i'm aware that the wrx, boxter, as well as a few other cars have boxer engines, but never really took the time to find out what exactly boxer engines are. can someone please shed some light??

 

a boxer engine is a flat design, i.e. the cylinders are 180 degrees opposed. the pistons go back and forth directly at each other, like a "boxer" throwing punches at another boxer.

ferrari used it a lot in some of their F1 cars, 365BB/512BB roads cars. advantage is a lower center of gravity than a normal "Vee" engine, you know, V-6, V8, V10.....


keith

 

thanks keith.

 

Even more of a center-of-gravity advantage over a straight-6 or -4 that is not tilted over.

 

Also a good primary balance in boxer engines with even number of cylinders (each piston opposing another). Any V-motor has some imbalance because piston forces are at an angle to each other. Some in-line motors, notably the typical I6, also has equally good balance (pistons going up and down at the same time).

 

well, pistons do not go up and down at same time, that would create an imbalance. they are staggered both for balance and so that they fire at different times in the cycle, giving a smoother power band.

big money is spent by manufacturers trying to sort out how many cylinders, what degree of Vee, etc.

keith

 

www.howstuffworks.com

go to engines and they discuss rotary, piston I4 and boxer engines.