Launch of the Subaru R-2 Series (August 15, 1969)

The new design forced-air-cooling 2 cycle engine possessed excellent heat discharge and light weight thanks to adoption of bore x stroke 61.5 x 60 mm and aluminum alloy cylinder. Adopting a reed valve for conducting optimum air suction according to the speed of rotation, the car had smooth torque from low speeds to high and displayed excellent power in starting and acceleration. Transmission was a full synchronized mesh with four forward drive gears and one rear drive gear. A dried single plate clutch using a diaphragm spring was adopted. Leading-trailing brakes were adopted at both front and rear, while semi trailing arm 4 wheel independent suspension was used at both ends. Torsion bar springs were used together with oil dampers on both the front and rear wheels. The lineup at the time of launch comprised four grades, i.e. the Super Deluxe, the Deluxe, the Deluxe Auto Clutch equipped with electromagnetic powder clutch, and the Standard.*

In February 1970, the R-2 Van was launched. Then, on April 18, the 36ps, which was a more powerful version equipped with solex type 36PH twin choke carburetor, the SS, which had reinforced suspension and radial tires, and the Sporty Deluxe, which was fitted with sporty interior and exterior finishing on the Deluxe base, were added to the lineup. Then in October, the GL, which had interior finish based on cocoa brown two-tone color, was launched. The Sporty Deluxe and GL had increased power of 32PS, and practical performance was enhanced through increased torque in the constant rotating range of 3.8kgm/5000rpm.








Launch of the New R-2 Series – Addition of Water-cooled Engines to the Lineup

On February 8, 1972, the new R-2 Series was launched. Output of all sedan cars was increased to 32PS and practical performance was enhanced through increased torque in the constant rotating range of 3.8kgm/5000rpm.* Other wide-ranging improvements included improvement of the actual fuel economy and reduction of noise and so on. On the exterior, the front design was revamped. The High Deluxe was added to the lineup, which now comprised the GL, the Super Deluxe, the High Deluxe, the Deluxe, the Standard, the Sporty Deluxe, as well as the Van Super Deluxe, the Van Deluxe and the Van Standard. In September the same year, the Just New R-2 Series entailing a completely new exterior and interior design was launched. The grand sport sedan, the GSS, which was fitted with a “zebra mask” front grille, dashboard possessing three round meters, and high back seats and so on, was also added to the lineup. Also, as the Water-Cooled L Series equipped with new design 356 cc water-cooled engine, the Custom and Super-L were added in October that year. The “L” came to symbolize both “Luxury” and “Liquid Cooling,” thanks to the adoption of Subaru coolant that removed the need to replace antifreeze solution.




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