Subaru Hybrid Tourer
subaru hybrid tourer concept
The concept uses a two-motor hybrid system in tandem with a 2.0-litre turbocharged boxer engine, mated to a continuously variable transmission
Skimming through the Subaru Hybrid Tourer concept press release, the second paragraph left us a little confused. “The original point of the ideal grand touring car is its interior design, featuring four independent and comfortably positioned seats. The Subaru Take on Hybrid All-Wheel Drive
Both motors can be deployed independently to assist the gas engine and retain Subaru’s trademark all-wheel drive. During the Tokyo show, Subaru confirmed its intention to bring a hybrid to market in 2012, although a company rep said that the company wouldn't be creating a new hybrid-only model—like the Toyota Prius—or a separate hybrid brand. Subaru’s idea behind this concept was to display a “new proposal for the future of grand touring cars.” We’ve always preferred our GT cars with big power up front driving the rear wheels, so this concept may be a bit of a stretch of the term. That aside, it offers a glimpse of Subaru’s hybrid intentions, and we’re thankful those intentions appear to take into account driving enjoyment, another critical “point of the ideal grand touring car.”
The concept uses a 2.0-litre direct injection 'Boxer' engine – mounted under the bonnet and driving the front wheels through a fuel-efficient CVT transmission. Like the Toyota Prius, it gets assistance from a 10kW electric motor when extra power is needed.
The layout is very compact and with no rear driveshafts, Subaru has maximised rear seat space.
