The stiff unitized body structure makes extensive use of high-strength steel and aluminum, as well as advanced construction techniques including hydroforming and tailored-blank welding. Aluminum parts include the hood and bumper beams and, on wagons, the rear gate. Using aluminum at the vehicle's extremes helps to concentrate more mass near its center of gravity, which helps enhance handling response. Suspension, braking and steering have been optimized for responsive performance. The multilink rear suspension attaches to a hydroformed steel sub-frame for added rigidity.

The rack-and-pinion steering system in Legacy models provides quick response and a sporty feel. Legacy 2.5 GT Limited models feature a quicker steering ratio (15:1 compared to 16.5:1 in other Legacy models) and standard 17 x 7-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 215/45 R17 all-season tires. Legacy models feature standard 17-inch alloy wheels fitted with 205/50 R17 tires.

A 4-wheel disc Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) is standard equipment on all Legacy models. The 2.5 GT Limited and spec.B models feature larger brake rotors than other Legacy models, and their rear discs are ventilated (solid rear discs on non-turbo models).



Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive A Key To Brand Identity

All-Wheel Drive is a cornerstone of Subaru brand identity, not just an add-on feature. Consistent with this philosophy, Subaru All-Wheel Drive systems are organized under the "Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive" branding umbrella. Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is a total system that integrates a lightweight horizontally opposed (Boxer) engine and full-time power transfer system.

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive provides excellent balance thanks to the longitudinally mounted Boxer engine and the way power flows from it through the transmission and to the rear differential along a straight, near-horizontal path.

Subaru offers three different versions of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive in the 2006 Legacy models, each tailored to the type of transmission. In all models with the 5-speed manual transmission, the system uses a viscous-coupling locking center differential to distribute the power 50:50 front to rear. Slippage at either set of wheels will send more power to the other set of wheels.

On Legacy and Limited models equipped with the 4-speed automatic transmission (standard on Limited), the AWD system uses an electronically managed continuously variable transfer clutch to actively control power distribution in response to driving conditions.

Legacy 2.5 GT Limited models equipped with the 5-speed automatic transmission use a version of the system called Variable Torque Distribution (VTD). A planetary center differential works with an electronically controlled continuously variable hydraulic transfer clutch to manage power distribution. This system normally sends more power to the rear wheels (45:55) to enhance handling agility, and it continuously adjusts the power distribution in response to driving and road conditions.


Premium Interior Design and Materials

The roomy Legacy interior features high-quality materials to enhance the driver's environment and passenger comfort. Flush surface treatments, a soft foam upper dashboard, soft foam door trim and, on Legacy 2.5 GT Limited models, aluminum door sill cover plates, provide a premium appearance.

The sporty four-dial instrument panel features an electroluminescent LED (light-emitting diode) gauge display in Legacy 2.5 GT Limited and 2.5 GT spec.B models. On startup, the needle pointers sweep to their maximum positions and then back, as in the Impreza WRX STI. The gauge panel is augmented in all models by a combination digital clock and trip computer located in the center of the dashboard. Some of its functions and displays include outside air temperature, fuel consumption, driving range, estimated driving time, plus a passenger air bag on/off indicator light. In the 2.5 GT Limited, the available navigation system features an integrated trip computer.

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