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Is this the face of a race car? Subaru certainly thinks so.

The latest rumors indicate that the automaker intends to enter a version of its new 2010 Legacy model (launched at the New York Auto Show this year) into Japan's top-level Super GT series. The car will no doubt receive numerous modifications, but engine output won't be changed all that much. The reason for this is that Subaru will race the car in the 300 (meaning 300hp) class - rather than the highest 500 class.

A Legacy 2.5GT is the likely choice to form the basis of the race car, especially as it sports a new 2.5-liter boxer engine with 265hp and 258 ft-lbs of torque.

The move is surprising as the cash-strapped automaker pulled from the World Rally Championship (WRC) this year, citing economic reasons. Subaru teams had, however, performed poorly the past few years.

No doubt the Super GT entry will be much less expensive to run than a full WRC team and besides, it would be a shame to reassign those Subaru racing engineers to the accounting department.

More: Subaru Building Legacy Race Car to Compete in Japan's Super GT Series on AutoGuide.com

Hot09XT

WOW..........That would be great since I think that it was said here that there was no plans for a turbo. Sweet! They're gonna have to do something about that front grille though.

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MY09 XT Limited AT
Satin White Pearl

TSi+WRX

^ No turbo? Don't worry, the Legacy, even the US/North-American variant, will have turbocharged variant(s).

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This'll be interesting, considering that the BL/BP platform was never really raced much (in comparison to other marques' comparable models), but yet enjoyed large aftermarket as well as enthusiast community following in Japan.

Given that several of the JDM makes have already discontinued at least a portion of their BL/BP offerings, I can't help but think that this will bode well for the coming Legacy...that they're perhaps already "gearing up," as was what happened with the EVO X.

Still, given the current economics, as well as the fact that Subaru pulled out of WRC, indeed, I find this somewhat puzzling.... I'd have expected them to push the Impreza WRX-STI more.

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Me: '05 Legacy 2.5GT
Wifey: '09 Forester XT

neoshi

I think that rumor stemmed from the fact that WRC no longer allows turbos (until 2013?) so they were thinking that Subaru would make only NA cars, or at least would focus more on NA cars.

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05 XS
WTB: 06+ sideskirts

Dan

Well, keeping it in a Japan-only series is already a huge reduction in cost from worldwide rally racing. Keeping the power down to 300 hp also allows for a significant savings. That leaves more money for suspension, brakes, aero, etc. I'll guess that this series is probably a lot easier on the cars, too, meaning fewer repairs / replacements.

Good luck, Team Subaru.

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SHIFT_to_Subaru
'04 XT, 5spd

TSi+WRX

^ Ah! That now makes sense. Thankyee.

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Me: '05 Legacy 2.5GT
Wifey: '09 Forester XT

Turkina

I thought the changes in WRC were more extensive with the engine. The S2000 rules call for an NA engine 2.0 L or smaller, and a spec transmission and drivetrain. Oh, and in the future, an optional spec turbocharger might be added. Sounds like Nascar on dirt roads :P

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98 Black S: crumpled up
04 Red XT: is go!

neoshi

Yeah I can't remember it all.. but Subaru was planning for a turbo 1.6L in 2013 I think. Seriously about the Nascar thing.

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05 XS
WTB: 06+ sideskirts

Turkina

Turbo 1.6? Do I hear Justy? (although the Justy has an inline engine)

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98 Black S: crumpled up
04 Red XT: is go!

ema

Ahuh low production costs for the team subaru as well! Perhaps, little by little that econ prob will be resolved and they can push through with WRC again in the near future.