Subaru to unveil its first “boxer” opposite diesel engine

Subaru to unveil its first "boxer" diesel in Geneva

So, it happened. Neglecting dieselists’ woes for ages, the Japanese all-wheel-drive specialist has eventually embraced the old technology and designed its own version of a turbocharged diesel engine.

Subaru is now readying to unveil the world’s first horizontally opposed oil-burner during the upcoming motor show in Geneva.

Subaru "boxer" diesel engine

The “boxer” scheme provides the engine with a lot of benefits, such as a more compact form, lower center of gravity and reduced body roll. Subaru also promises that the new engine’s body will be so rigid and silent it won’t actually need a balancer shaft.

In Geneva the engine will be presented as a part of drive-train only but it is expected to be fitted to the new Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles in 2008.

The 2.0-liter four-banger will presumably develop some 165bhp and about 250 lb-ft (339 Nm) of peak torque.

Photos: Subaru

See also: 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca crossover SUV