Here it is, the all-wheel-drive hybrid Subaru that has been the subject of so much speculation. We're sure Toyota had some involvement in this one, given its current position as Hybrid Overlord of Planet Earth.
Details are sketchy, but Subaru says Hybrid Tourer concept has a turbocharged and direct-injected version of its 2.0-liter horizontally-opposed four-cylinder as the gasoline power source. It joins forces with a 10-kilowatt front-drive electric motor and Subaru's Lineartronic continuously variable transmission (CVT). In back, there is a 20-kilowatt rear-drive electric motor. Add them together and you get all-wheel drive, though not in the usual Subaru sense since there would be no center differential. But this is exactly how Toyota creates "AWD" in the Lexus RX 450h and Highlander Hybrid.
Batteries are of the lithium-ion variety.
More photos after the jump.
2009 Tokyo Auto Show: Subaru Takes Wing With Hybrid Tourer Concept
rsholland says:
05:02 AM, 09/30/09
Very, very nice. :)
hondacura4 says:
06:03 AM, 09/30/09
Very nice. These hybrid concepts are becoming more and more attractive.
rsholland says:
06:32 AM, 09/30/09
Interesting that this is first Subie turbo without a hood scoop. Also, the CVT has been beefed up to handle the extra power from this turbo/hybrid powertrain.
bepperb says:
06:36 AM, 09/30/09
I guess I don't understand what #4 is. It looks like a driveshaft, but the flat floor in the interior pic makes me think it isn't. But anyway, I think a FWD setup with an electric motor on the rear wheels to give AWD should become more popular. The electric motors can't weigh much more than the driveshaft/differential/axles they replace. And batteries... well... that's the hangup now I guess.
subaru123 says:
07:09 AM, 09/30/09
It's a Subaru YEAH!!
altimadude00 says:
07:39 AM, 09/30/09
A car the new corporate face looks good on. I love the idea of the gullwings, but probably not for the real car.
trackwrex says:
09:01 AM, 09/30/09
i usually bash on subaru's design but... wow. now this is just sexy. YES, I SAID SEXY. They took the headlamps from the last-gen legacy (which i think is a good thing) and just evolved the design. the proportions and line work are very balanced. aggressive, yet distinct. very nice... BUILD IT! better yet, HIRE this person to do all of the other designs!!!
ateixeira says:
09:42 AM, 09/30/09
DAAAA-HAAAAA-HAAAAAMMMM that looks good. Where do I put down a deposit for the first production one?
Gorgeous. Mercedes just tried to do a gullwing concept and it looked hideous, surprise-surprise, Subaru comes along and nails it. Benz should apologize and buy design rights from Subaru.
That thing is gorgeous from every angle. The best looking Subaru EVER, concept or production. The B9 Scrambler moves to 2nd place in my heart.
The aggressive face is just right, and not too Infiniti-copy-cat like the current Legacy. The profile is gorgeous, my favorite angle, love that C-pillar design.
If I had to nit-pick I'd add a rear spoiler, but that's about it. They really nailed this one.
I do wish it had a rear driveshaft for true symmetry but I can understand that with HSD parts that may not have been practical.
That design is strong enough to replace the current Outback entirely.
LOVE it! Please green light it, Subaru. Even without the concept-only gullwing doors, I bet it would look great.
subytrojan says:
11:00 AM, 09/30/09
Finally! Direct injection has come to a Subaru gasoline flat-four!
And there was much rejoicing in all the land!!! :o)
dnoodles says:
11:55 AM, 09/30/09
hello! mcfly!
where's flux capacitor go?
anythngbutgm says:
11:20 AM, 10/ 1/09
That should be the corporate face of future Subarus. That looks fantastic.