Finally, after years of dithering, Subaru has built a hybrid. We'll see the Hybrid Tourer Concept at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show.
Subaru says the concept car will be the "future of a grand touring car that integrates environmental friendliness, driving performance and safety at a high level. " Despite the auto show sculpted bodywork, it's still a Subaru under the skin. That means it's got a horizontally opposed boxer engine and all-wheel drive.
But with a twist.
The internal combustion engine is a flat-four turbocharged mill with direct fuel-injection for improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. It is coupled with a continuously variable transmission dubbed Lineartronic CVT. Subaru says the setup further improves fuel efficiency and performance.
So far it's pretty standard stuff. Where the Hybrid Tourer Concept gets interesting is its unique hybrid two-motor system that has a electric generator/drive motor in the front and a second electric drive motor in the rear. When the car is first fired up or running at low speed, the rear motor propels the car. At higher speeds under normal conditions, internal combustion keeps the car moving.
Stomp on the accelerator and the rear electric motor kicks in to provide extra oomph. Climb a hill and the front motor -- which also kicks juice back to the battery -- comes on to further enhance traction and acceleration. The slick Subie uses star/stop technology to cut off the engine when the car comes to a halt, reducing fuel consumption.
The concept car sports a lithium-ion battery based on the pack in the Plug-in Stella electric vehicle -- which is based on Subaru's R1e electric car. Stella launched last summer and is featured in an EV pilot program sponsored by Japan's Ministry of Environment. And of course it's got regenerative braking.
Some of the more fanciful aspects of the Hybrid Tourer Concept will most likely never see production -- the full-length gullwing doors are but one example -- but the hybrid drivetrain should appear be in future Subarus.
Images: Subaru
