Holy Crapola, Subaru's Been Using the Boxer Engine for 50 Years

"McPherson" (isetta)
05/11/2016 at 08:24 • Filed to: None

Karl Benz first engineered the opposed piston engine in 1897. Subaru adopted the design in 1966 for the 1000 model and has used it ever since. Personally, I’ve depended on this ‘little’ engine for almost twenty years. Thanks Subaru... and Mr. Benz.

DISCUSSION (13)

Berang > McPherson
05/11/2016 at 08:34

There are some who believe Subaru was inspired by the flat four from the Goliath 1100:

Kinja'd!!!

They were probably at least aware of it, as they had been of the Lloyd’s 2-stroke air-cooled twin when they designed the Subaru 360.

WRXasaurus > McPherson
05/11/2016 at 08:37

I am honestly surprised no one else beside Porsche runs the boxer engine layouts. It really is nice for packaging constraints. Now if only it didn’t involve Voodoo magic for replacing spark plugs.

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > WRXasaurus
05/11/2016 at 08:49

Diesel is the answer, of course.

WRXasaurus > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind
05/11/2016 at 08:53

You may be kidding but I would personally love a WRXD. More torque, better mileage, add a larger turbo for some high end fun. Just make it super balanced so you can get some decent RPMs out of it.

WRXasaurus > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind
05/11/2016 at 08:54

In matter of fact, I think Mazda and Subaru should get in bed with each other. I feel like they are two companies that would be well suited to working together.