2006 Subaru Legacy GT Spec B Preview

When a Japanese car is described as a performance machine with impressive handling and luxurious appointments, one may think of an Acura or Infiniti, and rightly so. But add in all-wheel-drive capability and thoughts immediately jump to Subaru. Put all those attributes together and the result is the 2006 Subaru Legacy GT Spec B. It’s hard to believe that the same company that builds this loaded sports sedan once offered basic front-wheel-drive hatchbacks and the quirky Brat pickup. Today, Subaru is a brand focused on moving upmarket with its lineup, all of which comes standard with all-wheel drive. This mindset is clearly evidenced by the new Spec B, a sleek four-door with loads of power, a sophisticated suspension, reassuring safety features, and an inviting leather interior. Throw in a navigation system, an MP3 player, and power heated seats, and you can almost hear the growing murmur of “Subaru” in the offices of Acura and Infiniti.

What it is

Subaru’s newest addition to the Legacy lineup, the Spec B, is being introduced for the 2006 model year, though only 500 shoppers will be able to buy and enjoy what this potent sedan has to offer. Each model will include a commemorative plate on the dash denoting the car’s sequence in the limited production run. Based on the Legacy 2.5 GT, the Spec B starts at $33,995 and is positioned as the premium model in the lineup. It features a turbocharged engine, unique interior and exterior colors, a long list of standard luxury features, and upgraded suspension components. That last bit includes a Bilstein sport suspension with performance shocks, an inverted strut front suspension system with alloy lower control arms inspired by the Impreza WRX STI, and a multi-link setup in the rear that also uses alloy to reduce weight. Rotors measuring 312 millimeters in front and 287 millimeters out back address braking. Antilock and electronic brake force distribution systems are standard. Each 2006 Subaru Legacy GT Spec B is sprayed in a unique metallic paint color called Titanium Silver that coordinates nicely with the Brick Red interior. Serving to differentiate the Spec B from other Legacy models are a rocker panel body kit, accented with thin chrome strips. Filling the wheel wells are ten-spoke, 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 215/45 Bridgestone Potenza performance tires.

What’s under the hood

Bolted under the hood of the 3,400-lb. 2006 Subaru Legacy GT Spec B is a powerplant befitting a true sport sedan. A 2.5-liter, 16-valve, dual overhead cam turbocharged four-cylinder engine with variable valve timing generates 250 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 250 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,600 rpm, with power going to all four wheels through a five-speed manual transmission. An automatic transmission is not available.

What’s inside

Shoppers looking at the 2006 Subaru Legacy GT Spec B will first notice the Brick Red leather interior that has the color of, well, bricks. It’s a deep, dark tone much preferred to the shiny red found in other vehicles. Among the standard features are a Momo leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, alloy pedals, Spec B embroidered floor mats, a navigation system, and a 120-watt sound system with an MP3 player. Also included is a power moonroof; power heated front seats; front, front side, and side curtain airbags; and titanium interior accents.

What we think

With only 500 units available, chances are Subaru won’t have problem selling every copy of the 2006 Legacy GT Spec B, but the anti-establishment Subaru fans in Seattle probably won’t be first in line. The issue of value is paramount with the Spec B given it’s $5,000 premium over the regular Legacy GT, a model that lacks WRX STI-inspired suspension, special colors, and a navigation system among other things. But it’s the same 250-horsepower turbocharged motor that motivates each model. For a starting price of $34,620, the 2006 Subaru Legacy GT Spec B offers a good balance of sport and luxury. Problem is, so does the Infiniti G35x, and you can get that 280-horsepower sedan in one of eight colors.

Photos courtesy of Subaru of America