Filed under: Trends, Hybrids/Alternative, Euro, Subaru
Subaru planning diesel models for 2007
Reuters reported Monday that Fuji Heavy Industries (parent company of Subaru) is developing a diesel powerplant that could debut in Subaru's European lineup as early as 2007.
After agreeing with major shareholder Toyota Motor last week to adopt Toyota's hybrid powertrain technology for Subaru's planned hybrid models, Fuji is shifting its product development focus to diesel engines. Subaru will launch diesel AWD powertrains before its upcoming hybrid models.
Diesels are key to expanding Subaru's market reach in Europe, where half of all new cars sold are diesel-powered. Subaru will likely launch its new diesel first as an option for the European market Legacy (pictured).
The company forecasts that half of Subaru sales in Europe will be diesels by 2010, and between 10 and 20 percent of its sales in Japan and the U.S. will eventually shift to diesel power.
[Source: Reuters] Thanks for the tip, Jeffrey!
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Spineless 2:55PM (3/29/2006)
I have been wanting a diesel Subaru for awhile now. I just wish they would hurry up and get them to the US in time for the low sulfur diesel introduction later this year. Additionally, using biodiesel would be even better.
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Bryce 2:56PM (3/29/2006)
Why do the European cars always have to look better?
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Stone 3:05PM (3/29/2006)
Um....that's not European, it's Japanese. AND you can get the same Legacy model in the US.
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Otto Ingineer 3:21PM (3/29/2006)
Mmmmm. Turbo-diesel-hybrid all wheel drive. That would be setting the technological bar a notch (or several notches) higher. There really is not anything on offer from any other manufacturer even close (Maybe Audi TDI w/ AWD, but no hybrid and more $$)
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michael 3:33PM (3/29/2006)
Oh, man. I would dump my Element in a heartbeat for a diesel Subaru. I miss my Sidekick.
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wrbwrx 3:41PM (3/29/2006)
Sounds great for MPG and low end torque...but are diesels fun to drive? I love the WRX's turbo rush at mid to high rpm. If the diesel is fun to drive, put me down for one!
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Essayons 5:20PM (11/27/2007)
TURBO-Diesels ARE fun to drive! Like they say: People buy horsepower, but drive torque. I love my 2000 VW Golf GLS TDI, but I'd trade it for a turbo-diesel Outback or Forester in a heartbeat. Subaru quality's quality beats the pants off VW's, too, IMO.
emulous1974 3:48PM (3/29/2006)
As a current Legacy GT Ltd. Wagon owner I can say that those pictures are of the Japanese Version of the Legacy, as the U.S. bumpers do not look like that; the center opening on the lower part of the bumper is much wider in the U.S. version and the foglights are seperated and their housing are body colored.
I would love a high torque with decent horsepower diesel option in my Legacy.
I'm kinda surprised that Subaru has not jumped on the bandwagon on fuel efficient vehicles. The turbo legacy gets 19/25 epa estimates and it's not easy to get the 25 mpg that the epa got. With all of it's U.S. line up featuring at least 2.5 liters there is no great gas mileage in a new Subaru, which has been my only complaint with my Legacy.
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JZeke 4:38PM (3/29/2006)
With premium gas already breaching $3.00 a gallon in the cities running my scoob is costing me what it would've cost to run an Expedition 3 years ago... ouch.
Performance Hybrid Turbo Diesel Boxer? Yes please.
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bhtooefr 4:56PM (3/29/2006)
You would be amazed.
Diesels can be VERY fun - especially with upgrades. That weapons-grade low end torque is why, actually. (And, they've got turbos that give you a rush from the bottom all the way to the top of the tach.)
Check http://forums.tdiclub.com - I know there's several former WRX drivers there. Also, check in the TDI Power Enhancements section. ;)
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Kurt 8:18PM (3/29/2006)
If anyone from Toyota or Suburu is reading this post, please take note. If you bring a diesel Suburu Outback to the United States, I will promptly walk into the nearest dealership, plop down the necessary wad of cash and take the car off your hands.
What do I have to do to get a car manufacturer, any car manufacturer to bring a 4x4 diesel to the US market?
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sam 8:39PM (3/29/2006)
it would be nice to see some real innovation from subaru, their trip "upscale" while exciting has started to alienate their traditional fan base
Here in vermont every 3rd car is a subaru, though you see comparatively fewer late-models, as they are getting pricy and are extremely thirsty.
A diesel would be a hit, provided it was clean and was easy to start at arctic temperatures.
a diesel hybrid would be an even bigger smash.
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Felipe Figueroa 12:26AM (3/30/2006)
Besides having better mpg, why are diesels becoming so popular nowadays in Europe? Do they have THAT better milage compared to regular gas engines? Any other advantages?
Just curious.
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Morgan 3:15AM (3/30/2006)
Will they still offer the factory-installed "Kerry/Edwards" or "Bush Lied" stickers on these?
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RamSport47 6:49AM (3/30/2006)
#10...... Jeep Liberty CDI...diesel 4 x 4 wagon style body
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Howard Kerr 8:43AM (3/30/2006)
Wow, what is up with the companies that used to be GM affiliates? Suzuki is doing great in the U.S. and Europe and now it looks like Subaru is about to get their "second wind" so to speak. It has to make you wonder what would happen to Saab if they were cut loose too.
Unfortunately, the bad/old rep that diesels HAD has made manufacturers and car customers in the U.S. leery of buying ANYTHING diesel powered. In Europe, some of the best car diesels, if not THE best, are found in BMW's cars and SUVs. The other brake on diesel sales in the U.S. is emmissions regs and the LACK of low-sulfur diesel fuel to pass them. You can't sell a car if there is no fuel available for it. This should change in less than 12 months, so all you folks who say you are waiting for a diesel....anything, please continue to pester you dealers.
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MikeW 10:36AM (3/30/2006)
Diesels would be nice in subarus, but so would a 5 speed automatic in the Impreza and base legcay, and a 6 speed manual everywhere else as an option (WRX STI not included)
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Otto Ingineer 12:24PM (3/30/2006)
Don't forget the new alliance between Subaru and Toyota. Imagine Turbo-diesel-hybrid...trucks and SUVs, of which Toyota has several potential models.
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x23 4:46AM (3/31/2006)
"What do I have to do to get a car manufacturer, any car manufacturer to bring a 4x4 diesel to the US market?"
been asking the same question for YEARS now. figured it would be a race between the long-rumored Subaru diesel / Audi finally plopping a TDI into the A4 / an LX dodge/chrysler with AWD and a MB diesel. i was always hoping it would be the Subaru to win.
a manual AWD Legacy turbo diesel. i am SO there. i just pray to god they don't butcher the front end with the hideous 'corporate nose' before it can be released.
the Jeep Liberty is *not* a car.
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Bill Whitney 10:15PM (4/09/2006)
I have a 2005 Forester 2.5X that we love and a 2002 Jetta TDI that gets 42 to 45 on the highway. A diesel AWD Forester that would get in the high 30's would be jsut the ticket here in Colorado. While they're at it they ought to make a 6 cylinder for the Tribeca. I would by a AWD Diesel in a heartbeat
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