Eleven years later, Fuji Heavy, which develops engines for Subaru models, introduced the third generation of the branded opponent. Aggregates new series the Japanese plan to equip the entire the lineup stamps. Subaru's boxer engine is equipped with four cylinders and is still petrol.

Both a more powerful turbocharged version and a classic naturally aspirated engine are available, according to the taste and finances of the client. The new version of Subaru's horizontally opposed engine was endowed with all the advantages previous generations, but remained weaknesses opponent.

Advantages of opponents

Upon closer examination, it turns out that the Subarovsky engine is not compact, but simply relatively symmetrical and flat - as if it was “smeared” over the engine compartment. It is clear that no matter how hard the engineers try, the dimensions of a 4-cylinder internal combustion engine cannot be less than a certain volume. The motor plate is really short and flat, but very wide.

The motors of the B6, R6, R8, V12 layout are fully balanced. Opposite B4 in this list, alas, does not appear. However, the B4 unit has an advantage in terms of vibration load, but there is no serious difference with the traditional in-line four.

According to Subaru's advertising, the cars have a low center of gravity, which contributes to amazing stability and control on the road. high speeds. Of course, on a racing or rally track, this is an obvious plus. But with daily driving around the city with traffic jams, a low center is not always a plus. When shaking on hatches, potholes and speed bumps, when hobbled along a broken primer - are these opposite advantages necessary for a civilian car? Suspension, road surface and tire condition play a significant role in speed exercises. Unfortunately, it is difficult to brag about the quality of coverage, and other factors depend on the owner.

By itself, the box and the box installed longitudinally do not create a symmetrical weight distribution, however, the rear wheels receive a slightly larger share of the load. And here come the shortcomings. The longitudinal layout of the engine on a front-wheel drive machine must ensure that the engine is positioned in front of the axle, being completely in the front overhang. Therefore, Subaru cars get a long overhang, sometimes not yielding to Audi with an in-line engine and a similar layout.

Disadvantages of Subaru engines

There is a curious feature in the geometry of engine cylinders - when the hone grid is in its normal state, and the cylinder begins to turn into an ellipse. True, aluminum cylinder blocks with cast iron sleeves and different expansion ratios have never been considered ideal.

Engines are worn out by excessive consumption of oil, and regardless of age - older cars from the first wave of foreign cars and people from Subaru car dealerships, still smelling of fresh plastics, can stand in line for the master. The horizontal layout of the cylinders itself contributes to the waste, on occasion the turbines do not give up their share of oil, and, of course, this leads to the standard disease of the occurrence of the rings. The air flow sensor is quickly and willingly covered with dirt on models from any manufacturer. Unfortunately, good MAP sensors are a thing of the past.

At the moment, Subaru's boxer engine has many modifications. It is not clear why a company with only four mass-produced cars should produce so many versions, updating them almost every year. For example, nine engines are provided for one Impreza. And the number of modifications reaches forty.

After creation first ICE almost immediately questions arose about its improvement and increase in power. The first engine was single-cylinder, and the simplest solution immediately suggested itself to increase its power - to increase the number of cylinders. But the next steps in development of internal combustion engines were not so obvious, since these several cylinders can be arranged in different ways - vertically in a row one after the other, at an angle or horizontally. This last option was called the boxer engine, i.e. engine, the cylinders of which are located horizontally opposite (opposite) each other.

Boxer engine options

However, even such a simple technical solution - to place the engine cylinders horizontally opposite each other, can be implemented in several ways. When such a boxer engine is running, its pistons can move in many different ways.

boxer boxer

During the operation of such a motor, the pistons are always at a distance relative to each other, and each works in its own cylinder - if one is located at the maximum distance from the axis of the engine, then the other, neighboring one, occupies a similar position.

This order of work resembles the movements of a boxer, which is why he received the name "boxer". Very often uses similar Subaru boxer engines. The described engine is shown in the photo below.

OPOC, the revival of old ideas

Another construction principle implements a boxer engine of the OPOC type. Today they are beginning to develop again thanks to the investments of the notorious Bill Gates. The device of such an engine is shown in the figure below.


This boxer engine is a two-stroke. The figure clearly shows that there are two pistons in the cylinder, and they are fixed on one crankshaft (in the figure they are indicated as red and blue). Red provides the intake of the mixture, and blue - the release of combustion products. From the design of such a boxer engine, the cylinder head and the valve drive mechanism disappeared. In addition, the advantage of such an opponent is that the pistons work on one crankshaft.

All this significantly reduced the weight of the boxer engine and significantly expanded the scope of its use. Another feature is that it can be either diesel or petrol. It must be made clear that, like any two stroke engine, he needs to purge the cylinders. For this, an electric motor powered by an external source is used. When the boxer engine enters the mode, the electric motor is turned off and the air supply device turns into a turbocharger.

Considering the design of such a boxer motor, its advantages should be noted: an increase in efficiency provided by the fact that expanding gases press on two pistons, and not on the wall of the combustion chamber, as well as increased force on the shaft. In addition, each piston travels a shorter distance, which reduces friction and, consequently, losses.

Considering other advantages that such a boxer engine promises, it is worth noting that the manufacturer reports that when it is used as a diesel engine, then:

• such an engine is fifty to thirty percent lighter than a conventional turbodiesel;
• like power unit contains fifty percent fewer parts than a conventional diesel engine;
• takes up fifty to forty-five percent less space under the hood;
• 50-45% more economical.

However, it should be borne in mind that such a boxer power unit is still quite crude, which means that the noted advantages reflect to a greater extent the expectations of its developers.

Boxer tank engine

Yes, there was such an engine, this is the 5TDF, designed for the T-64 tanks, as well as subsequent T-72s and others. Then it provided the necessary power for the given dimensions. A similar boxer engine and its device are shown in the figure below.

As can be seen from the figure, his pistons are located in one cylinder and move in the opposite direction, but each work on its own crankshaft. With a minimum distance between the pistons, a combustion chamber is formed between them, where the fuel is ignited. There is a boxer engine, both petrol and diesel. By analogy with OPOC, turbocharging is used to supply air to the cylinders, as well as remove exhaust gases.

The used principle of the oncoming movement of the pistons made it possible to simplify the design, provide power and compactness power plant. So, a similar diesel boxer power unit at two thousand revolutions, a volume of thirteen and six tenths of a liter gave out seven hundred Horse power while taking up minimal space.

What is good and bad for an opponent?

It should be noted that in the history of the car, many manufacturers at different times used the boxer engine, trying to realize the advantages provided by it. However, at the moment, more often than others, SUBARU uses such engines in its cars.


It should be noted right away that it is the device of the boxer power unit that provides its advantages when installed on a machine:

• low center of gravity of the car, which gives it additional stability when driving;
• reduction of both noise and vibration due to the movement of the pistons towards, due to which the boxer engine is considered quieter than similar in-line engines;
• a significant resource, reaching a million kilometers with proper operation.

However, everything is not always good, there are minuses and shortcomings in the opposition. Of these, it is worth noting:

1. repair of such a motor is very difficult;
2. the engine device is also quite complex, and accordingly, it has a high price;
3. maintenance costs are high, and the maintenance itself is extremely costly and inconvenient, requiring highly qualified performers;
4. increased oil consumption during operation.

Despite the noted disadvantages and shortcomings, a number of cars (the already mentioned SUBARU and some Porshe models) are equipped with boxer power units. We must think that manufacturers accurately weigh their advantages and disadvantages and consciously go for the use of such a motor.

For internal combustion engines, the arrangement of cylinders horizontally is only one of options construction, but nevertheless, in this case, the resulting boxer engine is different great opportunities and significant prospects for use in the car.

The boxer engine is a form of engine device internal combustion a car that has a special structure: its pistons are located at a developed angle and move in a horizontal plane towards each other and in the opposite direction (from each other). Another, adjacent pair of pistons, is located in the same position (for example, at the top).

The interaction of the pistons inside the engine is somewhat reminiscent of a boxing round, hence the other name of the device - a boxer. The design of the mechanism involves the installation of each piston on separate necks crankshaft. The number of cylinders in a boxer engine can be from 2 to 12, but always even. The most popular devices are with four and six cylinders (four- and six-cylinder boxers).

On modern automotive market there are many brands of cars, each of which adheres to its own concept of car equipment. Two firms are now engaged in the development and use of boxer engines: Subaru and Porsche. Previously, the boxer engine was installed on cars such as Alfa Romeo, Honda, Chevrolet, Volkswagen, Ferrari and others.

The first boxer engine powered by diesel fuel, was released by Subaru in 2008. This is a four-cylinder boxer with a capacity of 2 liters, capable of developing power up to 150 hp. During its development, the Common Rail system is used.

Some models of Porsche cars use six-cylinder engines (Cayman, 911). For sports cars, high-power eight- and twelve-cylinder boxer engines have been developed. Many professionals say that only six-cylinder boxers differ from the operation of conventional engines, four- and two-cylinder ones are almost the same.

Boxer boxer - basic principles of work

In general, the process of functioning boxer similar to other internal combustion engines. The main distinguishing feature of its device is the arrangement of the cylinders. The cylinders in it are mounted horizontally, unlike most engines. This also establishes another movement of the pistons: not up and down, but from right to left and vice versa (from one edge of the cylinder to the opposite).

The original development of the horizontal boxer was not Subaru's, as many tend to think. Motors of this type have already been used on passenger buses Ikarus, as well as on motorcycles (both domestic "Dnepr, MT" and foreign-made "enduro-tourist BMW R1200GS and others"). Moreover, similar engines have long been used in military transport, in particular, in domestic tanks.

Naturally, such an engine structure has its pros and cons. Let's consider them in more detail.

Benefits of the Boxer Boxer

Pictured is a Porsche boxer engine

The main advantages of an engine with horizontally arranged cylinders include:

1. Helps to shift the center of gravity. The weight is distributed around the axle, which can significantly improve the handling of the machine. For many, this factor is decisive when choosing an engine and a car, this is especially true for Russian roads.
2. No vibration during operation. Engines with a standard structure and vertically arranged cylinders vibrate during operation, transmitting waves to the entire structure, which is not very comfortable for the driver.
3. Long work. The resource of the boxer boxer installed in Subaru is so great that it allows the car to be operated for a long time (it lasts for more than a million kilometers).

Disadvantages of a boxer engine

Pictured boxer engine Subaru Outback 2015

Despite the significant advantages, an engine of this type has significant shortcomings, from which the developers have not yet got rid of:

1. Requires expensive maintenance. Often, conventional engines are repaired on their own or in car dealerships for a small amount. However, in the case of an opposing boxer, this is not possible. Its design is too complicated, so it is better to entrust the installation to professionals. Moreover, you will have to pay a decent amount of money for such services.
2. The second drawback follows from the first - even with sufficient funds to maintain this type of engine, it may be difficult to find a qualified specialist who can provide quality service.
3. The complexity of the boxer device contributes to an increase in the cost of its components, which creates additional costs for repairs.
4. Increased consumption of automotive oil. A conventional engine consumes no more than three hundred grams of oil during its operation, and a boxer engine consumes much more.

Thus, all the disadvantages of the device primarily lie in the high cost of its maintenance. This can be a significant factor for many car owners. However, according to representatives automotive companies Subaru and Porsche, the quality of his work is worth the money spent on maintenance.

Subaru has no intention of swapping boxer engines for standard ones, as they tend to think that would be a big step backwards. The high cost of engine maintenance does not affect the level of sales of cars of this brand, since the cars have proven themselves exclusively on the positive side.

An engine is called a boxer engine, the cylinders of which are located in a horizontal order relative to each other. A similar structure scheme has a name: a V-shaped engine with a 180-degree camber angle. WITH in English the word "opposite" is translated - "located opposite". Consider the boxer engine - the pros and cons.

Features of the boxer motor

Despite the similarity with the V-engine, the boxer has nothing to do with it. The difference is that in the boxer, two adjacent pistons are located in the same plane relative to each other. In a V-shaped engine, the pistons, when moving at certain moments, occupy the position of the upper and lower "dead center". In the opposition, they simultaneously reach either the upper "dead center" or the lower one. This improvement of the V-shaped motor resulted from the location of the cylinders at a developed angle.

Another innovation was the location of gas distribution mechanisms in a vertical plane. All this freed the design of power units from imbalance and increased vibrations, and made driving a car as comfortable as possible. Now the vibrations from the engine are not transmitted to the body and do not shake the car.

Boxer engines always have an even number of cylinders. The most common are four- and six-cylinder engines.

The design features of the boxer-type power unit have significant advantages over other types of motors:

The center of gravity is shifted down;
economical fuel consumption;
low vibration level;
increased motor resource;
passive safety in a head-on collision.

The center of gravity shifted down allows for better stability of the car and optimal handling during active maneuvers and
sharp turns. During sharp turns, roll is significantly reduced. The location of the engine on the same axis with the transmission provides the best transmission power. The absence of balance shafts saves fuel consumption.

The engine runs smoothly. A low level of motor vibration is achieved due to the coordinated rotation of adjacent pistons. The location of the crankshaft on three bearings, instead of the usual five, is another advantage of the boxer engine. This significantly reduces the mass of the engine and its length.

The location of the pistons in a horizontal plane gives the system greater rigidity, which significantly reduces mechanical losses during the operation of the power unit.

Passive safety is ensured by the fact that in the event of a collision, the motor easily goes down under the car. As a result, there is a decrease in the intensity of the impact directed at the passenger compartment.

The increased diameter of the cylinders provides the motor high revs, which makes it possible to create sports-type models on this base.

Another feature is the characteristic sound during operation of the boxer power unit: it is more pleasant to hear.

Disadvantages of a boxer engine.

The advantages of the boxer engine are obvious. The disadvantages are:

Labor-intensive repair;
increased consumption engine oil.

To repair the engine, it is completely removed. However, this is not the problem. Replacement parts are very expensive, and assembling the engine causes a lot of headaches. If, when repairing an in-line motor, the driver can independently replace the candles, then this is impossible in the boxer. Any repairs must be carried out on special equipment, which is available only at the service station.

The history of the opposition

Initially this species The power unit was used in the military industry, in particular, on domestic tanks. In the future, Ikarus and the Dnepr MT motorcycle drove on similar engines. At present, two firms are engaged in the installation of a boxer on their products - Porsche and Subaru.

The first developments appeared in the thirties of the last century, when engineers Volkswagen group began to improve the V-shaped and in-line engine. In the sixties, the idea was intercepted by the Japanese firm Subaru. In 2008 Subaru produces the first diesel-powered boxer. Distinctive features- four-cylinder engine with a capacity of 2 liters. Power indicator - 150 l / s.

Video principle of the Subaru boxer engine

Despite the high cost of spare parts and maintenance in service stations, the pleasure of driving a car equipped with a “boxer” cannot be compared with anything. High stability, easy handling, car responsiveness to all driver actions speak for themselves.

Such a power unit as a boxer engine (in particular, the manufacturer Subaru) is similar in principle to a standard, in-line internal combustion engine. What distinguishes it is the specificity of the location of the pistons, cylinders, due to the horizontal (and not the usual vertical) installation of the engine. Therefore, the pistons of the boxer engine are located horizontally, moreover, opposite (opposite) to each other, in pairs. Also, each of these pairs of engine pistons has a pair of camshafts.

At first glance, Subaru's boxer engine is more compact than others of the same power and volume. This illusion is created because it is “flat”, evenly fills engine compartment. At the same time, the motor-plate is short, flat, but wide. Its design is represented by semi-blocks of two cylinders, but in width, in addition to the crankcase with a pallet, like an in-line one, there is also a semi-block and a head.

The first Subaru boxer internal combustion engines were noticed and installed on sports cars racers. Under them, 12-cylinder engines were later developed, instead of the 6-cylinder ones used.

Benefits of a Subaru boxer engine

Subaru's boxer engine has many advantages:

1. The distribution of mass is symmetrical around the axle, not specifically on it (less load on the rear wheels) - due to the low center of gravity (plus the possibility of its displacement).
2. High functionality, a relatively long duration of work until the first need for repair is the most important plus and argument for installing a Subaru boxer engine.
3. The minimization (or total absence of vibration) that, when installed conventional engine creates considerable discomfort for the driver/passenger.

The first plus (dignity) is most appreciated by the owners sports cars. Because, at high-speed turns, the Subaru boxer engine will give more sustainability. In addition, the speed indicators for cars using these particular engines are relatively better than similar ones (especially among 12-cylinder ones).

The second advantage is engine longevity– has been extensively checked/confirmed. Until needed overhaul the boxer engine will please the car owner with more than one thousand trouble-free kilometers traveled.

The last (third advantage) is possible, among other things, due to the horizontal arrangement of the pistons working against each other, creating a certain balance, counterweight. Not all models of Subaru boxer engines, unfortunately, can boast maximum vibration resistance. The best way to "resist" vibration loads is a six-cylinder boxer engine (similar to a 6-cylinder variation of an in-line engine). But already the 4-cylinder does not have such successes and significant advantages.

Subaru boxer engine cons

However, in every advantage of Subaru's boxer engine, you can find a small fly in the ointment. Of these shortcomings:

1. The high cost of engine maintenance, the difficulty in selecting the necessary spare parts. And, among other things, it is advisable to trust only professionals who specialize in this in matters of repair of these particular engines.
2. The high cost of Subaru's own boxer engine, explained by the complexity of the design.
3. Also, to consumable items using such an engine, high flow oils.

Self-repair of a boxer engine is also impossible due to the need for a specialized tool, without which many parts of a non-standard, horizontally located engine cannot be reached.

The spectrum of use of the Subaru boxer engine

The slightly difficult financial situation of a significant number of motorists does not allow the popularity of boxer cars to spread. Subaru engines. Their application is most widely used in the field of racing, high-speed car models. Because here, the previously mentioned advantages of Subaru boxer engines are much more important and cover the disadvantages of their use.

In addition, they are installed, of course, in Subaru car models. Also, Porsche often resorts to installing these particular engines in their cars.