Autoblog

Rumormill: Subaru hybrid headed to U.S. in 2013

Zach Bowman — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 07:59:00 EST

Subaru Hybrid Tourer Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Subaru finally appears ready to enter the hybrid segment. Unsurprising considering the numerous rumors and reports that the Japanese automaker, which has strong ties with Toyota, aims to launch it first hybridized vehicle by the end of 2012. However, Subaru's tight-lipped approach prevents us from confirming what vehicle the automaker will use to introduce its hybrid to the world. Initial speculation puts the fuel-sipping technology into either the Legacy or Impreza platform. Regardless, Reuters claims that Subaru's hybrid is U.S.-bound.

On the sidelines of this year's Detroit Auto Show, Reuters prodded Tom Doll, chief operating officer of Subaru of America, seeking insight into the automaker's hybrid plans. Doll stated, "We're going to need something at some point, even (only) to say we have it because that enhances our brand image in the market." Though Subaru has not officially confirmed the launch of a hybrid vehicle, Reuters reports that the fuel-sipping auto will be released in 2012 and maintains that the U.S. will witness the debut of the first Subaru hybrid model in 2013.

Gallery: Subaru Hybrid Tourer concept

[Source: Reuters]

Rumormill: Subaru hybrid headed to U.S. in 2013 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Jan 2011 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo 2009: Subaru Hybrid Tourer concept previews Fuji Heavy's new design language

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Wagon, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Subaru, Design/Style

Subaru Hybrid Tourer -- Click above for high-res image gallery

The Subaru Hybrid Tourer is sharp-nosed and an all-out sharp piece of car. The car's flat floor hides two electric motors, one aft that powers the car in low-speed acceleration and assists with acceleration, and one up front connected to a direct-injection turbocharged gas engine. The Tourer is also fitted with Subaru's trademark symmetrical all-wheel drive system and a Lineatronic CVT transmission.

As for its design, Subie officials tell us that the nose points the way for Subaru's new corporate face and the rest of the car indicates the general design language we'll see from the brand represented by the Pleiades. "It will be anti-Bangle, editing, not adding - cars have too many character lines now." But forget about the gullwing doors -- those were fitted to provide the best view of the interior. You can have a great view of it in the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Subaru Hybrid Tourer

Tokyo 2009: Subaru Hybrid Tourer concept previews Fuji Heavy's new design language originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Subaru planning to revive SVX with coupe version of Sports Tourer

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Tokyo Motor Show, Subaru, Rumormill, Luxury

Subaru Hybrid Tourer Concept - click above for high-res image gallery

Might Subaru's Hybrid Tourer concept point the way forward to a revival of the iconoclastic SVX from the Nineties? According to AutoExpress, that's a definite maybe. The British motoring mag suggests that the conceptual Hybrid Tourer that's just about to get its debut at the Tokyo Motor Show is a harbinger for a range-topping luxury performance coupe from the Japanese automaker.

If true (and we're not exactly holding our breath), the new coupe would slot well above the expected rear-wheel drive coupe that will share its underpinnings with the upcoming Toyota FT-86, possibly selling for twice the price of its lesser sibling. A turbocharged 2.5-liter boxer four-cylinder engine would provide motivation, though a hybrid model may also be possible.

Gallery: Subaru Hybrid Tourer concept

[Source: AutoExpress]

Rumormill: Subaru planning to revive SVX with coupe version of Sports Tourer originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru releases more pics of Hybrid Tourer Concept

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Wagon, Tokyo Motor Show, Crossover, Subaru

Subaru Hybrid Tourer Concept - click above for high-res image gallery

Subaru has just released a bunch of new images of its Hybrid Tourer concept that is slated to debut next week at the Tokyo Motor Show. The gullwing wagon/hatch/thingy is Subaru's first major cut at a hybrid and the first from anyone using a boxer four-cylinder engine. A pair of electric motors provide regenerative braking, pure electric drive and blended electric boost, with a lithium ion battery pack as the energy storage medium.

Subaru has been working with their partners at Toyota to produce this new hybrid architecture, and it will likely appear in production vehicles in the next few years. Besides the hybrid system, the concept also includes a new direct injected version of its 2.0-liter turbo boxer engine that will also probably appear in production vehicles before long.

Gallery: Subaru Hybrid Tourer concept

[Source: Subaru]

Subaru releases more pics of Hybrid Tourer Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo Preview: Subaru Hybrid Tourer looks ready to take flight

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 01:39:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Wagon, Tokyo Motor Show, Subaru

Subaru Hybrid Tourer Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Subaru is adding a green tint to its renowned all-wheel drive technical know-how at the Tokyo Motor Show next month with the Hybrid Tourer Concept. Three separate power sources will share the duties of propelling this concept, depending on the specific set of circumstances.

Naturally, a horizontally-opposed "Boxer" engine - in this case displacing two liters and boasting a turbocharger and direct injection - sits under the hood and sends power to the front wheels when necessary. A Lineartronic CVT transmission is used to promote maximum fuel efficiency.

As is the case with Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive, an electric motor is mated up to that gasoline engine and acts as a 10 kW motor when power is needed and a generator to recharge the lithium ion battery pack the rest of the time. A second electric motor sends 20 kW of power to the rear wheels under low-speed driving conditions and when maximum power is required. Because no driveshaft is required to connect the rear differential to the front-mounted engine, Subaru has managed to keep a flat floor for the rear occupants.

Besides the high-tech powertrain, Subaru's Hybrid Tourer Concept sports concept-appropriate touches such as giant wing-like gullwing doors that offer access for both the front- and rear-seat passengers and a dashboard that moves up and down to offer the driver a perfect view ahead. Want to know more? Check out high-res image gallery below and click past the break for the official press release.

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Subaru Hybrid Tourer Concept

Continue reading Tokyo Preview: Subaru Hybrid Tourer looks ready to take flight

Tokyo Preview: Subaru Hybrid Tourer looks ready to take flight originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 01:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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