Subaru Legacy
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| Subaru Legacy | |
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| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Subaru |
| Also called | Subaru Liberty Subaru B4 Subaru Legacy B4 (sedan) Isuzu Aska CX |
| Production | 1989–present |
| Assembly | Ōta, Gunma Japan Lafayette, Indiana (for United States and Canada) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Mid-size |
| 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 manufacturer Subaru since 1989.[1] Available as a wagon or sedan, the Legacy joined the smaller Leone and took over as Subaru's mainstay vehicle. Part of the original design goals of the Legacy was to provide Subaru a vehicle in which they could compete in the lucrative North American midsize market against the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Higher performance variants of the Legacy are offered as comparable alternatives to compact executive cars such as the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series.
In 1995, Subaru created a raised, crossover version of the Legacy wagon called the Legacy 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 for Legacy Australia, a veterans' assistance organization. As of 2008, 3.6 million Legacies have been built since its 1989 introduction.[2]
First generation (1989–1994)
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).[3] 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. The Legacy was an all-new model, and positioned above the Leone in Subaru's model range. 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 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. The USA-spec EJ22T SOHC 2.2 liter 163 bhp (122 kW; 165 PS) turbo was not offered the water-cooled intercooler when it was introduced to them in 1991, and was available with either a manual or automatic transmission.
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 vehicles ground clearance for off-road conditions.
Second generation (1993–1999)
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),[3] 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 today's current date. Subaru still offered a choice between FWD and AWD for its domestic market vehicles for this generation.
USA-spec GT models, first offered in 1990 as a turbocharged sedan or wagon in Japan, and as 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 was introduced June 1996, with the front and rear struts supplied by Bilstein,[4] 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 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.
_RX_Bilstein_Edition_AWD_sedan_(2008-09-23).jpg)
Australia saw out the last of the second generation Liberty in 1998 with a special "Bilstein Edition RX", identifiable 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.
According to the French Wikipedia, LPG is introduced as an alternative fuel source on European models with the 2.0 L and 2.2 L engines, and are outfitted by company Necam Koltec. The fuel tank is installed in the spare tire compartment, with the spare tire installed vertically on the left side of the trunk or cargo area.
With the introduction of the Legacy second generation in Israel, the Legacy name was replaced by the B4 brand.
Third generation (1998–2003)
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. 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 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 are 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.
Japanese-spec vehicles with the twin turbo had a semi-automatic transmission, 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.
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Fourth generation (2003–2009)
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 January 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.
As of the 2008 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 safety feature, called EyeSight. It consists of twin 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.[5][6] SI-Cruise has been integrated into the EyeSight feature as a driver safety aid.
The Subaru EE flat-4 diesel engine, the worlds 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. [7][8][9]
Fifth generation (2009–)
Production of the fifth generation Legacy began the last week of May 2009 at the Indiana location.[10] The 2010 Subaru Legacy was unveiled at 2009 New York Auto Show.[11] According to the Subaru website in Japan, the Legacy was introduced in Japan on May 20, 2009.[12] According to the Japanese site on Wikipedia the STi Legacy will continue production. According to the JDM STi Accessories brochure for the fifth generation Legacy sold in Japan, buyers can choose from several options to include stiffer springs for the suspension, short throw gear shift and specialy designed 18 inch alloy wheels from BBS and ENKEI.[13]
Available USA-spec models include 2.5i, 2.5GT, 3.6R. The 2.5i uses 2.5 L EJ25 flat-4 engine with 6-speed manual or Lineartronic Continuously variable transmission; the 2.5GT uses turbocharged 2.5L EJ25 flat-4 engine (from Subaru Impreza WRX) with 6-speed manual transmission; the 3.6R uses 3.6 L EZ36 flat-6 engine (from Subaru Tribeca) with 5-speed automatic transmission.[14] The Lineartronic CVT transmission is also shared with the JDM-spec Subaru Exiga on AWD vehicles. The PZEV Legacy 2.5i continues to be sold in all 50 states as a sedan, unlike other manufacturers who only sell PZEV certified vehicles in states that have adopted California emission standards.
Japanese trim level packages are the 2.5i, 2.5i L package, 2.5i S package; the turbocharged trim levels are 2.5GT, 2.5GT L package, 2.5GT SI-Cruise, and 2.5GT S package.[15]. The Japan-spec vehicle no longer uses the EJ20 2.0 L engine, offering the EJ25 in both turbo and non-turbo versions. The EZ36 is only used in Japan on the Outback wagon. The Legacy wagon is only available as an Outback in the North American market, whereas the wagon is available as both a Legacy and Legacy Outback in Japan. The Subaru model codes are BM for the sedan, and BR for the wagon. EyeSight is no longer available on the Legacy and is now installed on the JDM Subaru Exiga.
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 is no longer used, and instead an electric handbrake switch is installed on the dashboard.
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 (2003–2005), the Subaru Sambar (1990–1995 only), and the Subaru Exiga starting September 2009.
In 2009, a Subaru Legacy concept was designed to commemorate 20th anniversary of the model,[16] 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.[17]
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 homologized 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 RSK-B4 (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 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.
World Rally Championship
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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 Francois Delecour in his Ford Escort WRC for the win. This would be the last WRC event 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.
Rallying
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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 entered in previous years, a Legacy touring car based on the fifth generation model is momentarily being built by STI itself for the japanese Super-GT championship (GT300 class). It features a boxer-4 turbo engine and all-wheel-drive.
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. This record was previously set by a Generation II Subaru Legacy in 1993 at 249.981 km/h (155.331 mph).
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.
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: 1989–1992
- Generation II: 1993–1997
- Generation III: 1998–2003
- Generation IV: 2003–2009
- Generation V: 2009-
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-present (production started 2009)
Sales
On March 14, 2005, Subaru sold its three-millionth Legacy worldwide.[18]
| 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
- ^ Concept: Subaru Legacy Preview
- ^ Subaru Introduction of 2009 Legacy Concept vehicle
- ^ a b Database for cars introduced at Tokyo
- ^ "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.
- ^ Retrieved from Autoblog September 4, 2008
- ^ 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
- ^ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/31/first-2010-subaru-legacy-rolls-off-the-line-in-indiana/ Production begins for 2010 Legacy at Indiana location
- ^ New York: 2010 Subaru Legacy all grown up
- ^ Legacy introduction in Japan
- ^ http://www.subaru-sti.co.jp/ STi accessories
- ^ New York Preview: 2010 Subaru Legacy revealed ahead of Big Apple debut
- ^ http://www.subaru.jp/legacy/touringwagon/pdf/touringwagon_spec.pdf Dimensions for Touring Wagon
- ^ Subaru Legacy Concept
- ^ Detroit 2009: Subaru Legacy Concept shows its face
- ^ Legacy Makes 3 Million
- Information listed for the first 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
- SUBARU:Legacy GLAENZEN
- S402
- (Channel SUBARU)
External links
