Subaru has injected three new premium performance variants into its All-Wheel Drive Liberty line-up for Model Year 2005.

For the first time, Subaru is offering Liberty 3.0 litre six-cylinder options, in two versions.

Liberty’s appeal is expanded with the introduction of the automatic 3.0R, aimed at people wanting a luxurious but performance orientated mid-size sedan or wagon.

The six-speed manual Liberty 3.0R-B is an overtly sporty enthusiast’s performance car that includes Bilstein suspension and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Rounding out the revised range is the 2.0 litre turbocharged Liberty GT manual, a high-tech special order-only 190 Kilowatt Grand Tourer that complements the existing automatic version.

Liberty 3.0R-B manual sedan is priced at $51,990 and 3.0R automatic sedan at $50,990.

Liberty GT manual sedan is $52,990 and joins the highly successful five-speed automatic version, which has sold more than 1500 since launch less than 12 months ago.

All three new variants feature a comprehensive specification, including the premium 13-speaker McIntosh sound system.

They also share an ANCAP five-star crashworthiness rating, underlining Liberty’s leadership in its class for safety.

Among the highlights, Liberty 3.0R-B offers:

• 180 Kilowatts of power at 6,600 rpm; 297 Newtonmetres of torque at 4,200 rpm - impressive braked towing capacity of 1,800 kg
• Bilstein suspension
• Black leather trim
• Six-speed STi-based gearbox
• 18-inch seven-spoke alloy wheels
• Electronically adjustable driver and front passenger seats
• Double pretensioners on driver’s seatbelt – shared by entire MY05 Liberty range
• Speed sensitive intermittent windscreen wipers – shared by entire MY05 Liberty range
• Aluminium pedals

Liberty 3.0R includes:

• Vehicle Dynamics Control
• A responsive, lightweight five-speed Sportshift automatic transmission
• Ivory leather trim

Liberty GT manual combines exceptional ride comfort with smooth, powerful performance courtesy of the twin scroll, single turbocharged 2.0 horizontally opposed boxer engine.

It produces 190 Kilowatts of power at 6,400 rpm and 330 Nm of torque at 2,400 rpm. Liberty GT manual has a five-speed close ratio gearbox.

Other refinements to the MY05 Liberty range include standard dual side airbags on all 2.5i, 3.0R and GT models. The new Liberty 3.0R and GT variants have curtain airbags too.

For enhanced safety and security, all automatic Libertys now include a shift-lock mechanism. This means the ignition must be on and the brake pedal depressed before the gear shifter can be moved from “P” range.

Trip computers are modified to show fuel consumption in litres per 100 kilometres.

Nick Senior, General Manager, Subaru Australia, said: “The expanded Liberty range offers three new variants that combine luxury and performance for different niche audiences.

“It means we have grown the grand tourer tradition of our hugely successful Liberty GT in offering a manual option, which is Subaru’s interpretation of a European-style sports sedan.

“Alternatively, we’re offering the Liberty 3.0R automatic as a luxury sports sedan and wagon while the 3.0R-B is a fantastic sports sedan and wagon, again in the European tradition.

“Collectively, this positions Subaru as offering the most comprehensive range of premium sport and luxury vehicles in the medium car category.”

Mr Senior said the automatic Liberty GT introduced last year had exceeded all expectations, averaging close to 150 sales per month, compared to the original prediction of 50.

“About 25 per cent of Libertys sold are in the $50,000-plus category.

“This gives us every confidence that the Liberty 3.0R, 3.0R-B and the GT manual will broaden our appeal in the luxury sports market even further,” he added.

In other good news for Liberty buyers, pricing has dropped on some variants by up to 3.4 per cent, while the balance remain unchanged for the 2005 Model Year.

Liberty 2.5i Premium Pack automatic sedan is now $42,990, a saving of $1,500, or 3.4 per cent, while Liberty 2.5i Premium Pack automatic wagon is now $44,990, a saving of $1,500 or 3.2 per cent.

Liberty 2.5i Safety Pack sedan and wagon variants have dropped by $500 while Liberty GT automatic buyers save $1,000.

In line with the trend of new Liberty sales, 2.5i Luxury Pack and GT entry-level models are discontinued. But introduction of the new variants has led to an expansion of the overall Liberty range.

MY05 Liberty GT variants inherit the range-topping trim of the former GT Premium Pack.

New Liberty model specifications at a glance:

Liberty 3.0R (automatic):

Safety

• ABS anti-lock brakes with four-wheel discs and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Automatic transmission lock-out - need foot on brake, key in ignition on position, to release lever
• Child seat anchor points including ISO FIX
• Curtain airbags – full length
• Dual front airbags
• Dual front side airbags
• Front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters. Double pretensioners on driver’s seatbelt – shared by entire MY05 Liberty range
• Rear door child lock
• Seatbelt indicator lights – all seats
• Side intrusion bars
• Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
• Three-point A/ELR rear centre seatbelt
• VDC – Vehicle Dynamics Control (3.0R automatic-only)

Interior

• Adjustable steering column
• Climate control air conditioning
• Cargo area light
• Cargo security blind – wagon only
• Centre-through rear seat - sedan only
• Cruise control
• Cup holders
• Eight-way adjustable power driver’s and front passenger seat
• Electric sunroof
• Immobiliser security system
• Leather gear shift, park brake handle
• Map lights (2)
• Momo leather steering wheel with audio controls
• Multi-function trip computer
• Power steering, mirrors and windows
• Ivory leather trim
• Two remote central locking keys
• Rear illumination instrument display
• Remote fuel lid release
• Seatback storage nets
• Speed sensitive intermittent windscreen wiper control - shared by entire MY05 Liberty range
• Sportshift five-speed automatic transmission on 3.0R
• Sports seats
• Vanity mirror
• Woodgrain-type dashboard and door highlights
• 13-speaker premium McIntosh audio system with six-stack in-dash CD
• 60/40 split/fold rear seat – wagon only

Exterior

• 17-inch alloy wheels – full size alloy spare
• Chrome-surround grille
• Chrome sill strip
• Colour-coded mirrors and door handles
• Headlights auto off
• Rear roof spoiler – wagon only
• Rear wiper – wagon only
• Unique front bumper profile

Other features

• Auto sedan boot release on key; unlock tailgate on wagon
• DataDot security technology
• Electronic throttle control
• Three-year unlimited kilometre warranty
• Dual exhaust system
• Fog lamps – front

Liberty 3.0R-B (manual) adds:

• 18-inch seven-spoke alloy wheels – full size alloy spare
• Alloy pedals
• Aluminium-style console highlights
• Bilstein suspension
• Black leather trim
• Six-speed STi-based manual gearbox

Liberty GT manual adds (to previous GT Premium Pack auto specification):

• Five speed close-ratio manual gearbox

All new Liberty variants are available as both sedan and wagon.

Engines

Liberty 3.0R and 3.0R-B feature Subaru’s Active Valve Control System (AVCS) and Variable Valve Lift, ensuring optimum power and torque output, complemented by improved fuel consumption and low exhaust emissions.

Liberty GT’s five-speed manual transmission 2.0 litre DOHC turbocharged engine produces 190 kW of power at 6,400 rpm and 330 Nm of torque at 2,400 rpm. The twin-scroll single turbo with lightweight titanium turbine, delivers an exhilarating driving experience. The engine also features AVCS.

Twin-scroll single turbocharger with titanium turbine

The Liberty GT’s twin-scroll turbocharger is designed to provide optimum torque in all speed ranges and ensure smooth power delivery across the operating range.

The engine exhaust channels exhaust pulsations from paired cylinders to two separate turbine housing intakes. This minimizes turbo lag and broadens turbocharger operating range.

To maximize the high output of the single turbocharger, the turbine diameter is optimized to provide outstanding drivability without turbo lag.

Liberty GT manual sedan has a 0-100 km/h time of 5.7 seconds, according to manufacturer, Fuji Heavy Industries.

Electronic Throttle Control System (ETCS) – all Libertys

Known as “drive by wire” technology, the throttle control system provides a linear acceleration/deceleration feeling that corresponds naturally to the driver’s expectation.

It is achieved by providing a programmed “relationship” between throttle pedal and throttle valve.

This means the driver’s intentions are conveyed from the throttle pedal to the engine electronically rather than via a cable. This provides optimum throttle opening for any given operating condition.

This is a similar concept to the system used in the Subaru World Rally Car.

Drivers feel no difference between the ETCS and a traditional throttle control.

AVCS and Variable Valve Lift

The Active Valve Control System (AVCS) in Liberty 3.0Rs includes Variable Valve Lift, to increase engine power and torque output while at the same time gaining improvements in fuel consumption, exhaust emissions and idling stability.

By controlling the intake valve timing and lift to suit the engine load and speed conditions, AVCS optimizes the engine volumetric efficiency and combustion process. Active variable valve timing is achieved by rotating the intake camshaft relative to the camshaft sprocket, within a maximum range of 50 crankshaft degrees.

Variable lift is achieved through the use of two different sets of cam profiles - low and high lift cams.

The Engine Control Module (ECM) calculates the optimum valve timing and lift, based on input signals from the airflow sensor, engine coolant temperature sensor, throttle position sensor and camshaft position sensors.

The ECM then generates a signal to an Oil Control Valve (OCV) positioned at each intake camshaft sprocket. This controls engine oil pressure, which is supplied to advance and retard chambers within the AVCS actuator.

Similarly, the ECM controls Variable Valve Lift. This is via a solenoid valve, which supplies oil pressure to a switchable tappet that alternates between the low and high cam lobes, depending on engine load and speed conditions.

In simple terms, the engine runs at low lift below 2,000 rpm, then switches between low and high between 2,000 and 4,000 rpm, depending upon load.

Above 4,000 rpm, valve lift is high, irrespective of engine load.

Valve timing is continuously and infinitely variable within the 50 crank degree range. It is controlled according to engine speed and load conditions.

Computer mapping is programmed for optimum valve timing, producing stable idling, improved fuel consumption and low emissions in the medium speed range, and maximum power at high engine speed and load.

Exhaust

The exhaust system on the 3.0R engine features equal length header pipes for improved exhaust efficiency. This creates the sporty and light revving Subaru Boxer engine sound.

Exhaust gas extraction is improved through use of the independent exhaust pipes for each cylinder. The length of pipes to the joint collection point has been increased by 300 mm, improving exhaust gas flow efficiency.

The exhaust pipes are doubled skinned, with an air gap to maintain gas temperature for more rapid activation of the catalyst. This improves exhaust gas emissions, particularly during the warm-up phase.

Transmission

The Liberty 3.0R-B’s six-speed constant mesh transmission is a development of that used in the Impreza WRX STi.

It is completely designed and manufactured by Subaru and features double synchronizer mechanisms on first, third and reverse gears, while second gear is equipped with a triple synchronizer mechanism.

The synchronizers provide consistent gear-shift performance.

The transmission has large gears and bearings for added strength, while a positive lubrication system increases durability, using a vehicle speed-driven oil pump.

The transmission features Subaru’s well-known centre differential with viscous coupling, used on all its manual transmission vehicles, to provide 50:50 front and rear torque split to the All-Wheel Drive system.

There are two groups of gear ratios. First to fourth are close ratio for instant and efficient power delivery at low speeds.

Fifth and sixth gears are wider ratio for improved fuel consumption while cruising and reduced noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) at high speeds.

In keeping with the car’s premium 3.0 litre feel, gearshift feel has been lightened by altering the select mechanism.

Transmission casing and internal components are also designed to reduce NVH.

Clutch operation is optimized to produce a light feel.

An innovative aspect of the design is integration of the Electronic Throttle Control system with clutch actuation, reducing the likelihood of stall.

Liberty 3.0R is available with a responsive five-speed Sportshift automatic transmission, which is among the lightest of its type.

The close-ratio direct control type transmission was developed to achieve high quality, smooth speed changes.

Gear ratios

Suspension

The Liberty 3.0R-B has Bilstein suspension in line with its sports credentials.

This offers enhanced lateral rigidity and suspension performance to match the car’s weight distribution.

Brakes

All 3.0R Liberty versions have 316 millimetre ventilated front disc brakes and 290 mm ventilated rear discs.

Safety

All MY05 Liberty 3.0Rs, and GTs feature dual front and side airbags, and full-length curtain airbags, offering greater protection for front and rear seat occupants in the event of a side collision.

All MY05 Liberty 2.5i variants now have dual front and side airbags too.

The automatic 3.0R has Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC). The electronic control unit (ECU) uses information from sensors tracking wheel speed, steering position, front/back and lateral (sideways) G force, and yaw rate to monitor forces that could destabilize vehicle running.

In extreme situations, such as when swerving, sideslipping or entering a spin, VDC activates to control each wheel individually, via braking, engine output, and the All-Wheel Drive system. This improves stability by using the car’s most stable wheels.

In cases of extreme oversteer, VDC activates, applying brakes to the front and rear outside turning wheels, producing yaw – a force that opposes the oversteering tendency. With understeer, VDC applies brakes to the inside rear wheels to counteract the effect.

Both the VDC and ABS Anti-Lock Braking systems are controlled from the one digital ECU.

VDC is designed for a “driver’s vehicle.” In normal conditions it is purely a monitoring system, and applies no control.

But near the car’s performance limits it gives the driver more control – resulting in safer and more comfortable driving.

Entertainment

Liberty 3.0R, 3.0R-B and GT have the premium McIntosh audio system.

The sound system is integrated in the centre console. The advanced McIntosh was incorporated in the car’s design from the start, with thought given to door length, angles and shape to ensure optimum compatibility between car and audio entertainment.

It has 13 speakers including new midrange speakers, which deliver clarity and quality of sound equal to most home audio systems.

Door mirror gusset tweeters, remote tweeters and door woofers are provided for both the driver and passenger seats. Midrange squawkers are arranged between the tweeters and woofers.

Coaxial two-way speakers (full range and tweeters) are provided in both rear doors.

A super woofer is located on the rear shelf.

Security

All Libertys are equipped with the latest advanced engine immobilisers and DataDot theft protection.

For added security, all models have only one barrel lock, located in the driver’s door.

Sedans have remote boot release and wagons have remote tailgate unlocking.

Liberty MY05 highlights

Engine

• 3.0R great pulling power – braked towing capacity of 1,800 kg
• 3.0R - AVCS and Variable Valve Lift for optimum power and torque output. Also improves fuel consumption and lowers exhaust emissions

Transmission

• New six-speed manual transmission for Liberty 3.0R-B
• Lightweight five-speed Sportshift auto for 3.0R

Interior

• 3.0R, 3.0R-B, GT - Premium 13-speaker McIntosh sound system
• Leather trim and electric sunroof on all new Liberty variants
• Eight-way adjustable power driver and front passenger seats on 3.0R and 3.0R-B
• Ivory leather trim unique to Liberty 3.0R
• Speed sensitive intermittent windscreen wipers – shared by entire MY05 Liberty range
• Aluminium sports pedals on Liberty 3.0R-B

Exterior

• 18-inch alloy wheels with design unique to Liberty 3.0R-B
• Bilstein suspension for Liberty 3.0R-B
• Chrome surround grille and door sills on Liberty 3.0R models

Safety

• ANCAP five-star crashworthiness rating on all Liberty variants
• Curtain airbags front and rear on all new Liberty 3.0R and GT versions
• Double pretensioners on all MY05 Liberty driver’s seatbelts
• Dual front side airbags on all 2.5i, 3.0R and GT Libertys
• Vehicle Dynamics Control on 3.0R automatic
• Shift-lock mechanism on all automatic Libertys