Is Subaru Levorg the new technologies symbol for the brand? [video]

The new 2015 Subaru Levorg is selling extremely well in its home country of Japan and is already outselling the new generation performance 2015 WRX two to one. Subaru is featuring the new Levorg sports tourer as their new technologies symbol. The sports wagon gets new technologies that will likely be used in future models in the brands lineup.

What sets Levorg apart?

Subaru engineers set out to develop a new engine that would outperform their current 2.5-liter engine that they use in the Legacy sedan. They developed a smaller turbocharged engine that surpassed the current 2.5-liter engine output that is used in the North American 2015 Legacy sedan.

Based it on their current 2.0-liter turbocharged direct-injection turbo engine technology, they developed the new 1.6-liter engine. The goal was to develop the new engine that would have “equal to, or higher performance” than the 2.5-liter engine with similar hp and more torque. Fuji Heavy Industry engineers increased the compression ratio in the new turbo engine and it uses regular unleaded fuel.

A new technologies symbol?

Levorg was developed for the Japan and European markets and they needed a more fuel-efficient engine for the sporty wagon. This would give the sports tourer a big advantage over the European turbo engines that required higher octane fuels. They succeeded in a big way. They also developed the Levorg 2.0 GT S with a performance turbo variant that could be headed to other global markets.

CHECK OUT: No performance Levorg 2.0 GT S for the European market

The Legacy’s 2.5-liter engine produces 175 horsepower and 174 lb. ft of torque. The new smaller 1.6-liter horizontally opposed direct injection turbo "DIT" engine in the Levorg produces 125 kW (168 hp) and 250Nm (184 lb. ft torque). The 1.6-liter powerplant is Subaru’s first engine to come with “idling stop" for improved fuel efficiency. Subaru did such a good job with the new FB16 that the new engine has won the 2014 “Technology Award” from the Japan Combustion Society.

Subaru unveiled the new 2015 Levorg at the Geneva International Motor Show to showcase the sports wagon as their new technologies symbol for the brand. Check out the Levorg European Premiere video “Flash”