ANN ARBOR We are officially in mourning: Subaru no longer offers the Legacy GT wagon with a manual transmission. Here to help us get over our loss, however, is the limited-edition (only 500 examples), Legacy GT Spec B sedan. The Spec B is powered by the same 2.5-liter turbo four as the Legacy GT and adds lighter aluminum control arms, inverted Bilstein dampers, and eighteen-inch wheels shod with Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires. On the move, the Spec B feels similar to a stock Legacy GT but boasts increased cornering grip and more sophisticated and controlled ride and handling. We wish, though, that the five-speed manual were more precise and that Subaru would offer stability control. Even though the Spec B is a step in the right direction, in order for us to truly forgive Subaru, we'd like a Spec B wagon fitted with a rifle-trigger-positive six-speed manual. And-while we're wishing-why not throw in the 300-hp engine from the WRX STI?
Price: $35,620
Engine: Turbocharged 2.5L H-4, 250 hp, 250 lb-ft
Drive: 4-wheel