Subaru FB engine

The Subaru FB engine is the third and current generation of gasoline boxer-4 engine used in Subaru automobiles, and was announced on 23 September 2010.^[1] It follows the previous generation EJ-series engine which was introduced in 1989 and the first generation EA-series which was introduced in 1966. By increasing piston stroke and decreasing piston bore, Subaru aimed to reduce emissions and improve fuel economy, while increasing and broadening torque output compared to the EJ-series.

Subaru FB engine
Overview
Manufacturer	Subaru
Production	2010–present
Layout
Configuration	Flat-4
Displacement	1.6 L (1,599 cc) 2.0 L (1,995 cc) 2.5 L (2,498 cc)
Cylinder bore	78.8 mm (3.10 in) (FB16) 84 mm (3.31 in) (FB20) 94 mm (3.7 in) (FB25)
Piston stroke	82 mm (3.23 in) (FB16) 90 mm (3.54 in) (FB20 & FB25)
Valvetrain	DOHC 4 valves x cyl. with AVCS
Compression ratio	10.5:1, 11.0:1, 12.5:1
Combustion
Turbocharger	Optional
Fuel system	Fuel injection
Fuel type	Gasoline
Cooling system	Water-cooled
Output
Power output	84–136 kW (114–185 PS; 113–182 hp)
Torque output	15.3–25.5 kg⋅m (150–250 N⋅m; 111–184 lbf⋅ft)
Chronology
Predecessor	EJ
Successor	FA, CB

The Subaru FA engine series was derived later from the FB, but the two engine families share only a few common parts. In 2020, Subaru introduced the CB18 engine with improved efficiency to succeed the FB in several applications.

Overview

Unofficially, Subaru stated that "FB" stands for "FHI/Future and Brand New/Boxer".^[2] It was announced in September 2010 as the third generation (following the EA 1st and EJ 2nd generations) boxer engine family with 2.0 litre and 2.5 litre naturally aspirated variants.^[3] The FB has an all new block and head featuring dual overhead cams with intake and exhaust variable valve timing (which Subaru designates as AVCS, standing for Active Valve Control System), and a timing chain that replaced the timing belt. Moving to chain-driven cams is said to allow the valves to be placed at a more narrow angle to each other and shrink the bore of cylinder from 99.5 to 94 mm (3.92 to 3.70 in). It results in less unburned fuel during cold start, thereby reducing emissions. Subaru is able to maintain the exterior dimension substantially unchanged by using asymmetrical connecting rods like those in the EZ36 engine. The FB is only marginally heavier than an equivalent-displacement EJ. In Jan 2011, Car and Driver was told direct injection would be added soon.^[4]

Subaru claims a 28-percent reduction in friction losses, mainly due to lighter pistons and connecting rods.^[4][5] A compact oil pump is also credited with contributing to the reduction in friction losses.^[1] The FB has a 10% improvement in fuel economy^[1] with the power coming on sooner and the torque band being broader.^[6]

The compression ratio is slightly higher, and the stroke has increased compared to the EJ engine; previously, the chassis precluded a longer stroke. These changes improve combustion efficiency and allow higher torque at lower speeds. The FB is built at Gunma Oizumi Plant and was initially available as a 2.5 litre displacement engine, starting in Forester models, with a 2.0 litre model to follow in Imprezas.^[1][4] 0W–20 oil is used to help fuel economy, and approximately 1 litre more oil is used as the newly adopted timing chain requires an oil supply.^[2]

FB16

All FB16 variants:

• Displacement: 1,600 cc (1.6 L) DOHC
• Bore x stroke: 78.8 mm × 82 mm (3.10 in × 3.23 in)

FB16

 

Subaru FB16

• Compression: 11.0:1
• 2012+ EUDM Subaru Impreza XV 1.6i
  • Power: 84 kW (114 PS; 113 hp) at 5,600 rpm
  • Torque: 15.3 kg⋅m (150 N⋅m; 111 lb⋅ft) at 4,000 rpm
• 2017+ EUDM Subaru Impreza and 2018+ Subaru XV
  • Power: 84 kW (114 PS; 113 hp) at 6,200 rpm
  • Torque: 15.3 kg⋅m (150 N⋅m; 111 lb⋅ft) at 3,600 rpm
• 2017+ JDM Subaru Impreza and 2018+ Subaru XV
  • Power: 115 PS (85 kW; 113 hp) at 6,200 rpm
  • Torque: 15.1 kg⋅m (148 N⋅m; 109 lb⋅ft) at 3,600 rpm

FB16 DIT

 

Subaru FB16 DIT

The FB16 direct injection turbocharged (DIT) engine is the first FB-series engine with a turbocharger, and includes direct injection with an auto stop/start system. It is the base engine in the first-generation (2014–20 model years) Subaru Levorg. The Levorg also has an option for a 2.0 litre direct injection turbo engine, the FA20F.^[7][8] The design target for the FB16 DIT engine was to equal or exceed the performance of the FB25 naturally-aspirated engine fitted to the Legacy, using regular gasoline, according to the designer, Rei Sasaki. Although it shares its displacement with the naturally aspirated FB16, the only part the two engines share is the crankshaft. As fitted to the Levorg, the FB16 DIT was able to achieve fuel economy of 16.0 km/L (38 mpg_‑US) on the JC08 cycle.^[9]

• Compression: 11.0:1
• Application: 2014–20 Subaru Levorg
  • Power: 125 kW (170 PS; 168 hp) at 4,800-5,600 RPM
  • Torque: 25.5 kg⋅m (250 N⋅m; 184 lbf⋅ft) at 1,800-4,800 RPM

FB20

The prior EJ20 used an oversquare 92 mm × 75 mm (3.62 in × 2.95 in) bore and stroke for a 1,994 cc (2.0 L) swept displacement; in comparison, the FB20 features an undersquare bore and stroke for a slightly larger displacement.

All FB20 variants:

• Displacement: 1,995 cc (2.0 L) DOHC
• Bore x stroke: 84 mm × 90 mm (3.31 in × 3.54 in)

FB20B

 

Subaru FB20B

• Compression: 10.5:1
• 2011+ JDM Subaru Forester:^[10]
  • Power: 109 kW (148 PS; 146 hp) at 6,000 rpm
  • Torque: 20 kg⋅m (196 N⋅m; 145 lbf⋅ft) at 4,200 rpm
• 2012-2016 USDM Subaru Impreza and 2012-2017 Subaru XV:
  • Power: 110 kW (150 PS; 148 hp) at 6,200 rpm
  • Torque: 20 kg⋅m (196 N⋅m; 145 lbf⋅ft) at 4,200 rpm

FB20X

 

Subaru FB20X

The existing FB20B was modified by reducing internal friction for the hybrid drivetrain, which incorporates an electric motor in the Lineartronic CVT. The high-voltage traction battery is installed below the cargo area for better weight balance.^[11] Combined system power is stated to be 160 hp (119 kW).^[12] Output of the gasoline engine is comparable to that of the non-hybrid FB20B.^[13]

• Compression: 10.8:1
• Application: 2014–16 Subaru XV Hybrid^[14]
• Combined system output:^[12]
  • Power: 160 hp (162 PS; 119 kW) at 6,000 rpm
  • Torque: 163 lb⋅ft (221 N⋅m; 23 kg⋅m) at 2,000 rpm
• Gasoline engine output:^[15]
  • Power: 148 hp (150 PS; 110 kW)
  • Torque: 145 lb⋅ft (197 N⋅m; 20 kg⋅m)
• Electric motor output:^[11]
  • Power: 13.4 hp (14 PS; 10 kW)
  • Torque: 48.0 lb⋅ft (65 N⋅m; 7 kg⋅m)

FB20D

Used in the fifth generation Impreza sedan and hatchback; compared to the FB20B, the FB20D adds direct injection, providing a slight increase in power and efficiency.^[16][17]

• Compression: 12.5:1
• 2017+ Subaru Impreza^[18] (All trims) and 2018+ Subaru XV/Crosstrek (Base & Premium trims only)^[19]
  • Power (JDM, USDM) : 113 kW (154 PS; 152 hp) at 6,000 RPM
  • Power (EUDM, AUDM, THDM): 115 kW (156 PS; 154 hp) at 6,000 RPM
  • Torque: 20 kg⋅m (196 N⋅m; 145 lbf⋅ft) at 4,000 RPM

FB20V

The 2019 Crosstrek is available with a plug-in hybrid system sourced from Toyota.^[20] The new hybrid drivetrain uses two motor-generator units; the traction motor (MG2) and battery are significantly larger compared to the previous XV Crosstrek Hybrid, and the vehicle is capable of moving under electric power alone for a limited distance. MG2 is used under parallel hybrid operation as well. MG1 is used as the starter motor and charges the battery for series hybrid operation. The direct-injection FB20V in the revised hybrid is detuned compared to the conventional FB20D.^[21]

• Application: 2019+ Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid (PHEV)
• Combined system output:^[22]
  • Power: 148 hp (150 PS; 110 kW)
• Gasoline engine output:^[22][23]
  • Power: 137 hp (139 PS; 102 kW) at 5,600 RPM
  • Torque: 134 lb⋅ft (182 N⋅m; 19 kg⋅m) at 4,400 RPM
• Electric traction motor (MG2) output:^[22][23]
  • Power: 118 hp (120 PS; 88 kW)
  • Torque: 149 lb⋅ft (202 N⋅m; 21 kg⋅m)

FB20D e-Boxer

The direct-injection FB20D was also used in a mild parallel hybrid configuration similar to the FB20X. The mild hybrid drivetrain was fitted to selected trims for models sold in Japan (Forester, July 2018 and XV, October 2018),^[24] Europe (same models, starting in 2019),^[25] and Australia (same models, starting in 2020).^[26]

• Application: 2019+ JDM and EUDM Subaru XV and Forester, selected models
• Combined system output:^[27]
  • Power: 107 kW (145 PS; 143 hp) at 6,000 rpm
  • Torque: 188 N⋅m (19 kg⋅m; 139 lb⋅ft) at 4,000 rpm
• Gasoline engine output:^[28]
  • Power: 145 PS (107 kW; 143 hp)
  • Torque: 188 N⋅m (19 kg⋅m; 139 lb⋅ft)
• Electric motor output:^[27]
  • Power: 10 kW (14 PS; 13 hp)
  • Torque: 65 N⋅m (7 kg⋅m; 48 lb⋅ft)

FB25

Compared to the previous EJ25, which had a displacement of 2,457 cc (2.5 L) from an oversquare 99.5 mm × 79 mm (3.92 in × 3.11 in) bore and stroke, the FB25 has slightly larger displacement on a less oversquare bore and stroke.^[4]

All FB25 variants:

• Displacement: 2,498 cc (2.5 L) DOHC
• Bore x stroke: 94 mm × 90 mm (3.70 in × 3.54 in)

FB25B

 

Subaru FB25B

• Compression: 10.0:1^[29]
• Power: 170 hp (172 PS; 127 kW) at 5,800 rpm^[30]
• Torque: 174 lb⋅ft (236 N⋅m; 24 kg⋅m) at 4,100 rpm
• Application:
  • 2011–18 North American Subaru Forester
  • 2012–19 North American Subaru Legacy
  • 2013–19 North American Subaru Outback

FB25D

The 2019 model year Subaru Forester was introduced at the 2018 New York International Auto Show with a revised version of the FB25 engine featuring direct injection, resulting in a slight boost in power and fuel economy.^[31] The seventh-generation 2020 model year Legacy and Outback also adopted the revised direct-injection FB25D as its base engine.^[32][33]

• Compression: 12.0:1
• Power: 182 hp (185 PS; 136 kW) at 5,800 rpm^[31]
• Torque: 176 lb⋅ft (239 N⋅m; 24 kg⋅m) at 4,400 rpm
• Application:
  • 2019–2024 North American Subaru Forester
  • 2020+ North American Subaru Legacy
  • 2020+ North American Subaru Outback
  • 2021+ North American Subaru Crosstrek (Sport & Limited trims, Outdoor & Onyx trims in Canada)
  • 2024+ North American Subaru Impreza (RS trim)

References

1. "FHI Develops a New-generation Subaru Boxer Engine" (PDF). Fuji Heavy Industries. 23 September 2010. Retrieved 3 October 2010.
2. Tanigawa, Kiyoshi (22 October 2010). "スバルの新世代水平対向エンジン「FB型」の疑問点を確認" [Subaru's new-generation boxer "FB series": questions answered]. Car Watch. Retrieved 28 February 2018.
3. Tanigawa, Kiyoshi (29 September 2010). "スバル、新世代水平対向エンジン「FB型」説明会" [Subaru's new-generation boxer 'FB series': briefing session]. Car Watch. Retrieved 6 April 2021.
4. Colwell, K.C. (January 2011). "Examining Subaru's New FB-series Flat-Four". Car and Driver. Hearst Corporation. Retrieved 15 April 2011.
5. Bremner, Richard (17 January 2011). "Subaru Forester 2.0 XS review". Autocar. Haymarket Media Group. Retrieved 15 April 2011.
6. Kott, Douglas (13 April 2011). "Stroker Ace: Subaru's New FB Flat-4 Engine". Road & Track. Retrieved 28 February 2018.
7. "World Premiere of Subaru "LEVORG" at 43rd Tokyo Motor Show 2013" (Press release). Subaru Global. 20 November 2013. Retrieved 28 February 2018.
8. "Levorg Brochure, Model Year 2016" (PDF). Subaru Global. Retrieved 28 February 2018.
9. . Subaru Corporation. October 2014. Archived from the original on October 15, 2014.
10. "Subaru Boxer Punches Harder". Subaru Australia. 23 September 2010. Retrieved 3 October 2010.
11. "FHI Introduces the "Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid" at the 2013 New York International Auto Show - First-Ever Production Hybrid model -" (Press release). Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. March 29, 2013. Retrieved 24 April 2019.
12. (PDF). Subaru. Archived from the original (PDF) on 12 December 2014.
13. (PDF). Subaru. Archived from the original (PDF) on 12 May 2013.
14. Edelstein, Stephen (October 3, 2016). "Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid discontinued for 2017 model year". Green Car Reports. Retrieved 24 April 2019.
15. Wilson, Kevin A. (May 29, 2014). "2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid". Car and Driver. Retrieved 24 April 2019.
16. "Subaru introduces all-new, U.S.-built 2017 Impreza; new Global Platform delivers major gains in handlign performance, crash safety and ride comfort" (Press release). Subaru of America. Retrieved 24 April 2019.
17. Flierl, Denis (November 25, 2016). "Here's How Subaru's New 2.0L Engine Improves the 2017 Impreza; It Gets 2 Important Upgrades". Torque News. Retrieved 24 April 2019.
18. "World Premiere of All-New Subaru Impreza at New York International Auto Show" (Press release). Subaru Corporation. 24 March 2016. Retrieved 15 March 2018.
19. "World Premiere of All-New Subaru XV at 2017 Geneva International Motor Show" (Press release). Subaru Corporation. 7 March 2017. Retrieved 15 March 2018.
20. Carrillo III, Manual (November 19, 2018). "2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid first drive review: Worth the extra charge". C|Net. Retrieved 24 April 2019.
21. "2019 Subaru Crosstrek® Hybrid Specifications" (PDF). Subaru of America. Retrieved 24 April 2019.
22. Cantu, Michael (December 6, 2018). "2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid first test: Quietly off-roading into the future". Motor Trend. Retrieved 24 April 2019.
23. "Subaru Introduces its First Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle, the Crosstrek Hybrid, in the U.S." (Press release). Subaru Corporation. November 20, 2018. Retrieved 24 April 2019.
24. "Our Approach to Environmentally Friendly Automobiles". Subaru Corporation. Retrieved 24 April 2019.
25. "Subaru unveiled European spec 'e-Boxer' equipped models at Geneva International Motor Show" (Press release). Subaru Corporation. March 5, 2019. Retrieved 24 April 2019.
26. "New Subaru Forester and XV 2020 Hybrid e-Boxers sold out: Here's when you'll be able to get your hands on one". CarsGuide. Retrieved 2021-05-12.
27. "Subaru XV Advance". Subaru of Japan. Retrieved 24 April 2019.
28. Flierl, Denis (May 18, 2018). "Subaru Reveals Japan-Spec Forester e-Boxer Hybrid Details". Torque News. Retrieved 24 April 2019.
29. 2011 Subaru Forester & Impreza Owner's Manual
30. Hinchliffe, Mark (28 September 2010). "Subaru reveals new boxer engine". CarsGuide.com.au. Retrieved 3 October 2010.
31. "World Premier of All-New 2019 Forester at New York International Auto Show" (Press release). Subaru Corporation. March 29, 2018. Retrieved 3 April 2019.
32. "World Premier of All-New 2020 Subaru Legacy Sedan" (Press release). Subaru Corporation. February 8, 2019. Retrieved 3 April 2019.
33. "World Premier of All-New 2020 Subaru Outback" (Press release). Subaru Corporation. April 17, 2019. Retrieved 17 April 2019.

External links

 

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Subaru FB engines.

(Japanese: Subaru FB engine)

• Tanigawa, Kiyoshi (29 September 2010). "スバル、新世代水平対向エンジン「FB型」説明会" [Subaru new-generation boxer "FB series" press conference]. Car Watch. Retrieved 28 February 2018.
• "Technology: Performance — The Subaru Boxer Engine". Subaru Global. Retrieved 28 February 2018.
• "What's The Difference Between Subaru Engines?". Subaru of Australia. Retrieved 28 February 2018.