No output increase for Spec.B
A turbocharged boxer engine with 243 horsepower is the sole motivator. That's not excessive output, nor even a single pony over the standard GT model, but it will prove plenty for all but seasoned performance sedan buffs. Full throttle acceleration creates Dash-8 sound effects, with wind noise, turbo and transmission whine overlapping the throaty exhaust note. It's one of those engines you always turn the radio down for.
The mill packs plenty of jam, but aside from its cool sound effects and eagerness to accelerate, it is somewhat harsher and lumpier than most. Subaru fans say this is part of the Boxer engine's charm, though it can take some getting used to.
There's no direct-injection here- a technology proven by other carmakers to benefit efficiency, power and smoothness when used with turbocharging. This is part of the reason the Spec. B's direct competitor, the Mazdaspeed 6, makes 30 more horsepower from a similar engine setup with less displacement.
Subaru reveres the six-speed shifter and reserves it solely for its high-performance models. In this case though, a lanky and awkward action makes it feel out of place. With a stiff clutch, electronic throttle and some turbo-lag, there's rarely ever that positive change into and out of forward momentum while shifting gears.
SI-Drive- the ultimate in engine control
Spec.B's models benefit from a revolutionary system called "SI Drive" which lends itself to precision control over the engine's power-curve. Operated from a knob in the centre console, it alters the turbocharger's characteristics and electronic throttle mapping in order to create various 'attitudes' that the driver can call up at any time. For laid back operation, selecting "Intelligent" favors comfort and economy. The Sport or Sport Sharp modes dial up the presence of boost and throttle sharpness to varying degrees.
There's a button on the steering wheel to engage the power-boosting Sport Sharp mode at any time. It's that proverbial 'power boost" button you dreamt of as a kid. Push it, and the Spec.B's throttle gets markedly sharper, as the turbo goes on full alert.
A turbocharged boxer engine with 243 horsepower is the sole motivator. That's not excessive output, nor even a single pony over the standard GT model, but it will prove plenty for all but seasoned performance sedan buffs. Full throttle acceleration creates Dash-8 sound effects, with wind noise, turbo and transmission whine overlapping the throaty exhaust note. It's one of those engines you always turn the radio down for.
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| The 6-speed manual gearbox is only available on the spec.B. |
The mill packs plenty of jam, but aside from its cool sound effects and eagerness to accelerate, it is somewhat harsher and lumpier than most. Subaru fans say this is part of the Boxer engine's charm, though it can take some getting used to.
There's no direct-injection here- a technology proven by other carmakers to benefit efficiency, power and smoothness when used with turbocharging. This is part of the reason the Spec. B's direct competitor, the Mazdaspeed 6, makes 30 more horsepower from a similar engine setup with less displacement.
Subaru reveres the six-speed shifter and reserves it solely for its high-performance models. In this case though, a lanky and awkward action makes it feel out of place. With a stiff clutch, electronic throttle and some turbo-lag, there's rarely ever that positive change into and out of forward momentum while shifting gears.
SI-Drive- the ultimate in engine control
Spec.B's models benefit from a revolutionary system called "SI Drive" which lends itself to precision control over the engine's power-curve. Operated from a knob in the centre console, it alters the turbocharger's characteristics and electronic throttle mapping in order to create various 'attitudes' that the driver can call up at any time. For laid back operation, selecting "Intelligent" favors comfort and economy. The Sport or Sport Sharp modes dial up the presence of boost and throttle sharpness to varying degrees.
There's a button on the steering wheel to engage the power-boosting Sport Sharp mode at any time. It's that proverbial 'power boost" button you dreamt of as a kid. Push it, and the Spec.B's throttle gets markedly sharper, as the turbo goes on full alert.
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| The SI-Drive (Subaru Intelligent Drive) is an engine management system. |