Currently reading: Subaru to reveal two electrified cars in Geneva

Japanese firm to showcase hybrid version of boxer engine as it gears up for electrified future

Subaru will launch two hybrid-engined models, powered by an electrified version of its boxer engine, at the Geneva motor show in March.

The two unspecified models, which will be branded as e-boxer machines, will be the firm’s first electrified cars in the European market. While Subaru has yet to reveal which cars they will be fitted to, they are likely to be machines in the current range. It unveiled a Forester Advance Sport Concept, which previewed an STi-tuned version of the SUV with an e-boxer powertrain, at the Tokyo Auto Salon recently.

Subaru’s Boxer longitudinally mounted flat four boxer engine features two rows of pistons mounted flat horizontally opposed to each other, giving the unit a lower centre of gravity. Subaru uses the arrangement because it believes it improves handling, with the opposing pistons reducing engine vibration.

It is not yet known which size of boxer engine Subaru will use for the e-boxer powertrain, or whether the system will be a pure hybrid or a plug-in. The firm’s website refers to the powertrain as ‘hybrid, the Subaru way.’

The firm has previously hinted that a future WRX STi could use a plug-in hybrid powertrain, because increasingly strict emissions regulations would rule out the use of the 2.5-litre turbocharged boxer engine in the most recent model.

While Subaru has not previously sold a hybrid in the UK, it does have experience of the powertrain. In 2013 it launched an XV Hybrid in Japan and the US. That machine mated a 2.0-litre boxer engine with 148bhp mated to a 14bhp electric motor. The firm also launched a plug-in Crosstrek Hybrid in the US last year.

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Next Subaru WRX STi set for hybrid revolution

Subaru XV Hybrid first drive (from 2013)

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Tentative hybrid application doesn’t do much for the new Forester on the road but at least preserves its hard-working all-round capability

James Attwood

James Attwood, digital editor
Title: Acting magazine editor

James is Autocar's acting magazine editor. Having served in that role since June 2023, he is in charge of the day-to-day running of the world's oldest car magazine, and regularly interviews some of the biggest names in the industry to secure news and features, such as his world exclusive look into production of Volkswagen currywurst. Really.

Before first joining Autocar in 2017, James spent more than a decade in motorsport journalist, working on Autosport, autosport.com, F1 Racing and Motorsport News, covering everything from club rallying to top-level international events. He also spent 18 months running Move Electric, Haymarket's e-mobility title, where he developed knowledge of the e-bike and e-scooter markets. 

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