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Why call it a GT and not the B4?


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I'd like to think that Subaru is saving the B4 moniker for a more potent version of the Legacy for the US market. If they have no plans for a B4 named Legacy over here, why not use "B4" than the bland and generic "GT"?
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I do not know about that...think about it, you tell some one that you have a "B4", and they say to you, "Before what?". GT is a bit generic though and over used (Ford GT (40), Mustang GT, Mitsu 3000 GT, Grand Am GT, etc). Subaru could have come up with a totally new name for this car and that might have been a good idea...but "Legacy" is just fine for me, well Legacy STI would be even better. :)
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In the land of alphanumeric car names, M3, S4, S40R, STi, ect all stand out. Those who know cars would know and fear the B4..... Yes GT is very American and very generic. Im fine with Legacy, Legacy B4 would just be more cache IMHO.
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B4 was the name given to Sedan models in Japan between 1998 and 2002 (maybe 2003 with the B4 RSK S-Edition.) The turbo models in that timeframe were noted as RSK models (Ralli Sport Kompressor.) It appears they are globally attempting to make the GT name universal for the turbo models (2.0GT, 2.5GT), the 3.0R model as 3L H6 models, the 2.5i as base engine models. It is seamless between Outback and Legacy models released thus far. The Legacy Sedans turbo models previous to the BE (BD and BC) or 1997 and prior were noted as RS or Ralli Sport. The Wagons were however called GT with GTB models using Bilstein suspension components being the 'B' addition. They were and still are noted as GT for Grand Touring Wagons. Hope that helps. BTW, I know some people think the name GT is redundant, however I think it is finally given the respect it is desirved. GT stands for Grand Touring. The name is finally recieving a just spec list.
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The point is that B4 doesn't mean GT. B4 means sedan version of the Legacy and nothing more. If you look at the wagons, B4 is not used anywhere. Yet it is used for the 2.0i through the 3.0R for the sedan. Subaru seems to be making plans or at least leaving the option open to change every model to alphanumeric in the future since they have registered names of B1 though B12 (I believe all of those numbers). If that is done, B4 would presumably be the Legacy line. I wish that they would go with a more consistent naming system across the board as I've written on Nasioc. GT used to be the turbo version of all of the different models. As fast as the Forester turbo is, it is a GT. The Impreza turbo used to be GT until the GD everywhere except Japan. Maybe the Impreza could break the rule as WRX as long as the Impreza is the WRC car. If the WRC car becomes some other model, the Impreza turbo could then go back to GT name. I just think it stinks that there is a different "code" for each model line.
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I wonder also if marketing doesn't have something to do with it. The USDM really seems to like improved products, and Subaru can point to an all-new, vastly improved Legacy GT (the first USDM Legacy GT with performance to match its nomenclature), and people understand what they're talking about. When you compare new GT to old GT, it's easy to see what Subaru has done. It also keeps people from asking "You have this B4 thing, but what about the GT...do you still have that?" :D Kevin
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My guess that the first US vehicle to adopt any B__ name will be the 7 passenger when it comes with the completely new look. That will be an appropriate time to start the new naming process just like when Acura dropped the Legend and Integra and went to letter names. They happened during complete redesigns, and an entirely new car to the lineup is a perfect time to implement the change. My only beef is that the B__ names are too close to Audi names especially if a B4 and an A4 are about the same size. Then is the STi version called an S4? :lol:
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[quote name='Tide']I'd like to think that Subaru is saving the B4 moniker for a more potent version of the Legacy for the US market. If they have no plans for a B4 named Legacy over here, why not use "B4" than the bland and generic "GT"?[/quote] It's all a bit academic (on the Australian i.e. Liberty version anyway) - the only exterior badge says "Liberty" - the word Subaru isn't even mentioned other than on the centre of the wheels.
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[quote name='EJ20H-TT']Yes I argee on the naming thing for legacies sedans it's been a bit eratic. 1st Gen was RS or GT 2nd Gen was RS,RSB or GT 3rd Gen was RSK 4th Gen we are back with just GT[/quote] Sticking with the B4 naming and sedan models: IIRC BC was RS BD was RS (RSB was with Bilstein suspension) BE was RSK BL is GT Some countries have varied a little bit though.
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[quote name='SUBE555'][quote name='EJ20H-TT']Yes I argee on the naming thing for legacies sedans it's been a bit eratic. 1st Gen was RS or GT 2nd Gen was RS,RSB or GT 3rd Gen was RSK 4th Gen we are back with just GT[/quote] Sticking with the B4 naming and sedan models: IIRC BC was RS BD was RS (RSB was with Bilstein suspension) BE was RSK BL is GT Some countries have varied a little bit though.[/quote] The BC & BD Sedans did have GT models as well.
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[quote name='EJ20H-TT'][quote name='SUBE555'][quote name='EJ20H-TT']Yes I argee on the naming thing for legacies sedans it's been a bit eratic. 1st Gen was RS or GT 2nd Gen was RS,RSB or GT 3rd Gen was RSK 4th Gen we are back with just GT[/quote] Sticking with the B4 naming and sedan models: IIRC BC was RS BD was RS (RSB was with Bilstein suspension) BE was RSK BL is GT Some countries have varied a little bit though.[/quote] The BC & BD Sedans did have GT models as well.[/quote] What SUBE is saying is that those were the names for the B4 which, again, is the SEDAN. The GT models were for the wagon for "Grand Touring" wagon. Your initial comment made it seem like sedans were also "GT" during the 1st and 2nd generation.
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Personally I would have prefered the designation B4. BTW, that is a great car you got there! That thing must go like mad. I do think that the GT designation is kinda "generic" feeling but to tell you the truth they could call it Sally and I would still drive one :D
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OK, my bad. Can you pass some pepper for my foot? It already has enough salt. While we're getting an edumacation, was the GT used in only certain countries? Was it any different from the RS? Where I find this interesting is that the Impreza turbo has always been a GT outside of Japan as far as I know. I am big on organization and order and would be happy to see the consistent naming across the board.
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[quote name='PPower']Dr. Zevil, in case you missed it, B4 is synonymous with "Legacy sedan" and has nothing to do with the trim level (i, R, GT, RSK, RS, whatever). I feel like a broken record.[/quote] No, I gotcha.. I knew that. I honestly don't even like the name "legacy." B4 sounds mega badass and kewl. :lol: I would have taken B4 - GT. Sounds like a frickin' bond car or something. "Q, ready the B4-GT." See what I mean :D:D 8)
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[quote name='Dr. Zevil']Personally I would have prefered the designation B4. BTW, that is a great car you got there! That thing must go like mad. I do think that the GT designation is kinda "generic" feeling but to tell you the truth they could call it Sally and I would still drive one :D[/quote] Thx - It goes quite well :D I actually think GT describes the Legacy quite well. B4 RSK ~ Boxer 4WD Rally Sport Kompressor , I always thought sounded cooler though.
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