Subaru Legacy(R) spec.B and Impreza(R) WRX(R) TR Make Auto Show Debut at 2005 SEMA Show

Impreza WRX TR is 'Tuner Ready' with New 230-hp Turbo Engine, Upgraded Chassis and Affordable Price; New Legacy 2.5 GT spec.B Limited to 500 Numbered Units

LAS VEGAS, Nov. 1 -- Subaru of America, Inc. will showcase two of its newest high-performance models at the 2005 Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center Nov. 1-4. The 2006 Impreza WRX TR and the limited edition Legacy 2.5 GT spec.B will make their North American show debut at the industry's premier automotive specialty performance products trade event. Subaru is America's All-Wheel Drive leader, with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive standard on every vehicle in its model line.

For 2006, Subaru has considerably upped the ante in the high-performance arena with a restyled and expanded Impreza WRX line featuring a new 230-horsepower 2.5-liter engine. The new WRX TR model, and a new, limited edition Legacy 2.5 GT spec.B model, both fit the SEMA spirit of individualization and performance.

The WRX TR is the "Tuner Ready" version of this legendary performance car, featuring the new, more powerful engine and at a lower price. Combining the newly fortified punch of the 2006 WRX with the interior content and exterior trim from the Impreza 2.5 i Sedan allows for a lower entry-level price point.

Subaru dealers offer a range of Genuine Subaru Accessories that allow WRX buyers to customize and tune their cars for both performance and appearance. Customers can choose from parts in the Subaru Performance Tuning (SPT) catalog and from Subaru Tecnica International (STI). Subaru will showcase a number of these performance parts during a special on-site vehicle build-up at the SEMA show by a Subaru Senior Master Technician.

The Legacy 2.5 GT spec.B, powered by a 250-horsepower intercooled turbo Boxer engine, is a limited edition "factory custom" with special paint, wheels and interior, and exclusive Bilstein Sport Suspension unavailable on any other Legacy model. In addition, the Legacy 2.5 GT spec.B features a standard Subaru Navigation System. Only 500 of these special models will be available.

The Subaru WRX TR and Legacy 2.5 GT spec.B models are equipped exclusively with a 5-speed manual transmission. Subaru employs five different versions of its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system through its 2006 model line, depending on the model and transmission. In all Subaru models with a 5-speed manual transmission, the All-Wheel Drive system uses a viscous coupling locking bevel-gear center differential integrated into the transmission. This full- time All-Wheel Drive system distributes engine power 50:50, with the viscous coupling transferring more power to the wheels with the best traction should slippage occur.

The Subaru display at the SEMA show will also host a selection of Subaru vehicles specially modified by third parties. In addition, a number of accomplished drivers of Subaru racing vehicles will also be on hand during the SEMA show. These stars of the rally, drag racing and road racing circuits have all achieved enormous success driving the All-Wheel Drive cars bearing the 6-star Subaru logo.

WRX TR: Tuner-Ready and Wallet-Friendly

The Subaru Impreza WRX has been one of the most sought-after sport- compacts since its introduction in 2001 for the 2002 model year. For 2006, the Impreza WRX has been restyled and re-powered with a larger more powerful engine, and expanded to five models. For the street performance buyer, the WRX TR is perhaps the most exciting model in the line, which for 2006 also includes the standard WRX models and the new, more luxuriously equipped WRX Limited models.

The new Subaru signature front-end design for Impreza features boldly styled headlights with smoke-tinted lenses and a three-section mesh-type grill. The 2006 Impreza models are also distinguished by a new tail lamp cluster design.

The biggest change to the 2006 Impreza WRX is found under its aluminum hood. A 230-horsepower 2.5-liter turbocharged / intercooled engine replaces the 217-horsepower 2.0-liter engine used since the WRX model's introduction. The larger-displacement engine produces 235 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 3,600 rpm, compared to 217 lb.-ft. at 4,000 rpm for the previous engine.

Even more than the numbers suggest, performance is improved in all speed ranges, with greater emphasis on low-end and mid-range torque. The 2.5-liter WRX engine shares architecture and technology with the WRX STI engine, including Subaru Active Valve Control System (AVCS) variable valve timing technology and an Electronic Throttle Control system.

Upgraded Suspension and Brake Systems

In conjunction with the more powerful engine, the 2006 Impreza WRX models gain significant chassis and braking system enhancements. Aluminum front suspension lower L-arms reduce unsprung weight to enhance steering response. (The rear suspension gained forward aluminum lateral links in the 2005 model.) The steering ratio is quicker than before (15.0:1 vs. 16.5:1), with 2.6 turns lock-to-lock versus 3.0 turns lock-to-lock for the 2005 model.

On all WRX models, new 7-spoke 17 x 7-inch aluminum-alloy wheels replace the previous 16 x 6.5-inch wheels. Tires, likewise, are more generously sized for 2006: 215/45 R17 versus 205/55 R16 before. The more powerful brake system employs 11.5-inch vented front discs as before, but now uses four-piston calipers instead of the previous two-piston calipers. The rear brakes are new, with 11.3-inch ventilated discs replacing the previous 10.3-inch solid discs, and two-piston calipers replacing single-piston calipers. Painted red and featuring the SUBARU name in white, the calipers also make a strong visual statement.

Transformation at SEMA

The WRX TR on display at the SEMA show will be transformed into an even more potent street machine when a Subaru of America Senior Master Technician installs a host of parts from the Subaru Performance Tuning (SPT) and Subaru Tecnica International (STI) catalogs. Even before the transformation begins, this special WRX TR has been equipped with new parts available from Subaru dealers, including underhood dress-up items, a performance gauge set, STI short-throw shifter, BBS(R) aluminum-alloy wheels, MOMO(R) shift knob, rear deck spoiler and fog lamps.

From the SPT catalog, the Subaru technician will install a high-flow air intake and cat-back exhaust system. From the STI parts catalog, this special WRX TR will gain front and rear suspension upgrades. The STI front suspension parts will include adjustable strut/springs, a pitching stopper, thicker stabilizer bar and a lower tie bar. The rear suspension will be modified with STI adjustable strut/springs, lateral link set, trailing link set and a thicker stabilizer bar.

The Impreza WRX TR, though ready for customization, is by no means "de- contented." Owners will not give up comfort and convenience while they plan modifications and purchase parts. The generous standard equipment list includes air conditioning, power windows, power mirrors and door locks, leather-wrapped steering wheel, AM/FM stereo system with single-disc CD player, remote keyless entry, security system with new engine immobilizer, an outside temperature gauge and even carpeted floor mats.

Legacy 2.5 GT spec.B Becomes U.S. Citizen

The Legacy 2.5 GT spec.B stands as the ultimate Legacy model for 2006, a fully equipped factory custom available to only 500 customers. Like the Impreza WRX and WRX STI models, the Legacy spec.B built a loyal following in Japan and Europe before coming to the United States. As it did with those models, Subaru designed a version of the Legacy spec.B specially tailored for U.S. customers.

The 2.5-liter intercooled turbo Boxer engine in the Legacy spec.B produces 250 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 250 lb.-ft. of peak torque @ 3,600 rpm. The Legacy 2.5 GT spec.B is quickly identified by its exclusive Titanium Silver Metallic exterior color and aerodynamic side ground-effects moldings with chrome trim. The car's road-hugging stance is further accentuated by unique 18-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels and 215/45 Bridgestone Potenza RE050A summer performance tires that work with the suspension upgrades to deliver improved handling performance.

The exclusive Bilstein Sport Suspension equips the Legacy 2.5 GT spec.B model with performance-tuned shock absorbers for flatter cornering response. Subaru also replaced the MacPherson strut front suspension with an inverted strut configuration similar to that in the rally-bred WRX STI, including aluminum-alloy lower control arms. The multi-link rear suspension gains aluminum-alloy rear arms and upper links in place of cast-iron pieces to reduce unsprung weight (and thereby enhance handling response). A 4-wheel disc Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) is standard on all Legacy models. The 2.5 GT Limited and 2.5 GT spec.B models employ larger brake rotors than other Legacy models, with ventilated rear discs in place of solid discs.

Exclusive spec. B Interior

Striking Brick Red leather trimmed upholstery highlights the unique interior styling of the Legacy 2.5 GT spec.B. The distinctive interior is further differentiated from the 2.5 GT Limited model by aluminum-alloy pedal covers, a 3-spoke MOMO(R) leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio controls, "spec.B" floor mats and an individually numbered limited-edition plaque.

The Legacy 2.5 GT spec.B further builds on the generous standard equipment of the 2.5 GT Limited Sedan, adding the new Subaru Navigation System and an upgraded audio system with MP3 capability. Standard features shared with the 2.5 GT Limited include a dual-zone automatic climate control system, performance-design front seats, a power moonroof, an 8-way power driver's seat and a 4-way power passenger seat (both with 4-stage heating) and heated exterior mirrors. All Legacy models for 2006 feature the Subaru Advanced Frontal Air Bag System, front seat side impact air bags, active front seat head restraints and side curtain air bags.

Subaru Shares SEMA Spotlight With Tuners

Long a favorite of the street tuner market, Subaru recognizes the contribution that aftermarket parts suppliers and tuners make to this segment. At the 2005 SEMA Show, Subaru of America is highlighting a number of specialty models, which all serve as inspiration to owners for racing, customizing and performance tuning.

Easy Street Motorsports (ESX) will display three specially modified Subaru vehicles, including a lightly customized B9 Tribeca and two WRX STI drag race cars. Performance Import Trends (PIT) will showcase a 2006 Forester 2.5 XT Limited model that was inspired by the Forester STI model that is available in Japan. Subaru will also display the customized Legacy 2.5 GT Limited Sedan that's being raffled off by Road & Track magazine's Speed title and Roadgear as part of the "Ultimate Performance Giveaway" sweepstakes.

About Subaru of America, Inc.

Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes All-Wheel Drive Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of nearly 600 dealers across the United States. Subaru makes the best-selling All-Wheel Drive car sold in America based on R.L. Polk & Co. new vehicle retail registration statistics calendar year-end 2004.