Bojan Vrbnjak
Subaru, Mazda and Toyota held a joint conference in Japan in May 2024 to express their long-term commitment to internal combustion engines. Just days later, Subaru released the preliminary specifications of its electrified boxer powertrain. More details have now been released ahead of the Crosstrek becoming the first model in Japan to be equipped with the next-generation hybrid system in December.
The heart of Subaru's new hybrid system is a 2,5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that was developed specifically for electric drive. It delivers 160 hp at 5.600 rpm and 209 Nm of torque between 4.000 and 4.400 rpm. The necessary fuel comes from a larger petrol tank after the control unit was moved from the cargo area above the internal combustion engine.
Due to the increased space in the back seat, the larger fuel tank now has a capacity of approximately 63 litres. With a promised 20 percent increase in efficiency over the current hybrid system, the Crosstrek has the longest range of any Subaru model in history. It can travel more than 1.000 kilometers on one tank of fuel, which is more typical for diesel cars. However, the Japanese automaker points out that this is a theoretical figure based on an overly generous WTLC cycle.
The petrol engine works together with two front-mounted electric motors, one of which drives the wheels and the other serves as a generator. The drive e-motor produces 120 hp and 270 Nm. Subaru doesn't list the combined output, but says the traction electric motor can serve as the main power source "in a variety of situations." The Crosstrek thus becomes a series-parallel hybrid that can use either a gasoline or an electric motor. An 'extended electric drive' is also promised, but the tiny 1,1 kilowatt battery won't get you too far before the internal combustion engine kicks in. The lithium-ion battery, located under the charging pad, is also new and is said to be lightweight, durable and equipped with higher density cells.
As you'd expect from Subaru, which isn't a front-wheel drive car, the crossover has a symmetrical AWD system that mechanically connects the front and rear wheels via a driveshaft. In addition, the Crosstrek has a powerful 1500-watt outlet in the cargo area that you can use to plug in appliances or powered camping equipment used outdoors. When the new e-boxer system was announced a few months ago, Chief Technology Officer Tetsuo Fujinuki admitted that the boxer engine is not the ideal solution for total efficiency, but Subaru cannot ignore its heritage.
"When it comes to efficiency alone, boxer engines are not necessarily always the best solution. But where would Subaru be without them? If you think about it, we're the only mass-market brand today that makes boxer engines.” JDM's hybrid version of the Crosstrek will go on sale in December 2024, with a global launch planned for next year.
