Boxer diesel engine for the Subaru Forester expected to arrive in 2010

[Andy]

Ever since the 2007 Geneva Auto Show where Subaru announced that they were making a new 2.2-liter 4-cylinder boxer diesel engine for the Forester, it has become highly anticipated even after they made no indication of bringing it to the US market, Quite the opposite, Subaru even said they won’t be selling the Forrester Diesel in America.

The future of the boxer diesel became a bit brighter though after Fuji Heavy Industries President Ikuo Mori said they will be launching the new diesel engine in the US “when the market is ready” and later going on to say it will be sold in the US by spring of 2010 regardless of market conditions.

The new Subaru Forester Diesel is expected to make waves in the US market because of what it has to offer. It’s a technologically-advanced horizontally-opposed diesel engine, the first of its kind, mounted on the great All Wheel Drive to bring tremendously responsive acceleration and low vibration unlike any other.

Engineered from Subaru’s 3.0-liter gas 6-cylinder, the new twin cam 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, which feeds off of the common-rail fuel delivery system and feeds off of the variable-nozzle turbo using 16 valves produces up to 145 horsepower at 3600 rpm and more importantly, a whopping 258 lb-ft of torque at 1800 rpm, which can cancel out the drag of the all-wheel drive.

Contributing to new diesel engine’s efficiency are its innovative horizontally-opposed configuration that’s very well-balanced and does not require any weight- and friction-increasing counter rotating shafts for smooth spinning as well as a diesel particulate filter (DPF). A new 6-speed manual transmission will also be paired with the boxer diesel to handle the superior torque it can deliver and

An edge that the new boxer diesel can capitalize on is its fuel economy numbers. In Europe, it is rated at an impressive 37 mpg city/highway combined. It can also tow up to 4400 lbs, almost twice the capacity of the gas-powered 2.5-liter 4-cylinder Forester XT.

With this impressive new diesel powertrain for the Forester, we know people will be watching it closely until it finally arrives in US shores in 2011.

[asp]

Although the Canadian market is only one-tenth that of the US market, we have large distances to cover and long winters so a SUBARU AWD diesel is a logical vehicle north of the 49th parallel. I'm assuming that we will see the Subaru Diesel when it reaches US shores as well. Perhaps I'll write Subaru Canada and see if they have anything to say...:confused:

[Andy]

Although the Canadian market is only one-tenth that of the US market, we have large distances to cover and long winters so a SUBARU AWD diesel is a logical vehicle north of the 49th parallel. I'm assuming that we will see the Subaru Diesel when it reaches US shores as well. Perhaps I'll write Subaru Canada and see if they have anything to say...:confused:

Good idea, let us know what they say!

[asp]

Well, I called Subaru Canada today and was politely informed that they have no word on the introduction of the Boxer diesel in Canada. That was expected! Oh well, my HONDA Element will have to make due until the diesel arrives.:)

[Dr.Mike]

Having read many similar sites, this one seems to have the most knowledgeable folks, but even here there is conflicting information about when/if we'll get the Subie diesels here stateside we're all waiting for. I've seen alot of dark musings that maybe Fuji has given up on the US market due to lack of awareness about diesel and emissions regs, and will just come out with a hybrid using the Toyota technology. I'm afraid to ask, but is this true? If they don't come here, is there any legal method to import one? (I would prefer an Outback diesel, but would take the 6MT Forester if that's all there is...) If they are coming here, is there a way to pre-order one? I called one of two local dealers in the Salt Lake area recently, and they were pessimistic-- they had heard that the idea to bring the Forester diesel to the US market was on long-term hold for now. Any news greatly appreciated!

[bcurtis]

I can't wait to buy the suburu diesel but haven't seen any guarantees that there will be any for sale in the U.S. Do you know for sure about the 2011 release and when can we place an order?

[BrianJohnR]

Yes, I would love to have one. By 2011 would be great timing.

The diesel engine just needs some high-tech scrubbers on the mufflers. Like those things that are put on the smoke-stacks of coal stacks.

Here's a link to what the scrubbers are: http://progress-energy.com/environment/cleanair.asp

"We have installed state-of-the-art "scrubbers" and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems, which will reduce emissions from these units of sulfur dioxide by approximately 90 percent and nitrogen oxides emissions by approximately 80 percent[...]"

[NHsubie]

I found this article today:

Subaru Riding Positive Press, Consumers Downsizing, to Gain Sales
http://wardsauto.com/ar/subaru_positive_press_100401/

The article contains the following quote by Tom Doll:

====
“The emissions requirements in the U.S. are significant,” he says. “And
given the price of diesel fuel, where it is right now, it really does
not pay to bring the vehicle into the U.S.”

A gallon of diesel fuel in the U.S. currently is averaging $2.95,
according to the American Automobile Assn., whereas regular gasoline
costs $2.80.
====

Looking at only cost per gallon of fuel doesn't tell the whole story.
Assuming 46MPG for diesel and 26 for gas, it costs $64.13 to go 1000 on
diesel and $107.69 on gas. That sounds to me like it would pay.

I forwarded the article to Subaru and got the following reply today:

====
To really be viable, we need a market of around 15-20% of sales and as we
watch other makers (other than a significant one model) not meet that
percentage and still others withdraw from their plans for diesel we do
think introduction at this point would be difficult.
====

I think Subaru is underestimating the demand for diesel. I host a Facebook fan page for bringing Diesel to the US if anyone wants to join:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bring-Subaru-Diesel-to-the-US/369835731018

Dan

[cliveawn]

maybe i can send you one from sweden,it cost me 43000 dollars,would do it for a bit of a profit though.You would be unique in the states with the only diesel subaru on the road.:)

[benson]

thats cool and people would just stare on the car and wonder where did that car came from :p

[cliveawn]

are cars lefthand drive in the states?

[anderson]

the left or right handed thing really depends on the country you are at the moment. But in USA i think most of them are left handed models.

[ford]

but the roads are totally different. In US and other country they have 4 cars that fits the lane so 8 cars in total for the whole road.:)

[anderson]

that's the great thing about it. And this helps a lot especially on city areas this makes the road not so crowded and can have less traffic.

[cliveawn]

My 2010 Legacy has done 15000km'sand had loosend up very nicely,when they come to the states everyone will be selling there vw's and getting Subaru's.

I have had other diesels and they are no match for this Subaru engine.

Only thing they need to do is make 6 cylinder diesel to compete with the other brands like vw , bmw etc.

[AvgNYJoe]

If Subaru is not coming out with the diesel cars that the consumers are asking for, we might as well look elsewhere, since the clamor is getting ignored. It's not the only fish in the ocean. Adios, Subaru.

[adk]

Yep, I've given up waiting for Tom Doll and Subaru of America to bring the diesel here. Shortsighted stupidity has cost them to lose a customer they had for 18 years.

[Springman]

I would rather not wait for a diesel forester but as I bought a 09 in June of 08 I can wait for while. I can understand Subaru holding back especially with the dysfunctional voters that we have... you never can tell if we will continue on an intelligent path or if we will once again revert to gas hogs. When we finally have more diesels on the road here then the gas price will go up and the diesel will go down.

[AvgNYJoe]

I'm getting the feeling that Subaru doesn't have the know-how to make diesel engines for the U.S. market, and it's reason that the market is not yet ready is just a smokescreen for its ineptitude.

Go ahead, blame it on consumers.

[adk]

it is just so frustrating that a forward thinking company has become so backward.

[mcattk]

It's time, if VW makes a small SUV with their diesel, Subaru will loose out on my money. I sure want a Forester Diesel! Look at the "Green" Car of the year 2009 & 2010, VW & Audi, both diesels. BRING IT NOW!!! 10 cents a gallon more for diesel is much cheaper than gas (MPGs). Easy math.:rolleyes:

[Andy]

10 cents a gallon more for diesel is much cheaper than gas (MPGs). Easy math.

Exactly! We need more diesels. Still hoping the Mahindra Truck (http://mahindratruckforum.com) will get here some day.

[adk]

I agree. Time for subaru to get ahead of the curve on diesels in us

[tarbe]

For me, there is much more to diesel than just the mathematical cost per mile.

I love the torque, I love the durability and simplicity of the motors (though the exhaust system is getting complicated!), I love the sound, diesel is much safer in a crash (higher flash point) and diesel fuel smells much nicer than gasoline!

C'mon Subaru, quit teasing us!


Tim

[Andy]

Ya, I agree with you. I think all of us do. It's amazing that we don't run more diesel's in the US.

[tarbe]

Ya, I agree with you. I think all of us do. It's amazing that we don't run more diesel's in the US.


Andy


You appear to be a Jeep man....any diesel Liberty in your past?


Tim

[Andy]

Hey Tim!

Nope, no Jeep Liberty. I've always been really curious about them. I don't know why they no longer offer them, do you?

Andy

[tarbe]

No clue. I do not understand the auto companies, for the most part.

I must not be the typical buyer. Most of what gets turned out is junk to me...and the really useful stuff (like a diesel Forester) is nowhere to be found!

I do really like my TDI wagon...just need more than 4 inches of ground clearance!

[adk]

It's official! VW to introduce a turbo diesel Passat in the US - and reduce the price. Subaru and US Subaru chief, Tom Doll, caught sleeping. WAKE UP!!!!