It has been suggested that Subaru Outback be merged into this article or section. (Discuss) Proposed since May 2012.

Subaru Legacy

Manufacturer	Fuji Heavy Industries
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
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 the Japanese company Fuji Heavy Industries, and manufactured by its division Subaru since 1989, and is available as a sedan or wagon. 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 1995, Subaru created the Outback trim package on the base model Legacy wagon "L", that primarily consisted of the heavy cloth interior, berber carpet floor mats, a luggage rack and fog lights with a standard height suspension. The 1996 model added raised ground clearance, raised roof-line and introduced the larger 2.5-liter, EJ25D engine (Automatic transmissions only until 1997), and was known as the Legacy Outback until 1999. In 2000, it became its own unique model, known simply as the 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.^[1]

First generation (1989–1994) - BC, BJ, BF[link]

Pre-facelift Subaru Legacy sedan (US)

Facelift Subaru Liberty LX wagon (Australia)

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 any intercooler when it was introduced to them 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. 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 (1994–1999) - BD, BG, BK[link]

Subaru Legacy 2.5GT Limited (USA)

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 today's current date. 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 spec B 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.

Subaru Legacy Touring Wagon GTB Limited (Japan). Subaru Legacy Touring Wagon GTB Limited (Japan).   Subaru Liberty GX station wagon (Australia) with clear rear turn signal lenses and amber bulbs.   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.

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 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 VIN of each vehicle, such as "4S3BD6750W_":

Legacy Codes

• BD=95-99 Sedan
• BG=95-99 Wagon (raised roof aka 96-99 outback)
• BK=95-99 Wagon

Third generation (1998–2003) - BE, BH[link]

Subaru Legacy GX wagon (Europe)

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.

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).

Fourth generation (2003–2009) - BL, BP[link]

2003-2006 Subaru Liberty sedan (Australia)

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.

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.

2008 Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT spec.B

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.

2003–2006 Subaru Liberty station wagon (Australia)

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.^[4][5] 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.^[6][7][8]

Fifth generation (2009–) - BM, BR[link]

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]

Subaru Legacy Concept (with North American hood (bonnet) configuration)

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. May 2010, the "EyeSight" feature introduced on the previous generation Legacy was re-introduced on the Japan-spec Touring Wagon and Outback.

2010 Subaru Legacy Touring Wagon 2.0 Diesel (Euro-spec)

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.

2011 Subaru Legacy 2.0i Sedan (Asian spec)

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 EJ20 engine which increases vehicle tax liability for Japanese buyers, offering the EJ25 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 available as an Outback only in North America, whereas the wagon is available as both a Legacy and Outback 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. 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.

2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5i Sedan (US)

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.

Accomplishments and motorsports[link]

Awards[link]

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[link]

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 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.

Racing[link]

Subaru Legacy GT Wagon

Rallying[link]

This unreferenced section requires citations to ensure verifiability.

Subaru Legacy RS Turbo

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 WRC 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[link]

The R&D Sport Legacy B4 in the 2009 Super GT season.

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[link]

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.

World market release schedule[link]

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–present

North American market release schedule[link]

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[link]

On March 14, 2005, Subaru sold its three-millionth Legacy worldwide.^[15]

References[link]

External links[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Subaru Legacy

Japanese Car portal

• Subaru Legacy International - A Home for the Die Hard Legacy Fans!
• Subaru Legacy Official Page
• Subaru Legacy
• Subaru Legacy at the Open Directory Project
• Legacy Car Club New Zealand
• UK Legacy Owners' Forum

Colin McRae

Colin McRae at the X Games XIII in 2007
Personal information
Nationality	Scottish
Born	(1968-08-05)5 August 1968
Died	15 September 2007(2007-09-15) (aged 39)
World Rally Championship record
Active years	1987–2003, 2005–2006[1]
Teams	Subaru, Citroën, Ford, Škoda
Rallies	146
Championships	1 (1995)
Rally wins	25
Podiums	42
Stage wins	477
Total points	626
First rally	1987 Swedish Rally
First win	1993 Rally New Zealand
Last win	2002 Safari Rally
Last rally	2006 Rally of Turkey

Colin Steele McRae, MBE (5 August 1968 – 15 September 2007) was a Scottish rally driver born in Lanark.

The son of five-time British Rally Champion Jimmy McRae and brother of rally driver Alister McRae, Colin McRae was the 1991 and 1992 British Rally Champion and, in 1995, became the first British person and the youngest to win the World Rally Championship Drivers' title. He still holds that record.

McRae's outstanding performance on the Subaru World Rally Team enabled the team to win the World Rally Championship Constructors' title three times in succession in 1995, 1996 and 1997. After a four-year spell with the Ford Motor Co. team, which saw McRae win nine events, he moved to Citroën World Rally Team in 2003 where, despite not winning an event, he helped them win the first of their three consecutive manufacturers' titles. He was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire for services to motorsport in 1996.^[2]

McRae died in 2007 when the helicopter he was piloting crashed near his home. The accident also claimed the lives of his son and two family friends. In November 2008 he was posthumously inducted into the Scottish Sports Hall of Fame.

Personal and early life[link]

McRae was married to Alison,^[3] and had two children, Hollie and Johnny.^[4] McRae moved to the principality of Monaco in 1995, partly through his friendship with David Coulthard.^[5] However, as his young family grew up, he spent more time back at his home in Lanarkshire — accepting the higher tax liability of living in Scotland.^[6] The couple bought the 17th century Jerviswood House.

Career[link]

Early career[link]

Colin McRae began his competitive career in motorsport riding trial bikes at an early age, despite being more interested in four wheeled machines rather than two wheel bikes.^[7] At the age of sixteen, through the Coltness Car Club, McRae discovered autotesting, he soon traded his bike for a Mini Cooper and started competing.^[7] A year later, he began to negotiate with another club member to use his Hillman Avenger for the Kames^{[disambiguation needed ]} Stages, a single-staged rally venue not far from McRae's home. McRae finished the event fourteenth; first in his class although he had run most of the event in a higher position.^[7]

In 1986, driving a Talbot Sunbeam, McRae entered the Scottish Rally Championship and soon made a name for himself with his speed and exciting style of driving. His driving style drew many comparisons to Finnish ex-World Rally Champion Ari Vatanen, who McRae had always idolised. In 1988 he performed a giant-killing act when he took the Scottish Rally Championship series crown in a humble Vauxhall Nova. Craving more power, his next car was a Ford Sierra XR 4x4.

His first WRC event was the 1987 Swedish Rally behind the wheel of his Nova, and again two years later, driving the Sierra and finishing 15th overall. Later that year, he finished 5th overall at Rally New Zealand in a rear wheel drive Sierra Cosworth. By 1990 McRae was driving a Sierra Cosworth 4x4 and achieved sixth place in that year's RAC Rally, despite several accidents. 1991 saw McRae turn professional as he was signed by Prodrive boss David Richards to his Subaru team in the British Rally Championship for an annual wage of approximately £10,000.^[8] McRae was British Rally Champion in both 1991 and 1992, soon graduating to the Subaru factory team at World Rally Championship level.^[9] 1992 also saw Colin McRae make his début in the British Touring Car Championship, with a one-off appearance for the Prodrive-run BMW factory team at the Knockhill round. In the second of the two races of the event, McRae collided with Matt Neal. Race officials found McRae to have caused an avoidable collision and subsequently disqualified him.^[10]

World Rally Championship[link]

1993–1998: Subaru[link]

One of the Subaru Impreza rally cars that McRae drove during the 1996 World Rally Championship season.

On his promotion for 1993, McRae initially drove the Prodrive-built Group A Subaru Legacy alongside Finns Ari Vatanen, Hannu Mikkola and Markku Alén. McRae then won his first WRC rally in the car at that year's Rally New Zealand. It was also the first rally win for the newly formed Subaru World Rally Team, shortly before the Legacy was due to be pensioned off in favour of the new Subaru Impreza 555. Such were the rising fortunes of his young Subaru factory team as they competed against the frontrunning TTE ran Toyotas, aided by the latter team's exclusion from the championship after the 1995 Rally Catalunya where it was discovered that the Japanese team had been using illegal turbochargers, it took only until 1995 for McRae to win the drivers title, which he secured with victory in a straight contest with his double champion team-mate, Carlos Sainz, on the season-ending Rally of Great Britain. Although still a winner with the outfit in individual rallies in succeeding years, including, increasingly, more specialised events such as the Acropolis Rally, Safari Rally and the Tour de Corse, McRae could not better second place in the standings in either 1996 or 1997, on both occasions behind Finland and Mitsubishi Ralliart's Tommi Mäkinen. He helped Subaru complete their run of three consecutive manufacturers' titles during this time. In what would turn out to be his final season with the team, in 1998 he won three more rallies and placed third in the standings, as well as winning the Race of Champions in Gran Canaria, the Canary Islands.

1999–2002: Ford[link]

McRae with a Ford Focus WRC at the 2001 Rally Finland.

After several years of varying success, McRae switched to the M-Sport-run Ford factory team for 1999, driving the new Ford Focus rally car. The deal saw McRae earning six million pounds over two years, which at the time made him the highest earning rally driver in history.^[11] This move was immediately rewarded with two consecutive wins at the Safari Rally and Rally Portugal. A number of shunts and reliability issues for the new car for much of the rest of that season, however, resulted in only sixth place in the championship standings overall. Moreover, a rare personal pointless run had begun for McRae that year which was only to be halted with a podium on the following February's Swedish Rally, the beginning of a recovery which saw McRae victorious in on the asphalt turns of Catalunya and the gravel of Greece, and post 4th in the 2000 overall standings. Midway through the 2000 season, the lacking reliability of the Focus had led to McRae threatening to leave the team if the problems continued.^[12] The upturn towards the end of the season resulted in him deciding to renew his contract with Ford for a further two years.^[13] McRae's intermittent success with Ford continued into 2001, where after failing to score in any of the first four rounds, including having momentarily led defending winner Tommi Makinen on the stages of the season opening Monte Carlo Rally prior to being forced into retirement, he then went on to score three consecutive victories in Argentina, Cyprus and Greece to tie with Mäkinen at the top of the points table. However, having again led the championship outright entering the final round in Great Britain, McRae once more missed out on a possible second title, crashing out and finishing second in the drivers championship, two points behind Subaru's Richard Burns.

With victory in the Safari Rally in 2002, McRae made the record books as the driver with most event wins in the World Rally Championship. His record has since been broken by Carlos Sainz, Sébastien Loeb and Marcus Grönholm. McRae's contract with Ford came to an end following the 2002 season, and after reportedly asking for wages of five million pounds a year, Ford decided against renewing the contract, reluctant to commit such a high amount of their budget to a drivers salary. The two parties split on amicable terms, with Ford's European director of motorsport Martin Whitaker stating "On behalf of all of us at Ford Motor Company I would like to publicly thank Colin and Nicky for their efforts during the past four years with the Ford team… I wish them both well in the future."^[14] McRae said of his time with Ford "It's been a very successful four years, we've achieved a lot of very good results and I'm quite happy that myself and Ford have had a very successful partnership."^[15]

2003: Citroën[link]

For 2003, McRae signed for Citroën, a team of winning pedigree due to its successes of the previous year with young Frenchman Sébastien Loeb but otherwise undertaking its first complete campaign at World Rally Championship level. McRae's second place finish on his début in Monte Carlo alongside Loeb and Carlos Sainz whom, aboard the Xsara WRC, helped complete a 1-2-3 finish, transpired to be the finest result he would achieve for the team, for the season was to end with seventh in the drivers' championship, with no victories. Rule changes that were to be brought in for the 2004 season changed the previous practice of having three nominated points-scorers within a team to two. With Loeb partway through a multiple year contract, this meant the Citroën factory team, under Guy Frequelin's leadership, were forced to choose between dropping McRae or Sainz. With Sainz being the more successful of the two during the 2003 season, it was McRae who had to look elsewhere for 2004.^[16] David Richards, McRae's former boss at Subaru, who had by now taken over WRC's commercial rights holders ISC and worried that the loss of a character like McRae would damage his ability to market the sport, set about trying to help McRae find a drive for 2004.^[17] McRae was unable to find a team, and for the first time in over ten years he would not be competing in the World Rally Championship.

Later career[link]

McRae driving a Škoda Fabia WRC on the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff super special stage of the 2005 Rally GB.

As the only other potential alternative suitors, Subaru instead eventually chose Mikko Hirvonen to partner Petter Solberg, McRae found himself without a drive for the 2004 season. He instead pursued other interests, including competing in the Dakar Rally and the 24 Hours of Le Mans (see below).

In 2004 and 2005 McRae represented Great Britain in the Race of Champions alongside Formula One driver and fellow Scot, David Coulthard. For the 2006 event England and Scotland entered separate teams with McRae and Coulthard re-uniting to represent Scotland.

McRae then returned to the series for one off drives for Skoda on the 2005 Rally GB and Rally Australia, respectively finishing seventh and retiring due to a clutch problem on the final leg of the rally, the latter dashing hopes for what may otherwise have been only the team's second ever podium place after the 2001 Safari Rally.

On 5 August 2006, McRae competed for Subaru in the first live televised American rally in Los Angeles as part of the X-Games. McRae rolled the car on the penultimate corner after landing awkwardly from a jump, which damaged the front bumper and left front tyre. Despite this, McRae kept the car running and continued on to the finish, his time only 0.13 seconds slower than eventual winner Travis Pastrana. McRae was, though, to have one more opportunity at world championship level: he was unexpectedly entered for his final rally by semi-works Kronos Citroën at Rally Turkey in September, where he replaced Sébastien Loeb while the Frenchman recovered from an injury he sustained in a cycling accident immediately prior to the event.^[18] A final-stage alternator problem consigned him and returning co-driver Nicky Grist, to a final placing outside the top ten.

The Ferrari 550-GTS Maranello driven by McRae at the 2004 24 Hours of Le Mans

McRae's competitive spirit also led him to compete in racing series other than the WRC. In September 2002 he tried his hand at oval racing when he took part in the Ascar (UK version of NASCAR) race at the Rockingham Motor Speedway, Northamptonshire; eventually finishing in sixth place.

McRae rejoined Prodrive for the 2004 24 Hours of Le Mans where he took third place in the GTS class, and ninth position overall in a Ferrari 550-GTS Maranello partnering Darren Turner and Rickard Rydell. Fellow countryman, and Le Mans winner Allan McNish commented that "Colin has adapted far better than people expected" to endurance sportscar racing.^[19]

McRae, made his debut on the gruelling Dakar Rally Raid with Nissan in January 2004, and impressed the team by scoring two stage wins on his way to a memorable finish on the gruelling Sahara event. He returned to the Dakar in 2005 and was fastest on two of the first three stages in Morocco, before crashing out of the rally towards the end of stage six.

In August 2007, McRae claimed to still be working on finding a seat for the 2008 WRC season, stating that "if it doesn't happen next year, then I won't (return) because you can only be out of something at that level for so long."^[20]

Death[link]

McRae died on 15 September 2007 when his helicopter, a Eurocopter AS350,^[21] crashed 1 mile north of Lanark, Scotland, close to the McRae family home.^[22] McRae was piloting the helicopter (with an expired license) at the time of the crash.^[23][24] McRae's five-year-old son Johnny, and two family friends, Graeme Duncan and Johnny's six-year-old friend Ben Porcelli, also died in the crash.^[25][26] McRae's previously active website, ColinMcRae.com, was later replaced with a memorial screen stating a few details about the crash, and then with a short statement released on behalf of McRae's father, Jimmy,^[27] and later a book of condolences.^[27]

Funeral and celebration services[link]

The funeral for Colin and Johnny took place on 26 September at Daldowie Crematorium near Glasgow, conducted by the Rev Tom Houston, who had married the McRaes, and the Rev Steven Reid, chaplain at Johnny's school. An address was given by Robbie Head, a former rally driver and commentator who was a close friend of McRae's, with the Rev Houston giving the benediction. McRae's niece and nephews performed the tune Highland Cathedral, a popular funeral song. Also, the song "(Sittin' on) the Dock of the Bay" by Otis Redding, a favourite song of McRae's, was played when the family entered the chapel; and The Proclaimers' song "I'm on My Way" was played when they left. Colin and Johnny McRae were cremated in the same coffin. Among the attendees at the funeral were fellow Scottish racing drivers Jackie Stewart and Dario Franchitti.^[28]

A "Celebration of Life" service took place at St Nicholas Church in Lanark on Sunday 30 September at 4 pm. Images from McRae's career and personal life were displayed on large video screens outside the church. Around 700 mourners filled the church, with crowds of up to 15,000 outside. Shortly before 4pm, a lone bagpiper played "Flower of Scotland" as the family arrived at the church. The service was conducted by the Rev Alison Meikle, who said "Two weeks ago Lanark was struck by silence. A terrible silence bought at an enormous price. However, in our tears love is stronger than death." Later, the Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton song "Islands in the Stream", a favourite of Johnny's, was played. Friends of the pair shared poems and anecdotes from the McRaes' lives. After the service, Colin McRae's widow, brother and father bowed and applauded the crowds who had gathered outside to pay tribute to the McRaes.^[29]

Reaction[link]

McRae tribute during the 2007 Race of Champions.

McRae's death was met by much grief from former colleagues, rivals and fans alike. Formula One driver David Coulthard, a good friend of McRae, who was due to represent Scotland along with him in the Race of Champions at Wembley Stadium on 16 December,^[30] described him as "an understated yet fantastically talented individual", he also announced that he would race the 2007 Japanese Grand Prix with a helmet paint design similar to that of McRae's as a tribute.^[31] During the finale of the 2007 Scottish Rally Championship, the "Colin McRae Forest Stages" held in Perth in September 2007,^[32] there was no number 1 car as McRae had been due to drive the course car on the event. Instead, his car was parked at the starting point of the rally, where fans were able to sign a book of condolences.^[33]

Following his win at the Brands Hatch meeting of the 2007 World Touring Car Championship season, Andy Priaulx dedicated it to McRae, commenting that his death "shows how fragile life can be".^[34] McRae's former rival, four-time World Rally Champion Tommi Mäkinen commented the helicopter accident as terrifying news, and described McRae as "a pleasant fellow and a tough rival".^[35] Valentino Rossi, who was taught the basics of driving a rally car by McRae, said he was shocked and saddened by the sudden departure of the former World Rally Champion. Valentino dedicated his win at Estoril MotoGp in 2007 to Colin McRae saying to the media "I want to dedicate this to Colin McRae. He was one of my big idols when I was very young and it's because of him I have a big passion for rally".^[36]

As a mark of respect for McRae, the Swedish Rally organisers set up an award for the longest jump over a crest on the Vargåsen stage of the rally. The inaugural winner of the award, named Colin's Crest, was Ford's United Arab Emirates driver Khalid al-Qassimi who recorded a distance of 30 m.^[37]

McRae's father, Jimmy, driving a Porsche 911 at the 2008 Colin McRae Forest Stages.

On 27 September 2008 the Colin McRae Forest Stages Rally took place in Perth, Scotland. An enhanced entry list of several former big name rally drivers took part in memory of Colin.^[38] The impressive entry list included ex-World Championship drivers Hannu Mikkola, Ari Vatanen (partnered by his 1981 WRC winning co-driver David Richards), Björn Waldegård, Stig Blomqvist, Malcolm Wilson, Russell Brookes, Jimmy McRae, Andrew Cowan and Louise Aitken-Walker, many competing in their original cars. A handful of current WRC drivers also took part including Matthew Wilson, Kris Meeke and Travis Pastrana. The event was deemed a great success, attracting record spectator numbers to the Perthshire forests. Outright winner was Stobart VK M-Sport Ford Rally Team driver Matthew Wilson in a Ford Focus WRC. Fittingly, Colin's brother Alister McRae won the classic category.

In video game Colin McRae: Dirt 2 there is a race series named "Colin McRae Challenge" that is dedicated to him. Winning the race unlocks a video that is a tribute to him.

Investigation[link]

After the crash, an investigative team from the UK Department for Transport Air Accidents Investigation Branch attended the scene in co-operation with Strathclyde Police. The wreckage of the helicopter was removed to Farnborough for further forensic investigation. Pilots operate under strict regulations, and are expected in the case of helicopters under CAA rules to undertake a competency test every year, and to renew their licenses every five years — not to do so is illegal. It later emerged that McRae had not undertaken a competency check as required in March 2006, and that effectively his license had expired in February 2005. A CAA spokesman commented "The investigators must determine why he (McRae) hasn't kept up to date with his documentation. There is no suggestion that Mr McRae was not a competent pilot."^[39]

A report into the accident was published on 12 February 2009. In it, the AAIB did not reach a definite conclusion as to the cause of the accident, stating instead that "the helicopter crashed in a wooded valley while manoeuvering at high speed and low height. It was intact prior to impact, and the available evidence indicated that the engine was delivering power. The cause of the accident was not positively determined. Although no technical reason was found to explain the accident, a technical fault could not be ruled out entirely. However, it is more likely that the pilot attempted a turning manoeuvre at low height, during which the helicopter deviated from his intended flight path; whether due to the pilot encountering handling difficulties, misjudgement, spatial disorientation, distraction or a combination of such events. There were indications that the pilot had started a recovery but, with insufficient height in which to complete it, the helicopter struck trees in the valley and crashed, killing all four occupants."^[40]

A Fatal Accident Inquiry into the incident concluded, on 6 September 2011, that McRae was at fault for the avoidable helicopter crash that led to his death and the death of his passengers.^[41] Sheriff Nikola Stewart stated, after the 16-day inquiry, that McRae had been engaged in "unnecessary and unsafe" low-level flying at the time of the crash.^[42][43]

Colin McRae Rally[link]

Codemasters released the first Colin McRae Rally video game in 1998. Version 2, known as Colin McRae 2.0, was released in the year 2000, for Sony's PlayStation and for the PC; it was also ported to the Game Boy Advance in 2002. A third version found a wide audience on the PC and Xbox. Versions 04 and 2005 arrived in 2004 on all major platforms. 2005 was also remade for Sony's PSP and Nokia's N-Gage. Colin McRae: Dirt was the title for the next installment of the series, which launched in 2007 for the PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. The PlayStation 3 edition was released in the UK on 14 September, the day before McRae's death.^[44] A special edition for mobile phones will also be available from Codemasters Mobile. Colin McRae: Dirt 2 was released on the Xbox 360 and the PS3 on 11 September 2009, the PC version was released on 8 December 2009. Colin McRae: Dirt 3 was released in Europe and North America on the 24 May 2011, and two days later in Australia for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

Colin McRae R4[link]

This unreferenced section requires citations to ensure verifiability.

A Colin McRae R4 on display at the Goodwood Festival of Speed

Colin McRae chose the 2006 Goodwood Festival of Speed to unveil the McRae R4, which had been conceived at the beginning of 2005. The intention was to make a cheaper alternative to WRCs (World Rally Cars) with significantly lower running costs. The McRae R4 was designed for use in rallying, rally cross, circuit racing and ice racing events, with the possibility of a one-make race series.

Designed by Colin McRae and Dave Plant and built by DJM Race Preparation, the McRae R4's chassis is based on a steel safety cage with carbon panelling front and rear, and a steel-covered cockpit area. Suspension consists of twin wishbones with Proflex dampers. The body styling has been done by Keith Burden and Tom Webster. It appears that some components of the vehicle have been taken from existing production cars, the doorline in particular appears very close to that of the Ford Ka.

The engine is a naturally aspirated, 4-cylinder, 2.5-litre Millington Diamond Engine producing 350 BHP. Transmission is via a six-speed gearbox, manual or semi-automatic, and by mechanical front and rear differentials with the option of mechanical or active central differential. The car can be produced in either 2 or 4 wheel drive formats.

Alison McRae has said that she would like production of the car to continue following Colin's death.

The R4 appears in Codemasters titles Colin McRae: DiRT, Colin McRae: DiRT 2 and DiRT 3.

Complete WRC results[link]

World Rally Championship victories
#	Event	Season	Co-driver	Car
1	23rd Rothmans Rally of New Zealand	1993	Derek Ringer	Subaru Legacy RS
2	24th Rothmans Rally of New Zealand	1994	Derek Ringer	Subaru Impreza 555
3	50th Network Q Rally	1994	Derek Ringer	Subaru Impreza 555
4	25th Smokefree Rally New Zealand	1995	Derek Ringer	Subaru Impreza 555
5	51st Network Q Rally	1995	Derek Ringer	Subaru Impreza 555
6	43rd Acropolis Rally of Greece	1996	Derek Ringer	Subaru Impreza 555
7	38° Rallye Sanremo — Rallye d'Italia	1996	Derek Ringer	Subaru Impreza 555
8	32° Rallye Catalunya-Costa Brava (Rallye de España)	1996	Derek Ringer	Subaru Impreza 555
9	45th Safari Rally Kenya	1997	Nicky Grist	Subaru Impreza WRC
10	41ème Tour de Corse — Rallye de France	1997	Nicky Grist	Subaru Impreza WRC
11	39° Rallye Sanremo — Rallye d'Italia	1997	Nicky Grist	Subaru Impreza WRC
12	10th API Rally Australia	1997	Nicky Grist	Subaru Impreza WRC
13	53rd Network Q Rally	1997	Nicky Grist	Subaru Impreza WRC
14	31° TAP Rallye de Portugal	1998	Nicky Grist	Subaru Impreza WRC
15	42ème Tour de Corse — Rallye de France	1998	Nicky Grist	Subaru Impreza WRC
16	45th Acropolis Rally of Greece	1998	Nicky Grist	Subaru Impreza WRC
17	47th Safari Rally Kenya	1999	Nicky Grist	Ford Focus WRC
18	32° TAP Rallye de Portugal	1999	Nicky Grist	Ford Focus WRC
19	36° Rallye Catalunya-Costa Brava (Rallye de España)	2000	Nicky Grist	Ford Focus WRC
20	47th Acropolis Rally	2000	Nicky Grist	Ford Focus WRC
21	21° Rally Argentina	2001	Nicky Grist	Ford Focus WRC
22	29th Cyprus Rally	2001	Nicky Grist	Ford Focus WRC
23	48th Acropolis Rally	2001	Nicky Grist	Ford Focus WRC
24	49th Acropolis Rally	2002	Nicky Grist	Ford Focus WRC
25	50th Inmarsat Safari Rally	2002	Nicky Grist	Ford Focus WRC

References[link]

Journals[link]

• Evans, David (20 September 2007) Autosport, "McRae Tribute", Vol. 189, No. 12, pp. 6–11, Haymarket Publications.

Notes[link]