In addition, the horizontal configuration allows for a more compact size and a lower engine height. Because the engine actually sits lower in the chassis, the vehicle’s center of gravity is lower, which in turn improves overall handling and reduces roll in corners.
The turbo engine in the XT is the same one that’s in the WRX. For 2006, it has been bored out to 2.5 liters and now puts out 230 hp and 235 lb-ft of torque. This is good for 0 – 60 mph times in the low sixes.
My test car had the new 5-speed manual, which I found shifted with inordinate ease. On a 100 mile, hurry-up drive early one morning over very quiet, but seriously twisty and hilly country roads outside Vancouver, I found I rarely had to shift out of third gear such was the flexibility of this powertrain combo.
