Subaru Considering Smaller Engines, Phasing Out Six-Cylinder Units

Cameron Aubernon
by Cameron Aubernon

Say farewell to the Subaru 3.6-liter six-cylinder boxer, as the automaker is considering smaller engines with turbos, among other options.

According to CarAdvice, deputy general manager of engineering Yoichi Hori says research by Subaru found that six-cylinder models in its and other automakers’ lineups are seeing declines in uptake, pointing towards a future where “many companies take the smaller displacement with a turbocharger, or diesel, or hybrid.”

For Subaru, that could mean an engine as small as the 2-liter turbo-four boxer found in the 2015 Impreza, WRX, Forester and XV Crosstrek, with the possibility of a 2.5-liter unit, as well.

Diesel is also on the table: Hori says his employer is looking to take its 2-liter diesel and tune it toward two different states, providing more performance or fuel economy depending on interest. A PHEV diesel may also appear on the options list, though Hori didn’t say much on the subject.

Cameron Aubernon
Cameron Aubernon

Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.

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  • Mrb00st Mrb00st on Dec 24, 2014

    "Say farewell to the Subaru 3.6-liter six-cylinder boxer, as the automaker is considering smaller engines with turbos" It's almost as if, I don't know... they were doing that before? And they quit for no good reason, and tried to sell us limp-wristed H6's, and we wanted Turbo motors all along Hmmm...

  • DrGastro997 DrGastro997 on Dec 30, 2014

    Yet another death sentence to a fine boxer 6 engine. I don't want a 2.0 liter turbo in a car that's go by to cost 30K and up! Everyone's going small- way too small...

  • Danwat1234 Danwat1234 on Jan 01, 2015

    I'd like to see a real Subaru hybrid, with strong electric motors and an Atkinson cycle boxer engine, not OTTO cycle, for more MPG on the city and highway. Rear wheel power coming from just an electric motor, no driveshaft, similar to the Honda NSX and 2016 Prius, if the rumors are true.

  • Generoust Generoust on Jun 28, 2015

    I'm THRILLED! My pristine 2010 Legacy 3.6R will be even more desirable = more $ resale. Subaru would sell lots more of these if they allowed dealers to stock them and reduced the price differential. But, if that doesn't happen, all the better for me. Ya' know, cubes still count!

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