Base Price: below US$ 30K

250 HP

The new midsize 2005 Subaru Legacy, debuting in Spring 2004, has sharper new styling boasting a very aerodynamic shape - Cd is 0.28 for the sedan. The chassis changes slightly, with a 105.1 in. wheelbase, 182.5 in. length and 3150 lb. curb weight. But the big news is the huge power upgrade for the top model.

The US-spec Legacy GT model will now have a turbocharged 2.5L 4-cylinder boxer engine featuring AVCS variable valve timing. Essentially the same engine used in the Impreza WRX STi, but detuned in this application. This US-spec engine generates 250 hp.

Large 17 inch alloy wheels, turn indicators on the mirrors and frameless doors give the car an upscale look. A five-speed manual transmission is still standard, a rarity among midsize sedans, but a slick five-speed automanual gearbox is also being offered.

Also standard is its advanced symmetrical AWD drivetrain. Subaru has one of the world's most advanced all-wheel-drive system, perfected through its rally heritage. The system is one of the lightest in the market and, combined with weight savings elsewhere, keeps the Legacy's overall weight quite low for a fully-loaded midsize sedan. Build quality is exceptional, with a higher grade of materials now being used for the interior.

Like the older model, the chassis is equipped with MacPherson struts up front and a rear multi-link setup. But the new model gets the rear suspension control arms made of lightweight forged alloy. The chassis is also stiffer due to new ring-shaped reinforcement frames and reinforced subframe around the pillars.

 

Road cars usually don't translate well to the racetrack. Funny thing is, the Legacy acquitted itself admirably under the harshest of conditions. The engine, chassis, brakes, steering - everything about the Legacy elicited approving murmurs from the globe's major journalists.

There's plenty to be said for all-wheel drive grip, and given the choice between it and front wheel drive, we'd choose it every time, in all conditions. Legacy's steering and brakes responded well to the brutal treatment.

Subaru has thankfully ditched the twin-turbo setup for the new GT, going with a single titanium turbo that spool up quicker. The result is a fantastically seamless and progressive power delivery which thrusts the Legacy forward eagerly and voraciously. It's no secret the manual has significantly more punch, but even the automatic GT delivers huge rewards under power.

 

Bilstein shock absorbers and stiffer springs are standard on GT, along with bigger brakes and revisions to the steering ratio.

The new Legacy is 200 pounds lighter thanks to judicious use of aluminum in the hood, bumpers, suspension, and weight reduction in the engine block.

Changes to the front suspension system and front chassis rails allowed Subaru engineers to mount the engine block lower and further back in the body, which pays off dynamically.

Safety features include front and side airbags, ABS, VDC stability system, whiplash-resistant headrests and a more rigid body shell. Standard interior features include a steering wheel that adjusts for tilt and reach, electric mirrors, windows and central locking, air conditioning and CD stereo.

 

Preview: September issue Car&Driver (p.38)

"It has great balance, steering that is light and progreesive, and an absence of oversteer owing to the all-wheel drive. It was great fun to toss around."

 

wow looks really good, its not competition to the 6 cause its 30k but its competition to the mazda 6 mps

 

This car is going to take away a lot of potential buyers from the RX-8. Speaking from the point of esthetic (nicest looking production Subaru), performance (red hot according to all the JDM press I have been reading), price, and practicality. I was shocked when I first saw the picture of the new Legacy, I can't believe the same people who designed the WRX came out with this beautiful design.

 

The GT sounds like an exciting car for anyone in the performance sedan market, and it's nice on my eyes...

although I don't know why anyone would preach frameless doors. Upscale look (?) probably at the cost of not-so-upscale sound in the area of shutting doors and road noise.

 

That's funny. I just read the thread on the Volvo S60R. Forget that S60R, I'm thinking this Subaru would be the dog's danglies, and cheaper to boot!

 

I've had the **** end of the B4 version as my desktop background for a month now. This will be a seriously good sedan.

 

This would be another young people's dream car.

 

Along with greater passenger room, this also provides wider track suspension for improved driving dynamics. There are even flat covers under the chassis to smooth the airflow, reducing drag, damping noise and enhancing stability.

The Legacy GT sits on 18 inch alloy wheels, with custom made Bridgestone Potenza RE050A high performance tires further adding to its striking new style. As a consequence larger diameter brake discs have been fitted for greater braking performance, while a new brake master cylinder provides an accurate braking feel.

The Subaru Boxer engine’s flat piston configuration gives the whole vehicle a low center of gravity, making it exceptionally stable in cornering.

The GT’s legendary Bilstein suspension system has also been significantly refined. The dampers have modified valve construction to improve vehicle stability. New front and rear sub frames locate the suspension more rigidly and a new steering box has a higher ratio for better steering feel around the straight-ahead position. Aluminum lower front arms and a rear trailing arm have been introduced to lower unsprung suspension weight to allow the wheel to keep more contact with the road surface.

 

Subaru's famous SAWD means that all four wheels are under control at all times. So if one wheel slips, power is then directed to the other wheels that grip. The result is total driving control in any conditions, with cornering and stopping power that mere 2WD cars can’t touch.

The Legacy GT is also extensively equipped to protect you should an accident occur. First of all, there are the strong ring-shaped reinforcing beams that surround the cabin, protecting the occupants from the initial impact.

Then there are the front dual stage inflator airbags for both driver and passenger alike. Additionally, in a head-on situation, the low, flat Subaru Boxer engine is designed to travel under the passenger’s feet, avoiding the harm that often occurs with typical tall engines. Active head restraints are standard on the front seats, which are all new euro style leather. It all adds up to the sort of safety that Legacy is famous for, earning it a consistent 4 star rating by the world’s best testing authorities for many years.

 

Looks like a pretty standard chassis, but those mufflers look interesting.

 

what are frameless doors?

 

I guess frameless doors are those when you open you only see glasses and there is no frame around the side windows.

 

That's it (unless some car company has created a new marketing term). They are normally referred to as "frameless windows" instead of "frameless doors".

---jps

 

Subaru is the only car manufacturer that builds Flat-4 engines.

The Boxer engine is a very compact unit.

 

What about the boxing 6? 250hp
In the states for sure?
Equalized Dual exhaust on the 6? Sounds likes or better than a porsche?

 

Preview: October issue Motor Trend (p.48)

"The suspension is comfortable for normal driving on rough roads, yet makes the Legacy one of the most spirited cars in its class."

 

That's going to be one sweet car....

 

holy crap that is NICE. oh man. i would be all over this if it were out already!!!

 

not my type
looks like a audi

 

Check out the August 2003 Best Motoring DVD.

A Legacy GT wagon beat a 450hp Audi RS6 wagon at a race track in Japan.

 

Odds are when it's time to trade in the old WRX this will be my new car, it's going to put some serious heat on other Japanese automakers. Why buy an Altima at this point, or a TL or a... you get the point.


Ike

 

no I dont get it