Subaru has long been known for its reliable and affordable vehicles, and since the late eighties/early nineties all-wheel drive capabilities have been one of the main selling points of many of their cars. Models such as the Impreza, Legacy, Outback, and Forester have been hugely popular and the brand has garnered quite a dedicated following over the years. Most of their models have been powered by relatively compact four-cylinder engines, with some stretching to six, however, has Subaru ever produced a car with a V8 engine?
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Does Subaru Currently Make a V8 or Has it Ever Made a V8?
No, Subaru does not currently produce a V8 model and, in fact, it has never produced a production car with an eight-cylinder engine. The main focus of the brand has been on creating fuel-efficient and practical vehicles with enough power for everyday driving needs, and the four-cylinder Boxer engine has been their weapon of choice for many years.
The Boxer design is well known for its compact size, low centre of gravity, and smooth operation. The main advantage of the design is its perfect primary and secondary balance, which reduces vibration and enhances driving comfort. This design has been present in Subaru vehicles since 1966 and has made their vehicles unique in the market.
Most of their popular models, such as the Impreza, Forester, and Outback, typically use four-cylinder Boxer engines. However, the company has also produced six-cylinder engines for specific models like the Legacy and Tribeca.
It’s worth mentioning that some Subaru motorsports enthusiast communities and tuners have experimented with V8 engine swaps. However, these creative endeavours are not backed by the manufacturer and Subaru does not make an official model powered by a V8.
What Is The Biggest Engine Subaru Has Ever Built?
The biggest engine Subaru has ever built for a production car is the 3.6-liter EZ36 flat-six engine. This engine was introduced in 2007 and could be found in various Subaru models including the Subaru Legacy, Outback, and Tribeca. The EZ36 engine was designed for improved power and torque while still maintaining Subaru’s signature characteristics, such as the horizontally-opposed layout.
The EZ36 was capable of producing 256 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. This engine utilized a DOHC (double overhead camshaft) and featured an aluminium block and heads. With Subaru’s focus on a low center of gravity, the EZ36 provided a smooth and balanced performance during its operation.
Although Subaru has never ventured into producing a V8 engine, they have been successful in fine-tuning their flat-six engines for exceptional performance and reliability. Their focus on boxer engines has enabled Subaru vehicles to excel in handling and stability, providing unique driving dynamics that are appreciated by automotive enthusiasts.
In recent years, Subaru has shifted their focus towards smaller, turbocharged engines for greater efficiency and power output, while keeping their trademark all-wheel-drive system. The current lineup includes the 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter flat-four turbocharged engines, as well as the naturally-aspirated 2.5-liter flat-four engine. These engines continue to embody the company’s commitment to performance, durability, and efficiency, all catered to the needs of their diverse clientele.
Recap – Does Subaru Make A V8
Subaru, has never produced a production V8 engine or car. Their main focus has been on smaller engines, with the EZ36 flat-six engine being their largest production power unit. However, even six cylinder engines have not been that popular with the manufacturers, and instead they have typically stuck with four-cylinder horizontally-opposed boxer engines.
Subaru’s performance models, like the WRX STI, WRX, and BRZ, use turbocharged boxer engines. Although lacking a V8, these engines still provide ample power and acceleration for enthusiast drivers. For example:
- WRX: 2.0-liter turbocharged boxer engine with 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.
- WRX STI: 2.5-liter turbocharged boxer engine with 310 horsepower and 290 lb-ft of torque.
- BRZ: 2.0-liter naturally aspirated boxer engine with 205 horsepower and 156 lb-ft of torque.
So, while Subaru does not currently offer a V8 engine, their lineup of unique and performance-oriented boxer engines still manages to captivate driving enthusiasts and satisfy the needs of everyday drivers.
