Legacy GT Blitzen Touring Wagon - Beautiful Rust Free Example
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Rare Spec, 1 of 1,000 produced for Japanese market.
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DETAILS
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MODEL HISTORY
Close your eyes and think "Subaru." What do you see in your mind’s eye? Perhaps a Subaru Impreza STi, either the classic original shape or perhaps a later model.
Few would think of a Legacy because not least, Subaru U.K.’s notion of a performance Legacy was equipped with a 6-cylinder normally aspirated boxer engine (242 bhp, but a heavier lump & with reduced handling prowess compared to an EJ20).
In the usual manner, we have become accustomed to, the Japanese keeping the best for themselves: Subaru never offered the boxer-configuration 4-cylinder EJ20 engine with variable-valve timing and an air-to-air twin-scroll intercooled turbocharger (280 bhp) outside of Japan.
This example isn’t the normal JDM Legacy GT Spec B model though.
It’s the limited edition (One of 1,000 only, made only for the Japanese market) Blitzen GT Touring Wagon.
In Japan, the rarely seen Legacy GT Blitzen had been an appealing proposition since its inception.
Take a sturdy all-wheel-drive foundation dressed in unique Legacy Estate attire and quicken the pulse while keeping the visual impact faint enough not to give away the game when glimpsed in a rearview mirror. Perhaps just a hint of what’s possible, courtesy of the shiny bright red paintwork...
The drivetrain is capable of instantly quickening the pulse when summoned:
The five-speed automatic directed by three shift strategies, or alternately, wheel-mounted shift buttons just a finger reach away on the horizontally opposed leather-trimmed Momo’s spokes allow for easily selected down changes.
Fuji Heavy Industries' renowned AWD variably distributes the engine's near-instantaneous 280 bhp punch to four stylish, 18x7.0-inch Blitzen alloy wheels.
Bilstein sports dampers & multi-linked suspension take care of handling, with typically sure-footed Subaru prowess. Brakes are suitably beefed too, to cope with the available performance.
But performance isn’t all. It’s just one aspect of the Legacy Blitzen GT Touring Wagon. It’ll lend itself to family duties, or weekend adventure trips too and is capable of swallowing up large loads of shopping, luggage, or a mountain bike or two, plus camping gear.
We reckon Subaru U.K. missed a trick with the EJ20 Turbo engine Legacies, but this presents the future owner of this example with something rarely seen. On occasion, when summoned, the Legacy Blitzen will leave others wondering just what they witnessed overtaking before disappearing around the next corner…
EQUIPMENT
The Blitzen model is essentially of similar specification to JDM Spec B models, which are also equipped with the same Bilstein sports suspension, to match the permanent 4WD performance & handling available.
The 5-speed transmission will smoothly and willingly change gears automatically, or alternatively, there’s Tiptronic control, operable with either hand, on the Momo leather-trimmed steering wheel. Privacy glass adds to the style of design. There are many other equipment features; these will be more specifically detailed below.
EXTERIOR
INTERIOR
Aside from the unique red colour Blitzen models are equipped with different front and rear bumpers, grille, side skirts, rear spoiler and of course the unique 18” Blitzen specific alloy wheels (18 x 7.0J). In typical Subaru fashion, each door’s window is pillarless. Privacy glass is featured for the rear, which will keep prying eyes from what may be inside. Original option side visors are also fitted. The door mirrors house the side-repeaters. Driving lights (which may be used as daytime marker lights) are integrated within the front bumper design. The headlights are equipped with HID for enhanced night-time illumination.
At the rear, a sole “Blitzen” emblem, without even so much as a “GT” to accompany it offers a modicum of humility as to what’s housed under the bonnet.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
The boxer-configuration flat 4-cylinder EJ20 engine with AVCS variable-valve timing and an air-to-air intercooled twin-scroll turbocharger makes 280 bhp @6400 & 343 N⋅m (253 lb-ft) @ 2400. Twin-scroll or divided turbochargers have two exhaust gas inlets and two nozzles, a smaller sharper angled one for quick response and a larger less angled one for peak performance.
To work best with AVCS & twin-scroll turbo design, the exhaust manifold physically separates the channels for cylinders that can interfere with each other, so that the pulsating exhaust gasses flow through separate spirals (scrolls). This lets the engine efficiently use exhaust scavenging techniques, which decreases exhaust gas temperatures & NOx emissions, improving turbine efficiency, and reducing turbo lag.
This drivetrain adds up to a 0-60 capability of around 5.5 seconds and (where de-restricted) a 150 mph top speed.
The five Speed Automatic transmission is directed by 3 strategies, depending on engine load and speeds and has variable torque distribution controlled via a planetary gear-set, not the clutch pack. The multi-plate clutch inside the transfer box only acts as limit-slip protection, and it will not kick in unless wheel slip is happening. Since there is minimal wear within the planetary gear-set, the VTD AWD system is very durable and is capable of demanding driving conditions when engine load is constantly high, and the variance between front/rear axles’ rotation speed frequently changes.
Front / Rear Bias Ratio is set at 45/55 by default and there’s a Torsen viscous LSD at the rear too. The result is excellent traction in all road conditions. With this Subaru, you’re not only able to have better traction and control in favourable road conditions, but you’re well equipped for when the weather gets nasty and cold, to ensure you reach your destination safely, regardless of weather challenges.
WHEELS, BRAKES & SUSPENSION
Wheels are original Subaru Blitzen alloys, shod with 215/45R18 sports tyres (approx. half worn). Note their excellent condition with no kerbing marks or scratches.
Brake discs are: Front: 315 x 30 (vented) & Rear: 290 x 20 (Solid), capable of supporting the performance available. Bilstein sports suspension offers a controlled and sport-oriented ride without harshness or added noise.
CONDITION REPORT
As can be seen from pictures, the condition is excellent throughout. Having inspected it thoroughly, we believe this is Blitzen was specified with full dealer options when new.
Naturally, there’s some creasing and wear to the leather seats as to be expected for the (low) mileage. There are no signs of wear to front seats other than some creasing though, so no likelihood of holes developing any time soon. The steering wheel is also in good condition. The rear seats appear to have been barely used during this car’s lifetime so far.
This has been a non-smoker’s car.
Having had a luggage (plastic) mat since new, the luggage compartment has been well protected since new too.
The exterior is similarly very well presented. There’s an absence of usual pin dents and scratches, as would be expected for a car of this age and wheels are in excellent condition too. A testament to the previous owner’s care and attention. There were some minor dings, but these have been repaired as part of our work of pre-sales preparation. This also included replacing the bonnet insulator.
Underneath, as the pictures show, there’s no corrosion at all. This serves to indicate despite possibilities afforded by permanent 4WD’s, this Blitzen GT has never been used for trips to ski resorts or other cold areas of Japan.
TEST DRIVE
From cold, the engine starts effortlessly and settles down to a quiet and smooth, steady idle. Performance is effortless. The drive is smooth and the chassis feels taught and lacking in wear, confirming this Subaru has led an easy life since new. All electrics work without fault, as to be expected. It’s clear this Legacy Blitzen GT wagon has been well maintained since new and as such this is an unusual version of the Legacy Touring wagon, which we are delighted to offer from Newera’s stock.
HISTORY