.3 %)

-

Liberty 3.0R automatic sedan

$50,990 (No change)

Liberty 3.0R automatic wagon

$52,990 (No change)

-

Liberty 3.0R spec.B manual sedan

$52,490 (previously $51,990, +0.96 %)

Liberty 3.0R spec.B automatic sedan

$52,490 (previously $50,990, +2.94 %)

Liberty 3.0R spec.B manual wagon

$54,490 (previously $53,990, +0.92 %)

Liberty 3.0R spec.B automatic wagon

$54,490 (previously $52,990, +2.83 %)

-

Liberty GT automatic sedan - VDC

$54,490 (Model not available in MY06)

Liberty GT automatic wagon - VDC

$56,490 (Model not available in MY06)

Liberty GT automatic sedan - SatNav

$56,980 (Model not available in MY06)

Liberty GT automatic wagon - SatNav

$58,980 (Model not available in MY06)

-

Liberty GT spec.B manual sedan

$55,990 (Model not previously available)

Liberty GT spec.B automatic sedan

$55,990 (Model not previously available)

-

Liberty GT spec.B manual wagon

$57,990 (Model not previously available)

Liberty GT spec.B automatic wagon

$57,990 (Model not previously available)

-

Options:

-

Satellite navigation

(2.5i Premium, GT spec.B, 3.0R)

$2990

-

VDC and SatNav (3.0R spec.B)

$3490

MY07 Liberty highlights

Liberty MY07 engine specifications

Liberty 2.0R naturally aspirated:-

Type

Horizontally opposed

Cylinders

Four

Displacement

1994 cc

Bore x stroke

92.0 mm x 75.0 mm

Compression ratio

11.1

Cam-train system

DOHC

Fuel system

Multi Point Sequential Injection

Maximum power

121 kW/6800 rpm

Maximum torque

187 Nm/3200 rpm

-

Liberty 2.5I naturally aspirated:-

Type

Horizontally opposed

Cylinders

Four

Displacement

2457 cc

Bore x stroke

99.5 mm x 79.0 mm

Compression ratio

10

Cam-train system

SOHC

Fuel system

Multi Point Sequential Injection

Maximum power

121 kW/5600 rpm

Maximum torque

226 Nm/4400 rpm

-

Liberty GT 2.5 turbocharged:-

Type

Horizontally opposed turbocharged

Cylinders

Four

Displacement

2457 cc

Bore x stroke

99.5 mm x 79.0 mm

Compression ratio

8.4

Cam-train system

DOHC turbocharged

Fuel system

Multi Point Sequential Injection

Maximum power

184 kW/6000 rpm

Maximum torque

339 Nm/3600 rpm

-

Liberty 3.0 naturally aspirated:-

Type

Horizontally opposed

Cylinders

Six

Displacement

3000 cc

Bore x stroke

89.2 x 80.0

Compression ratio

10.7

Cam-train system

DOHC

Fuel system

Multi Point Sequential Injection

Maximum power

180 kW/6600 rpm

Maximum torque

297 Nm/4200 rpm

Liberty dimensions

Overall length mm

4665 sedan/4720 wagon

Overall width mm

1730

Overall height mm

2.0R, 2.5i, 3.0R: 1425

GT, 3.0R spec.B, GT spec.B: 1435

Wheelbase mm

2670

Tread - front mm

1495

Tread - rear mm

1490/1485

Min. ground clearance mm

2.0R, 2.5i, GT, 3.0R: 150

3.0R spec B man.: 155

GT spec.B, 3.0R spec.B auto: 160

Unladen mass kg

Sedan

2.0R manual - 1375

2.0R auto - 1395

2.5I manual - 1365

2.5I auto - 1380

GT 2.5 auto - 1520

GT 2.5 spec.B manual - 1545

GT 2.5 spec.B auto - 1545

3.0R auto - 1490

3.0R spec.B manual - 1510

3.0R spec.B auto - 1520

-

Wagon

2.0R manual - 1405

2.0R auto - 1415

2.5I manual - 1395

2.5I auto - 1400

GT 2.5 auto - 1520

GT 2.5 spec.B manual - 1545

GT 2.5 spec.B auto - 1545

3.0R auto - 1505

3.0R spec.B manual - 1525

3.0R spec.B auto - 1535

-

Fuel consumption (L/100km):
Combined

-

2.0R manual - 9.1

2.0R auto - 9.6

2.5I manual - 9.1

2.5I auto - 8.9

GT 2.5 auto - 10.9

GT 2.5 spec.B manual - 10.9

GT 2.5 spec.B auto - 10.9

3.0R auto - 11.1

3.0R spec.B manual - 12.4

3.0R spec.B auto - 11.1

-

Fuel tank capacity

64 litres

Minimum fuel requirement

-

2.0R, GT, 3.0R and spec.B models: 95 RON PULP

2.5I: 90 RON

Steering

Engine speed sensitive power assisted rack and pinion

Turning circle

10.8 metres, curb to curb

Suspension:

-

Front

Coil MacPherson strut-type

Rear

Coil multi-link type

Brakes:
Front
Rear

-

Vacuum assisted ventilated discs

Vacuum assisted discs - ventilated on GTs and 3.0s

Tyres

Liberty 2.0R, 2.5I, GT and 3.0R: 215/45 R17 87W

Liberty GT spec.B and 3.0R spec B: 215/45R 18 89W

Towing capacity kg:
With/without brakes


2.0R manual - 1300/710

2.0R auto - 1300/710

2.5I manual - 1500/710

2.5I auto - 1500/710

GT 2.5 auto - 1500/710

GT 2.5 spec.B manual - 1500/710

GT 2.5 spec.B auto - 1500/710

3.0R auto - 1800/710

3.0R spec.B manual - 1800/710

3.0R spec.B auto - 1800/710