The 2.0-Litre Subaru EJ20 Flat-Four Has Been Axed

The Subaru EJ20 is no more. The engine, which has been in service since the late 1980s, powered everything from the 1989 Legacy RS to recent Japanese market specials like the 324bhp WRX STI Type RA-R. It even powered race versions.

Characterful, responsive and hard-edged, the EJ20 has a unique character defined partly by its 1-3-2-4 firing order and longer exhaust manifolds on two of the cylinders. The noise of a Subaru EJ is still unique today, which, as we approach industry-wide electrification, pretty much guarantees it will remain unique forever.

The run-out special for the discontinued boxer will be called the WRX STI EJ20 Final Edition. It will be blue, with an appropriately massive rear wing and BBS gold wheels. As for power, we don’t know yet but the styling is said to be a fairly understated affair when compared to the likes of the S209, so power is probably likely to stay in the traditional – and now outmoded – 280-300bhp range.

It will make its debut at the Tokyo Motor Show on 24 October, where we’ll no doubt find out more. Get ready to say your goodbyes, though. EJ20, we’ll miss you.