In 1886, Carl Benz invented the world's first car; 10 years later, the father of the automobile geniusly invented the world's first horizontally opposed engine. Since then, the horizontally opposed engine in the shape of a "boxer" has become a favorite of major well-known sports car manufacturers.
Low center of gravity, low vibration and strong power are the advantages of the H-type engine (horizontal opposite), and legendary sports cars such as the Porsche 911, Subaru Impreza and Ferrari Testarossa are its fans. To this day, the horizontally opposed engine still demonstrates its track dominance.
What is a horizontally opposed engine? How is it different from the common L-type and V-shape?
First, let's review the arrangement of the engines.
The first most common L-type engine, also known as an in-line engine, refers to the cylinders arranged in a straight line, arranged in the same angle into a plane, such as L3, L4, L5, L6 engine, the number behind represents the number of cylinders, is the choice of most family cars.
The second type is a V-engine, which is basically mounted on high-horsepower performance vehicles. The V-type engine divides all cylinders into two groups, so that the two groups of cylinders are arranged at a V-shaped 90-degree angle, making the engine smaller and more convenient to assemble. Common V-type engines are V6, V8, V10, V12, etc., such as audi S4 equipped with V6 engine, Mercedes-Benz C63 is equipped with the famous 4.0T V8 engine.
The third type is the W-type engine, which is the exclusive technology of Volkswagen and a variant of the V-engine. The superposition of two V-engines is the prototype of the W-engine. A 2017 Audi A8L that costs more than 2.56 million is equipped with a monster-like W12 engine, which uses natural aspirated air to bring super power of 500 horsepower.
The last one, which is today's protagonist, is a horizontally opposed engine. Different from the traditional L-type and V-type engines, the cylinders and pistons of the H-type horizontally opposed engines are evenly distributed on both sides of the crankshaft, and the vibrations generated when moving left and right in the horizontal direction cancel each other out, achieving the characteristics of low noise and low vibration.
It can be seen that the horizontally opposed cylinder layout is a more stable symmetrical structure, which makes the engine run smoother than the V-type engine, the power loss is smaller when running, and it can also provide strong power output and economic fuel consumption.
Moreover, the low center of gravity of the H-type engine effectively enhances the movement stability of the car, effectively reduces the center of gravity of the vehicle, and the roll performance of the vehicle is smaller when cornering at high speed, which is suitable for the pursuit of extreme power and handling performance. The porsche 911, the king of the track, is equipped with an H6 horizontal opposing engine, relying on more than 450 horsepower and amazing mid-corner control, becoming the leader of the major track lap charts.
Horizontally opposed engines, sports cars look at Porsches, SUVs look at Subaru
It is worth noting that the only car manufacturers who are still in the production and research level of opposing engines are Subaru and Porsche. Porsche's innate track genes have allowed it to focus on the sports car and achieve its own brilliant achievements. Subaru, on the other hand, chose a surprising path – moving the horizontally opposed engine to the SUV.
In 1966, the first generation of the EA Subaru horizontal opposing engine was born. In 1989, the engine added turbocharging technology, the second generation of EJ Subaru horizontal opposing engine was born, the legendary Subaru Impreza STi 22B was equipped with a 2.2T H4 turbocharged engine, more than 300 horsepower, limited production of 400 units, the classic JDM style style, these factors made this sports car become a lingering dream car for many post-80s fans.
In 2010, the third generation of the FB Subaru horizontally opposed engine was born, which improved fuel efficiency, power output and handling performance. The engine also provided more possibilities for family cars to be equipped with horizontally opposed engines in the next decade.
Since then, subaru foresters, subaru Aurors and other cars have become the only SUVs on the market equipped with H-engines.
Becoming an adventure challenger to conquer the alpine desert and becoming a track master in pursuit of the ultimate line is a dream that every car boy has done in the night of the city's tall buildings.
"My poor jeep hasn't climbed a mountain or crossed a river in a long time. It's been depressing in the city. Although it didn't say anything, I knew it was sad, and I quietly made a wish to take it to Mongolia. "---------------------------------------
As the lyrics sing, although it is difficult to achieve, as long as there is a wish, there will be a day of realization. The new generation of OUTBACK is equipped with an FB25 engine and has X-MODE driving modes to cope with snow/snow and sand/mud roads.
The horizontally opposed engines provide strong power and a smooth center of gravity, while Subaru's left-right symmetrical full-time all-wheel drive system distributes the ideal torque to the front and rear wheels, improving stability in corners and starting on slippery surfaces.
Driving Subaru's new generation of proud tigers, the unconquerable alpine desert is transformed into a cross-country track within reach. In the face of extreme snow and ice conditions and the test of gravel and winding mountain roads in rally races, the performance of subaru's horizontally opposed engines has been proven many times, allowing drivers to meet the challenge with confidence.
The 2022 Subaru Auror Tiger has a guiding price of between 312,800 and 330,800, is equipped with a 2.5L H4 engine and can provide 169 horsepower. In terms of size, the length, width and height (mm) is 4880x1875x1675, which is more like a station wagon equipped with an SUV chassis.
Friends who prefer horizontally opposed engines and at the same time prefer SUV models, will you choose Subaru Auror?
From now until June 30, 2022, subaru Auhoo with the same brand model replacement/additional purchase can enjoy a replacement/additional purchase subsidy of 10,000 yuan. At the same time, Subaru also specially launched the "free basic maintenance worry-free program", 5 years or 75,000km can enjoy 15 free basic maintenance, basically solving the user's worries. In addition, Subaru owners can also purchase brand warranty extension services that include up to 6 years or 200,000 kilometers (first-come), including the manufacturer's warranty period, so that the later use of the car is more secure.