Subaru had humble beginnings. Starting in 1954, the first vehicle, code name P-1, rolled off the line. Only 20 were made. Not a good start. Over the next 12 years, the factory inched along, bringing out an air-cooled 360 in ’58, and another called the Sambar in ’61. Not going anywhere, change was needed.
The year was 1966, and down the assembly line came the Subaru 1000 with fanfare – it had a boxer engine. Delivering a paltry 54HP, the Subaru 1000 had just enough power to push sales forward for the company that sorely needed a boost. The water-cooled engine used overhead valves driven by push rods to deliver power to the front wheels.
Subaru 1000, the first Subaru featuring the boxer engine, 1966.The boxer design itself was not new. In fact, in 1966, the patent for a boxer design was 70 years. old. It had a good name behind it too – Karl Benz, who put the Benz in Mercedes-Benz. The design is basically the same as the typical V setup, but it had 180 degrees between the two banks of cylinders. Cylinders set up opposite each other have better balance, causing less vibration. It also allows the engine to sit lower in the compartment which achieves a lower center of gravity, a safety feature. Over the years, a handful of manufacturers have employed the boxer, but only two have made it the centerpiece and cornerstone of their fleet. Subaru, and Porsche.
Subaru has now produced over 16 million vehicles with the Boxer design. With the addition of Subaru’s unique All-Wheel Symmetrical Drive in 1972, Subaru was setting itself apart from the competition. The Subaru half car/half truck BRAT caught people’s attention in 1978, but it was the introduction of the iconic Legacy in 1989, Impreza 1993, Outback 1994, and the Forester 1997 that launched Subaru’s ascendancy. These models all went through stages of refinement, truly breaking through over the past seven years with too many awards to mention. We’ll mention one – Subaru’s outstanding record of safety – noted by the IIHS year after year as a Top Safety Pick. Patriot Subaru in North Attleboro, MA and Saco, ME tell you all the details of the Subaru safety initiative.
All eyes are on the launch of the 2017 Impreza this fall, with the latest generation of the esteemed boxer engine. In addition, Subaru will unveil its new Global Platform. These changes in the vehicles underpinnings will reduce vibrations, resulting in an even smoother, quieter ride. The design is more rigid which improves steering response and body roll. The Impreza will have a lower center of gravity, giving it more responsiveness and drivability. Subaru also says that the new platform will provide 40 percent greater crash energy absorption – safe gets even safer.
Exciting times are ahead for Subaru!
The all-new 2017 Subaru Impreza.
