In
Geneva next month, Subaru will unveil what it claims to be the world's first 'boxer' turbodiesel engine, as part of a full drivetrain display on its stand.
The 'boxer' name refers to the layout - also known as a horizontally-opposed engine - where there are two banks of cylinders (usually running parallel to the ground to reduce the engine's centre of gravity) horizontally opposed to each other on a common crankshaft. One of the beauties of this layout is its inherent smoothness, thanks to the balance of the corresponding pairs of pistons reaching top dead centre at the same time, eliminating the need for a balancer shaft.
Subaru's cutaway picture of the new engine reveals a four-cylinder configuration with a neatly integrated high-pressure fuel system, as well as a compact intercooler mounted on top of the engine. We don't yet have dimensions or any other specifications, but it's a fair assumption that the new powerplant will be of at least 2-litre capacity. It is expected that Subaru will develop several versions of the diesel engine, with its first application early in 2008. We think that will be in the all-new Impreza, which is expected to be shown at either the Frankfurt or Tokyo motorshows this year.
Shane O' Donoghue - 9 Feb 2007