Legacy 2.5GT, a WRX for grownups

Automotive Industries, July, 2004 by John Peter

The Basics

Following in the wake of the popular 300 hp WRX STi, a car that's caught on with America's tuner crowd, Subaru introduces a newly styled and more powerful Legacy to the lineup. At first glance, the Legacy sedan could be mistaken for an Acura.

A new, sleeker, wedge-shaped design still carries the familiar Subaru face and WRX-style hood scoop with a more stylish headlamp treatment. The 2.5GT comes standard with 17-m. alloy wheels, a 120-watt six-speaker AM/FM stereo with 6-disc m-dash CD changer, heated seats, cruise control, dual-zone climate control, MOMO leather-wrapped steering wheel, power door locks and mirrors and keyless entry. The GT Limited gets leather-trimmed, power adjustable seats and a glass moonroof.

Standard safety features include dual stage driver and passenger air bags and active front head restraints. Front seat side impact bags and side curtain air bags are new for '05. A new occupant detection system mounted under the seat adjusts the force of the airbag when the seat is moved forward.

Subaru can be proud of the new Legacy's interior. "When Bob Lutz, chairman of GM North America, saw the Legacy at this year's Detroit Auto Show, he told Subaru that he wanted the vehicle transferred to GM's interior design studio as soon as the show was over. It seems that Mr. Lutz wanted his interior design team to see what an interior could and should look like.

Body/Chassis

A greater use of aluminum alloy and high tensile steel in the body improves rigidity while reducing weight by 180 pounds For example, the aluminum hood is 16.5 pounds lighter than steel. Aluminum bumper beams not only reduce weight but also lower the vehicle's center of gravity and reduce yaw. To further improve handling, the engine is mounted 22 mm (.8 in.) lower in the chassis and the front differential is lowered 10 mm (.4 in.). The battery is moved 26 mm (1 in.) rearward and the windshield washer tank is mounted lower on the firewall. The front suspension castor angles are increased from 3 degrees to 6 degrees and the vehicle sits on a 1-in. wider track for better stability. The rear cross member's larger, more rigid design provides for a lower roll center and increases rear suspension mount local rigidity of 200 to 300 percent.

Powertrain

Power comes from a 2.5L intercooled/turbocharged, boxer 4-cylinder with active valve control. The engine makes 250 hp at 6,000 rpm and 250 lb.ft, of torque at 3,600 rpm. It shares its basic architecture with the WRX motor, though the cylinder block, cylinder heads, crankshaft, camshafts, intake system, turbo and intercooler are all unique. A resin intake manifold reduces weight and has better flow characteristics, and the intercooler benefits from a new cross-flow design that allows for a smaller yet more efficient package. For '05, Subaru has equipped all turbo models with dual exhaust and twin mufflers. Legacy comes standard with a 5-speed electronic direct-control automatic transmission with optional SPORTSHIFT. A 5-speed manual is optional.

All Subarus come with symmetrical all-wheel-drive. The Legacy 2.5GT with the automatic utilizes the Variable Torque Distribution (VDT) system that uses an integrated electronically-controlled hydraulic transfer clutch and planetary, gear-type center differential to control power between the front and rear wheels. Under normal conditions the power split is 45 percent front/55 percent rear. The 5-speed manual transmission is hooked to a viscous coupling continuous AWD system.

What We Think

The combination of Subaru's AVVD system and boxer engine has always made for a well-balanced, great handling sedan. Improvements to the body structure and increased horsepower should put this SuN on the shopping list along with Acura and Infiniti.

2005 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT

What is it: A mid-size four-door sedan

Who it's for: Premium sedan intenders that want something a little different.

Where it's built: Lafayette, Ind.

Competitors: Infiniti G35, Acura TSX Volvo $40

Sales Target: 70,000 (including Outback) Engine: 2.5L intercooled, turbocharged boxer 4-cylinder

Horsepower: 250 at 6,000 rpm Torque: 250 lb.ft. at 3,600 rpm

Supplier Involvment ABS: Bosch

Pass. Airbag Module: Takata

Door Latch: Gecom

Drive Axle: Fuji Heavy Ind.

Floor System: Collins & Aikmman

Fuel Injectors: Unisia

Headlamp: N.A.L.

Instrument Panel: Heartland

Seat Assembly: General Seating

Sunroof: OHI

Wiring Harness: Yazaki

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