Subaru Legacy
Subaru Legacy | |
---|---|
Front-engine, all-wheel-drive (1989–present) |
The Subaru Legacy (
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 2008, known as the Subaru Outback.
As of 2008, 3.6 million Legacy models have been built since its 1989 introduction.[1]
Production of the Legacy ended in Japan in June 2020, with the sixth-generation Legacy being the last model produced and marketed in Japan.[2]
First generation (BC/BF/BJ; 1989)
The Legacy was introduced in 1989 to provide Subaru a vehicle to compete in the lucrative North American mid-size market against the
The Legacy began with a 5-door wagon or 4-door sedan body styles with
Many different options of engine and transmission were available depending on the market. 1.8 SOHC, 2.0 SOHC, DOHC, DOHC turbo, 2.2 SOHC with most being EFI. FWD, AWD and AWD dual range (manual only) transmissions were used. JDM market GTs equipped with the DOHC EJ20T (the most powerful variant offered) had additional options such as leather interior, climate control air conditioning, electric seats and keyless entry via entering a code via the driver's door handle.
The US-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.
The US models included the Legacy Sport Sedan, from 1991 to 1994 and Legacy LE Touring Wagon from 1992 to 1994. Both were turbocharged with the EJ22T closed-deck block engine. Unique to the US market, it was SOHC, with different pistons, oil squirters, oil cooler on the '91 model year, and other enhancements. Although it had the same displacement as the non-turbo/naturally aspirated (NA) EJ22E engine used throughout all other Legacy models, it was not simply a turbocharged version of the EJ22E. (As a side-note, the 1994 Legacy GT trim used the non-turbo EJ22E.) The sedan was available with strengthened 4EAT Automatic transmission or a stronger 5-speed manual transmission. These were the last turbocharged Subaru models sold in the US until the 2002 WRX debuted.
Australian specification models started with the basic FWD only LX with manual windows, then the FWD or AWD (manuals were dual range) GX which upgraded to electric windows and cruise control with the wagons also receiving the pneumatic air suspension, with the top of the range Heritage sedan receiving a leather interior. All models were equipped with the SOHC EJ22E except for the sporty EJ20T RS Turbo sedan and wagon which were introduced with the facelift in 1993 as a response to capture sales from the Liberty's rallying success. All wagons were the high roof variant.
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 (BD/BG/BK; 1993)
Second generation sales in Japan began October 7, 1993, with an introductory price of ¥2,753,000 for the
US-spec GT models, first offered in 1990 as a turbocharged sedan or wagon in Japan, and as a trim package for the US version in 1994, became a top level model upgrade in 1996, using the new
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
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
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; North America 1996–1999 (Outback trim with raised roof), Japan 1993–1997
- BK=Standard-roof Wagon (Used only in North America); North America 1995–1999
Third generation (BE/BH; 1998)
Subaru launched the third generation Japanese and world-market Legacy in June 1998, while the North American model started production in May 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 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.
U.S. models ended in 2004.
Fourth generation (BL/BP; 2003)
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 for 2005 model year. The Legacy was presented the 2003–2004
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.
The Japanese market Legacy GT featured 2 litre turbocharged EJ20X and EJ20Y engines developing power and torque figures of 276 bhp (280 PS/206 kW) at 6400 rpm and 343 N·m (253 lb·ft/35 kgm) at 2400 rpm respectively. The GT Spec B had an optional 6 speed transmission. Both models featured Bilstein suspension as standard. Both wagon and sedan received a facelift in 2006 receiving new bumpers and trim, the IHI VF38 twin scroll turbo was replaced with later models receiving a VF44 (auto) or VF45 (manual) turbo.
On May 10, 2008, the Japanese-spec Legacy can be fitted with a new
The
Fifth generation (BM/BR; 2009)
In 2009, a Subaru Legacy concept was designed to commemorate 20th anniversary of the model,
Production of the fifth generation 2010 Subaru Legacy began the last week of May 2009 at the Indiana location, was introduced to Japan June 12, 2010.
In 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
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 (2004–2010), the Subaru R2 5-door hatchback (2003–2010), the Subaru Sambar (1990–1995 only), and the Subaru Exiga starting September 2009.
Sixth generation (BN/BS; 2014)
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.
Engines and 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 uniquely 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] The US market 2016 Legacy achieves a notable 36 highway MPG when equipped with the 2.5-liter flat-four.[18]
Seventh generation (BW/BT; 2020)
The seventh-generation Legacy made its debut at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show on February 7, 2019, to be sold at United States and Canadian dealerships starting in the third quarter of 2019.[19] Unlike the previous generations, the seventh generation Legacy will not be sold in Japan and Australia because of disappointing sales from its predecessor.[20] The 2020 model year Legacy was moved to the Subaru Global Platform (SGP), which is torsionally stiffer compared to the previous generation Legacy. Its exterior styling is similar to the previous generation model, but the headlights and the taillights are slightly restyled. The newly redesigned interior now features an 11.6 inch touchscreen on all trims except the base model, which has two 7 inch displays.[21]
Notable mechanical changes include an updated base engine, the FB25 now featuring direct injection, and a turbocharged 2.4 liter FA24 flat four engine from the Ascent for higher trim levels which replaces the outgoing 3.6 liter EZ36 flat six engine. 90% of the components in the new FB25 are new compared to its predecessor.[21]
In the USA, there are 5 Legacy trims: Base, Premium, Limited, Sport, and Touring XT
The Sport and Touring XT use the FA24F direct-injection turbocharged engine with 260 hp @ 5,600 rpm and 277 lb-ft @ 2,000 - 4,800 rpm. The Base, Premium and Limited use the FB25 2.5-liter DOHC engine with 182 HP @ 5,800 RPM and 176 lb-ft @ 4,400 RPM (starting with the 2024 year).
In terms of safety, there is a new optional facial recognition system which uses cameras to warn the driver if the system detects that they are distracted or fatigued.[21]
Accomplishments and motorsports
Awards
In 1990, the Legacy was declared the number-one-selling 4-wheel drive car in the US by
Performance enhancements
The
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
Racing
Rallying
The Legacy was campaigned by the
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.
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
Super GT
Similar to the
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 (1,600 cc-2,000 cc class), clocking 270.532 km/h (168.101 mph) over one kilometer on Highway 10 in La Junta, Colorado.[22] This record was previously set by a Generation II Subaru Legacy in 1993 at 249.981 km/h (155.331 mph).[23]
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
World market release schedule
Models have typically been released into Japan and selected World markets such as Australia, New Zealand and Chile in advance of the Continental European and North American markets, with the first three being
- Generation I: 1989–1993
- Generation II: 1993–1998
- Generation III: 1998–2003
- Generation IV: 2003–2009
- Generation V: 2009–2014
- Generation VI: 2015–2020
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
- 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: 2015–2019 (production started 2014)
- Generation VII: 2020+ (production started 2019)
Sales
On March 14, 2005, Subaru sold its three-millionth Legacy worldwide.[25]
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 |
Year by year
Calendar year | United States | |
---|---|---|
Legacy | Outback | |
2007 | 21,094 | 57,334 |
2008[26] | 22,605 | 44,271 |
2009 | 30,974 | 55,356 |
2010[27] | 38,725 | 93,148 |
2011 | 42,401 | 104,405 |
2012[28] | 47,127 | 117,553 |
2013[29] | 42,291 | 118,049 |
2014[30] | 52,270 | 138,790 |
2015[31] | 60,447 | 152,294 |
2016[32] | 65,306 | 182,898 |
2017[33] | 49,837 | 188,886 |
2018[34] | 40,109 | 178,854 |
2019[35] | 35,063 | 181,178 |
2020[36] | 27,240 | 153,294 |
2021[37] | 22,766 | 154,623 |
References
- ^ Nunez, Alex (2009-01-11). "Subaru Introduction of 2009 Legacy Concept vehicle". Autoblog.com. Retrieved 2010-11-11.
- ^ Subaru Legacy - Subaru Japan(08/04/2020)
- ^ a b "Database for cars introduced at Tokyo". Db.tokyo-motorshow.com. Archived from the original on 2010-10-09. Retrieved 2010-11-11.
- ^ "Bilstein". Bilstein. Archived from the original on 2009-05-04. Retrieved 2009-05-26.
- ^ "SUBARU : 車種紹介 > レガシィ ツーリングワゴン". Subaru.jp. Archived from the original on 2011-12-16. 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 Archived 2011-07-23 at the Wayback Machine 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 Cars, Sedans, SUVs | Subaru of America". Subaru of America, Inc. Archived from the original on Mar 12, 2009. Retrieved Oct 13, 2020.
- ^ 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. Archived from the original on 2010-05-15. 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.
- ^ "Revised FB25 for 2015 Outback". subaruoutback.org/forums/138-gen-5-2015-present/167001-revised-fb25-2015-outback.html. subaruoutback.
- ^ "2015 Subaru Legacy Sedan – Models & Specs to Build Your Own". subaru.com.
- ^ "2016 Subaru Legacy Performance". subaru.com.
- ^ "Subaru Storms into Windy City with All-New Seventh-Generation 2020 Legacy". 7 February 2019. Retrieved 1 July 2019.
- ^ Tsubakiyama, Kazuo (April 23, 2020). "東京スバル、レガシィ B4とBRZの受注終了をアナウンス" [Tokyo: Subaru announces end of orders for Legacy B4 and BRZ]. Car Watch. Retrieved 2 September 2020.
- ^ a b c Stoklosa, Alexander (7 February 2019). "2020 Subaru Legacy Sedan – All-Wheel Drive, New Turbo, Large Touchscreen". Car and Driver. Retrieved 7 February 2019.
- ^ "Subaru Legacy sets new world speed record". 2015-04-27. Retrieved 2015-04-27.
- ^ "Generation II Subaru Legacy record". Archived from the original on 2016-01-19. Retrieved 2015-04-28.
- ^ "20 Years of Legacy Heritage". Archived from the original on 20 December 2016. Retrieved 7 January 2015.
- ^ "Legacy Makes 3 Million". Subaru.co.nz. Retrieved 2010-11-11.
- ^ "Subaru U.S. Media Center - Subaru of America Announces Year-On-Year Sales Increase for 2008
". media.subaru.com. Retrieved 7 April 2018. - ^ "Subaru U.S. Media Center - Subaru of America, Inc. Reports 2010 All-Time Sales Record". media.subaru.com. Retrieved 7 April 2018.
- ^ "Subaru U.S. Media Center - SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. REPORTS RECORD MONTH AND SETS FOURTH CONSECUTIVE YEARLY SALES RECORD
". media.subaru.com. Archived from the original on 26 October 2017. Retrieved 7 April 2018. - ^ "Subaru of America, Inc. Reports Best December Ever And All-Time Record Sales For 2013" (Press release). Subaru of America, Inc. 2014-01-02. Retrieved 2020-05-02.
- ^ "Subaru U.S. Media Center - SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. REPORTS BEST DECEMBER EVER AND SETS SIXTH CONSECUTIVE YEARLY SALES RECORD
". media.subaru.com. Retrieved 7 April 2018. - ^ "Subaru of America, Inc. Announces December 2015 Sales As Best Sales Month Ever; Sets Seventh Consecutive Yearly Sales Record" (Press release). Subaru of America, Inc. 2016-01-05. Retrieved 2020-05-02.
- ^ "Subaru U.S. Media Center - SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. ANNOUNCES DECEMBER 2016 AS BEST EVER SALES MONTH; SETS EIGHTH CONSECUTIVE YEARLY SALES RECORD
". media.subaru.com. Retrieved 7 April 2018. - ^ "Subaru U.S. Media Center - SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. ANNOUNCES DECEMBER 2017 AS BEST-EVER SALES MONTH; SETS BEST-EVER YEARLY SALES RECORD". media.subaru.com. Retrieved 7 April 2018.
- ^ "SUBARU OF AMERICA CELEBRATES A DECADE OF YEARLY SALES RECORDS WITH BEST-EVER DECEMBER". Subaru U.S. Media Center (Press release). 3 January 2019. Retrieved 7 February 2019.
- ^ "Subaru of America, Inc. Announces December 2019 Sales; Sets Eleventh Consecutive Annual Sales Record" (Press release). Subaru of America, Inc. 2020-01-03. Retrieved 2020-02-18.
- ^ "Subaru of America, Inc. Announces December And 2020 Year-End Sales Results" (Press release). Subaru of America, Inc. 2021-01-05. Retrieved 2020-05-02.
- ^ "Subaru of America, Inc. Announces December And 2021 Year-End Sales Results" (Press release). Subaru of America, Inc. 2022-01-04. Retrieved 2022-01-06.
- Information listed for the first and fifth generation Legacy above was sourced from Subaru sales brochures for the noted model years from the US, 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 Archived 2011-12-16 at the Wayback Machine
- SUBARU:Outback legacy
- SUBARU:Legacy GLAENZEN
- S402
- (Channel SUBARU)
External links
- Subaru Legacy International – A Home for the Die Hard Legacy Fans!
- Subaru Legacy Official Page(USA)
- Subaru Legacy Official Page(Japan)
- Subaru Liberty Official Page(Subaru Australia)
- Global site for current model of Subaru Legacy
- Subaru Legacy at Curlie
- Subaru Owners and Enthusiasts Club of New Zealand
- UK Legacy Owners' Forum
- Subaru Legacy Digital Brochure