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Does Saab use boxer engines?

No, Saab does not use boxer engines in its vehicles. Saab, the Swedish automaker, has historically relied on inline engines, primarily turbocharged four-cylinder designs, rather than the horizontally-opposed boxer configuration.


Saab's Engine Lineup


Saab's engine lineup has traditionally been dominated by inline four-cylinder engines, often with turbochargers to boost power and efficiency. These engines have been a key part of Saab's engineering philosophy, which has emphasized performance, handling, and fuel economy. Some of Saab's most iconic engines include the B234R and B235R turbocharged four-cylinder units, which were used in models like the 9-3 and 9-5.


While Saab has experimented with other engine configurations over the years, such as V6 engines sourced from General Motors, the company has never adopted the boxer engine design that is commonly associated with brands like Subaru and Porsche.


Why Saab Didn't Use Boxer Engines



  • Saab's engineering focus was on inline four-cylinder engines, which the company felt provided the best balance of power, efficiency, and packaging for its vehicles.

  • Boxer engines, with their horizontally-opposed cylinder layout, were not seen as a good fit for Saab's design and engineering priorities.

  • Saab's turbocharging expertise also played a role, as the company was able to extract significant performance from its inline four-cylinder engines through the use of turbochargers.

  • Packaging constraints and the need to integrate Saab's unique design features, such as the "hockey stick" dashboard, also likely contributed to the company's preference for inline engines over boxer configurations.


While boxer engines have their own advantages, such as a lower center of gravity, Saab's engineering team determined that inline four-cylinder engines were the best fit for the brand's performance-oriented, Scandinavian-influenced vehicles.

Did Saab use Ford engines?


In 1967, Saab began marketing the 96 V4, with the Ford Taunus V4 engine, a four-stroke 1498 cc V4 engine, originally developed for the 1962 Ford Taunus 15M. Saab's project to source a four-stroke engine was dubbed 'Operation Kajsa'. The two-stroke option was offered until 1968.



What Saab has a Chevy engine?


Both the Saab 9-7X Aero and the Chevrolet Trailblazer SS came with the 6.0L LS2 V8 engine, the same engine used in the 2005 to 2007 model of the Chevrolet Corvette modified for use in GMT360 vehicles, producing 390 hp (291 kW) and 400 lb⋅ft (542 N⋅m) of torque.



What engines does Saab use?


B204 and B234

EnginePowerCR.
B204R205 hp (151 kW) at 5500 rpm9.2:1
B234i (1990–1993)146 hp (107 kW) at 5500 rpm10.1:1
B234i (1994–)150 hp (110 kW) at 5600 rpm10.5:1
B234E170 hp (125 kW) at 5700 rpm9.25:1



What year to avoid Saab 9 3?


If you're in the market for a Saab 9-3, consider avoiding the 2003 model, which received several complaints from owners. The 2002 also has a few issues, but it's known as one of the best year models of the Saab 9-3.



What was the only Subaru without a boxer engine?


The only Subaru vehicle that does not feature the boxer engine is the Solterra EV, our first all-electric offering. EVs utilize a different powertrain technology entirely, foregoing a combustion engine in favor of an electric motor.



What cars use Subaru boxer engine?


The following Subaru vehicles are equipped with the BOXER engine:

  • Subaru Ascent.
  • Subaru BRZ.
  • Subaru Crosstrek.
  • Subaru Forester.
  • Subaru Impreza.
  • Subaru Legacy.
  • Subaru Outback.
  • Subaru WRX.



Why does Saab look like Subaru?


This blue-eyed, black-haired beauty is built by Fuji Heavy Industries, a.k.a. Subaru, in the Gunma Yajima plant and then exported to the U.S. and Canada for consumption by Saab's North American faithful. The only things Swedish on the car are the badges, and we're not so sure those aren't made in Japan, too.



Which companies use boxer engines?


For over 45 years Subaru has been solely committed to the Subaru Boxer Engine in ALL of their models. The innovative design is part of Subaru's core DNA. Why don't other manufacturers use it? Porsche does in a few of their models including the Boxster, Cayman and 911 models.



What are the disadvantages of boxer engines?


Boxer Engine Disadvantages

  • Its wide size makes it somewhat more difficult to work on, especially in tight quarters.
  • As a result of its position, maintenance and repairs are usually higher in cost, in part because it takes mechanics longer to do routine work, like changing spark plugs.



What Saab has a Subaru engine?


Subaru manufactured a badge engineered version of the second generation Impreza hatchback, marketed by Saab as the Saab 9-2X (stylized as 92X), in the North American market for model years, 2005–2006.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.