Subaru torques up Legacy GT

Improved throttle response and more mid-range grunt are just two of many improvements to the new Subaru Legacy GT, launched in New Zealand last Friday.

The 2-litre turbocharged GT is the first of the new all-wheel-drive Legacy models to arrive here. The naturally aspirated 2.0- and 2.5-litre Legacy line-up will land over the next couple of months.

The 2004 Legacy comes with a new chassis - bodyshell, an 80 per cent revised engine and new suspension and steering components.

It is slightly bigger overall than the outgoing model. The wheelbase is up 20mm to 2670 mm and the overall length has been increased by 30mm in the sedan to 4635mm.

It is also wider by 35mm to 1730mm, but the wagon has been lowered by 10mm to 1475mm, although the sedan is marginally taller by 25mm to 1435mm.

Initially only the $59,990 five-speed manual gearbox version of the Legacy GT will be available. A new $62,990 five-speed automatic with sportshift will come on stream in October.

The big improvements to the Legacy GT's practical performance have come courtesy of a twin-scroll titanium turbocharger, which replaces the twin turbos of the previous model, says Subaru.

The maximum power of 206kW remains the same at 6400 rpm, but the maximum torque of 343Nm from the quad-cam, fuel-injected boxer engine is now produced at 2400 rpm instead of 5000 rpm.

This maximum torque is now produced within the power band that most drivers use most of the time, providing up to 40 per cent quicker throttle response for faster and safer overtaking manoeuvres. The twin-scroll turbo is complemented by the Active Valve Control System which has only been available on the Impreza WRX and STI until now. A new exhaust system has two pipes feeding the turbocharger - one from each cylinder bank of the boxer motor. And at the rear there is now a twin exhaust system. Both features help improve the low and mid-range torque and produce a new "boxer sound" from the engine, says Subaru. The Legacy GT has an electronic throttle control system or "drive by wire" for smoother and better engine response and improved fuel consumption. The five-speed manual transmission is mated to a 4.444 diff ratio, which is aimed at strong acceleration. The gearbox has stronger double-cone synchromesh on first gear and is mated to Subaru's all-wheel-drive transmission, where the viscous centre diff distributes power to the wheels with the most grip.

The Legacy GT rides on 18-inch alloy wheels and is equipped with larger anti-lock disc brakes all-round. Subaru says a new master cylinder provides better braking feel.

While Subaru's trademark long travel independent suspension remains, the cast aluminium arms first introduced on the WRX are now fitted to the Legacy GT on both the front and rear suspension.

Revised Bilstein dampers and suspension sub-frames improve handling and ride, the carmaker says. A new steering box with a higher ratio provides more steering feel.

Subaru engineers have lowered the centre of gravity. The engine is mounted lower in the chassis - 22mm lower at the front and10 mm at the rear.

Combined with the extensive use of weight saving high tensile steel and the increased use of aluminium - bonnet, tailgate and bumper beams - the new Legacy weighs in up to 50kg less than the outgoing model.

Inside, there is more more room all-round. The leather-lined cabin comes with adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, 13-speaker sound system and electro-luminescent instrument panel and trip computer.

The best user-friendly feature of the new Legacy GT wagon is the one-touch switch system for folding down the rear seat.