Subaru planning modular platform, seven-seat SUV, plug-in hybrid

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles isn't the only big name in the auto industry releasing details on its future plans.Subaru, and its parent company Fuji Heavy Industries, is aiming to bump its North American sales up from 478,000 to 600,000 by 2020. Now, that seems pretty reasonable, especially in the face of FCA's hugely ambitious goals for Alfa Romeo and Maserati. It's how Subaru will go about increasing the sales, though, that has us intrigued.

A focus on more fuel-efficient, direct-injection engines will complement a new platform, while the company is contemplating expanding capacity at its Indiana factory, which will now have more room since Toyota Camry production will be ending there.

As for that new platform, it's called the Subaru Global Platform. Original, we know. It's a modular deal and will eventually underpin a vast range of future Subies following its debut in 2016. The new platform may also end up underpinning a seven-seat SUV, which would serve as the successor to the Tribeca and debut between 2016 and 2020, according to Automotive News.

The direct-injected engines, meanwhile, would debut around roughly the same time as the new Tribeca. Cylinder deactivation could also appear, while AN reports that thermal efficiency is being given a big look, which could hint at an Atkinson-cycle engine powering future vehicles. A plug-in hybrid is also a very strong possibility, which also lends credence to AN's theory on the Atkinson cycle. While this focus on efficiency and emissions is admirable, it won't go so far as to disrupt the brand's heritage – Subaru has given no indication that it's ditching its trademark boxer engines.

News Source: Automotive News - sub. req.

Subaru offers a few more details of Advanced Tourer Concept hybrid

PRESS RELEASE

Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the maker of Subaru automobiles, announced its presentation at the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show 2011. It will focus on "Enjoyment and Peace of Mind" which is the core value provided to the customers through the Subaru automobile experience, the foundation being Subaru's global brand statement "Confidence in Motion".

"Confidence in Motion" is materialized in the concept car "SUBARU ADVANCED TOURER CONCEPT" which achieved its main goal to become a "Revolutionary Sports Tourer". Also showcased will be the "All-New SUBARU IMPREZA" and the "SUBARU BRZ" – the latter a rear-wheel drive sports car currently under joint development with Toyota Motor Corporation carrying the Horizontally-Opposed Boxer engine. The exhibition will also feature Subaru's original and latest technologies.

A press briefing by President Yasuyuki Yoshinaga is scheduled for 9:15 a.m. on November 30, 2011 at the Subaru booth.


Main Exibits
◆SUBARU ADVANCED TOURER CONCEPT (Concept car)

1. Concept Exquisitely balancing the enjoyment of driving with environmental friendliness, the car, under its product concept of "Revolutionary Sports Tourer", embodies Subaru's theme of "Confidence in Motion". This C-segment class car was developed as a new-generation sports wagon providing both superior driving performance and utility. It features an innovative exterior design not found in conventional wagon models and expert wagon utility Subaru has cultivated over the years. The well established sports power unit, the Horizontally-Opposed Subaru Boxer engine, is now with direct fuel injection. This highlight mixed with Subaru's downsizing concept and original Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) expertise has enabled Subaru to make considerate progress on its unique Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) technology. An even sportier drivability and advanced environmental friendliness are both attainable in this new concept car.

2. Design and Packaging < Exterior Design >
• Subaru's brand statement "Confidence in Motion" is portrayed in the outward design as well. The dynamic yet sleek look promises an enthusiastic drive, while the cabin offers all the usability of a C-segment wagon.
• A flowing line on the side surfaces augments the stylish design calling to mind a coupe style car.
< Interior Design >
• In pursuit of Subaru's human-centered philosophy, all passengers are assured a safe and pleasant ride in a comfortable and quality interior.
• An entire roof made of glass adds to the spacious feel. Various textures such as wood and metal are incorporated into the inside layout to produce ample ambiance.
• A large monitor is built into the steering wheel allowing access to maps, television and internet services.

Information will be available at hand to support contemporary lifestyles even in the car.

3. Mechanisms (1) Next-Generation Power Unit System
- Downsized direct fuel injection turbo engine -
• The downsized direct fuel injection turbo engine is one of the principal technologies that will guide Subaru's engine strategy in the future. Not only is acceleration quick and smooth with the new-generation Horizontally-Opposed engine, it is environmentally friendly. The direct fuel injection system which injects necessary amounts of fuel into the cylinders at appropriate moments, and a turbo system which efficiently supplies large amounts of air into the cylinders, along with the downsizing of current turbo engine displacements (2,500cc and 2,000cc) to 1,600cc drastically improve combustion efficiency at practical driving-speed range compared to the existing turbo engine.
- High torque compatible Lineartronic (CVT) - • Lineartronic is Subaru's continuously variable transmission device designed for the new era. It is the
world's first longitudinally-mounted chain drive CVT to be utilized in mass-produced AWD passenger cars. For the concept car, the Lineartronic was refined to satisfy the high-power output turbo engine.
- Hybrid system -
• Subaru's original hybrid system has been developed to harmonize with the Symmetrical AWD
technology, another one of its specialties, and to further enhance its appeal. A single motor system was employed for its simple structure and light weight.
• This system has an Electric Vehicle (EV) mode which allows AWD motion using only the motor at start-ups and low-speed drives. When decelerating, the regenerating mechanism uses the motor as a power generator.

(2) EyeSight Subaru's advanced driving assist system EyeSight (Version 2), well received since its release in May 2010, has made further progress. The recognition range of the stereo camera has expanded considerably, both in width and depth.

Length x Width x Height: 4,580 x 1,840 x 1,430mm
Engine type: 1.6 liter Horizontally-Opposed direct fuel injection turbo engine
Transmission type: High torque compatible Lineartronic Symmetrical
Drive train: All-Wheel Drive with hybrid system
Battery type: Lithium-ion battery

◆SUBARU IMPREZA SPORT (5-door) / IMPREZA G4 (4-door) (information release date: November 30)
Concept The product concept is "Redefining Value, Redefining Class". In addition to incorporating the latest model Horizontally-Opposed Boxer engine and the newly developed Lineartronic (CVT), every aspect of the basic structure was reviewed and modified. The modifications include the reduction of overall weight, advances in aerodynamics and rolling resistance, etc. Significant progress was made in its environmental friendliness, most of all fuel efficiency. Furthermore, special attention was paid to the further refinement of fun-to-drive characteristics which is an essential role of the vehicle. Plus, the new IMPREZA offers a spacious and comfortable cabin with high-quality feel, without increasing its body size.

Body types: 5-door/4-door
Length x Width x Height (5-door): 4,415 x 1,740 x 1,465mm
Engine types: 1.6/2.0 liter third generation Horizontally-Opposed engine
Transmission type: Lineartronic (CVT)

◆SUBARU BRZ
1. Concept Based on its product concept of "Pure Handling Delight", at its core is the Horizontally-Opposed engine known for its light weight, compactness, and low center of gravity. That combined with Subaru's rear-wheel drive platform, the SUBARU BRZ seeks a new level of lowness in center of gravity, one of the lowest in the world, and offers excellent handling performance. It is a sports car that can provide a pure handling delight experience to anyone behind the wheel.

2. Mechanisms Founded on the third generation Horizontally-Opposed engine, the SUBARU BRZ carries a new 2.0 liter Horizontally-Opposed 4-cylinder engine which was specially designed to fulfill the desired factors of a sports car. Specifically, the bore and stroke are set in a square formation of 86 x 86mm and combined with Toyota's direct fuel injection technology (D-4S), thus allowing higher output and more environmental friendliness – the ideal for a new age sports car.

Length x Width x Height: 4,240 x 1,775 x 1,300mm
Wheelbase: 2,570mm
Engine type: 2.0 liter Horizontally-Opposed direct fuel injection engine
Transmission type: 6MT/E-6AT
Drive train: Rear-wheel drive
Suspension: front – strut rear – double wishbone

◆ S206 (information release date: November 24) Subaru Tecnica International Inc.*, which manages all of Subaru's motorsport activities, put in their years of engineering expertise into the original tune-up of 4-door SUBARU IMPREZA WRX STI. S206 is a STI complete model that has been refined to ultimate maneuverability, stability and handling performance.

*Subaru Tecnica International Inc. (STI; President Hiroyuki Karamatsu; located in Mitaka, Tokyo)

List of Exhibits
- SUBARU ADVANCED TOURER CONCEPT (world premiere; concept car)
- SUBARU IMPREZA SPORT / IMPREZA G4 (Japan premiere; information release date - November 30; display model)
- SUBARU BRZ (world premiere; display model)
- S206 (information release date - November 24; display model)
- SUBARU LEGACY B4 2.5GT EyeSight S Package – Premium Leather Selection (display model)
- SUBARU EXIGA 2.5i spec. B EyeSight (display model)
- SUBARU FORESTER 2.0XS typeS (display model)
- SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK 2.5i EyeSight EX Edition (production model)
- New generation Boxer engine lineup (technology exhibit)

About Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd.
Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the maker of Subaru automobiles, is a leading manufacturer in Japan with a long history of technological innovations that dates back to its origin as an aircraft company. While the automotive business is a main business pillar, FHI's Aerospace, Industrial Products and Eco Technologies divisions offer a diverse range of products from general-purpose engines, power generators, and sanitation trucks to small airplanes, crucial components for passenger aircrafts, and wind-powered electricity generating systems. Recognized internationally for its AWD (all-wheel drive) technology and Horizontally-Opposed engines in Subaru, FHI is also spearheading the development of environmentally friendly products and is committed to contributing to global environmental preservation.

Fuji Heavy Industries may suspend production of Stella EV with end of minivehicle production

Kyodo News reports that Fuji Heavy Industries may suspend production of its electric minivehicle, the Stella EV. While details including the timing of the suspension have not been decided, the maker of Subaru brand cars may suspend production of the EV when it stops manufacturing the Stella minivehicle, according to unidentified sources.

Fuji Heavy plans to withdraw completely from minivehicle production sometime around 2012. Fuji Heavy began selling the plug-in Stella electric vehicle to corporate customers and local governments in July 2009 with a sales target of 400 units by the end of March 2011.

Fuji Heavy is seeking to launch a plug-in gasoline electric hybrid vehicle, which can be recharged using a household electrical outlet, in the mid-2010s. The automaker is seeking support from its top shareholder, Toyota Motor Corp.

The Subaru Stella Electric Vehicle

The Multi-Functional Subaru Stella EV


More good news for those of us who desire alternative energy vehicles. Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI), who make Subarus, will commence delivery of the Stella plug in vehicle this summer. Unfortunately for those of us who live in North America, these cars will be for sale only in Japan.

The Stella EV will have a top speed of 62 mph (100 kph) and a range of 50 miles or 80 km. I presume that Subaru is going to try and keep the cost low for this vehicle as the battery pack only contains 9.2 kWh's of energy. The battery technology is Lithium ion with a nominal voltage of 346V. The 50 mile range is sure to give most commuters some anxiety and the 62 mph top speed may deter freeway use. However, for those individuals who need not travel on roads with posted speed limits greater than 55 mph, this car could be perfect.

I would personally prefer to see this car with a 100 mile range and 70 to 75 mph top speed. These numbers easily cover the overwhelming majority of US commuter's needs. Of course, you would need twice the battery capacity which probably doubles its cost. We need mass production of Lithium batteries to bring their cost down and make the technology more available to the masses.

The next two years are going to be great for alternative energy vehicles. I am personally very excited to see the next years unfold. We will soon have a great choice of electric vehicles at showrooms and also competition for our hard earned dollars.

Thanks FHI and Subaru for giving us one more choice!

From Green Car Congress:

Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI), maker of Subarus, will begin delivery of the plug-in STELLA (earlier post) this summer, according to FHI President & CEO Ikuo Mori in his New Year press conference speech.

More than 100 units are to be delivered mainly in metropolitan areas of Japan. FHI is calling 2009 the “First Year of Electric Vehicle”.

The Subaru Plug-in STELLA Concept combines the electric drive system employed in the R1e (earlier post) with the Subaru STELLA minicar platform. FHI plans to use the plug-in STELLA Concept in the development and test-marketing of the next generation of EVs in Japan in the near future.

The STELLA EV seats four, has a maximum speed of 100 kph (62 mph) and a range of 80km (50 miles) per charge. A 9.2 kWh, 346V Li-ion battery pack drives an electric motor with 40 kW output and that develops 150 Nm torque.