"Environmental pressures mean naturally aspirated engines are rapidly being superseded by other engine architectures and technologies."
This is the sole reason why a
NA 'hot' version of the Toyobaru's engine that actually means something performance-wise IS so unlikely!
True to be told, the Toybaru doesn't really need more top power it needs more low to mid range grunt, which is to say torque if the goal is higher performance while at the same time increasing the FUN factor at sensible speeds - the ones that most of us can really enjoy. That's why FI is mandatory!
Then, with higher torque comes the added benefit of using taller gears for good fuel economy and emissions without significantly compromising performance.
Look at what just happened to Honda and their 4-cylinder K20 engine... it failed to meet upcoming emissions regulations and around the end of 2010 Honda finished its mass production - first the higher rated version (222 hp) for the Japanese market and then the less powerful (198 hp) European version.
Why is this example important?! Because of the numbers involved...
Honda K20 (Japanese market) :
- Bore: 86 mm
- Stroke: 86 mm
- Displacement : 1,998 cc (121.9 cu in)
- Compression : 11.7:1
- Power: 222 hp (165 kW) @ 8000 rpm
- Torque: 159 lb·ft (215 N·m) @ 6100 rpm
- Redline: 8400 rpm
Honda K20 (European version) :
- Bore: 86 mm
- Stroke: 86 mm
- Displacement : 1,998 cc (121.9 cu in)
- Compression : 11.0:1
- Power: 198 hp (148 kW) @ 7800 rpm
- Torque: 142 lb·ft (193 N·m) @ 5600 rpm
- Redline: 8000 rpm
- Fuel Cutoff: 8200 rpm
Subaru FA20:
- Bore: 86 mm
- Stroke: 86 mm
- Displacement: 1,998 cc
- Compression Ratio: 12.5:1
- Power: 197 hp (147 kW) at 7,000 RPM
- Torque: 151 lb·ft (205 N·m) at 6,400-6,600 RPM
- Redline: 7400 rpm
So, what is left for the Subaru's FA20 engine to gain without compromising emissions requirements?!
Yes, there's the direct injection advantage which allowed the engineers to raise compression to 12.5:1... but how much higher does the engine need to rev to gain ONLY 24 hp and at what cost?! And, what about the mid-range torque where the engine is clearly lacking?! Would they use even closer ratios?! Then, what about the stringent emissions regulations?!
I'm sorry to say but... low displacement, high-revving NA engines do NOT make sense anymore. If Honda says so (who else?!)... I do believe!
This Subaru FA20 is as good as it gets for a naturally aspirated 2.0L engine capable of fulfilling future emissions standards... the problem is, performance wise it's NOT better than the equally powerful Honda K20 of 5 years ago... only cleaner!