Autoblog

Subaru uses a mime and a toy car to explain why it loves the boxer engine

Zach Bowman — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 14:59:00 EST

I will freely admit to struggling with why Subaru continues to stubbornly employ a boxer engine design while so few other automakers do the same. After all, with twice the number of cylinder heads and cams as a traditional inline four-cylinder engine, a boxer four is more complex, more expensive to manufacture and more cumbersome to service with few tangible benefits. Until recently, the company's engines struggled to meet the fuel economy numbers of its competitors while offering no real boon in horsepower or torque. Subaru seems to recognize I'm not the only one scratching my head.

In order to help us non-believers understand what's what, the company has employed a pair of mimes, a toy car and a few clay engines to demonstrate the folly of every other automaker on the planet. Subaru says the boxer offers up a lower center of gravity than either an inline four-cylinder engine or a V6, which I will gladly concede. The company also says the design offers up smoother operation.

I'll offer just two counterpoints here. First, an engine with a low center of gravity is excellent, but when vehicles like the Forester, XV Crosstrek and Outback boast more ground clearance than most mainstream SUVs, that argument flies out the window. Second, anyone who's spent any amount of time behind the wheel of a vehicle equipped with an inline four and then proceeded to move into one propelled by a boxer can tell you the latter has all of the idling manners of a small tractor. Check out the video below to see for yourself.

Continue reading Subaru uses a mime and a toy car to explain why it loves the boxer engine

Subaru uses a mime and a toy car to explain why it loves the boxer engine originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Apr 2013 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Next-gen Subaru WRX targeting downsized 2.0-liter four that's upsized to 270 hp

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Hatchback, Subaru

WRX. Those three letters tell automotive enthusiasts the world over that they are not dealing with an ordinary Impreza, and it all began in rally racing with a 2.0-liter turbocharged flat-four engine. Though some models - including the current WRX and STI in the United States - had engines displacing as much as 2.5 liters, the WRX earned its reputation with 2.0 liters, and that's the displacement specified for competition use.

According to Motor Trend, the 2013 WRX, which will likely debut sometime in 2012, will go back to its original engine size. The new powerplant will reportedly be based on the engine found in the 2013 Subaru BRZ, a clean-sheet design for Subaru, with the addition of the expected turbocharger. That ought to bring power up from 200 horsepower to about 270.

Now we come to the question of what platform in which the engine will reside. While common sense would dictate that the latest version of the Impreza, which was recently released as a 2012 model, would get the WRX treatment, we've heard rumblings that Subaru would keep its current WRX shell around for a few more years while it continues development of the next chassis. Only time will tell.

Next-gen Subaru WRX targeting downsized 2.0-liter four that's upsized to 270 hp originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Subaru's new 2.0-liter boxer: It's better, but does it matter?

James Tate — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 15:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Wagon, Crossover, Subaru

Subaru FB20 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Subaru recently invited us to Budapest to get to know the 2011 European-spec Forester, which was... well, exactly what you'd expect (it was fine), but that's not the point here. What is important is the all-new "FB" engine under the hood - Subaru's third-generation boxer design - the same unit that we'll be seeing in the upcoming Impreza. Essentially, it's a sized-down version of our Forester's 2.5-liter mill, as opposed to the second-gen EJ25 engine in the current Impreza. Got it? Good. Let's get our hands dirty...

Continued...

Gallery: Subaru FB20

Continue reading Subaru's new 2.0-liter boxer: It's better, but does it matter?

Subaru's new 2.0-liter boxer: It's better, but does it matter? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Feb 2011 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Subaru debuts third-generation boxer four-cylinder engine

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 11:32:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Subaru

Subaru's Third-Generation Boxer Engine - Click above for high-res image

Boxer lovers, the next chapter in your love affair has just begun. Fuji Heavy Industries, parent company of Subaru, has introduced the latest, third-generation boxer engine that will relieve the second-gen after 21 years of service. This is a brand new lump, not a rework, and FHI has built a factory just to produce it.

The bore and stroke have been increased, and it will be available with four cylinders in 2.0- and 2.5-liter displacements. The intake ports have been redesigned, lighter pistons and connecting rods offer reduced internal friction, and separate cooling circuitry for the block and the head are some of the changes that have resulted in a lower emissions and a ten percent increase in fuel efficiency. No power figures are being quoted yet, so we'll have to see how it measures up when it finds its way into production engine bays.

This new boxer will be Subaru's primary engine, and will first be seen in the Forester. Follow the jump for the press release, and you can have a closer look at it the high-res image below.

[Source: Subaru]

Continue reading Subaru debuts third-generation boxer four-cylinder engine

Subaru debuts third-generation boxer four-cylinder engine originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Sep 2010 11:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: Toyota FT-86 sure doesn't sound like a boxer

Noah Joseph — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:20:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Videos, Subaru, Toyota

Toyota FT-86 Concept exhaust note - Click to watch the video after the jump

Toyota garnered a lot of attention at this year's Tokyo Motor Show with the debut of the FT-86 concept. And they weren't about to let it slip past them, either. As part of the spectacle, they played the sounds of the prototype supposedly rounding the Nürburgring.

The FT-86 is being jointly developed by Toyota and Subaru, the former providing the platform and the latter the engine, among other components. The thing is, as our JDM-loving compatriots over at 7Tune point out, the engine noise piped in doesn't sound much like a boxer four.

Of course, that kind of deducing poses more questions than it answers: Is Toyota planning a different engine for its version of the so-called Toyobaru sports-coupe? Is Subaru's hesitation prompting Toyota to make its own plans? Did they not like how the engine sounded and opt to pipe in another soundtrack altogether? We can only speculate, but if you listen to the audio in the video clip after the jump and have your own idea, we're all ears.

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Toyota FT-86 Concept

[Source: 7Tune.com]

Continue reading VIDEO: Toyota FT-86 sure doesn't sound like a boxer

VIDEO: Toyota FT-86 sure doesn't sound like a boxer originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rendered for Your Pleasure: Subaru WRX-powered Kickboxer motorcycle concept

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:56:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Subaru, Motorcycle, Design/Style

KickBoxer motorcycle concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

There's a longstanding tradition of using horizontally-opposed boxer engines in motorcycles - and not just from BMW - the flat configuration has found a home in a slew of two-wheelers ranging from Russia's Ural to the current Honda Goldwing. So, it's not too much of a stretch to wonder how Subaru's well-known flat-four engine would work in a bike.

At least one man has decided to find out. According to The Kneeslider, Ian McElroy taught himself Solidworks just so he could create the KickBoxer motorcycle concept, which marries the aforementioned liquid-cooled boxer engine from Subaru to a futuristic motorcycle chassis that features single-sided swingarms front and rear along with hub-center steering.

We're not entirely sold on some of the details, but it sure looks like fun. Even a bone-stock turbocharged WRX powerplant should equal a rather favorable power-to-weight ratio, wouldn't you say? At this point, the KickBoxer exists only on paper and computer files, but McElroy says he'd love to see the machine put into small-scale production. As would we.

Check out our high-res gallery below, and for more images, click here.

Gallery: KickBoxer Motorcycle Concept

[Source: The Kneeslider, Flickr]

Rendered for Your Pleasure: Subaru WRX-powered Kickboxer motorcycle concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: Subaru considering using more CVTs

Chris Shunk — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Subaru

2010 Subaru Legacy - Click above for a high-res image gallery

The 2010 Legacy will be the most fuel efficient Subaru in the Japanese automaker's US lineup, but only when it's powered by the 2.5i boxer engine mated to a CVT transmission. According to the EPA, that powertrain returns 31 mpg on the highway, a full four mpg better than the six-speed manual. With fuel economy standards set to climb over the next decade, Subaru is going to need more mpg success stories, and more CVTs could be a big part of the equation.

Japan's Nikkei Sangyo business daily reports that Subaru will flood its product lineup with CVTs over the next two years, starting with the popular Forester and Impreza models. The CVT, which is made at Subaru's engine plant in Oizumi, will eventually be offered on all models.

While the CVT is new for larger Subarus, the company has been using the transmissions in JDM city cars since 1987. Last week, Subaru began using a CVT in its Japan market Exiga MPV, which will soon be extended to the Australian market.

Gallery: 2010 Subaru Legacy

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

REPORT: Subaru considering using more CVTs originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Sep 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

First Drive: 2010 Subaru Legacy improves commercial appeal, retains character

Chris Paukert — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:55:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Subaru, First Drives

2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT - Click above for high-res image gallery

For one reason or another, we've always thought that if you delved deep enough into the history of Subaru, you'd discover the Japanese automaker is, in fact, Swedish. One can imagine rifling through the company's dusty archives, only to discover that at some point in time, through some quirk of fate - or perhaps a common love of fish - Subaru was born in Scandinavia, yet it ended up turning Japanese (I really think so). Just look at the evidence: Quirky styling? Check. Steadfast adherence to left-field drivetrains? Check. Time-honored emphasis on honest utility? Check. Willfully different clientele base? Check. Good in winter? Uh-huh. Sound like any Swedish automakers we know?

There's one key difference between the Nipponese automaker and its kindred spirits over at Saab and Volvo, and it's a biggie: Subaru is making money, and they're picking up share. Year-to-date, Subie has lost just 1.8% of its sales year-over-year in America's wretched, turd-down-the-toilet economy. In this "flat is the new up" market, that's a stellar performance - far better than any other mainline automaker, including current industry darlings Hyundai/Kia. And after a day's drive in the firm's new-for-2010 Legacy, we think they're poised for even greater success. Follow the jump to find out why.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Subaru Legacy improves commercial appeal, retains character

First Drive: 2010 Subaru Legacy improves commercial appeal, retains character originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

2010 Subaru Legacy gets its EPA numbers, hits 31 mpg highway

Chris Shunk — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Subaru

2010 Subaru Legacy - Click above for a high-res image gallery

The 2010 Subaru Legacy is bigger, wider, and more powerful than ever, yet the engineers made a point to increase fuel economy as well. The new Legacy will hit 31 mpg on the highway and 23 around town, but you'll have to opt for the 2.5i model with the CVT transmission.

With the more enjoyable 6MT transmission, fuel economy isn't such a great story. The row-your-own 2.5i model will only get you 19/27. Step up to the Legacy manual trans 2.5 GT or the 3.6R with the five-speed auto and you'll have to settle for 18/25, which is actually decent considering the fact that you're getting plenty of power and AWD.

Beyond the more competitive powertrains and improved fuel economy, the new Legacy also starts at a competitive $19,995. We can't think of another vehicle that has room for five, AWD and a price tag under $20,000, making the Legacy a very competitive option in the mid-size market. Press release below the fold.

Gallery: 2010 Subaru Legacy

Continue reading 2010 Subaru Legacy gets its EPA numbers, hits 31 mpg highway

2010 Subaru Legacy gets its EPA numbers, hits 31 mpg highway originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

New York: 2010 Subaru Outback has its muklucks on

Chris Paukert — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Wagon, Crossover, Subaru

2010 Subaru Outback - Click above for high-res image gallery

Yesterday, Subaru unveiled its new Legacy sedan, a vehicle that is pivotal not just in its own right, but because it also forms the basis for the softroader stiltswagon seen here. It only makes sense that Subaru chose to unveil its new Outback here this morning, as the very first model debuted here in the Big Apple some 15 years ago.

Predictably, the all-wheel drive Outback's running gear remains pure Legacy, and as such, it has grown similarly. Interior volume is up eight percent thanks in part to a 2.8-inch longer wheelbase (which also adds nearly four inches of rear legroom) and a two-inch wider footprint. Despite these gains, Subie officials claim the 2010 model is actually shorter overall. It also rides a bit higher, with ground clearnce swelling to 8.7 inches. Not only is this growth part of a strategy to combat upsized family sedans from Toyota, Honda, Chevrolet and Mazda, the move also allows the Outback to distance itself from popular Forester that also got biggie-sized with its last redesign.

The new model will be available in the buyer's choice of a 2.5-liter, normally aspirated flat-four giving 170 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque (backed by one of two new transmissions: a six-speed manual or Subie's "Lineartronic" CVT) or a 3.6-liter flat-six (256 hp and 247 pound-feet) paired to a conventional five-speed automatic. Regardless of which engine is specified, the fuel tank grows to 18.5 gallons (from 16.9), and regular fuel is all that's required.

Follow the jump for more, including Subaru's official press release, and check out the new Outback in our high-res gallery below.

Gallery: New York: 2010 Subaru Outback

Gallery: 2010 Subaru Outback

Continue reading New York: 2010 Subaru Outback has its muklucks on

New York: 2010 Subaru Outback has its muklucks on originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Apr 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Call Us When It's at the Dealer: On again, off again Toyota/Subaru on... again?

Chris Shunk — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 13:41:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Subaru, Toyota, Rumormill

Last April, Toyota and Subaru announced a joint rear-drive sports coupe for 2011, but recent economic struggles and a focus on more efficient vehicles led many to believe that the project could be delayed or even canceled. It now appears this isn't the case. Inside Line is quoting inside PR sources in Japan as saying that the project is still very much alive. The Toyobaru will utilize a new Subaru platform converted for RWD, with power coming from Subaru's 2.0L Boxer engine.

Japanese business paper Nikkei reported in December that the joint project would be delayed until 2012, but spokespeople from both companies say the project is very much on track. Plans for the new vehicle have gone through some changes, though. Under the original plan, Subaru was to build the vehicles at a new factory in Oizumi, Japan. Due to the current economic climate, the new plan is to built the Toyobaru in Subaru's existing Gunma facility.

[Source: Inside Line]

Call Us When It's at the Dealer: On again, off again Toyota/Subaru on... again? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 13:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Porsche considering return of four-cylinder engines

Noah Joseph — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 10:31:00 EST

Filed under: Porsche

The iconic 911 must be feeling like a bit of an outsider at Porsche. The German automaker keeps on throwing all sorts of different models into the mix to keep the 911 company, but the little rear-engined sportscar continues on as it always has. In recent years, Porsche has launched a mid-engined V10 supercar (Carrera GT), a mammoth SUV (Cayenne), a pair of junior sportscars (Cayman and Boxster) that have encroached on its territory, and is even gearing up to launch a four-door sedan (Panamera). New reports indicate that Stuttgart is even considering trying its hand at four cylinders again.

Now before you go and cringe, realize that Porsche has a long history of four-bangers. The most recent were the 944 and 924 models of the '70s and '80s, but remember that even the original 356 had four cylinders. In any event, Porsche says it's not looking to launch a four-cylinder model anytime soon, but that should the need arise, it would be prepared to lob a couple of cylinders off the 911's boxer six to make a flat four with a likely displacement of (drop the remainder, carry the one...) 2.4 liters. With the current socio-economic climate, Porsche might find demand for a four-banger before it can say Zuffenhausen.

[Source: drive.com.au]

Porsche considering return of four-cylinder engines originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Sep 2008 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: Porsche engine runs the 'Ring, virtually

Chris Shunk — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 18:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Videos, Supercars, Porsche

Thanks to media outlets like YouTube and Autoblog, a good lap time in on the Nurburgring will get you plenty of positive press. The grueling track has become the yardstick by which any performance vehicle is measured, and if you can post a record time, people want to know about it. The engineering geniuses at Porsche have designed a special moving dyno to test g-loads in a virtual 'Ring. The system was used to test the upgraded dry sump oil system for the new 3.6- and 3.8-liter boxer engines powering the 2009 911 Carrera and Carrera S. The dry sump system now has a variable-flow pressure pump that needed to be tested extensively at the 'Ring, but the new system can perform the same task whenever engineers want, and at a fraction of the cost.

Engineers were able to get a near perfect reproduction of a lap on the 'Ring by recording the g-force and engine load during a live lap of the Nordschleife, and then feeding the data into the contorting contraption. Hit the jump to view video of the moving dyno in action. It's pretty radical, and it gives you a better idea of how crazy the 'Ring really is.

[Source: Inside Line]

Continue reading VIDEO: Porsche engine runs the 'Ring, virtually

VIDEO: Porsche engine runs the 'Ring, virtually originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Jun 2008 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Subaru considering offering non-boxer, non-AWD models

Chris Shunk — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Budget, Green, Crossover, Hatchback, Subaru, Toyota

Subarus have sported standard AWD since the 80s, well before most other automakers even bothered with the technology. That, partnered with its boxer engine, goes together like peanut butter and jelly. But the Japanese automaker has to begin worrying about fuel efficiency and emissions, so the two features that have defined the brand for decades may become optional on future models. Thankfully, it's got Toyota to pilfer from, so the implementation of new drivetrains will be a bit easier if and when it makes the shift. Subaru of Australia Director Nick Senior broke the news of the possible switch, but he also emphasized that any changes wouldn't be made before 2010 and that no product plans are without AWD or the boxer engine in the foreseeable future.

[Source: Go Auto via Straightline]

Subaru considering offering non-boxer, non-AWD models originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Nov 2007 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments