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The Subaru booth at the New York International Auto Show was buzzing with people as a sudden calm came over the crowd and then the sheets came off to reveal both the revised Legacy Spec B and the new STI Limited Edition. Over the past few months there have been rumors about both cars circling the 'net, and it’s nice to finally see them in person and get the facts.

The Legacy Spec B may look the similar to the out going Spec B on the outside, but there is a host of improvements to the new car. As one of the biggest weaknesses of the out-going Spec B was the 5-speed transmission, it’s nice to see Subaru address that for 2007. The new Spec B now features a 6-speed transmission that’s also shared with the STI, however the Spec B 6-speed has unique gear ratios. Beyond the revised gearing, the shift linkage has been improved to provide smoother shifting.

The Spec B, along with the Legacy 2.5GT and Outback 2.5XT, now features SI-Drive. SI-Drive is short for Subaru Intelligent Drive and it seems to be a very trick set up for those of us that like techno-wizardry in our cars. SI-Drive gives the driver the ability to control power while maximizing efficiency. The standard mode is Sport mode and that’s also the most versatile. The economy mode has been labeled "Intelligent mode" and like it’s name suggests, it maximizes efficiency. This mode is highlighted by smooth drivability. The Sport Sharp mode increases throttle response regardless of engine speed and is best used when driving your favorite back roads. The Si-Drive gives the driver a multi-information display as well as an economy gauge. The multi-information display provides a trip computer as well as the torque curve of the current map selected. The economy gauge shows current fuel economy as well as best time to shift if the car is equipped with a manual transmission.

The last change to the Spec B is around the interior. The seats are now black leather with blue alcantera inserts. The blue isn’t as striking and bolt as the blue used in the STI seats, but it is still a very nice addition to the interior. The rest of the interior is mostly unchanged; touch-screen navigation is still standard along with heated seats, a power driver seat and a 100 watt stereo.

The latest changes to the Spec B improve an already great car. I’d still like to see a little more visual flair on the exterior but it’s a great package as it sits. Each year Subaru seems to do a good job at answering the biggest criticisms of its cars, and this one is no exception.

The STI Limited was a big hit with me as well as the other journalists who seemed to surround the car at all times. Gone is the boy-racer image; as Subaru says, "Less show, same go!"

The first thing everyone will notice is the car no longer has the trademark STI spoiler or the roof vane spoiler. They have both been replaced by a subtle body-colored rear lip spoiler. In the front we see the addition of the previously-JDM-only V-Limited front lip. Other exterior updates are the new Enkei 17x8” 10-spoke wheels, while tires are unchanged. The brakes are the same Brembro units as before but now feature black calipers with white lettering.

The interior has been upgraded to first-class, with heated black leather seats embroidered with the STI logo. A very nice and long overdue change is the metallic grey/black trim on the center console. It looks much more upscale than the silver on the standard car. Other changes include uprated carpeting with improved sound deadening materials. The stereo is now equipped with an auxiliary input jack and set up for Sirius satellite service. A moon roof is now standard on the STI Limited.

The STI Limited goes on sale in the fall as a 2007 model and only 800 will be made. 400 in Satin White Pearl and 400 in Urban Gray Metallic. This is in my opinion the perfect STI. I always loved the performance the car offered but never could warm up to the blue interior or the large spoiler. Once again it’s nice to see Subaru answer the call and provide the STI Limited to us.

Another highlight of the Subaru booth was the 2006 Subaru World Rally Car built by Prodrive. Words can’t convey how menacing this car looks in person. It was great to see the WRC in person- pictures and videos don’t do the car justice once you've seen it up close.

The STI Limited and Legacy Spec-B seemed to be crowd pleasers and there is no reason they shouldn’t have been. Both offer plenty of performance while also offering many of the luxury features we come to expect in our cars. Now we can’t wait to drive them to see how the changes carry over to the driving experience.