Subaru’s new boxer engine details have just been released and the main result is better fuel economy than the existing models whilst maintaining plenty of power and torque.
The new Subaru normally-aspirated (non-turbo) engine is the third generation developed by Fuji Heavy Industries, Subaru’s father company, and it’s the first brand new engine since 1989.
Subaru engines have always been robust, fairly powerful and very torquey especially when matched to high-geared ratios within Subaru’s all-wheel drive system. But the engines weak link has always been consumption and economy. It’s not that the engines are bad on fuel, they just consume a little more than the rivals.
Now though, Subaru and Fuji Heavy Industries have improved this area with indications noting a 10 percent increase in fuel economy. This was done through the use of lighter moving parts and an Active Valve Control system for the intake and exhaust.
The new 2.0-litre engine uses undersquare bore and stroke measurements too, meaning the pistons travel further than they are wide; 84mm bore and a 90mm stroke. This helps with torque and reduces the engine’s inclination to want to rev higher for more performance. Figures of 109kW and 196Nm are on offer.
Managing Director, Subaru Australia, Nick Senior said in a recent report,
“This is an exciting engineering development from FHI. They’re renowned for the durability of their engines and this new unit will take the sophistication to a whole new level that we’ll look forward to experiencing in some versions of our best-selling Forester next year.”
Subaru says the new engine will be available in both 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre capacities and will first go into the market with the Subaru Forester model year 2011, which will be launched early next year.
Marking the 20th anniversary of the Subaru Legacy, then CONCEPT OF LEGACY has been developed to show the sporting legacy of the capabilities and features of Subaru symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system mated with Boxer engine-against horizontal. The design concept is based on wheelbase 108.3 in. larger designed to maximize interior space and provide comfortable accommodation.
The theme of concept design is “Presence”, represented by the aggressive front facia and solid yet expressive body. Four powerful and defined wheel arches emphasize the dynamism of Symmetrical AWD. Sharp design lines carve out a substantial mass as they flow from the hood, across the roof to the trunk, while the sharp body lines project a sense of strength. Wedge-shaped Side Rear Vision Cameras are featured and provide a sense of flow from the momentum of the A-pillar lines. A character line runs from just before the A-pillar and sweeps up to the tail just above the taillamps.
This grille design combines the central wing motif that defines the Subaru Legacy's brand identity. Subaru logo separates the lattice shape in the center accented by sharp headlights with vertical layout of the dual-row dual LED lights. In addition,, a thin fog lights arranged vertically in front of nets with large air intakes angles add a touch of jewel-like front design. The CONCEPT OF LEGACY finished in a special high-sheen "Ultimate Silver" paint to accentuate the angle of the designs.
The interior design has a striking four-seat layout featuring "High Definition " theme design. Comfort and style are achieved with a mixture of touch screen, camera and cover the modern surface. The mixture of high-tech look with comfort through four separate seating areas, a high roofline and generous legroom for all passengers. Center console features touch-panel screen that concentrates a large variety of functions for use simplified, while the form of flow extends vertically to emphasize a sense of strength and solidity in union with the outside. A steering wheel and shift lever has been adjusted to highlight the sporty nature of DNA elements in the Legacy's.
In-car entertainment is featured through monitors with multiple functions that are located in the center console, as well as in the rear of the front seat headrests to provide comfortable functionality as well a calm design that creates a relaxed ambiance for passengers. The monitor for the Side Rear Vision Camera has been situated toward the front of the roof to maximize rear visibility. The design is capped off with seats covered in pearl white leather that give off a blue sheen, while black metallic leather has been used for the door trim to create contrast with the instrument panel.
The Legacy was introduced globally in 1989, produced in Japan and Lafayette, Indiana. Since that date until November 2008, the total global production has exceeded 3.6 million vehicles making it Subaru’s car model. During that period, Subaru’s core technologies of a Horizontally-Opposed engine and Symmetrical 4WD have served to further the basic elements of automotive performance while continuously evolving for unparalleled handling, stability, and safety. This LEGACY CONCEPT incorporates the Legacy heritage while also serving as a concept model that provides an image of the new driving comfort and reliability that will continue to serve as a touchstone for Subaru.
