Outback Boxer Diesel debuts in Geneva

[D_J]

2010 is the time expected to be available in the U.S. market. The Subaru dealer here also told me this recently.

 

Here is the link for the photos:

 

http://autos.yahoo.com/auto-shows/geneva_auto_show_2008_slideshow/2008_geneva_auto_show_gallery_2/subaru_outback_boxer_diesel

 

Automobilemag.com:

 

Like all horizontally opposed engines, Subaru's new diesel eliminates second-order shaking forces. The end result is a smoothness - and a lack of noise - not usually associated with an oil burner. The 148-hp four-cylinder revs to a 4400-rpm redline, and although it's not ridiculously quick (60 mph arrives in 8.5 seconds, according to Subaru), prompt accelerator-pedal response and a wide, middle-of-the-tach sweet spot go a long way. Fuel economy is expected to average about 40 mpg in Legacy-based applications, and top speed will likely approach 130 mph.

 

Subaru's diesel hits Europe this month, but happily, its stateside arrival isn't far off - American Subaru dealers are due to see it in 2010. Subaru of America has not yet decided which vehicles it will offer with the diesel, but the Legacy, the Outback, and the Forester seem like obvious candidates. As one would expect, the usual modern diesel equipment will be present, including common-rail, high-pressure fuel injection; four valves per cylinder; a particulate filter; and a variable-vane turbocharger.

 

If 148 hp doesn't seem like much, fear not: an output bump is reportedly in the works, along with a six-cylinder variant sporting up to 300 hp for certain markets. Incidentally, Subaru is also working on combustion tweaks and a more sophisticated catalyst that will allow its diesels to meet emissions regulations without using urea injection. The mood in-house is nothing if not ambitious. "We think we're on the right track," states a senior Subaru engineer. "In a few years, 30 percent of all Subarus will be diesel-powered." That's a hefty goal, especially since it remains to be seen if diesel cars will really catch on in America. For now, however, Subaru has made a commendable first step."

[SLegacy99]

A 300 hp 6 cylinder diesel? That would not be fuel savy.

[D_J]

Yeah I really wanted to see close to 50 mpg...but making progress on the 4 cyl.

 

I also wrote to them to "borrow" some Prius techs to help design a hybrid model, cause those really can get 50 mpg. The drawback with hybrids I hear though are replacing the batteries out of warranty when they get old, can get quite $$$.

[Tommyh]

I like!

[GBY]

A 300 hp 6 cylinder diesel? That would not be fuel savy.

 

I guess it's relative, it would still be better than it's gas equivalent

[SLegacy99]

Yeah I really wanted to see close to 50 mpg...but making progress on the 4 cyl.

 

I also wrote to them to "borrow" some Prius techs to help design a hybrid model, cause those really can get 50 mpg. The drawback with hybrids I hear though are replacing the batteries out of warranty when they get old, can get quite $$$.

 

AHHHHH! The Ni-mh battery packs will last the lifetime of the car. Does no one read car magazines or the automotive section of the newspaper?

 

I guess it's relative, it would still be better than it's gas equivalent

I dunno, would it be? I'm thinking of the M class.

 

320 CDI: 18/24 (215 HP)

350: 15/20 (268 HP)

 

By the time you boosted it to that much HP the fuel savings wouldn't be worth the extra cost of the diesel.

[ehsnils]

I dunno, would it be? I'm thinking of the M class.

 

320 CDI: 18/24 (215 HP)

350: 15/20 (268 HP)

 

By the time you boosted it to that much HP the fuel savings wouldn't be worth the extra cost of the diesel.

 

The M class is in itself a bigger car, so you will have a lot more drag there.

 

It's how the available engine power is utilized that causes the fuel consumption.

[SLegacy99]

Yeah, but you could make the same kind of comparisson with the E class.