Subaru to Debut New Engine in 2011 Subaru Forester
Subaru has long been one of the strongest proponents of the 'boxer'?-style horizontally-opposed four-cylinder engines, and it would appear that a brand new generation of power plants in this mold is on the way from the Japanese brand. The engine refresh marks the end of a 20-year run for the original four-cylinder engine that has powered most of the Subaru lineup in one form or another during that two-decade period.
According to a report in the Automotive News, one of the driving forces behind the introduction of a new boxer-four is the quest for improved fuel economy across all of Subaru's models. Although the new engine will be produced in both 2.0-liter and 2.5-liter editions, which matches the current range of Subaru four-cylinder offerings, fuel mileage will improve by at least 10 percent for each application. Part of this better fuel efficiency equation is the continuously-variable transmission (CVT) option that will be available with the boxer engine. Currently, this type of gearbox is only available in the Subaru Legacy, but plans are to eventually trickle CVT technology down to entry-level Subaru automobiles.
In terms of when the new Subaru four-cylinder engine will hit the market, fans of the all-wheel drive focused brand won't have long to wait. Plans are underway for the 2011 Subaru Forester to be the first vehicle to benefit from the updated motor program, with examples going on sale before the end of this year. Logically, the Subaru Outback, which shares its platform with the Legacy, would seem to be the next vehicle on the recipient list. Eventually all Subaru automobiles will be forced to move to more efficient drivetrains due to the upcoming corporate average fuel economy requirements that are set to become more restrictive within just a few years time.
Subaru has remained tight-lipped regarding the potential output of its new generation of power plants, preferring instead to focus on fuel efficiency over dyno numbers. That being said, it is a safe assumption that the engines will at least match most recent Subaru four-cylinders in terms of horsepower and torque. In 2009, the company rolled out a concept vehicle that offered direct-injection, automatic start / stop capability and turbocharging, calling it a plan for Subaru's future drivetrains. Although the first two technologies have yet to be openly discussed by officials at the automaker, Subaru has confirmed that turbocharged editions of the updated motors will be put into production, similar to the options currently found in the GT, WRX and STI models.
2010 model pictured.