Welcome to the golden age of the diesel. Hot on the heels of the world’s first-ever oil-burning supercar – Audi’s R8 V12 TDI (Issue 995) – comes the first flat-four cylinder turbodiesel unit. And it will be no surprise to learn that it’s Subaru which is responsible for the design of this unique powerplant.The Japanese firm is famous for its petrol boxer units, but the new engine is its first homegrown oil-burner, and one that its range desperately needs.

Available initially in the Legacy Sport Tourer and Outback, the 2.0-litre turbodiesel is expected to be a hugely popular choice, and will account for 85 per cent and 95 per cent of sales of the two cars respectively.

It’s also set to be added to the new Impreza range from the beginning of 2009, where it’s tipped to claim at least 40 per cent of models sold. But why has it taken so long to develop?

While Subaru has more than 40 years’ experience of flat-four cylinder petrol engines – and plenty of turbocharging knowledge, thanks to its Impreza World Rally cars – diesels are another matter entirely. So, the firm started with a clean sheet of paper.

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Tags: vehicles, subaru, subaru vehicles, automotive

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