GT5 Transcripts/Subaru Legacy (fourth generation)

Larger, but lighter. These three words best summed up the fourth generation Subaru Legacy when it first appeared in May 2003. Increasing the size of the Legacy from a Japanese Class 5 vehicle up to a Class 3 gave designers and engineers more freedom in styling the car as well as developing a more sophisticated suspension system. And although the new car was larger, they were able to do away with various body reinforcements and reduce its curb weight by up to 100 kg over the previous version.

With this generation, cars equipped with the normally-aspirated engine were designated R models, while the turbocharged-equipped machines became GT models with the hardcore sporting entry designated as the 2.0GT Spec B. Available in either sedan or wagon form, the Spec B Legacy featured stiff Bilstein shocks and attractive 18-in. wheels.

Highlights for this generation's engine included a new isometric-balanced interval exhaust manifold (making the engine's operation both smoother and quieter), while the company ditched its previous twin-turbo package in favor of a single turbo for improved torque at revs and a raised level of engine responsiveness. But Subaru wasn't done with the Legacy quite yet.

In September 2003, the company launched an ever more powerful model that had been developed with engineering input from legendary German sports car manufacturer Porsche. Dubbed the 3.0R, this souped-up Subie pumped out an impressive 247 HP and 224.2 ft-lb of torque, and was a fitting way for this generation of Legacy to bow out in its sixth and final year of production.