By: Jeffrey Ross
Autotropolis.com
The problem with expectations is the sole fact that they exist. Throw a turbocharged boxer engine, a six-speed manual transmission and a sport-tuned suspension together and many drivers may expect the latest performance car from Porsche.
One car nobody would expect is the 2008 Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT Spec.B. The Legacy is constantly outshined by its rally-inspired stalbemate, the Impreza WRX STI, but with its 243-horespower flat four engine and symmetrical all-wheel drive, the Legacy is more than capable to hold its own. In combining the horizontally opposed engine and Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel drive system, Subaru has created one of the most balanced mid-sized cars on the market.
The smoothness of the Boxer engine is achieved by having the pistons counteract each other’s force by reaching top dead center at the same time. This combined with the low center of gravity afforded to flat-style engines, gives the Legacy stellar handling capabilities. Unlike other all-wheel drive vehicles, Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel drive offers a 50/50 torque distribution between the front and rear. The Spec.B’s only available transmission is a six-speed manual and this specific car came equipped with the optional ($451) short-throw shifter that made driving the car even more fun.
The Legacy’s SI-DRIVE allows the driver to switch between three driving modes, Intelligent (I), Sport (S) and Sport Sharp (S#), that fine tunes the engine performance and throttle response . The driver controls the SI-DRIVE setting using either a dial near the gear shifter or by using buttons located on the steering wheel. The Intelligent mode optimizes fuel economy, which averaged close to 20 miles per gallon on a 200-mile trip that mixed city and highway driving. The Sport and Sport Sharp modes noticeably tune the performance capabilities of the Legacy especially in reference to throttle response.
Not one to grab too much attention, the Legacy’s design is unique but doesn’t stand out too much like others in its class such as the latest Toyota Camry and Chevrolet Malibu. The pillar-less doors and functional hood scoop definitely add character to the Legacy. The gunmetal gray, 10-spoke wheels, projector beam headlamps and Diamond Gray Metallic paint job gives an aggressive look to the Spec.B model.
A throaty note of the exhaust under acceleration is similar to many tuner cars - making downshifting and heavy acceleration very enjoyable. The 100-watt, six speaker audio system also helps to provide excellent listening enjoyment. Conveniently controllable from the steering wheel, the audio system features a six-disc CD changer with MP3/WMA capability and AUX input.
Inside, the layout of the interior is very simplistic and useful featuring touch screen navigation within an easy reach and basic controls on the steering wheel. While the front seats offer excellent side bolstering in corners, on long trips can be a little uncomfortable. The Legacy 2.5 GT Spec.B comes with leather-trimmed seating that feature stylish Alcantara inserts that give a look of suede but feel closer to cloth.
The electroluminescent gauge cluster provides a stylish touch to the instrument panel. The information screen is located in tachometer and controlled using buttons on the lower part of the steering wheel. One aspect that seems redundant in the cluster is the MPG gauge. While the gauge does give quick and easy view of the car’s instant miles per gallon, the same thing can be tracked digitally using the information system. Its mere presence is almost comical watching it swing from the plus (good mpg) to the minus (bad mpg).
Known for its safety, the 2008 Subaru Legacy received the highest rating from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for frontal, side and rear impact protection. Key aspects to the Legacy’s safety include seat-mounted airbags and whiplash-protecting active headrests for the front passengers and roof-mounted side airbag curtain for all outboard passengers.
With an as-tested price of $35,730, the Legacy is rather pricey when compared to its competition but few other mid-size sedans leave a driver smiling after tight S-curved roads.
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All photos copyright Jeffrey Ross/Autotropolis.com © 2007