Subaru Legacy (fourth generation)

Japanese model

On May 23, 2003, Fuji Heavy Industries continued to offer the "Blitzen" model in Japan only, and debuted the fourth generation Legacy B4 Hardtop Body for the Japanese Domestic Market with tagline Blood type：B4 and the commercial song are the remixed version of "GYMNOPEDIE No.1" When Touring Wagon Body debuted with tagline Grand Touring Speciality and the commercial song are "Finding Beauty" composed by Scottish composer Craig Armstrong from His second independent album As If to Nothing. The Hardtop Legacy B4 and Touring Wagon Model was voted the 2003–2004 Japan Car of the Year, Subaru's first win for the award after fighting off stiff competition from Toyota Prius and Mazda RX-8. in 2005 Bruce Willis was return as a spokesman for second time after first generation in 1991 to 1993 with tagline I feel LEGACY. Blitzen was a special package above the standard Legacy vehicles, and all Blitzen models were identified with the "B4" branding.

Starting with this generation, Subaru installed an electroluminescent instrument cluster which lights up when the engine is started, regardless if the exterior lights are on.

For the home market, the Legacy B4 and Touring Wagon were offered in 2.0i, 2.0R, 2.0GT, 2.0GT spec.B, 3.0R, and 3.0R spec.B trim levels. The base model 2.0i has SOHC version of EJ20 engine producing 140 PS, and the 2.0R comes with 165 PS DOHC engine. The turbocharged EJ20 DOHC engine installed in the 2.0GT and 2.0GT spec.B producing 280 PS Due to advancements in turbocharger technology and tightening emission standards, the twin-turbo setup was replaced by twin scroll turbo and AVCS. The 3.0R and 3.0R spec.B are powered by the new 250 PS 6-cylinder EZ30 engine.

To commemorate Subaru's 50 years of making automobiles and The First Japan Car of the Year Victory, the 50th Anniversary Legacy was released in January 2004. This special edition model was based on the Legacy 2.0R, and 2.0GT.

The Legacy Blitzen of December 2004 is the special edition based on the 2.0GT B4 and Touring Wagon. These high-performance sports models came with special colour bright red, sports suspension, 18-inch alloys, unique grille, and aero-style bumpers.

Based on the Legacy 2.0GT spec.B B4 and Touring Wagon, the WR-Limited 2004 was released in July 2004, and the 2.0GT-based WR-Limited 2005 was launched in August 2005. The WR-Limited models were painted in WR Blue Mica, and came with Gold alloy wheels, front under spoiler, special blue and black seats, and special emblems.

Also added to the Japanese line-up in August 2005 was the Legacy 2.0GT spec.B tuned by STI. This sports model has Bilstein suspension, 6-speed manual, STI genome exhaust, Brembo brakes (4-piston front, 2-piston rear) and 18-inch alloy wheels by STI.

Facelift model (2006–08)

The Japanese Legacy received a cosmetic update in May 2006. Notable changes included new bumpers, headlights, front fenders, grille, and rear combination lamps. This facelift trickled down to export models in 2007.

Kazuyoshi Miura was used as a spokesman for the Hardtop, Touring Wagon and Outback and the commercial song are from Japanese rock band L'Arc-en-Ciel.

Although model grades remained largely unchanged, the number of option packages available for certain grades reduced. The base model 2.0i Touring Wagon could also be ordered as the Casual Selection model. Urban Selection models were added to the 2.0R, 2.0GT, and 2.0GT SI-Cruise. The 2.0R was also offered as B-Sports Limited version.

EyeSight (2008–09)

On 2008-05-08, Subaru announced the EyeSight models for Japanese market. It consists of 2 CCD cameras with 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 included the ability to help the driver maintain distance on the highway, a lane departure warning system, a wake up call alerting the driver to a change in traffic signals, and pedestrian detection. SI-Cruise has been integrated into the EyeSight feature as a driver safety aid. EyeSight was a new brand name for a safety system Subaru had previously introduced in Japan only in the 1999 Subaru Lancaster (Outback) called Active Driving Assist (ADA)

EyeSight models were available for Touring Wagon 2.0GT and 3.0R, B4 3.0R, Outback 3.0R. All EyeSight models include Sportshift E-5AT transmission.

STI S402 (DBA-BL9/DBA-BP9) (2008–2009)

The Legacy STI S402 is a limited edition (402 units) high-performance series for the Japanese market. It includes a 2.5L twin scroll turbo engine rated 285 PS (210 kW; 281 hp) at 5600 rpm and 392 N·m (289 lb·ft) at 2000–4800 rpm, Bilstein shocks, 18x8-inch BBS forged wheels (from S203, S204) with Potenza RE050A 235/40R18 91W tires, Brembo 6-piston front and 2-piston rear brake calipers (from Subaru Impreza type RA-R), Vehicle Dynamic Control stability control. A special serial number plate is added to the center console and engine bay VIN plate.

Variable valve timing was added. ECU was updated to improve acceleration.

S402 was available in sedan and wagon bodies.

American Model

Subaru of America commenced production of the Legacy BL and BP in January 2004 for the United States and Canadian markets. 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 also the Lafayette Factory built Subaru Legacy wins 2005 International Car of the Year for Most Dependable/Sedan from Road & Travel Magazine, 2005 Automobile All-Stars for All-Star Family Car from Automobile Magazine and The 2006 International Engine of the Year Award in the 2.0 litre to 2.5 litre category for EJ255 engine.

It marked the return of a turbocharged engine to the North American Legacy, featuring EJ255 engine rated at 250 hp a 2.5-liter unit derived from that of the USDM Impreza WRX with 20 horsepower more. Due to advancements in turbocharger technology and tightening emission standards, the twin-turbo setup was not used. 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. The wagon body shared the roof sheet metal with the Outback model that had raised metal "humps" under the roof rails, unlike the Japanese and European wagons that had a sleeker roof. Another difference from other overseas markets, was that both sedan and wagon had longer front and rear bumpers, designed to meet the Canadian 5-mph bumper specification.

For 2006, the regular GT was dropped, and the 2.5i Special Edition was added into the line up. Manual transmission is also discontinued in station wagon body. Priced between the base and the Limited models, the 2.5i Special Edition came with power moonroof and power driver seat, while the 2.5i Limited also came with leather interior, power front passenger seat, and climate control automatic air condition.

The high-performance Subaru Legacy 2.5GT spec.B arrived as a 500-unit limited edition model for the 2006 model year in America, and became a regular model for the next following years. It has Bilstein shock absorbers and 18-inch alloy wheels for better handling, Vehicle Dynamics Control, and from 2007, 6-speed manual gearbox and the Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive) with three modes: Intelligent, Sport, and Sport Sharp. The 2.5GT spec.B model is only available in the sedan body and not the station wagon body.

For the 2008 model year, the Legacy sedan received facelift with new bumpers, front fenders, tail lights, and alloy wheels. By this time 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 in the 3.0R Limited trim level. 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.

Ecomatic Autogas Hybrid (2007–)

The Ecomatic Autogas Hybrid is a version of the Legacy with the 2.0R or 2.5i engine that can run on LPG for the German market.

Diesel (2008–)

The Subaru EE flat-4 diesel engine is offered in both the Legacy and Outback sedans and wagons, identified as the Subaru Legacy 2.0D, the vehicle was released in the EU starting March 2008. The vehicle 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.

Australian Model

The Liberty BL and BP were offered in Australia from 2004. Initially the model grades were 2.0i, 2.5i, 2.0GT, 3.0R, and 3.0R spec.B. The 2.5i could also be ordered with Luxury Pack (in-dash CD Player, leather interior, power driver's seat, sunroof), Safety Pack (dual front side and curtain airbags), or Premium Pack which is the combination of Luxury and Safety Packs. Premium Pack was also offered for the GT. In 2006 the Liberty 2.0i became 2.0R, and the 3.0R spec.B was also available as Blitzen model with sport grill and aero bumpers. For 2007 model year the Liberty GT and new GT spec.B received bigger 2.5-liter turbocharged engine.

Outback Wagon

October 22, 2003, with the debut of the third-generation Legacy at the 60th Frankfurt Auto Show, the Outback name was now being used in all markets with the launch of the third-generation Outback wagon, which until that point had only been used in export markets. Models equipped with a 3.0L EZ30D H6 were introduced at the 2004 Chicago Auto Show. The ground clearance is 8.5 in (220 mm).

This generation of Outback carried the same model codes as the Legacy Wagon: BP9 for the 2.5 liter and BPE for the 3.0-liter model. The highest trim level offered in the USA was the Outback "L.L. Bean Edition" that offered optional equipment as standard, including a wood and leather steering wheel, an auxiliary port on the stereo for external music player compatibility (2007 and later models), perforated leather seats, GPS navigation, a double-sized, one-piece glass moonroof, and the 3.0-liter H6 engine. Starting with this generation, the interior retractable rear cargo cover had a separate storage compartment in the spare tire storage area so that the cargo cover could be removed for large items and stored out of the way inside the vehicle.

A new Outback variant for the 2005 and newer years was the Outback XT. This model came with the same turbocharged 2.5L 4-cylinder engine found in the Impreza WRX model. This engine produced 243 hp (181 kW), which was much higher than the naturally aspirated 2.5L engine, which produced 175 hp (130 kW). The XT model came equipped with any of the 3 standard transmissions: a 4-speed or 5-speed Auto-SportShift, or a 5-speed manual.

In 2007, the Outback (along with the Ford Mondeo) won Top Gear's "Car of the Year" award.

As of the 2008 model year, the Legacy wagon and Outback sedan were discontinued in the United States, leaving only the Legacy sedan and Outback wagon models. The Outback wagon also received styling revisions for the 2008 model year, most notably an enlarged, chrome-ringed grille. Additionally, in July, 2008 Subaru ceased offering a special edition L.L. Bean trim level on the Outback.

For 2008, the 2.5i USA model was certified PZEV emissions and a "PZEV" badge attached to the rear of the vehicle on the bottom right hand side of the tailgate. All other models were certified LEV2. The PZEV Outback was available for sale in all 50 states, unlike other manufacturers who usually only sell PZEV certified vehicles in states that have adopted California emission standards.

EyeSight

Starting May 2008, the Japanese-spec Legacy could be fitted with a new safety feature called EyeSight. It consists of two 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 helps maintain a safe distance on the highway, warns the driver during unintended lane departure, emits a wake up call should everyone else pull away from the traffic lights, and keeps an eye out for pedestrians. SI-Cruise has been integrated into the EyeSight feature as a driver safety aid.

Diesel

The Subaru EE series flat-4 diesel engine was offered in both Legacy and Outback models in Europe exclusively. These diesel models were introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in March, 2008. Identified as the "Subaru Outback 2.0D", it was offered with a 5-speed manual transmission only. The top-of-the-line JDM and EU diesel models also had a "Start/Stop" button, similar to those found in Lexus, Infiniti, Audi and other high end makers.

According to the Subaru Owners on-line newsletter dated March 2008, Subaru was planning to introduce the diesel Legacy and Outback models in the U.S., stating they were "...currently making modifications to the diesel so it meets the more stringent U.S. standards. Subaru diesel models should be domestically available in two to three years." However, there has yet to be a diesel version of any Subaru model introduced into the U.S.

Liberty GT tuned by STi (2006 & 2008)

In 2006, Subaru released the limited edition "Liberty GT", tuned by STi and based on the 2.0GT Sedan and Wagon. Only 300 of these were released. The facelift versions of 250 units were released for 2008 model year and powered by the 2.5-liter turbo engine. The modified EJ255 engine was rated 264 PS (194 kW; 260 hp) at 6000 rpm and 350 N·m (260 lb·ft) at 2800 rpm. It included Bilstein shocks, a rear suspension kit with partial ball-bearing-jointed bushings, 5 mm (0.2 in) lower springs, Brembo brakes (4-piston front, 2-piston rear) with stainless steel mesh-type brake hose, 18-inch ENKEI wheels (2.5 kg (5.5 lb) lighter over stock), front and rear STI spoilers, leather and alcantara front seats, and an 8-way power driver seat with memory settings.

Engines

The normally aspirated engines were revised for increased power and torque.

Transmissions

The manual transmission model has center differential. However, the automatic ones has an electronically controlled clutch which provides the power to the back wheels.

The front suspension is a MacPherson strut suspension and the rear is multilink one.

The fuel tank has a capacity of 64 liter (17 US gal). The wagon has 459 liter, the sedan 433 liter of trunk space. Only in the wagon there are split-folding rear seats and using that option all together 1628 liter trunk space.

The bonnet, fifth door, steering column and some parts are made of aluminum to reduce further weight.

All automatic transmission models from MY05 on include Sportshift manual gear selection mode.

MY07-MY09 (both spec.B and non-spec.B) models include Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE), which includes 3 vehicle performance modes with unique settings for engine control unit (ECU)/ Transmission control unit (TCU).

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