I spotted two engine displays of note in Subaru's booth and thought I'd share, as this is the first time we've seen these up close.
The first is the normally aspirated 2.0-liter boxer found in the Toyobaru twins (BRZ and 86/FR-S), and the second is the direct-injected, turbocharged 1.6-liter "Boxer DIT" that's going into... well, Subaru's not yet saying exactly which model. In the guise shown here, the 1.6 turbo appears set to reside in various Impreza-based offerings.
Although the company "has no plans" to place a turbo boxer in the BRZ, it doesn't take much imagination to envision the Boxer DIT slotting in neatly where the 2.0 aspro mill resides.
Decide for yourself after the jump.
Note placement of exhaust manifold. Then scroll waaay down and see the turbo engine's layout.
This is a very short engine, both in length and height. The decision to make BRZ RWD allowed engineers to maximize the engine's packaging potential. They could now really shove the engine against the firewall since there was no need to accomodate front axles.
Port fuel injectors, and...
... direct injectors. This dual-injection layout is what the so-called D-4S moniker is all about. It's a lot of additional complexity, but might be a blessing in disguise for the tuning industry. Time will tell.
"Boxer DIT" 1.6 turbo below:
--Jason Kavanagh, Engineering Editor
kyolml says:
09:06 PM, 11/30/11
will be a pain in the butt do any modification versus current design. Turner crowds will be sad
3vilgeniu5 says:
11:42 PM, 11/30/11
It seems the exhaust headers are a lot more equal in length for this engine. Those accustomed to the "lumpy" exhaust note typical of Subaru's will be saddened to find that acoustic tell will be no more for the WRX / WRX STi.
Another thing to note is that the intake manifold sits higher than the intercooler, which makes me think this is a pre-production mock-up. Otherwise the hood design will be quite interesting.
Lastly, the turbo being placed in front makes it far easier to get to than previous Impreza WRX / WRX STi's. However, tuners and HP freaks will find it difficult to put a larger turbo in the stock location.
subytrojan says:
12:58 AM, 12/ 1/11
With a 1.6L turbo motor, *maybe* Subaru will re-enter the FIA WRC! :o)
3vilgeniu5 says:
03:23 AM, 12/ 1/11
@subytrojan
They are re-entering the WRC this engine is solid proof of that as it conforms to the new rules. Further proof is that the WRX / WRX STi are no longer sub-models under the Impreza badge. Now the WRX is a model of vehicle all on it's own with 2 trim levels, base and STi. I imagine SWRT will be able to take advantage of several holes in the rulebook as a result.
chrisnick04 says:
10:05 AM, 12/ 1/11
I like that oil filter placement and "catch and drain " tray.
Smart placement of that turbo, too. Looks like(if possible to) one could flip the intake manifold and run a very simple path for a front mount intercooler. Looks like a fairly small turbo, but it would be able to swap it out for something that would still be capable of decent power in a small frame. A 68HTA would be a good choice, although based on an old design.
s204subie says:
05:50 PM, 12/ 1/11
I'm waiting for someone in the tuner community to enter this into D1 or Formula D.
oldcarsmell says:
06:18 PM, 12/ 2/11
Jay,
Did you find out what the reduced sections in the exhaust primaries right near the flanges are about? I was thinking stepped primaries until I saw that they step down and then up. Does the ID step down and then up as well? Is it meant to be anti-reversion or something?