Subaru's Horizontally-Opposed Engines are what make the whole drivetrain layout possible. The key to this flat engine configuration is that its opposing pistons effectively balance out each others' vibrations. Compared with In-line or V-type engines, this gives smooth, seamless, fluent power delivery right through the rev range. (Once again, symmetry is the secret). Even more important, the design is shorter and shallower than other engines, which means we can make ours more compact, lightweight and very rigid. In turn, this lets us fit the engine way down in the chassis, to give that very low centre of gravity. Both In-line and V-type plants have advantages and disadvantages - as you can see below. But the built-in benefits of the ‘Boxer’ engine have proved to Subaru (and Subaru owners) that this is the one true way to harness performance and ally it with remarkable drivability. Whatever the road,whatever the conditions, whatever the challenges, we firmly believe that this is the route to genuine all-round refinement.