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.
