Subaru's Two Central Pillars, Boxer Engine & All-Wheel Drive, Are Under Threat

**JoeT** · 11-16-2007, 01:46 AM

Subaru Gets Boxed In

James Stanford & Terry Martin
16 November 2007
www.goauto.com.au

Subaru Australia’s two central brand pillars – the boxer engine and all-wheel drive – are under threat.

The aspiring prestige marque has promoted the core technologies as fundamental elements for all models sold in Australia, refusing to take smaller inline engines and front-drive models available overseas.

This policy has seen the image of Subaru rescued from a rudimentary budget outfit in the 1980s to a unique Japanese premium brand. Australian Subaru dealership signs even incorporate ‘all-wheel drive’ under the logo to make the point.

Now, Subaru Australia managing director Nick Senior has revealed to GoAuto that ever-tightening emission standards and a desire to cut fuel consumption could force it to reconsider its position on AWD and boxer engines.

Click here to continue article

Xenon · 11-16-2007, 02:45 AM

Taking away AWD and the boxer engines is one great way to destroy the whole essence of Subaru. What's wrong with using smaller displacement motors, or more efficient AWD systems? If Honda and Nissan can develop efficent and state of the art AWD systems, Subaru can too.

A Subaru without AWD and/or a boxer is like having a 4 cylinder Vette.

genjy · 11-16-2007, 02:58 AM

Not many would really care if the boxer engine was gone. Subaru needs to keep AWD, though.

**paul8488** · 11-16-2007, 03:10 AM

That's like if Saab decided not to offer a hatchback!!! Unthinkable!

Zomsky · 11-16-2007, 06:16 AM

I have just one question.

It's Subaru.

Does anyone really care?

RAVEN05649 · 11-16-2007, 06:53 AM

go to Ultimate Subaru message board and mention that. There is a strong and loyal following for Subaru and their AWD and Boxer engines. It may be odd to some, but if they get rid of either we can start calling Subaru... Toyota Jr.

Stéphane Dumas · 11-16-2007, 07:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RAVEN05649

go to Ultimate Subaru message board and mention that. There is a strong and loyal following for Subaru and their AWD and Boxer engines. It may be odd to some, but if they get rid of either we can start calling Subaru... Toyota Jr.

Either that and in a more mid-term Subaru could follow Plymouth, Eagle, DeSoto, AMC and Oldsmobile.....

Buick61 · 11-16-2007, 07:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paul8488

That's like if Saab decided not to offer a hatchback!!! Unthinkable!

Bahahahaha. Coincidentally, the last hatchback they offered was a Subaru.

So, first they destroyed the distinctive Subaru styling, now they're taking away the unique power and drive trains.

Why don't they just rebadge a Corolla and be done with it.

AndrewGS · 11-16-2007, 07:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buick61

Bahahahaha. Coincidentally, the last hatchback they offered was a Subaru.

[grasping straws]The 9-7x is kind of a hatchback... sorta.[/grasping straws]

Relik86 · 11-16-2007, 08:14 AM

Forgive my ignorance, but I've always wondered... what exactly is the "Boxer" engine?

HoosierRon · 11-16-2007, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Relik86

Forgive my ignorance, but I've always wondered... what exactly is the "Boxer" engine?

Imagine a V-4 engine. Now imagine that instead of a 90 degree V, you push the V flat, so that it is a "180 degree V". The pistons would be like two boxers punching each other.

The only other car maker in the world that uses a boxer engine is Porsche.

Here is the Tribeca's 6 cylinder engine:

ByTheLake · 11-16-2007, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zomsky

I have just one question.

It's Subaru.

Does anyone really care?

Where I live, in snowy Northern Michigan, there are more Subarus than Toyotas. My mail carrier delivers mail in a Subaru.

While the boxer offers a low center of gravity, I'd say it's the AWD that must stay to ensure Subaru's identity.

K-1 · 11-16-2007, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Relik86

Forgive my ignorance, but I've always wondered... what exactly is the "Boxer" engine?

The pistons punch sideways instead of up and down. It makes for a flatter engine, thus a lower center of gravity.

jckjds · 11-16-2007, 08:37 AM

Unless you live in the great white north or have a special, high power application, AWD is a big fat waste of money (and it makes a big knock on fuel economy).

I would personally never buy a car with AWD. I don't think there is anything wrong with Subaru offering FWD as an OPTION. If you want the AWD, fine, then buy it. But for those who don't need it, it is a good option for consumers to be able to save some $ (on up front cost and gasoline).

CADILLACSIXTEEN · 11-16-2007, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xenon

A Subaru without AWD and/or a boxer is like having a 4 cylinder Vette.

I wouldnt go that far

11-16-2007, 01:46 AM	#1 (permalink)
JoeT GMI's Holden Moderator Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Wollongong, Australia Drives: 2003 Holden Monaro CV8 Posts: 4,851	Subaru's Two Central Pillars, Boxer Engine & All-Wheel Drive, Are Under Threat Subaru Gets Boxed In James Stanford & Terry Martin 16 November 2007 www.goauto.com.au Subaru Australia’s two central brand pillars – the boxer engine and all-wheel drive – are under threat. The aspiring prestige marque has promoted the core technologies as fundamental elements for all models sold in Australia, refusing to take smaller inline engines and front-drive models available overseas. This policy has seen the image of Subaru rescued from a rudimentary budget outfit in the 1980s to a unique Japanese premium brand. Australian Subaru dealership signs even incorporate ‘all-wheel drive’ under the logo to make the point. Now, Subaru Australia managing director Nick Senior has revealed to GoAuto that ever-tightening emission standards and a desire to cut fuel consumption could force it to reconsider its position on AWD and boxer engines. Click here to continue article Last edited by JoeT : 11-16-2007 at 05:34 AM.

11-16-2007, 02:45 AM	#2 (permalink)
Xenon 6.0 Liter LS2 V8 Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 4,855	Re: Subaru Two Central Pillars, Boxer Engine & All-Wheel Drive, Are Under Threat Taking away AWD and the boxer engines is one great way to destroy the whole essence of Subaru. What's wrong with using smaller displacement motors, or more efficient AWD systems? If Honda and Nissan can develop efficent and state of the art AWD systems, Subaru can too. A Subaru without AWD and/or a boxer is like having a 4 cylinder Vette.

11-16-2007, 02:58 AM	#3 (permalink)
genjy 7.0 Liter LS7 V8 Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 5,118	Re: Subaru Two Central Pillars, Boxer Engine & All-Wheel Drive, Are Under Threat Not many would really care if the boxer engine was gone. Subaru needs to keep AWD, though. __________________ 2008 5-cylinder turbo hatchback w/ 6sp manual 2006 4-cylinder minivan w/ 5sp manual Animal Crossing Wii 1805-5749-4471 mooz of DK MTN PM me your info and I will add you!

11-16-2007, 03:10 AM	#4 (permalink)
paul8488 GMI Staff Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: France Drives: 2007 MBK Flipper Scooter Posts: 13,344	Re: Subaru Two Central Pillars, Boxer Engine & All-Wheel Drive, Are Under Threat That's like if Saab decided not to offer a hatchback!!! Unthinkable! __________________ *The department of redundancy department.*

11-16-2007, 06:16 AM	#5 (permalink)
Zomsky 2.0 Liter Supercharged ECOTEC Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Tamworth, NSW Australia Drives: Astra 1.9 CDTI 150ps Posts: 150	Re: Subaru's Two Central Pillars, Boxer Engine & All-Wheel Drive, Are Under Threat I have just one question. It's Subaru. Does anyone really care?

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11-16-2007, 06:53 AM	#6 (permalink)
RAVEN05649 3.5 Liter V6 Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Central Vermont Drives: 1985 VW Jetta Turbo Diesel Posts: 263	Re: Subaru's Two Central Pillars, Boxer Engine & All-Wheel Drive, Are Under Threat go to Ultimate Subaru message board and mention that. There is a strong and loyal following for Subaru and their AWD and Boxer engines. It may be odd to some, but if they get rid of either we can start calling Subaru... Toyota Jr. __________________ Future GM cars: HHR, Camaro, Groove Current GM car: '02 Buick Rendezvous CXL AWD Previous GM cars: '92 Chevy Caprice SW, '85 Chevy Blazer, '86 Camaro, '84 Caprice Classic, '79 Buick Regal, '94 Pontiac Transport, '94 Pontiac Grand Am, '96 Buick Century

11-16-2007, 08:14 AM	#10 (permalink)
Relik86 2.0 Liter Supercharged ECOTEC Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ontario, Canada Drives: 2002 Chevy Malibu Posts: 174	Re: Subaru's Two Central Pillars, Boxer Engine & All-Wheel Drive, Are Under Threat Forgive my ignorance, but I've always wondered... what exactly is the "Boxer" engine? __________________ 2005 Pontiac Sunfire GT, Steel Blue Metallic - rolled on a snowbank at 66,000km 2002 Chevy Malibu, Silver - Monroe SensaTrac struts & shocks, Eibach ProKit springs - 146,000km

11-16-2007, 08:37 AM	#14 (permalink)
jckjds 3.8 Liter Supercharged V6 Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 536	Re: Subaru's Two Central Pillars, Boxer Engine & All-Wheel Drive, Are Under Threat Unless you live in the great white north or have a special, high power application, AWD is a big fat waste of money (and it makes a big knock on fuel economy). I would personally never buy a car with AWD. I don't think there is anything wrong with Subaru offering FWD as an OPTION. If you want the AWD, fine, then buy it. But for those who don't need it, it is a good option for consumers to be able to save some $ (on up front cost and gasoline).

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