Recognizing the differences between a regular sedan and a so-called special edition model can often be challenging. Aside from the requisite badges, there’s often little in the form of differentiation. However, when Subaru launched the Legacy GT spec.B sedan last year there was arguably enough to compensate for the roughly $5,000 premium, such as its brick red leather interior, standard navigation system, and unique 18-inch alloys rolling on performance tires. Behind the scenes was a finely-tuned suspension system with Bilstein shocks, lightweight aluminum control arms, and inverted struts, all partly responsible for the spec.B winning its share of head-to-head tests. Finally, making only 500 units available served to up the desirability factor.

Realizing they had a success on their hands, Subaru’s product planners made only minor changes when putting together the 2007 Legacy GT spec.B. Those include a six-speed manual transmission in place of last year’s standard five-speed gearbox, a Torsen limited-slip rear differential, and a tire pressure monitor. The brand’s Vehicle Dynamics Control stability control system has also been added for 2007. As was the case with the 2006 model, the updated spec.B features a unique interior, this time a two-tone setup consisting of gray leather and blue Alcantara inserts. The turbocharged 2.5-liter engine returns pushing 243 horsepower and 241 lb.-ft. of torque (higher figures for 2006 were released prior to SAE certification).

That’s all very impressive, yet it’s the new SI-DRIVE system that really separates this newest Legacy from the old version. Using a rotary knob located on the center console, drivers can select between three settings: I (intelligent), S (sport), and S# (sport sharp). In intelligent mode, throttle response is eased a bit for a smoother ride with less power and torque. Subaru claims this setting can improve fuel economy by up to ten percent, likely due in part to the dash light that illuminates to suggest low-rpm shift points. Consider this the unofficial way to neuter a turbocharged Subaru. Next is sport mode, which cranks up throttle response, though it stops short of maxing out throttle response. That’s the job of the sport sharp setting, where SI-DRIVE lets the driver wring every last smidge of power from the boosted four-banger. In fact, all turbocharged 2007 Subaru Legacy and Outback models will be available with this technology, even those with automatic transmissions.

Photos by Subaru and Ron Perry