Subaru 2.5-litre Turbo Boxer Engine Wins 2006 International Engine of the Year

Tokyo, Japan- Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), a global manufacturer of transportation and aerospace-related products and the maker of Subaru automobiles, today announced that its 2.5-liter, Horizontally Opposed boxer engine with a turbo charger was voted this year's winner in the 2- to 2.5-liter engine class of the International Engine of the Year Awards. The award ceremony took place today at the Engine Expo in Stuttgart, Germany. The award granted to the Subaru engine, with which Subaru Impreza and Forester models are equipped, marks the first time a Horizontally Opposed engine has been chosen in the prestigious annual awards.





A panel of 61 renowned journalists from 29 countries served as judges in the competition organized by UKIP Media & Events - Automotive Magazines' Division, Britain's largest group of auto-technology magazines, which includes Engine Technology International and Automotive Testing Technology International. The judges applied their technical knowledge and impressions, scoring for the vehicle's performance, drivability, ease of handling, fuel economy, and refinement. Based on the points given by the judges, the grand prize, prizes for best engines in eight capacity classes and three other categories were awarded.

The now internationally acclaimed Subaru 2.5-liter turbo engine features powerful torque output as well as environmental considerations. By employing a secondary air injection system, improving on the engine control system and modifying combustion chamber designs, FHI has made significant improvements in lowering vehicle emission levels. The engine achieves optimal balance between nimble response in low-speed driving ranges and enhanced power output, thanks to design changes of the water jacket in the cylinder head and layout modifications in the exhaust manifolds to minimize pump loss while ensuring smooth gas flow. These engine refinements and improvements have been recognized by the judges and brought FHI its first award in the competition.

Subaru's current Impreza and Forester models, which are sold in Europe, North America, and Australia, come equipped with the award-winning 2.5-liter turbo engines, as does the Saab 9-2X, which is sold in North America under a supply agreement with Saab.