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Subaru’s presence at the 80th Geneva International Motor Show
will feature a number of technological and environmentally friendly
innovations, including a revolutionary ‘Boxer’-hybrid concept vehicle
and a pure-electric city car.
HYBRID TOURER CONCEPT
Featuring the world’s first ‘Boxer’-hybrid powerplant and Symmetrical
All-Wheel Drive (AWD), the Hybrid Tourer Concept will make its European
debut at the Swiss expo. The striking show car marries Subaru’s design
DNA with an opulent and spacious cabin accessed through elongated
gullwing-style doors, and an eye-catching, sculpted body.
The absence of B-pillars affords a heightened sense of light and
space to the interior, providing occupants with a less obstructed view
of the outside world. The swept-back panoramic windscreen and a
height-adjustable dashboard afford the driver a similarly unhindered
vantage point.
The innovative hybrid system uses Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a
2.0-litre horizontally-opposed, direct-injection, turbocharged petrol
‘Boxer’ engine, allied to two electric motors – Subaru remains the only
company to mate this engine layout to a hybrid drivetrain. The electric
motors are powered by lithium-ion batteries – a 10kW item at the front
and a 20kW unit at the rear.
In normal driving conditions the direct-injection petrol engine is
used, but at lower speeds and start-up, the rear electric motor drives
the car. The forward electric unit, which is mainly used as a power
generator, kicks in to assist performance and efficiency while tackling
inclines. Subaru’s in-house designed Lineartronic automatic
transmission is featured, further boosting fuel efficiency and driving
performance.
STELLA EV
Continuing the ‘green’ theme, Subaru will be showcasing its Plug-in
STELLA EV. The lithium-ion battery-powered, 90km-per-charge, 40kW,
electric vehicle can be recharged up to 80 per cent of its capacity in
about 15 minutes when using its quick charging system. Under normal
circumstances the city car is fully rechargeable in five hours when
using an AC240V power outlet.
‘BOXER’ DIESEL TECHNOLOGY
Visitors to the Japanese manufacturer’s stand will also be able to
take in a number of ‘Boxer’-diesel model displays, highlighting Subaru’s
unique Horizontally-Opposed engine technologies. Impreza, Forrester,
Legacy and Outback models are all currently available with the
unique-to-Subaru 2.0-litre diesel engine configuration, which offers
both improved fuel economy and a low centre of gravity.
With these exhibits and throughout the entire show stand design,
Subaru will be showcasing its efforts to integrate enjoyable and
reliable driving with environmentally friendly motoring solutions.
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