Fuji Heavy Industries Introduces Subaru KX21 Sports Kart Engine

Tokyo, December 7, 2006 - Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), a global manufacturer of transportation and aerospace-related products and the maker of Subaru automobiles, today announced the introduction of Subaru KX21 Sports Kart Engine, a 4-cycle engine expressly designed for racing and fun karts. The sale of the KX21 began today through Robin distributors around the world with the exception of those in the U.S. market.

Based on the EX series--air-cooled, 4-cycle, OHC gasoline engines made for general use--the new KX21 Sports Kart Engine has been made to deliver the high power and performance required in karting. The compression ratio of the KX21 was maximized to 10:1 through modifications in the combustion chamber, and improvements were made in the air intake system and ignition timing, without compromising fuel economy or increasing exhaust emissions to the environment.

Although EX engines have proven applicable for use in rental karts, the KX21 has been developed as a kart-specific engine, boasting high revolutions and power output - at levels that general-purpose engines cannot match. When mounted in a kart, the new engine, thanks to its light weight, promises to provide agile handling and competitive driving performance. The KX21 is targeted for skilled adult and junior karters using rental karts as well as beginning racers who may own their own karts.

A kart is a simple four-wheeled vehicle, with an open structure of frames that hold in place major vehicle components including the engine, the seat, the steering, and tires. While kart racing is generally the domain of experienced karters and perceived as a stepping stone to more professional motorsports, karting with rental karts can be enjoyed by anyone, from juniors to seniors, in kart circuits and tracks, and is an affordable introduction to motorsports. Karting has gained popularity worldwide, as karts provide different kinds of momentum and acceleration than regular cars, and drivers directly experience an unusual sense of speed because of the lower point of sight in a kart.

FHI has long developed, and marketed under the Robin brand, a diverse range of general-use engines, which have been used to power small construction equipment, compressors, or light agricultural and industrial machinery. Helping to enhance industrial operations and enrich leisure and outdoor activities, Robin engines have earned a reputation for their quality, reliability and performance. The introduction of the KX21 for karting signifies the company’s step towards building a new business, and reflects its commitment to further bolstering its engine business.

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