Boxer Diesel for Geneva Debut

Media Information February 12, 2007

Boxer Diesel for Geneva Debut

The world's first horizontally opposed diesel engine will be displayed at next month's Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland by Subaru.

The "boxer" turbocharged engine is due to be launched in the European market in 2008.

The compact diesel has similar dimensions to Subaru's equivalent petrol engines and will be displayed at Geneva linked to a symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system.

The power train retains Subaru's low centre of gravity to provide good handling and road holding. With its compact and rigid construction, there is no need for a balancer shaft to reduce vibrations. The boxer turbo diesel has very low noise levels and combines strong pulling power at low engine revs combined with good high revs throttle response.

At present there are no firm plans for New Zealand introduction as all production is aimed at the European market where diesel powered vehicles make up to 50 percent of all sales in some countries.

Subaru will also be displaying an R1e electric car at Geneva. It is currently being road tested in daily use by the Tokyo Electric Power Co. Ltd (TEPCO).

FHI intends to commercialize the R1e as a short-distance commuter car based on the Subaru R1 mini car currently available on the Japanese market.

A TEPCO-developed high-speed charger that will charge 80% of the car's batteries in no more than 15 minutes will be also be showcased.

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