Subaru ponders U.S. use of direct-injection turbo
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TOKYO -- Subaru has rolled out its first direct-injection, turbocharged gasoline engine and is weighing whether to introduce the fuel-saving technology to the United States.
The 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine is being offered as a performance option in Japan on the freshened Legacy sedan and wagon and Outback crossover. It went on sale here May 8.
Subaru says the new engine, the 2.0 GT DIT, delivers 5 percent more power and 20 percent better fuel efficiency than the brand's current 2.5-liter turbocharged engine. The new direct overhead cam engine is teamed with a continuously variable transmission.
The issue of bringing the engine to North America has not been decided. And it's not clear which models might get it.
Subaru currently sells a 2.5-liter turbo engine as an option on the U.S.-version Legacy, but doesn't have any powertrains with direct injection aside from the powertrain in the new BRZ.
That sporty coupe uses technology from Toyota Motor Corp., which owns 16 percent of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd., which makes Subarus.
You can reach Hans Greimel at hgreimel@crain.com. -- Follow Hans on 
