EJ20H-TT
01-14-2004, 12:11 AM
Subaru Legacy 2004 GT -
Subaru New Zealand's launch programme for the next-generation Legacy has been given a boost with the early arrival of the turbocharged GT model in July, three months ahead of the rest of the range.
The Legacy B4/GTB had a 2.0-litre twin-turbo powerplant. The new GT has a (single) twin-scroll titanium turbocharger, producing 206kW at 6400rpm - the same output as the existing car.
But the new turbocharger is claimed to provide 40 percent-quicker engine response at lower engine revs and the peak torque of 343Nm is now achieved at 2400rpm, compared with 5000rpm in the RSK and GTB.
An active valve control system is also new for the engine.
Initially only the five-speed manual GT will be available, in sedan or wagon forms. The new five-speed Sportshift gearbox won't come on stream until October.
Fears over the speed at which the Kiwi used-import trade will land the new GT have driven the staggered launch programme.
"Subaru Japan has co-operated by making early production available to head off attempts by secondhand Japanese importers," says Subaru New Zealand boss Wallis Dumper.
"We want to be able to offer the new model to customers as soon as possible with a full factory warranty. And that means we launch the GT three months before anyone else in the world."
The fourth-generation Legacy is slightly larger than the current model, with the wheelbase extended 20mm to 2670mm and the overall length of the sedan up 30mm to 4635mm. It's also wider at 1730mm, a 35mm increase, but the wagon is lower by 10mm at 1475mm. The sedan is actually 25mm higher, at 1435mm.
Changes in the interests of aerodynamic efficiency have gone as far as using flat covers under the chassis to smooth the airflow under components. The wagon has a drag coefficient of 0.30 and the sedan is 0.28.
The front suspension track has gone up 35mm to 1495mm, while the rear track is up 30mm to 1490mm. The rear suspension now incorporates aluminium trailing links.
The Bilstein dampers have modified valve construction to improve vehicle stability. New front and rear subframes locate the suspension more rigidly. The front of the motor is 22 mm lower and the front differential 10 mm lower.
The Legacy GT sits on 18-inch alloy wheels with Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tyres.
Front dual-stage inflator airbags are standard, as are active head restraints.
Inside, the car has electro luminescent instruments with background red lighting.
The GT wagon has a one-touch folding switch which automatically folds forward the rear-seat backrests to open up the flat cargo area. An electromagnetic switch repositions the seats.
The cargo area cover is now lighter and smaller through the use of aluminium and can be stored under the cargo area floor. Luggage hooks, luggage hanger and side cargo nets are also standard.
Subaru New Zealand's launch programme for the next-generation Legacy has been given a boost with the early arrival of the turbocharged GT model in July, three months ahead of the rest of the range.
The Legacy B4/GTB had a 2.0-litre twin-turbo powerplant. The new GT has a (single) twin-scroll titanium turbocharger, producing 206kW at 6400rpm - the same output as the existing car.
But the new turbocharger is claimed to provide 40 percent-quicker engine response at lower engine revs and the peak torque of 343Nm is now achieved at 2400rpm, compared with 5000rpm in the RSK and GTB.
An active valve control system is also new for the engine.
Initially only the five-speed manual GT will be available, in sedan or wagon forms. The new five-speed Sportshift gearbox won't come on stream until October.
Fears over the speed at which the Kiwi used-import trade will land the new GT have driven the staggered launch programme.
"Subaru Japan has co-operated by making early production available to head off attempts by secondhand Japanese importers," says Subaru New Zealand boss Wallis Dumper.
"We want to be able to offer the new model to customers as soon as possible with a full factory warranty. And that means we launch the GT three months before anyone else in the world."
The fourth-generation Legacy is slightly larger than the current model, with the wheelbase extended 20mm to 2670mm and the overall length of the sedan up 30mm to 4635mm. It's also wider at 1730mm, a 35mm increase, but the wagon is lower by 10mm at 1475mm. The sedan is actually 25mm higher, at 1435mm.
Changes in the interests of aerodynamic efficiency have gone as far as using flat covers under the chassis to smooth the airflow under components. The wagon has a drag coefficient of 0.30 and the sedan is 0.28.
The front suspension track has gone up 35mm to 1495mm, while the rear track is up 30mm to 1490mm. The rear suspension now incorporates aluminium trailing links.
The Bilstein dampers have modified valve construction to improve vehicle stability. New front and rear subframes locate the suspension more rigidly. The front of the motor is 22 mm lower and the front differential 10 mm lower.
The Legacy GT sits on 18-inch alloy wheels with Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tyres.
Front dual-stage inflator airbags are standard, as are active head restraints.
Inside, the car has electro luminescent instruments with background red lighting.
The GT wagon has a one-touch folding switch which automatically folds forward the rear-seat backrests to open up the flat cargo area. An electromagnetic switch repositions the seats.
The cargo area cover is now lighter and smaller through the use of aluminium and can be stored under the cargo area floor. Luggage hooks, luggage hanger and side cargo nets are also standard.