Subaru's unique boxer diesel lineup hits Europe first, is hoped for an American debut before the end of the decade. (Photo: Suabru)
Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the maker of Subaru automobiles, today announced the major features of its Subaru exhibit at the 78th Geneva International Motor Show slated for March in Geneva, Switzerland (Press days: March 4 and 5; Open to the public from March 6 through 16).
FHI 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. In addition, models to be exhibited include the new Subaru Forester, which will make a debut in Europe, and the Subaru G4e Concept and the Subaru R1e electric vehicles as environmental-friendly solutions.
FHI will hold a press conference at the Subaru booth at 14:30 March 4, 2008. Ikuo Mori, FHI’s President and CEO, will be present to speak with the media.
FHI applied the world’s first Horizontally-Opposed Diesel Engine “Subaru Boxer Diesel” for passenger vehicles to the Subaru Legacy and the Outback. For the two models, the Subaru Boxer Diesel is mated with Subaru’s unique symmetrical AWD (All-Wheel-Drive) to achieve driving performance standards only Subaru is capable of. These standards include high-level stability and outstanding acceleration thanks to powerful low- and medium-speed torque.
On top of this, the two models adopt new electric power steering to achieve both improved fuel efficiency and fun to drive. They not only comply with the Euro 4 emission regulations, but realize top-level fuel economy for AWD passenger vehicles, thereby integrating driving performance into the environment.
[Subaru Boxer Diesel: Features]
The Subaru Boxer Diesel takes advantage of high rigidity of the horizontally opposed engine. It uses an aluminum-alloy cylinder block. With its engine width equivalent to that of a horizontally opposed petrol engine of the same displacement volume, it is 61.3-mm shorter in length, achieving top-level lightweight and compact design of the class.
Its unique layout allows the right and left pistons to negate each other’s inertia. This translates into smooth rotational balance, low vibration and superior quietness. Furthermore, thanks to excellent accelerator response, and with reduced friction and inertia resulting in smooth acceleration, the Subaru Boxer
[Subaru Boxer Diesel: Main specifications]
- Engine type: Horizontally opposed 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve turbo diesel
- Displacement: 1998 cc
- Maximum output: 110 kW (150 PS)/3600 rpm
- Maximum torque: 350 Nm (35.7 kgf·m)/1800 rpm
- CO2 emissions: 148 g/km (Legacy sedan)
- Fuel injection system: Common rail type
- Turbo type: Variable nozzle turbocharger
