Report: Subaru Diesel Could Find Its Way Into North American Models
Subaru is open to the possibility of selling diesel-equipped vehicles in the U.S., but according to Subaru Executive Vice President Tom Doll, several things will have to happen first. In an interview with Ward’s Automotive, Doll commented on emissions regulations and the price of diesel fuel.
“The emissions requirements in the U.S. are significant. And given the price of diesel fuel, where it is right now, it really does not pay to bring the vehicle into the U.S. ,” he said, then giving hope to diesel-lovers by also stating that, “We’re trying to see what happens. As the market sorts itself out, we’ll get ready, and then look at bringing the car (here).”
Currently Subaru sells its 2.0-liter 4-cylinder boxer diesel in Europe where it makes 145-hp and 258 ft-lbs of torque and gets around 34/41 mpg (city/highway) in vehicles like he Forrester 2.0D.
Two other factors will play an important role in Subaru’s decision. The first is what other automakers are doing, with VW recently announcing its new mid-size sedan (which will replace the Passat) will be offered as a diesel. Not to mention confirmation that Mazda will also bring a diesel model to the U.S. Another factor will be economies of scale. Subaru has long played a niche role in the North American marketplace, but has seen considerable growth in sales over the past year. If that growth continues and Subaru can see fit to offer the 2.0D diesel engine in models ranging from the Legacy, to Outback to Forrester, then a more sound business case could be made for the engine.
[Source: Ward’s Auto]
With AutoGuide from its launch, Colum previously acted as Editor-in-Chief of Modified Luxury & Exotics magazine where he became a certifiable car snob driving supercars like the Koenigsegg CCX and racing down the autobahn in anything over 500 hp. He has won numerous automotive journalism awards including the Best Video Journalism Award in 2014 and 2015 from the Automotive Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). Colum founded Geared Content Studios, VerticalScope's in-house branded content division and works to find ways to integrate brands organically into content.
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Why not make a Baja with a Diesel engine
C'mon if you REALLY cared... About the environment, You (automobile makers, government, ecologists, etc.) I.. and many others , would be driving a hybrid diesel with the CVT tranny! And mine would be a Subaru with Plexiglasbtop and huge moonroof!