View Full Version : Spec B in Suby Drive Performance Mag
rfd425
09-08-2005, 10:09 PM
I just got the new issue of Subaru Drive Performance magazine today in the mail. It had a little article about the Spec B.
They describe the interior color as Brick Red, and I have to say that it looks more interesting in their pics than in any others I have seen up until now. It appears to be much darker (and better looking) than in the flash photos I had seen previously.
The wheels are 18x7 (kind of a weird dimension, if you ask me), 10-spoke, and the tires are Bridgestone RE050A Summer's (I guess they put "Summer" in the name to try to get the message across to idiots that you shouldn't run them in snow).
Among other features, besides the Bilstein suspension, are an MP3 player, upgraded speakers, steering wheel audio controls, and a tire pressure monitoring system (are these run-flats?).
There is no indication of price. It seems like a nice package, but I wish it had more performance features instead of bling.
inthedeck
09-08-2005, 10:17 PM
I got the same magazine...and they are also going to include numbering inside the vehicle, for this 'special' version. Each of the 500 vehicles will have individual numbers on them. Interesting...almost like a 'collectors' edition car.
Also, aluminum-alloy suspension pieces, aside from the bilsteins...wonder what those are? Oh well, guess we shall have to wait for more info...when the car is released this fall.
NutBucket
09-08-2005, 10:59 PM
The tire pressure monitoring system is something that is being mandated by the NHTSA I believe. I know the year is quickly approaching where all cars will need to have it.
mwiener2
09-08-2005, 11:37 PM
I just read mine too. It's gonna be a 2.5Turbo.... I thought it was gonna be the H6 with a 6speed.
IwannaSportSedan
09-09-2005, 12:48 AM
Yup. Already tried to sell the wife on the "brick" red interior...
The exterior pic makes it seem like it is on stilts, though. They put 18s on without dropping the ride height back down...
I just have to wait and see how much it will cost. But I just went over the family budget again tonight, and It might not matter soon enough to get in on it... :-( Damn fuel and food costs going up...
Anyone know if it will have driver's seat memory? I can't believe the GT Limited doesn't have this wonderful feature. It's either standard or at least an option on most cars the Legacy is trying to compete with.
*Jedimaster*
09-10-2005, 09:56 AM
What's Drive Performance? I get one that says Drive on the cover.
inthedeck
09-10-2005, 09:59 AM
What's Drive Performance? I get one that says Drive on the cover.
Another magazine from Subaru...comes from the WI location. Featured the '06 WRX, the world rally car, the spec B. etc. The cover reads:
'Drive Performance: Version 2.1 - The magazine for Performance-Driven Enthusiasts"
I didn't get one, but my brother, who now owns an impreza got one. Not sure why...but, oh well...
iceman
09-10-2005, 10:01 AM
You can sign up for it on the Subaru homepage...I think there's a link, or maybe linked from "mypage"
rfd425
09-10-2005, 12:47 PM
What's Drive Performance? I get one that says Drive on the cover.
It's free, you just have to sign up. It only comes once a year, I think.
Drew888
09-14-2005, 10:48 AM
I just got it in the mail to and, like mentioned above, I think the car looks much better in this article.
I immediately showed it to the wife...but with only 500 made I don't think I'll make it.
Want one bad.........
I will be in a better position for a new car this Jan. When does it come out?
05_Sport
09-14-2005, 10:53 AM
It also says it has navigation....
*Jedimaster*
09-14-2005, 10:53 AM
I just got an issue and it's full of nothing but the new Impreza :confused:
rfd425
09-14-2005, 02:45 PM
I just got an issue and it's full of nothing but the new Impreza :confused:
The Spec B sidebar is pretty small & easy to miss. I think it's in with the new Impreza article.
ForesterXT
09-14-2005, 03:59 PM
We're getting one (the dealership, that is). :)
i'll be buying one in CA somewhere.... if only I knew a dealer that wanted some advertising... hmmmm...
Aczwild
09-14-2005, 04:39 PM
^^^ Haha abuse of the powers
*Jedimaster*
09-14-2005, 05:38 PM
i'll be buying one in CA somewhere.... if only I knew a dealer that wanted some advertising... hmmmm...
Really? That'll be cool- be sure to post up lots of pix.
ForesterXT
09-14-2005, 06:30 PM
i'll be buying one in CA somewhere.... if only I knew a dealer that wanted some advertising... hmmmm...
Gee...I'd tell you to contact Ed Rossi (owner) here at Marin Subaru, but then again, I don't want to be busted for trying to be a non-paying vendor or anything. Besides, I just sell parts, so what do I know?? ;)
Ridgeracer
09-14-2005, 06:36 PM
i'll be buying one in CA somewhere.... if only I knew a dealer that wanted some advertising... hmmmm...
Tide you stalemate all this time and now you get the car that everyone wants...
rfd425
09-14-2005, 07:24 PM
the car that everyone wants...
I think the desirability will depend greatly on where the Spec B is priced. It seems like the general consensus is that if it's in the $34K range, very few people on this board will want one. At $31K, it becomes more attractive.
Originally, I think a lot of us were turned off by the color combination, but if the picture in Drive Performance is an accurate representation, that interior color is actually pretty cool.
So, does anyone have any real knowledge as to the pricing of the Spec B?
No pricing has been announced. My guess is $32,995 (wishful), $33,995 likely. But who knows. :shrug:
rfd425
09-14-2005, 08:13 PM
No pricing has been announced. My guess is $32,995 (wishful), $33,995 likely. But who knows. :shrug:
The other part of that question is how much if any discount off MSRP will buyers be able to get? $3-4K more than a regular LGT limited wouldn't be too bad, but if they are really going to cost $34K vs. $27K for a LGT ltd., well, that seems hard to justify.
SubieDriver
09-14-2005, 08:34 PM
I just read mine too. It's gonna be a 2.5Turbo.... I thought it was gonna be the H6 with a 6speed.
mwiener2, you're getting the Spec B confused with the rumored, future, possible, hinted-at Legacy STi (now STI - they caved in to the stupidity of those who couldn't figure out the 'i' was lowercase. They should've just left it lowercase and let 'em figure it out. Sheesh!)
I still hear the occasional whisper that the twin-turbo H6 with 6-spd is coming in mid-2006 as a 2007 model. It'll most likely come with the lovely airplane grille. Looks like they're giving us the hardware we really, really want only if we accept the new grille. Ugh!
It's a good thing that most people will only see the back end as it screams off toward the horizon....
Just to run the numbers specifically:
$28,795 GT Limited
-- Could you get the non-limited, sure, but we're comparing apples to apples.
$2,000 Subaru Navigation
-- Non factory nav is cheaper, but the intergration is better (for resale too)
$2,237 For Wheels and Tires
-- Not inc. shipping -- OZ 18" and RE050A tires, source Tirerack.com
$1,000 Suspension
-- Based on takeoffs selling for $750+ a set
$0 Red Leather / Special Floormats / Misc.
-- Yeah, well beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
----------
$34,032 to 'build it yourself' Spec.B
The other part of that question is how much if any discount off MSRP will buyers be able to get? $3-4K more than a regular LGT limited wouldn't be too bad, but if they are really going to cost $34K vs. $27K for a LGT ltd., well, that seems hard to justify.
rfd425
09-14-2005, 09:08 PM
I still hear the occasional whisper that the twin-turbo H6 with 6-spd is coming in mid-2006 as a 2007 model. It'll most likely come with the lovely airplane grille. Looks like they're giving us the hardware we really, really want only if we accept the new grille. Ugh!
I'll believe it when I see it, but if they do it, and keep it under $40K and ~3500 lbs., all those guys that paid $50K for an S4 will feel pretty stupid (probably not, actually, but they should).
rfd425
09-14-2005, 09:37 PM
$34,032 to 'build it yourself' Spec.B
Sure, but that's making some assumptions. How many people pay MSRP for their LGT Limiteds? Someone on here recently got an '06 for invoice ($27.2K), and a couple guys have recently gotten new '05's for low $25's.
Your numbers don't take into account the fact that the "builder" will still have the stock wheels & suspension, which have value (the Spec B buyer will need winter tires, preferably on different wheels, if he lives in the snow belt).
Of course, the "built-yourself" model won't be a true Spec B. If that's the exact suspension, wheels and tires that you want, and if you want nav., and you like the unique interior bits and the fact that it's a very limited edition, then I guess $34K is reasonable. It's definitely a cool car and a notch above a regular LGT ltd., and I'll be envious of anyone who gets one.
IwannaSportSedan
09-14-2005, 10:00 PM
I think I have my wife on board, if we can afford the payments once it is known. At 31-32k, it might work, at 34-35k, it may not.
I need to get my truck paid down more, and trade it. I hope to get at least $6-7k of positive equity from that, and a 10-20% down payment.
Either we stretch for the GT Spec B, hopefully with some incentives, especially if they don't sell all that well.
Otherwise it is a black-on-black 06 GT, or a RBP-on-black 05 GT Limited, with a 5MT any way I slice it, depending on how easy cars are to find, and incentives when I am ready.
Unless I hear of a WR Blue Legacy or STi legacy for this country, in which case I may wait a bit longer for it, and save up more down payment for the significantly better car...
vodoo-chile
09-15-2005, 09:50 AM
Did anyone else notice that you get teh Navi with the 5mt? Why can't you get the LGT with the 5mt and Navi?
Kyle
ForesterXT
09-15-2005, 09:53 AM
Did anyone else notice that you get teh Navi with the 5mt? Why can't you get the LGT with the 5mt and Navi?
Kyle
Maybe because if you have the 5MT, you're DRIVING the Subie, and not just using it to get from point A to point B?
:)
bgsntth
09-15-2005, 10:46 AM
Apologize if I have missed it, but I have seen neither a picture of a moonroof on the Spec B nor mention of it in the descriptions. Is this so? If so, yippee at being able to buy a Suby with leather and without a sun/moonroof. This is a step in the right direction.
I am probably mistaken, and no doubt some of you will tell me to read more carefully and quit being a dullard.
vodoo-chile
09-15-2005, 12:13 PM
Maybe because if you have the 5MT, you're DRIVING the Subie, and not just using it to get from point A to point B?
:)
I know. I came from my first auto tranny in my life and will never go back. :p But, if they can offer it in the spec B then it is easily plausible to assume that it would/should be available in a non spec B LGT with a MT5. If it were, I might consider upgrading.
Kyle
IwannaSportSedan
09-15-2005, 02:38 PM
Did anyone else notice that you get teh Navi with the 5mt? Why can't you get the LGT with the 5mt and Navi?
Kyle
Because SOA is boneheaded.
Why can't 06 Legacy GTs have a choice between limited or not?
Why can't 06 Legacy, or Outbacks have a choice of interior color?
Why can't Legacy Wagon owners get NAV? Nor a MANUAL Trans EITHER?
Why isn't the Spec B an option package, rather than a special model?
Why can't the radio have an input?
Why did they go to chrome headlight housings for no real reason?
Why doesn't the 2.5 GT have a 6MT option for better performance and mileage?
Why do all 06 Legacys have the exact same wheels, regardless of trim level? (oh, yeah. 500 of them will get bigger wheels. But you HAVE to buy the NAV, and all the rest of the spec B stuff... for buku $$$)
Why can't SOA paint the Legacy in a brighter color?
The answer for all of those is the same. Subaru of America is making Boneheaded choices, and not giving customers what they want. They figure they'll save money if they don't have to bother selling those pesky CARS...
It might interrupt their salesmen around here from walking leasurely around the showrooms, not helping anyone...
http://www.driveperformancesubaru.com/
*Jedimaster*
09-15-2005, 06:58 PM
Just looked and found it- damn, they don't say much! I'd like to see an all Legacy/Outback issue of Drive performance.
I have to say that the SpecB is growing on me.
rfd425
09-15-2005, 07:50 PM
I have to say that the SpecB is growing on me.
Me too.
It would be nice to at least have a regular Legacy/Outback column or article in the magazine. I was pretty disappointed that the extent of Legacy info was the Spec B sidebar, and a few pics of show cars.
IwannaSportSedan
09-15-2005, 09:53 PM
The Legacy is an also-ran in the Subaru model lineup. The only reason SOA seems to keep it around, is that there would be a gaping hole in an all-car (Baja and B9 are NOT trucks, just car adaptations...) lineup if there were no family car bigger than the WRX, and lower to the ground than an Outback.
SOA is certainly treating it like the red-headed step-child of the range, that is for sure. And admittedly, aside from the obsolete body-style, somewhat mis-directed Baja, the Legacy line sells the least number of cars. Outbacks sell something like 4-1 over the legacy. B9 is the next big thing, and Impreza/WRX/STi sells better to the younger crowd.
Too many people are brand-blind in the Legacy's category. Honda and Toyotas are ubiquitous, for reliability and economy. GM and Ford are American, which stirs some people's choices. Chrysler is there, too, with the advantage of getting a new dose of brashness. Europeans have a reputation, as well, whether they deserve it or not. Acura, Nissan/Infiniti, and Lexus all have much more premium branding and much more public exposure.
Subaru isn't fighting hard enough for the Legacy for it to be more than a drop in the bucket in the US. It seems to do slightly better in other markets. They are not fighting with the equipment list, nor with the marketing advocation. Evidently they are content with it being a drop in the bucket, which is too bad. The car itself is far more deserving a machine than that.
I'll say it again, until somebody in charge hears me... If you build the Legacy STI, they, we, and ME, will come! SOA, pull the cork out of your nether-regions, build a Legacy that people will want to buy, and offers what they/we want; Top it off with a killer-performance cherry-blossom-on-top, and watch the sales figures rise...
rfd425
09-16-2005, 12:01 AM
Outbacks sell something like 4-1 over the legacy. B9 is the next big thing, and Impreza/WRX/STi sells better to the younger crowd.
Too many people are brand-blind in the Legacy's category.
I wonder how much of the Outback's sales advantage has to do with marketing. The Outback gets more ads, has a cool name, can be passed off as a SUV alternative, etc. It is also more profitable on a per-unit basis, which may explain some of the extra marketing attention. I think they'll come around with the Legacy GT, but they sure aren't taking full advantage of what they've got. I know from my own experience that the Audi AWD sport sedan market is ripe for the picking. All Subaru needs to do is get the word out that the LGT is lighter, more powerful, better-balanced, and less expensive than the A4. I know a lot of Audi guys in this area have never even heard of the '05 LGT.
I think the brand-blindness can be overcome if it's worked at. Maybe typical Camry and Accord buyers won't be swayed by AWD and a 250hp turbo boxer engine, but a lot of true enthusiasts could be brought into the fold.
And, fortunately for Subaru, the brand-blindness works in their favor, through shrewd marketing, in the lucrative gay market. Just kidding, buddy, I don't want to start that up again:lol: .
No, the Legacy is the top seller, and has pretty much always been:
"The all-new Subaru B9 Tribeca hit 2,022 units for the month of August. The Subaru Legacy model line recorded a total 7,441 units, while Subaru Outback posted 5,044 units for the month. The Subaru Impreza line was up again 15 percent over the same period last year with 3,054 unit sales. Subaru Forester posted 4,349 units in August, while Subaru Baja recorded 560 units for the month."
There is only one reason the model line was consolidated down in options, cost. We can complain all we want but at the end of the day people were not buying 5MT Wagons, then why spend the money on them (just as an example)?
Er hold on, the numbers don't match up, cars101.com makes it look as though the Outback numbers are a subset of the Legacy, which would make Outback selling 5044 and Legacy around 2400. Their press release is poorly worded IMHO. Still searching for clarification.
rfd425
09-16-2005, 02:23 AM
Er hold on, the numbers don't match up, cars101.com makes it look as though the Outback numbers are a subset of the Legacy, which would make Outback selling 5044 and Legacy around 2400. Their press release is poorly worded IMHO. Still searching for clarification.
Surely they weren't including the Outback Sport in with the Legacy numbers? But, were they included in the Outback numbers?
I never understood why they made Outback it's own separate line. It implies that the Outback and Outback Sport are more closely related to each other than either is to the Legacy or Impreza line.
I don't understand what the huge cost would be in making five hundred or a thousand MT wagons. They're already making MT sedans and AT wagons. Audi used to make just a few hundred 200 Turbo and ur-S4 wagons, and they generally ended up in the hands of some of the most hardcore enthusiasts, just like the LGT MT wagons. There is some marketing value in that, because those guys are like a free sales force. Even guys like me, who wouldn't buy a wagon ourselves, have a soft spot for the wagon enthusiasts.
The more I think about it, I just think SOA are really crappy marketers. They see numbers on a sheet of paper, but they don't see intangibles very well.
Drift Monkey
09-16-2005, 10:09 AM
I just want the alum control arms. GB? :lol:
*Jedimaster*
09-16-2005, 12:28 PM
So 4044 lesbians this month eh? :lol:
97legacygt
09-16-2005, 04:39 PM
My theory is that SoA made the Spec-B a limited production run to make it more appealing in the eye of the buyer. I honestly don't think they would sell any better by making them an unlimited production vehicle because of the projected price. Basically, they guestimated how many Spec-B Legacies would be sold due to the price, and they numbered them to make them "limited." You know there are 500 people out there who will see "limited production run," and jump all over them. Not so much, however, if they weren't limited.
...or I could be totally off :lol:
Jonathan
IwannaSportSedan
09-20-2005, 09:53 AM
A Spec B Package would not need to cost nearly that much.
GT Colors with GT interiors (going back to Taupe/Black choice would be nice)
Optional NAV aside from Spec B.
Spec B would add:
Bilstein suspesion: Bilstein struts, STi springs, aluminum control arms, 20mm rear swaybar.
18" wheels and tires.
That's it.
Other options would be ordered for themselves.
Why should that cost more than about 2k, considering it would be OEM, and would not involve dipping into the "spec a" suspension parts.
For 2k, people would buy a "spec B" sport package.
Then if they want to do a Limited edition color package, they could do that, and still sell the better suspension to the rest of us.
rfd425
09-20-2005, 02:57 PM
A Spec B Package would not need to cost nearly that much.
Spec B would add:
Bilstein suspesion: Bilstein struts, STi springs, aluminum control arms, 20mm rear swaybar.
18" wheels and tires.
That's it.
Other options would be ordered for themselves.
Why should that cost more than about 2k, considering it would be OEM, and would not involve dipping into the "spec a" suspension parts.
My thinking exactly, although I'd be willing to pay a little more if it included some sort of brake upgrade.