The GT 2.5 spec.B shares the 243-horsepower, turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder with the other GT models, and has Bilstein shock absorbers with inverted front struts, similar to the high-performance Impreza WRX STI. Also unique to the Spec.B is Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive), which gives the driver three modes of engine performance: Intelligent, Sport and Sport Sharp.
A large dial on the center console controls the choices, which default to Sport when the engine is turned off. The Intelligent mode dials back power and torque for higher fuel economy and less-abrupt handling in snow or rain.
Most enthusiasts seriously considering this car will, of course, bypass intelligence and dial up the Sport Sharp for what Subaru calls "lightning-quick throttle response and more power sooner."
But the power of Sport Sharp isn't felt until the engine is revving at about 4,000 rpm. Peak torque doesn't kick in until 3,600 rpm, so launch power is modest unless you raise the revs before letting out the clutch. At that point it's great fun - the turbos are whining and the horizontally opposed cylinders are pummeling out their husky tone. But the sweet spot is narrow because the engine redlines at 6,500 rpm and I frequently found the rev-limiter in second and third gears.
A couple of other issues get in the way of a ripsnorting time. The 38-foot turning circle is 2.5 feet wider than the Legacy GT 2.5. And the Spec.B is the heaviest of the Legacy GT sedans by 30 to 100 pounds, despite the use of more aluminum suspension pieces.
Bilstein shocks are always a smart upgrade, and handling in the Spec.B is quite sharp and balanced. Control is enhanced by the six-speed manual transmission, which is painless to operate even in stop-and-go traffic.
Nifty features include heated glass at the base of the wipers to prevent frozen blades, multitasking visors with extenders and comfortable front seats.
Safety features range from Subaru Symmetrical all-wheel drive and stability control to six air bags and active head restraints. Unique Spec.B features include aerodynamic side ground-effects moldings with chrome trim, 18-inch wheels and charcoal gray leather-trimmed upholstery with Dusk Blue (nearly black) Alcantara inserts, aluminum-alloy pedal covers, three-spoke Momo leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls and spec.B floor mats.
At $34,640 the Spec.B is pricey and $5,700 more than the 2.5 GT Limited with five-speed manual and no navigation system. The SI-Drive needs a few more degrees of power separation between Sport modes to make this model worth the money. Otherwise, go for the GT 2.5, add Bilsteins and about a gazillion other modifications offered online by many, many companies.
Mark Maynard is driving in cyberspace at mark.maynard@uniontrib.com
SPECS BOX
2008 Subaru Legacy GT 2.5 Spec.B
Body style: midsize, five-passenger sedan
Engine: aluminum, four-cylinder, Boxer (horizontally opposed pistons), turbocharged and intercooled
Horsepower: 243 at 6,000 rpm
Torque: 241 foot-pounds at 3,600 rpm
Transmission: six-speed manual; with Torsen limited-slip rear differential and viscous-coupling locking center differential
EPA fuel economy estimates: 17 mpg city, 24 highway; 91 octane recommended
Fuel capacity: 16.9 gallons
Standard Spec.B equipment includes: navigation system, dual-zone automatic climate control, performance-design front seats, power moonroof, four-stage heated front seats, four-way power passenger seat, heated exterior mirrors and 60/40 split fold-down rear seat with trunk pass-through.
Tires and wheels: 215/45 18-inch 89Y Bridgestone Potenza RE050A summer on 10-spoke alloy wheels
PRICING
Base: $34,640, including $645 freight charge
