SUBARU is set to surprise performance fans with the Geneva unveiling of a Spec B version of the highly-acclaimed new Legacy 3.0R saloon. Displayed purely as a prototype, the All-Wheel Drive teaser will be uncovered on Tuesday, March 2, at 2.45pm, at the 74th Geneva International Motor Show.

Since launch late last year, the new Legacy has been voted 'Car of the Year Japan 2003-4', winning widespread praise for its involving chassis, interior ambience and big improvements in refinement, fuel efficiency and emissions.

Now, the range-topping 3.0R - with its new 245 PS six-cylinder 'boxer' engine - has received a raft of driver-focused enhancements sure to whet enthusiasts' appetites. For example, the display car will have the same six-speed manual gearbox as the Impreza STi. The current Legacy 3.0R is available as an automatic only.

In addition, the Legacy Spec B features front and rear Bilstein suspension with rally car-like inverted struts for tauter high-speed control.

Also aimed at enthusiasts is a torque-sensing rear limited-slip differential. This gives sharper cornering turn-in and more throttle-adjustable handling. Finally, the show car has larger 18 inch diameter wheels with 215/45 R 18 tyres.