Subaru Diesel Boxer Engine: 2008 Geneva Motor Show

Motoring Channel Staff - 11/February/2008

Tokyo, Japan — There's a lot of buzz surrounding Subaru's new 2.0-litre diesel engine. 

The world's first horizontally opposed (boxer) 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine will make its vehicular debut under the hood of the Subaru Liberty (aka Legacy) and Outback models amidst the glitz of the 2008 Geneva Motor Show in March.

The new 2.0-litre diesel engine, like most boxer engines, outputs more torque than most similarly sized inline 4-cylinder engines, and will give Subaru a big boost in Europe where diesel sales account for about half of all new car sales.

As for an Australian release of the new diesel models, Subaru Australia's Corporate Affairs Manager told the Motoring Channel that while nothing has been inked in at the moment, a diesel engine would be a great addition to the range.

"There's no definite time frame at the moment," said Subaru's Corporate Affairs Manager, but added that the company was "very interested in the engine and very keen to test it locally."

The chances of the new diesel-powered Subaru models coming to Australia in the short term will also depend on demand, which is expected to be very high in Europe and could create a supply bottleneck.

In a recent press release, it was revealed that "FHI [Fuji Heavy Industries] will present the Subaru Legacy and the Outback, which are outfitted with the company's unique Subaru Boxer Diesel and due to be released into the European market ahead of other parts of the world."

Subaru explains that the new diesel-powered Liberty and Outback models will first appear in Europe this year and will supplied with symmetrical AWD "to achieve driving performance standards only Subaru is capable of."

According to the Japanese car maker, these standards include "high-level stability and outstanding acceleration thanks to powerful low- and medium-speed torque."

The new turbo diesel engines will also comply to the current Euro 4 emission regulations.

Full engine specifications for the new 2.0-litre boxer turbo diesel engines from Subaru are as follows:

Engine type: Horizontally opposed 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve turbo diesel
Displacement: 1998cc
Max power: 110kW (150hp) @ 3600rpm
Max torque: 350Nm @ 1800rpm
CO2 emissions: 148g/km (Legacy sedan)
Fuel injection system: Common rail type
Turbocharger: Variable nozzle turbocharger

Peak torque of 350Nm is above the norm for most current generation 2.0-litre diesel models and will give the new Subaru models impressive towing abilities and mid-gear acceleration as a result.

Subaru will also be retaining the top-mounted intercooler position that has made vehicles like the WRX so distinctive due to the hood scoop.

According to Subaru, the new engine is technologically advanced, using a variable nozzle turbo for improve response and reduced turbo lag. The engine block is made from aluminium-alloys and Subaru explains that it'sunorthodox layout "allows the right and left pistons to negate each other’s inertia. This translates into smooth rotational balance, low vibration and superior quietness."

Subaru will also show off its new Forester at the 2008 Geneva Motor show alongside a number of electric-powered prototype vehicles.

Related articles:
- Subaru Impreza WRX (Road Test)
- Subaru Impreza WRX STI (2008)
- Subaru Impreza Hatch (2008)
- Subaru Liberty & Outback (2008)
- Subaru WRC Concept (2008)
- Subaru Liberty GT Spec.B - Tuned by STI (Road Test)
- Subaru Impreza WRX sedan (2008)
- Subaru Tribeca (2008)
- Subaru Impreza WRX (Road Test)
- Subaru Forester XT (Road Test)
- Subaru WRX - Tuned by STI (2007)
- Subaru Develops Diesel Boxer Engine (2007)
- Subaru Liberty Blitzen (2006)