Blitzen on horizon
Subaru will have a limited number of the subtly, yet aggressively style Legacy Blitzen models available in June.

The unique looking sedan will only be available in red or black, with a choice of five speed manual or five speed automatic gearbox.

Easily distinguishable features of the Blitzen include the re-designed front grille and bumper. The main bumper line divides the deep grille and there are also low set fog lights. The rear bumper is also unique to the Blitzen with a centre diffuser to aid under body aerodynamics.

It sits on seven spoke, 17 inch diameter, alloy wheels, which again are unique to the car.

Under the bonnet, the Blitzen takes its queue from the Legacy GT with the 206 kWs flat four cylinder motor (boxer engine) with its twin scroll titanium turbocharger and intercooler. This engine is rated at 191 kWs with the automatic transmission. Both versions have 343 Nm of torque at a lowly 2400 rpm for maximum pulling power from low down in the rev-range.

The Blitzen puts the power to the road with Subaru's symmetrical All Wheel Drive transmission while Bilstein long travel suspension keeps the wheels in contact with the road.

Braking is provided by ventilated discs on all four wheels with ABS and EBD.

The Blitzen was previously available here in 2001 when just five new models were imported by Subaru of New Zealand although subsequently more second hand Japanese used import cars have arrived.

"We could've sold considerably more than five back then, and subsequent arrivals have benefited by strong resale value on the uniqueness of the originals" said Wallis Dumper, Subaru of New Zealand's General Manager.

"We've got more this time around although Japan has still limited the numbers available to us and have produced less in total than in 01 to keep them exclusive in Japan too."

Inside, the Blitzen comes with a choice of pearl black leather upholstery with red brick inserts or a totally off-black leather upholstery, complemented by alloy pedals and footrest.

There are the trade mark electro luminescent instruments and a 13 speaker McIntosh sound system with 6 stack CD.

There are four airbags, a comprehensive range of electric accessories, climate control air conditioning, a trip computer, remote central locking with an alarm, DataDot technology and a three year, unlimited kilometre warranty.

Of course being a Subaru Legacy means the car is one of the family of cars recently awarded the AA Motoring Excellence Awards as New Zealand's safest car.

The Subaru Legacy Blitzen will sell for $64,990, irrespective of transmission or leather upholstery option.