Subaru confirms 'Toyobaru' sports coupe for Geneva

While Toyota has been happy to supply the world with glimpses of and whispers about its version of the FT-86 sports coupe, Subaru has been suspiciously quiet about its planned version of the car. But it looks like that's about to change. The Pleiades has announced the vehicles that it plans to show off at this year's Geneva Motor Show in March, and tucked amongst the already-revealed Impreza Concept and the new Trezia econobox is word that the Subaru Rear-Wheel Drive Sports Car Technology Concept will also make an appearance. The news answers the question of whether or not the Subaru end of the venture would boast the company's trademark all-wheel drive when it debuts. All signs point to no – at least in concept form.

Other than the fact that the RWD Subaru will bow in Geneva, there's no indication as to what the car will look like or whether or not it will ever show up in American showrooms. We do know that the vehicle will boast a Subaru boxer four-cylinder under its hood, though it's unclear whether the engine will be a next-generation interpretation of the engine it currently markets or if Subaru will stick the old turbo lump out front. We'll probably find out soon enough. Hit the jump for the press release.

[Source: Subaru | Images: CarPix]

Exhibition Outline of the 81st Geneva International Motor Show

Tokyo, January 14, 2011 - Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the maker of Subaru automobiles, today
announced that it will exhibit the "SUBARU IMPREZA CONCEPT" and the "Subaru Trezia" as European premieres at the 81st Geneva International Motor Show slated for March in Geneva, Switzerland (Press day: March 1 and 2; Open to the public from March 3 through 13, 2011). The "Subaru Rear-Wheel Drive Sports Car Technology Concept" will also be showcased as a world premiere.

<SUBARU IMPREZA CONCEPT>

The Subaru Impreza Concept is the first concept model to be released under Subaru's new brand strategy.
Designed to show a possible direction for future Impreza models, the concept also embodies Subaru's new brand statement "Confidence in Motion". Expressing Subaru's brand core value of "enjoyment and peace of mind", the Subaru Impreza Concept fuses a sleek and lean form that exudes dynamism and elegance. It also features a spacious and plush four-seat interior for a safe and comfortable ride.

-Major specifications-
Length x Width x Height: 4,520 x 1,820 x 1,430 mm, Wheelbase: 2,640 mm Power Unit: New Generation Subaru Boxer engine (2.0-litre 4-cylinder Horizontally-Opposed engine) plus Lineartronic (CVT)

<Subaru Trezia>

The Subaru Trezia represents a proposal of new value to meet the increasing demand for smaller and
environmentally friendly cars in Europe. The key phrase for this product is "New Compact Smart Wagon". The model provides the benefits of the Subaru wagon-style in an overall body size of less than 4 meters in length. This touring compact car offers a string of other benefits, from the strong presence of the exterior to the highly efficient package of the roomy and quality interior and easy-to-use utility space. With CO2 emissions of 113 g/km*, the Trezia combines superior environmental friendliness and highly responsive SUBARU IMPREZA CONCEPT Subaru Trezia
driving.

A 1.3-litre petrol engine and 1.4-litre turbo diesel engine are available in the European markets.
*For the 1.4-litre turbo diesel models

-Major specifications-
Length x Width x Height: 3,995 x 1,695 x 1,595 mm, Wheelbase: 2,550 mm

<Subaru Rear-Wheel Drive Sports Car Technology Concept>

A Subaru rear-wheel drive sports car is currently under joint development as part of the business alliance
with Toyota Motor Corporation. Based on an all-new platform, the vehicle will offer Subaru's distinctive
trademark and core technology: the "Horizontally-Opposed Subaru Boxer engine". The concept embodies
Subaru's established know-how in manufacturing boxer-powered passenger cars; it shows how Subaru
proposes to integrate this expertise into a rear-wheel drive car to offer a new and highly enjoyable, Subaru-like driving experience. The technology concept will demonstrate how the all-new car platform
makes full use of Subaru's engineering and Boxer technology.