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

[Andy]

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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...

[Andy]

Originally Posted by 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...

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-...S/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