Subaru Legacy
| Subaru Legacy | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Subaru |
| Also called | Subaru Liberty (Australia only) Subaru B4 Subaru Legacy B4 (sedan) Isuzu Aska CX (First generation) |
| Production | 1989–present |
| Assembly | Ōta, Gunma Japan Lafayette, Indiana |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Compact (1989-1994) Mid-size (1995-present) |
| Body style | 4-door "B" pillar hardtop (1989-2009) 4-door sedan 5-door station wagon |
The Subaru Legacy is a mid-size car built by Japanese automobile manufacturer Subaru since 1989. Part of the original design goals for the Legacy model was to provide Subaru a vehicle in which they could compete in the lucrative North American midsize market against competitors Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Higher performance variants of the Legacy are offered as competitive alternatives to compact executive cars such as the Audi A4, Alfa Romeo 159 and BMW 3 Series. The Legacy also serves as Subaru's flagship car.
In 1996, a variant of the Legacy with heightened suspension called the Legacy Outback was introduced to compete in the burgeoning sport-utility vehicle class and proved to be a sales success for Subaru. The Outback line was split into its own model in 2000, known as the Subaru Outback.
It is unique in its class for offering all wheel drive as a standard feature, and Subaru's traditional boxer engine. The Legacy bears the name Liberty in Australia out of deference to Legacy Australia, a veterans' assistance organization. As of 2008, 3.6 million Legacies have been built since its 1989 introduction.[1]
First generation (1989–1993) - BC, BJ, BF
The introduction of the Legacy was a notable departure from Subaru products in the past. The Legacy was formally released January 23, 1989 in Japan, with an introductory price of ¥2,550,000 for the turbocharged RS (approx. USD $18,800 at 1989 yen exchange rate).[2] The first Legacy was available at Japanese dealerships on February 1, 1989, with worldwide distribution starting in 1990.
Subaru had earned a reputation of building vehicles that were regarded as quirky and other Asian manufacturers were bringing more upscale and conventional appearing models to the market. The Legacy broke with many Subaru traditions, such as no longer locating the spare tire in the engine compartment, behind the engine and above the transmission, a tradition started with the 1966 Subaru 1000. The Legacy was an all-new model, and positioned above the Leone, XT, Justy, and kei cars Rex and Sambar in Subaru's model range at the time. The Legacy also introduced an entirely new flat-4 engine series, called the Subaru EJ engine, which was quieter and more powerful than the previous Subaru EA engine.
The DOHC 2.0 liter turbocharged 217 bhp (162 kW; 220 PS) EJ20G engine was introduced in the Japan-spec Legacy RS, RS-RA and GT in 1989 and later used in the Impreza WRX when it was introduced to Japan in 1992. International versions of the Legacy turbo were offered the DOHC 2.0 liter engine with a water-cooled intercooler starting with 1991, with a manual transmission only in the RS and RS-RA version, the GT version was available with an automatic transmission.
The USA-spec EJ22T SOHC 2.2 liter 163 bhp (122 kW; 165 PS) turbo was not offered with an intercooler when it was introduced in 1991 as the Legacy Sport Sedan, and was available with either a manual or automatic transmission. In 1992, the Legacy Touring Wagon made its debut, but was only available with an automatic 4-speed transmission. Both turbo models, the Sport Sedan and Touring Wagon, had upgraded components. Brakes had ventilated rotors both front and rear with ABS standard, a 4EAT automatic transmission capable of handling the additional turbo's power, thicker sway bars, and wider tires were some of the included performance improvements. Turbo models were only available with AWD.
The Legacy began with a 5-door wagon or 4-door sedan body styles with FWD and an optional full-time AWD package, and was introduced in North America, the UK, Germany, the Benelux region of Northern Europe, Japan and Australia. Options included 4-channel ABS, licensed from Bosch and air suspension height control, which lowered the vehicle at speeds above 50 mph (80.5 km/h), and also allowed the driver to increase the vehicle's ground clearance for off-road conditions.
The USA-spec included the passive restraints (motorized seat belts) through the 1994 model year with exception to the right hand drive Postal model which was only available with conventional seat belts. Driver's side airbags were an option midway through the 1992 model year and became standard in 1993. Passenger airbags weren't available until the 2nd generation arrived in 1995.
These model codes are designated in the VIN of each vehicle, such as "JF1BF3BL0E-":
Legacy Codes
- BC=89-94 Sedan
- BF=89-94 Wagon (raised roof)
- BJ=89-94 Wagon
Second generation (1993–1999) - BD, BG, BK
Second generation sales in Japan began October 7, 1993, and an introductory price of ¥2,753,000 for the twin turbo GT (approx USD $25,250 at 1993 yen exchange rate),[2] with an introduction for model year 1995 in North America with a full body and chassis revision. The exterior was designed by Olivier Boulay, who was hired by Subaru on a short-term basis. The tail light appearance on both the sedan and wagon was influenced by the taillights on the SVX. In 1996, Subaru decided to make AWD standard equipment in all vehicles produced for the North American market from that year to 2012. Subaru still offered a choice between FWD and AWD for its domestic market vehicles for this generation. The increased ground clearance Outback was introduced with this generation in 1995 with AWD only internationally, and the air suspension with height control was no longer offered.
USA-spec GT models, first offered in 1990 as a turbocharged sedan or wagon in Japan, and as a trim package for the USA version in 1994, became a top level model upgrade in 1996, using the new EJ25D DOHC 2.5 L naturally aspirated engine. "Limited" trim level editions were introduced, offering heated leather, or cloth, seats and trim and a tinted, glass moonroof. The term "Limited" appeared on the "GT", known as the "GT Limited" in 1998. The term "Limited" was used by itself on the Outback in 1998. Driver and front passenger airbags were added with the redesigned interior as standard equipment in accordance with USA Federal Government regulations. 1999 marked the 30th anniversary of Subaru in America, and the last of the second generation in North America. There was a special 30th Anniversary Edition offered in the USA with upgraded interior and sunroof, spoiler, alloy wheels on the "L" trim level cars. The USA-spec "Brighton" trim level also carried over from the facelifted first generation version that was priced below the "L" trim option.
In Japan, the GT/B-Spec was introduced in 1994 with lowered and stiffened suspension and a higher performance rear differential. The next generation of the GT-B was introduced June 1996, with the front and rear struts supplied by Bilstein,[3] with the upgrade also available on the RS. The "B" designation stood for Bilstein. Turbocharged versions continued to be available in markets that used right hand drive configurations. Specialty touring and racing versions were available in Japan, as well as the DOHC 2 liter twin sequential turbocharged EJ20H version on both the Legacy GT sedan and wagon with an automatic transmission and the RS sedan and GT-B wagon with the EJ20R and a manual transmission and a slightly higher horsepower rating, both identified as "Boxer 2-stage Twin Turbo" on the engine cover shroud.
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Subaru Legacy Touring Wagon GTB Limited (Japan). -
Subaru Liberty GX station wagon (Australia) with clear rear turn signal lenses and amber bulbs.
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Subaru Legacy Brighton wagon (USA) with amber rear turn signal lenses. -
Subaru Liberty RX Bilstein Edition Sedan (Australia) with clear rear turn signal lenses and amber bulbs, Bilstein badge.
_RX_Bilstein_Edition_AWD_sedan_(2008-09-23).jpg)
For the Australian market, the Subaru Liberty was offered in LX, GX, RX, and Heritage model grades. In 1998 the special edition "Bilstein Edition RX" was offered. It could be identified by a Bilstein badge on the right rear boot lid and a lower stance due to front and rear Bilstein struts. It also featured Leather seats and door inserts along with MOMO sports leather steering wheel and 16in BBS alloys as standard equipment.
With the introduction of the Legacy second generation in Israel, the Legacy name was replaced by the B4 brand.
These model codes are designated in the Applied Model code of each vehicle, such as "BD'9A4D":
Legacy Codes
- BD=Sedan; North America 1995-1999, Japan 1993-1997
- BG=Step-roof Wagon (Raised Roof); North America 1995-1999, Japan 1993-1997
- BK=Standard-roof Wagon (Used only in North America); North America 1995-1999
Third generation (1998–2004) - BE, BH, BT
Subaru launched the third generation Japanese and world-market Legacy in June 1998, while the North American model started production in late 1999 as a 2000 model, also known as the BE for sedan models and BH for wagons. European-market and Japanese models ranged from a normally aspirated 2.0 L flat-4 to the EZ30 flat-6 in the 3.0R model (European and Japanese trim level designation), with the twin turbo that was offered in the previous generation still offered on performance models. In the US market the third generation Legacy went on sale with the 2.5 L EJ251 Engine standard. In 2001 the EZ30, a newly designed 3.0 L H6 was offered in the Outbacks. The engine now met California's LEV emission standard.
Flat roof wagons were no longer manufactured worldwide, and instead the raised roof is used for both the Legacy wagon and Legacy Outback. Daytime running lamps were introduced on US models starting with the 2000 Model Year. Cabin air filters were available starting with 2001 models installed underneath and behind the glove compartment door.
Japanese-spec vehicles with the twin turbo had a choice of manual or semi-automatic transmission called SportShift, that allowed the driver to push the automatic gearshift selector to the left, and then allow the driver to shift the automatic like a manual transmission.
US models ended in 2004 instead of 2003.
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Subaru Legacy Limited Sedan (USA). -
1998–2004 Subaru Legacy 2.0 GT-B E-Tune II Touring Wagon (Japan) with clear rear turn signal lenses and amber bulbs. -
Subaru Legacy L Wagon (USA) with amber colored rear turn signal lenses. -
Subaru Liberty RX Sedan (Australia).
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Fourth generation (2003–2009) - BL, BP
_2.5i_sedan_(2010-05-19).jpg)
On May 23, 2003, Fuji Heavy Industries debuted the redesigned Legacy, known as the BL for sedan models and BP for wagons. It was released worldwide in 2004, with Subaru Indiana Automotive commencing production in February 2004 for the North American markets. The Legacy was presented the 2003–2004 Japan Car of the Year, Subaru's first win for the award. Lance Armstrong was used as a spokesman for both the sedan and wagon, and Sheryl Crow sang her 1996 hit "Everyday Is a Winding Road" in USA market commercials.
The chassis was redesigned and made stiffer, and it marked the return of a turbocharged engine to North American Legacies, featuring a 2.5 liter unit derived from that of the North American Impreza WRX STI. Due to advancements in turbocharger technology and tightening emission standards, the twin-turbo setup was dropped from the lineup. Turbocharged models and the H6 offered Subaru's first 5-speed automatic transmission, featuring SportShift technology licensed from Prodrive, Ltd.
The 2005 model year Legacy for the US market was offered in 2.5i, 2.5i Limited, 2.5GT, and 2.5GT Limited. All trim levels were available as Sedan and Wagon. For 2006, the regular GT was dropped, and the 2.5i Special Edition was added into the line up.
2004 brought with it the performance Subaru Legacy 3.4L H4 as a limited edition model only 30,000 units were made and sold throughout the pacific exclusively. The high-performance Subaru Legacy 2.5GT spec.B arrived as a limited edition model with only 500 units made for the 2006 model year in America. The only color available was Titanium Silver Metallic with Brick Red leather interior. It featured a 6-disc CD player with MP3, a navigation system, 8-way power driver's seat, 4-way passenger seat, and aluminum look trim on the interior with the production number (out of 500) behind the shifter. It had Bilstein shock absorbers, 18 inch alloy wheels with summer performance tires for better handling. It became a regular model starting in 2007 through 2009. In 2007 the only color option was Dark Grey Metallic, with black leather seats with blue alcantra inserts, with added memory seats. More color options were added for the 2008 and 2009 models. Additions on the 2007+ models also included a 6-speed manual transmission with a Torsen R180 rear differential from the STI, Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive) with three modes: Intelligent, Sport, and Sport Sharp, and satellite radio with AUX inputs for the stereo.
As of the 2007 model year, the Legacy wagon and Outback sedan were discontinued in the United States, leaving the Legacy sedan and Outback wagon. The Legacy wagon was not discontinued in Canada. 2008 also brought the 3.0 L flat-6 engine to the North American Legacy sedan. The flat-6 has been available in the Outback sedan wagon since 2000. For 2008, the 2.5i USA model has been certified PZEV emissions, and a badge has been attached to the rear of the vehicle on the bottom right hand side of the trunklid or tailgate. All other models are certified LEV2. The PZEV Legacy is available for sale in all 50 states, unlike other manufacturers who only sell PZEV certified vehicles in states that have adopted California emission standards.
On May 10, 2008, the Japanese-spec Legacy can be fitted with a new collision avoidance feature, called EyeSight. It consists of twin CCD cameras, one on each side of the rear view mirror, that use human-like stereoscopic vision to judge distances and generally keep tabs on the driver. The system can help maintain a safe distance on the highway, a lane departure warning system, a driver alert warning for various safety situations, and even keeps an eye out for pedestrians.[4][5] SI-Cruise has been integrated into the EyeSight feature as a driver safety aid.
The Subaru EE flat-4 diesel engine, the world's first to be fitted to a passenger car, is offered in both the Legacy and Outback sedans and wagons, identified as the Subaru Legacy 2.0D. The vehicle was released in the European Union starting March 2008, and is offered with a 5-speed manual transmission only. The official introduction of the Legacy and Outback diesel was at the Geneva AutoShow in March 2008.[6][7][8]
Fifth generation (2009–2014) - BM, BR
In 2009, a Subaru Legacy concept was designed to commemorate 20th anniversary of the model,[9] reported to be the basis of the production version of the then upcoming fifth generation Subaru Legacy. The concept vehicle was unveiled at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show.[10]
Production of the fifth generation 2010 Subaru Legacy began the last week of May 2009 at the Indiana location,[11] and was unveiled at the 2009 New York Auto Show.[12] According to the Subaru website in Japan, the Legacy was introduced in Japan on May 20, 2009.[13] The Legacy B4 2.5GT tS tuned by STi was introduced to Japan June 12, 2010.
On May 2010, the "EyeSight" collision avoidance feature introduced on the previous generation Legacy was re-introduced on the Japan-spec Touring Wagon and Outback, and was awarded the "Best Technology" award from the Japan Automotive Hall of Fame at the Japan Museum of Nature and Science. For the 2014 model year, the EyeSight driver safety aid has been installed optionally on all international Legacy and Outback vehicles.
The new for this generation Lineartronic continuously variable transmission is used internationally on the EJ25 2.5 L flat-4 engine and the EJ20 in some markets, with a 6-speed manual transmission also offered only in North America and Australia. The 2.5GT uses a turbocharger with a 6-speed manual transmission used exclusively in Japan and North America with Australia being able to choose between the 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission; vehicles identified as "3.6R" use the EZ36 flat-6 engine with a 5-speed SportShift conventional automatic transmission.[14] The Lineartronic CVT transmission is also shared with the JDM-spec Subaru Exiga on AWD models. The North American PZEV Legacy 2.5i continues to be available in all 50 states, unlike other manufacturers who only sell PZEV certified vehicles in states that have adopted California emission standards.
Internationally, the EZ36 flat-6 engine is used in the Outback only, but is also available in the Legacy sedan in both North America and Australia. The Japan-spec vehicle has discontinued using the EJ25 engine which increases vehicle tax liability for Japanese buyers, offering the EJ20 in both turbo and non-turbo versions. "SI-Drive" is standard equipment on all Japanese-spec vehicles, and both the Australian 2.5GT and the 3.6R sedan, but not in North America. SI-Drive is standard on the international Outback with the EZ36 except North America. The Legacy wagon is only available as an Outback in North America, whereas both a Legacy and Outback wagon are available in Japan, the UK, Australia, and Europe. In the UK, only the wagon is offered, with engine choices limited to the Subaru EE20 turbodiesel or the EJ25. The EZ36 engine was available in the UK in 2010 MY Outbacks only. In Europe and certain Asian countries, the EJ20 is still offered in both the sedan and a wagon, alongside the EE20 turbodiesel and the EJ25. The EE20 turbodiesel is available in Australia in the Outback. The European and UK Legacy EE20 diesel, the EJ20 and the EJ25 gasoline engines are Euro5 emission standard compliant.
New in 2013, Subaru has discontinued use of the EJ25 engine in the Legacy, replacing it with the new FB25 2.5 liter flat-4 boxer engine which is a 2.5 liter version of the 2.0 liter FB20 engine used in the Subaru Impreza. Subaru first used the FB25 engine in the MY2011 Forester. The FB25 receives a 3 horsepower/4 lb.-ft. of torque bump thanks to slightly increased displacement (from 2457cc to 2498cc) chain-driven dual overhead cams, and asymmetrical piston rods which allow for a longer stroke and smaller bore in an engine block of the same size. Additional changes to the FB25 include an improved intake manifold, increased fuel efficiency, and relocation of the oil filter to the top of the engine.[15]
The side windows are no longer frameless, ending a Subaru tradition started with the first generation Leone in the early 1970s. The "D" pillar on the wagon is no longer covered in glass, also ending a design tradition established with the first generation, borrowed from the Subaru XT. A center console mounted hand brake has been replaced with an electric handbrake switch installed on the dashboard. Commonly used functions are placed closer to the driver, such as volume adjustment on the stereo, or the "Auto" function on the climate control unit.
The continuously variable transmission (CVT) runs in an automatic mode by default. Manual control of shifting with the CVT is allowed via 'paddle shifters' located on the steering wheel column. The CVT will function in an automatic mode that continually changes ratios, while a manual, simulated shift up or down uses preset ratios. In automatic mode the paddle shifters may be used, but the computer may switch back to automatic control if it senses over revving or lugging of the engine. In manual mode the paddles will keep ratios locked until the car slows to a stop. These two modes are changed with the automatic shifter near the middle console.
Bilstein struts are offered only in Japan, the UK, Europe, and Australia as either standard or optional equipment based on trim packages offered in the specified markets. G-Book, a vehicle telematics service, is offered optionally on all Legacies sold in Japan.
This is the ninth Subaru vehicle to offer a CVT transmission; the first was the Subaru Justy (1987–1994), followed by the Subaru Rex (1987–1992), the Subaru Vivio (1992–1998), the Subaru Pleo (1998–current), the Subaru R1 coupe (2004–current), the Subaru R2 5-door hatchback (2003–current), the Subaru Sambar (1990–1995 only), and the Subaru Exiga starting September 2009.
Sixth generation (2014-present) - BN, BS
The sixth generation of the Subaru Legacy made its debut at the 2014 Chicago Auto Show, and went into production for the 2015 model year.
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Engines & drivetrain
A 2.5-liter flat-four FB25 [16] and a 3.6-liter flat-six EZ36D are carried over from the fifth-generation model. Output is slightly increased on the four-cylinder model to 175 PS (129 kW; 173 bhp). The six-cylinder model remains unchanged from the 256 PS (188 kW; 252 bhp) 3.6 litre engine.
The Legacy still offers standard all-wheel drive and horizontally-opposed engine layouts, but discontinues the manual transmission for the US market in favor of the Lineartronic CVT on both engine configurations.[17]
EyeSight
EyeSight is Subaru's active safety system. When turned on, it monitors the road through windshield-mounted cameras, and can react to driving conditions and possible collisions, even before the driver can. Models equipped with EyeSight earned the highest possible rating in the IIHS front crash safety test.
The Adaptive Cruise Control function senses the speed and pace of vehicles ahead of your vehicle, and can automatically adjust the cruise control accordingly. Pre-Collision Braking uses the cameras to monitor the activity of the vehicles in front of your vehicle, and alerts the driver visually and audibly. It can also apply the brakes, if the driver hasn't done so already. According to Subaru, EyeSight also monitors your vehicle's space in its lane. It will alert the driver if the vehicle has accidentally swayed too far to either side of the lane.
All of these features are available on the 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Limited, and 3.6R Limited models.[18]
Features and amenities
The Subaru Legacy comes in 4 trim levels; the base 2.5i, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Limited, and 3.6R Limited.[19]
- Base 2.5i
- Comes with Halogen projector low-beam headlamps with Halogen multireflector high-beams, fog lights, Subaru's PIN Code Access system, a manual climate-control system (with air conditioning), Subaru STARLINK infotainment, a 6.2 inch high-resolution touchscreen, a 4-speaker sound system, HD Radio AM/FM radio, a rear-view camera, Symmetrical AWD, a 6-way manually adjustable driver's seat, and a 4 way manually adjustable passenger seat.
- The only option for this trim is the Patrial Zero Emissions Certification package.
- 2.5i Premium
- Comes with all the aforementioned equipment of the base 2.5i, plus a dual-zone climate-control system, a larger 7 inch high-resolution touchscreen, voice commands for most functions (including for the climate-control, phone, and audio functions), Satellite Radio, an upgraded 6-speaker sound system, tri-level heated front seats, a leather wrapped steering wheel & shift lever, and an 8-way power adjustable driver's seat.
- Options for the 2.5i Premium are a moonroof, a Blind Spot Detection system with Lane Change Assist & Cross Traffic Alert, a Voice-Activated GPS navigation system, and the Eyesight camera-based safety system. The Eyesight camera based safety system option also includes Steering Responsive Fog Lights, which is a cheaper alternative to having adaptive headlamps.
- 2.5i Limited
- Further adds Leather upholstery, dual-level heated rear seats, a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, matte faux-wood trim, dual USB ports in the center storage area, a Blind Spot Detection system with Lane Change Assist & Cross Traffic Alert, and two-position memory for the Driver's seat and exterior mirrors. The option for push-button start with passive-keyless entry becomes available at this trim level.
- 3.6R Limited trim is comparably equipped to the 2.5i Limited trim
- With the addition of the 3.6 liter Flat-6, and HID (Xenon) low-beam headlamps with Halogen multireflector high-beams.
- Options for the 3.6R Limited trim are the same as the 2.5i Limited trim.
Accomplishments and motorsports
Awards
In 1990, the Legacy was declared the number one selling 4-wheel drive car in the USA by R.L. Polk & Company, based on registration statistics for CYE 1989. According to AutoFacts Inc. AutoGuide, dated June 28, 1990, the Legacy was the least expensive Sedan or Wagon offering both 4-wheel drive and ABS. The Automotive Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) voted the Legacy "1990's Best New Sedan".
Performance enhancements
The EZ series of flat-6-cylinder engines, used in current Legacy products, replaced the EG series found in the Subaru SVX. Subaru has produced high-performance versions of the Legacy with a Bilstein suspension and tuned turbocharged engines equivalent to the homologated rally version WRX STI (generating 205 kW (275 hp) on manufacturer's figures for the 2.0 L equivalent engine with manual transmission). Recent 3.0 L engines move close to the 2.0 L turbo output and share the Bilstein suspension. 2.0 L-engined turbocharged models with the Bilstein suspension were named either the GT-B (for wagons), or Spec B, or B4-RSK (for sedans). The new 2003 model moved many models to simply B4 or even GT in some countries. In Australia, the 2.5GT (SatNav) marks the top of the pile for the Legacy/Liberty range.
In North America, early sporty models were known simply as the Sport Sedan and Touring Wagon. Later models were given the GT and GT Limited nomenclature. The 2006 Legacy model brought forth a limited run of 500 Spec B models. Starting in 2007 the Spec B became a regular production model (albeit a somewhat limited run). All Spec B models feature an improved suspension system by Bilstein, navigation system (making the Spec. B the sole pre-2010 MT Legacy to get one), exclusive (to the Spec B) interior, 18" wheels, and additional aesthetic modifications. 2006 Spec B models have a 5-speed manual transmission while 2007-on models have a 6-speed manual transmission.
Racing
Rallying
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The Legacy was campaigned by the Subaru World Rally Team in the World Rally Championship and British Rally Championship, with the help of Prodrive, beginning in 1990. It wasn't considered a truly competitive model at first, but showed promise under the command of Markku Alen, who in 1991 managed a third-place finish at the Swedish Rally. 1992 debuted the combination of experienced Group B, Pikes Peak International Hillclimb, and WRC driver Ari Vatanen, paired with the up-and-coming Scottish driver Colin McRae for Subaru's WRC effort. Two second place finishes, one by each driver, strengthened the commitment of Subaru to the World Rally Championship, the Legacy, and their drivers. The Legacy's primary competitor, with a turbocharged engine and AWD, was the Mitsubishi Galant VR-4.
1993 became a breakout year for Subaru as Colin McRae and Ari Vatanen pushed the Legacy to a third place finish at the Swedish Rally and a one-two placing after the first leg of the Acropolis Rally. Prodrive boss David Garraway was eager to prove the potential of the new Impreza WRC car, but was charged with gaining a victory in the Legacy before the Impreza could debut. At the round eight Rally New Zealand, Subaru finally struck gold when McRae managed to hold back François Delecour in his Ford Escort RS Cosworth for the win. This was the last WRC year for the Legacy, as the Impreza debuted at the following event, where it placed second in the hands of Vatanen.
Richard Burns was successful in numerous events with the car during 1992 before joining the World Rally team to drive the Impreza in 1993. Alister McRae, Per Eklund, Possum Bourne and Hannu Mikkola also competed in the Legacy during its WRC participation.
The Legacy remains an ever-present competitor in rallies around the world. SCCA ProRally and Rally America participation from many teams has been impressive. The Legacy and the Impreza have many interchangeable parts which makes for a very competent and reliable entry.
The Legacy, and its Outback stablemate, has won the Alcan Winter Rally several times; the first win was in 1990 followed by another win in 1992, 2002 and 2006.
A 1990 Legacy was the first Group N car to ever finish the WRC Safari Rally. This rally is considered the world's most gruelling rally under the World Rally Championship. In 1990 the 38th Safari Rally had 59 competitors total, only 10 of which were able to reach the finish. The Legacy was the only Group N car able to reach the finish and was in 8th place overall.
Super GT
Similar to the Impreza that Team Cusco ran in previous years until 2008, a Legacy grand tourer car based on the fifth generation model has been built by R&D Sport for the Japanese Super GT series (GT300 class). It features a boxer-4 turbo charged engine. The car had also featured all-wheel-drive in the first season but the layout was replaced with an FR layout in 2010, which that season they got their first win in 39th Pokka Summer Special.
Speed records
On April 23, 1998, a Generation III Subaru Legacy set a new world speed record for mass-produced turbocharged station wagons with small engines (1600 cc-2000 cc class), clocking 270.532 km/h (168.101 mph) over one kilometer on Highway 10 in La Junta, Colorado.[citation needed] This record was previously set by a Generation II Subaru Legacy in 1993 at 249.981 km/h (155.331 mph).[citation needed]
The original Legacy speed record was set between January 2 and January 21, 1989, with three Japanese-spec turbocharged RS sedans at the Arizona Test Center outside of Phoenix, Arizona. It broke the 100,000 km FIA World Land Endurance Record by maintaining an average speed of 138.780 mph (223.345 km/h) for 447 hours, 44 minutes and 9.887 seconds, or 18.5 days. Pit stops were made every two hours with a driver change and refueling, while tire changes were made at 96‑hour intervals, or every 13,400 miles (21,600 km) driven.[20]
World market release schedule
Models have typically been released into Japan and selected World markets such as New Zealand and Chile in advance of the Continental European and North American markets, with the first two being right-hand drive and traditional strong markets for Subaru.
- Generation I: 1989–1993
- Generation II: 1993–1998
- Generation III: 1998–2003
- Generation IV: 2003–2009
- Generation V: 2009–2014
- Generation VI: 2015–present
North American market release schedule
North America usually releases its models one to one and a half calendar years after Japan does, due to the fact that all current Legacies for the North American market have been built at Subaru of Indiana located in Lafayette, Indiana since 2004. Previously, all USA Legacies were built at either the Indiana plant or the Ōta, Gunma plant in Japan starting in 1989. Notably, production of the fifth generation Legacy at SIA started roughly the same time it did in Gunma.
- Generation I: 1990–1994 (production started 1989)
- Generation II: 1995–1999 (production started 1994)
- Generation III: 2000–2004 (production started 1999)
- Generation IV: 2005–2009 (production started 2004)
- Generation V: 2010–2014 (production started 2009)
- Generation VI: 2015–present (production started 2014)
Sales
On March 14, 2005, Subaru sold its three-millionth Legacy worldwide.[21]
| Japan | World | Total | |
| First-generation Legacy | 620,444 | 204,168 | 824,612 |
| Second-generation Legacy | 495,471 | 466,354 | 961,825 |
| Third-generation Legacy | 434,624 | 467,447 | 902,071 |
| Fourth-generation Legacy | 204,776 | 106,716 | 311,492 |
| Total | 1,755,315 | 1,244,685 | 3,000,000 |
| Production numbers as of March 14, 2005 | |||
References
- ^ Nunez, Alex (2009-01-11). "Subaru Introduction of 2009 Legacy Concept vehicle". Autoblog.com. Retrieved 2010-11-11.
- ^ a b "Database for cars introduced at Tokyo". Db.tokyo-motorshow.com. Retrieved 2010-11-11.
- ^ "Bilstein". Bilstein. Retrieved 2009-05-26.
- ^ "SUBARU : 車種紹介 > レガシィ ツーリングワゴン". Subaru.jp. Retrieved 2009-05-26.
- ^ Gardiner, Justin (2008-09-04). "Retrieved from Autoblog September 4, 2008". Autoblog.com. Retrieved 2010-11-11.
- ^ http://cars.uk.msn.com/news/articles.aspx?cp-documentid=147861912 Legacy Diesel Review retrieved 01/22/08
- ^ http://www.greencarcongress.com/2008/01/subarus-first-b.html Legacy Diesel Announcement retrieved 01/23/08
- ^ http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/08/geneva-08-preview-subaru-legacy-2-0d-and-outback-2-0d Legacy and Outback diesel announcement retrieved 02/08/08
- ^ Subaru Legacy Concept[dead link]
- ^ Nunez, Alex (2009-01-11). "Detroit 2009: Subaru Legacy Concept shows its face". Autoblog.com. Retrieved 2010-11-11.
- ^ Nunez, Alex (2009-05-31). "Production begins for 2010 Legacy at Indiana location". Autoblog.com. Retrieved 2010-11-11.
- ^ Nunez, Alex (2009-04-08). "New York: 2010 Subaru Legacy all grown up". Autoblog.com. Retrieved 2010-11-11.
- ^ "Legacy introduction in Japan". Subaru.jp. 2009-05-20. Retrieved 2010-11-11.
- ^ Joseph, Noah (2009-03-31). "New York Preview: 2010 Subaru Legacy revealed ahead of Big Apple debut". Autoblog.com. Retrieved 2010-11-11.
- ^ http://drive2.subaru.com/Win11/itsWhatMakes.htm
- ^ "Revised FB25 for 2015 Outback". http://www.subaruoutback.org/forums/138-gen-5-2015-present/167001-revised-fb25-2015-outback.html. subaruoutback.
{{cite web}}: External link in|website= - ^ "2015 Subaru Legacy Sedan - Models & Specs to Build Your Own". subaru.com.
- ^ "2015 Subaru Legacy Sedan - Eyesight Safety Technology". subaru.com.
- ^ "2015 Subaru Legacy Sedan - Models & Specs to Build Your Own". subaru.com.
- ^ "20 Years of Legacy Heritage". drive.subaru.com. Retrieved 7 January 2015.
- ^ "''Legacy Makes 3 Million''". Subaru.co.nz. Retrieved 2010-11-11.
- Information listed for the first and fifth generation Legacy above was sourced from Subaru sales brochures for the noted model years from the USA, UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Japan and Australia. Information obtained from Japanese Legacy brochures was translated into English from the original Japanese printing.
- SUBARU:Legacy B4
- SUBARU:Legacy Touring Wagon
- SUBARU:Outback legacy
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