Tokyo Auto Show: Subaru Hybrid Tourer Concept

[BoxerFanatic]

http://www.autoblog.com/gallery/toky...ourer-concept/


http://www.autoblog.com/gallery/toky...ourer-concept/

Originally Posted by Autoblog

Subaru is adding a green tint to its renowned all-wheel drive technical know-how at the Tokyo Motor Show next month with the Hybrid Tourer Concept. Three separate power sources will share the duties of propelling this concept, depending on the specific set of circumstances.

Naturally, a horizontally-opposed "Boxer" engine – in this case displacing two liters and boasting a turbocharger and direct injection – sits under the hood and sends power to the front wheels when necessary. A Lineartronic CVT transmission is used to promote maximum fuel efficiency.

As is the case with Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive, an electric motor is mated up to that gasoline engine and acts as a 10 kW motor when power is needed and a generator to recharge the lithium ion battery pack the rest of the time. A second electric motor sends 20 kW of power to the rear wheels under low-speed driving conditions and when maximum power is required. Because no driveshaft is required to connect the rear differential to the front-mounted engine, Subaru has managed to keep a flat floor for the rear occupants.

Besides the high-tech powertrain, Subaru's Hybrid Tourer Concept sports concept-appropriate touches such as giant wing-like gullwing doors that offer access for both the front- and rear-seat passengers and a dashboard that moves up and down to offer the driver a perfect view ahead. Want to know more? Check out high-res image gallery below and click past the break for the official press release.

Originally Posted by SUBARU PRESS RELEASE

SUBARU HYBRID TOURER CONCEPT (Concept car)

1. Concept
Subaru has condensed its DNA, developed over many years around the Subaru's core technology of "Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD)" and "Horizontally-Opposed Boxer Engine", into the integration of a luxurious and high-quality cabin atmosphere and an eye-catching sculpted body. The concept car features Subaru's latest evolutions in handling agility, riding comfort and superior safety performance. It proposes Subaru's vision of a future grand touring car that excels in environmental friendliness thanks to Subaru's unique hybrid system.
2. Design and packaging

(1) Exterior
Subaru imagined wings with a feeling of freedom and confidence for driving far and wide in any environment. A luxurious and comfortable cabin, and advanced driving performance are contained within a sculpted aerodynamic form. The design features a combination of bright, open glass areas with a solid, reliable body.

(2) Interior
The original point of the ideal grand touring car is its interior design, featuring four independent and comfortably positioned seats. Passengers are enclosed within an atmosphere that provides a surpassing feeling of openness and stress-free reassurance, through the further pursuit of a human-centered philosophy, the essence of Subaru car design, and the incorporation of functions that are friendly to passengers.
The top of the dashboard is movable up and down to provide an optimal driving environment for the driver according to driving conditions.
A flat floor in the rear seat was achieved even with the implementation of AWD, for improved use and movement inside the cabin.
Specialized shielding is incorporated in the windshield to reduce eyestrain on the driver.
New leather covering developed with superior breathability and a ventilation function is used in the seats for improved comfort and texture.

3. Mechanisms
In addition to refinements to Subaru's core technology such as Symmetrical AWD and Horizontally-Opposed Boxer Engine, further enhancements were made for improved environmental friendliness, driving performance and high safety performance by offering a next-generation power unit system and advanced safety technologies.
(1) Next-generation power unit system
2.0-liter Horizontally-Opposed direct fuel-injection turbo gasoline engine
The Horizontally-Opposed turbo gasoline engine, with a reputation for powerful acceleration, is combined with a direct fuel-injection system for improvements in fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, and improved torque and response in practical range. This evolution in Subaru turbo technology excels in both environmental friendliness and engine performance.

Lineartronic (CVT)
Lineartronic, Subaru's new generation automatic transmission, achieves further improvements in both fuel efficiency and driving performance by reinforcing parts for use with the high-power output of a turbo engine.

Hybrid system
To further enhance the appeal of the Symmetrical AWD system, this unique hybrid two-motor system features a power/drive motor in the front and a drive motor in the rear.
At start-up and extremely low speeds when fuel efficiency is low, such as when driving the car into a garage, the rear motor is used primarily to allow driving without utilizing the power of the engine.
During normal driving, the front engine is primarily used. The direct fuel-injection turbo gasoline mated with the Symmetrical AWD offers a whole new, Subaru driving experience.
During acceleration, the rear motor assists the driving power of the engine to achieve advanced driving performance.
Further, when accelerating uphill, the front motor, which is normally used as a power generator, assists to drive the front axle for improved performance.
The implementation of a non-idling function that stops the engine when the car comes to a halt reduces unnecessary fuel consumption.
The use of a high-performance lithium battery is based on experience and know-how achieved with the Subaru Plug-in STELLA electric vehicle, launched this summer. This includes the use of a precise energy management system and regenerative brake controls, for improvements in excellent fuel efficiency.

<Major specifications>
Length x Width x Height: 4,630 x 1,890 x 1,420mm
Engine type: 2.0-liter Horizontally-Opposed direct fuel-injection turbo
gasoline engine
Max output of Motor: 10kW (Front) / 20kW (Rear)
Transmission type: Lineartronic
Drive train: Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with 2 motors assist
Battery type: Lithium-ion battery

[ShiuludeSVX]

It is kinda slick. But I'm not sure about the way those front seats are anchored.
They just seem a bit G-Force incompatible. I don't like the pivot point.

Oh God no.
I reloaded the page, and if I wanted a Cadillac Seville, with the butt up the butt, then that's what I'd buy.

Please don't ever make me ride in that. The page showed me a stretched version when I first looked.

[LarryIII]

The concept kind of remoinds me of an updated green hybrid version of the old Volvo P-1800 sport wagon.

[Landshark]

it looks 1000x better than the current Legacy. i'd like to see a coupe or sedan version of this.

[BoxerFanatic]

Originally Posted by Landshark

it looks 1000x better than the current Legacy. i'd like to see a coupe or sedan version of this.

As I posted on Autoblog, and discussed on LegacyGT.com... I would wish for a second bodystyle, a bit different.

-Slice some volume out of the roof, for a raked fastback coupe profile, with a lift-back hatch.
-Shorten the doors to a 2-door coupe length, and move the hinges to the base and the top of the a-pillars, turning them from gull wing, to butterfly doors (think McLaren F1)
-add window-in-a-window, with the fixed upper window extending into the roof segments of the doors.
-Black out the rest of the roof structure above the window sill line.
-keep a traditional mechanical Subaru driveline, and ditch the over-complicated, heavy hybrid stuff.

Update the H4, H4T and H6 engines with direct injection, and valvematic variable event and lift system (a toyota technology... already in the family, so to speak...),

back those engines with the WRX STI's DCCD 6-speed, or a dual-clutch automated gearbox. No CVTs. No hydro-automatics. DCTs have better performance and don't sap power from the drivetrain as much as those two.

Use second-generation SI-Drive to manage engine maps, gearbox maps, suspension calibration, stability control programming, and other on-board control systems, to switch between efficiency, high-traction (slick road conditions), and high performance settings.

With it being a 2+2 coupe at that point... with W-I-W, and a blacked out roof... it would make a perfectly natural 2012 Subaru SVX 20th Anniversary re-introduction.

[SilverSpear]

This looks nice but we need a NEW Alcyone

It's about time...

[NiftySVX]

I would agree the time is right for Subaru to re enter the GT coupe arena, because I think people who used to buy SUVs for image purposes are going to go back to Coupes. But it won't happen. I don't see a "Alcyone" style car joining the subaru line any time soon

And the toyota VVTLi (valve event timing) spoken of earlier was really more of a gimmick, it didn't do a whole lot. It made the valvetrain very heavy and was manufactured by yamaha. It only operated at very high rpms, like over 6000. We only saw it in the Celica GTS and the corolla and matrix XRS, and those were all still slugs. Direct injection and 4 cams with variable timing would probably help the older motors but I think the ez36 already runs it.

An EZ36 with some toyota hybrid technology could be made to easily put out 300+hp and more if it was performance oriented. The Lexus GS450h runs a similar engine with only one electric motor and manages well over 300 (340 if memory serves)

[ScottyB]

I like it. I appreciate Subaru trying something new, like they did with the SVX. I can't stop thinking 'back to the future' with those gull doors though...

[NikFu S.]

Whoa, those doors are massive.

[BoxerFanatic]

Originally Posted by NiftySVX

I would agree the time is right for Subaru to re enter the GT coupe arena, because I think people who used to buy SUVs for image purposes are going to go back to Coupes. But it won't happen. I don't see a "Alcyone" style car joining the subaru line any time soon

Then it is Subaru's loss. They have NO COUPES. If that leaves me with only a used Audi A5/S5 or Infinti G37x, or a really used Carrera 4S... SVX parts won't last forever, unfortunately.

What happened to companies having, and customers expecting a diverse lineup of products? If you agree with me that it is time to re-enter that market, and that they could build a great product, if they just chose to... why be resigned to accept them not doing it? If they don't do it, it won't be for my lack of asking for such a product.

And the toyota VVTLi (valve event timing) spoken of earlier was really more of a gimmick, it didn't do a whole lot. It made the valvetrain very heavy and was manufactured by yamaha. It only operated at very high rpms, like over 6000. We only saw it in the Celica GTS and the corolla and matrix XRS, and those were all still slugs. Direct injection and 4 cams with variable timing would probably help the older motors but I think the ez36 already runs it.

Valvematic is different than VVTLi. It is more analogous to BMW's Valvetronic, and Infinti's VVEL, and the Toyota system is more compact, not requiring extra head height, which is VERY important on a boxer.

Here is more info: http://www.autozine.org/technical_sc...ine/vvt_5.html

And the EZ36, EZ30R, and EJ25x family do already have AVCS and AVLS (variable valve timing, and VVTLi-style two-stage valve lift, respectively...) but it does not have direct fuel injection. Valvematic is continuous valve lift adjustment, not just 2 different lift cam lobe profiles, and is a generation newer than VVTLi.

An EZ36 with some toyota hybrid technology could be made to easily put out 300+hp and more if it was performance oriented. The Lexus GS450h runs a similar engine with only one electric motor and manages well over 300 (340 if memory serves)

An EZ36R could probably make over 300hp as it is right now... if they put a transaxle behind it that was capable of surviving it under warranty. So far only the 5EAT has been coupled to it, and nothing with over ~260 lb-ft of torque has ever been mated to that transaxle from the factory.

Supposedly, rumor has it that the EZ36R is capable of much more than it is configured for, albeit not as turbo-suitable by having such thin cylinder walls, even compared to EZ30R, let alone EG33.

Frankly, I am unconvinced that having a stack of lithium batteries in a car is a wise idea. An electric motor in the drivetrain is just added complexity unless the car is designed for motor-per-driven-wheel, and an on-board electric generation plant, since batteries don't even closely compare to liquid fuel in terms of ease, quick re-fuel/re-charge, or energy density by weight or volume.

A good, optimized internal combustion powered, mechanically-operational drivetrain is fine with me, without the added costs, maintenance, and risk of a high voltage, large lithium battery system added to it.

[viking64]

I don't even see the need for Subaru to make it. With the recent Tribecca, soon to be released Exiga, why not expand the range to include coupes and sports cars - fair enough Subaru are still licking their wounds after the SVX - what everyone calls "a commercial failure" with 25,000 units - but at the same time Mazda came out with Cosmos - only 9,000 units made for domestic market !

Testament to Subaru to being able to do well being their first foray into "the luxury segment"

Subaru need to head in a different direction they are in at the moment. Look at the BMW concept - stunning is all I can say

* 2+2 seater
* Bird’s wings door
* Dimensions (length x width x height): 4.60 x 1.90 x 1.24 meters
* Combined power: 356 hp, 800 Nm(590 lb-ft) of torque
* 1.5 liter 3-cylinder turbodiesel engine placed at the rear of the car
* Diesel engine: 163 hp, 290 Nm(214 lb-ft) of torque
* Two electric engines, one near the front axle, one near the rear axle
* Electric-rear engine with constant 33 HP and a peak of 51 HP. Maximum torque 214 lb-ft
* Electric engine front axle with constant 80 HP. Extra power of 112 HP available for 30 seconds and for 10 seconds, 139 HP. Torque:162 lb-ft
* 4.8 seconds 0-100 km/h, limited 250 km/h (155 mph)
* DCT gearbox
* average 3,76 liter per 100 kilometer – 62.6MPG. CO2 99 gram per km
* Maximum Range: 690 kilometers – 428 miles
* Weight: 1.395 kg – 3,075 lbs
* Weight of the lithium-ion batteries: 85 kg – 187 lbs
* Charging time: Depending on the amperage between 44 minutes and 2.5 hours
* 3D HUD
* No Active Cooling Required

[BoxerFanatic]

Originally Posted by viking64

I don't even see the need for Subaru to make it. With the recent Tribecca, soon to be released Exiga, why not expand the range to include coupes and sports cars - fair enough Subaru are still licking their wounds after the SVX - what everyone calls "a commercial failure" with 25,000 units - but at the same time Mazda came out with Cosmos - only 9,000 units made for domestic market !

Testament to Subaru to being able to do well being their first foray into "the luxury segment"

BTW, Tribeca has been out for nearly 5 years... and Exiga has been out in the Japanese market for a year... it was the early pre-cursor to the 2010 Legacy and Outback, as a tall-roof, low ride height car, above the Forester's size segment.

But otherwise, I wholeheartedly agree... they BADLY need a coupe, and they could probably handle two. A small sporty Toyota/Subaru lightweight car, as a successor to the 2.5RS coupe... and a bigger Grand Touring coupe, on a modified, widened GR (2008+) Impreza, but smaller than BM (2010+) Legacy... about the size of the BL (2004/5-2009) Legacy, to be a new SVX, with some of the aesthetic and technical cues from this tourer concept.

Subaru need to head in a different direction they are in at the moment. Look at the BMW concept - stunning is all I can say

* 2+2 seater
* Bird’s wings door
* Dimensions (length x width x height): 4.60 x 1.90 x 1.24 meters
* Combined power: 356 hp, 800 Nm(590 lb-ft) of torque
* 1.5 liter 3-cylinder turbodiesel engine placed at the rear of the car
* Diesel engine: 163 hp, 290 Nm(214 lb-ft) of torque
* Two electric engines, one near the front axle, one near the rear axle
* Electric-rear engine with constant 33 HP and a peak of 51 HP. Maximum torque 214 lb-ft
* Electric engine front axle with constant 80 HP. Extra power of 112 HP available for 30 seconds and for 10 seconds, 139 HP. Torque:162 lb-ft
* 4.8 seconds 0-100 km/h, limited 250 km/h (155 mph)
* DCT gearbox
* average 3,76 liter per 100 kilometer – 62.6MPG. CO2 99 gram per km
* Maximum Range: 690 kilometers – 428 miles
* Weight: 1.395 kg – 3,075 lbs
* Weight of the lithium-ion batteries: 85 kg – 187 lbs
* Charging time: Depending on the amperage between 44 minutes and 2.5 hours
* 3D HUD
* No Active Cooling Required

I saw a bit about that car... and it certainly is a looker, as a concept, but there are some issues.

How does a series hybrid (internal combustion generator, solely electric drive) need a gearbox at all? If it is parallel hybrid, and just electric assist... I have to ask the same question that I do about the Subaru concept... why bother with the extra complexity and weight?

How does a diesel engine that generates more than 200lb-ft of torque, not need active cooling?

Who or where has the infrastructure to charge 187lbs of lithium batteries in 44 minutes? and what happens to those lithium batteries in a car accident? (lithium auto-ignites in an oxygen atmosphere... and burns at more than 1500 degrees F, from what I have read... even a few ounces of lithium batteries can do that if compromised, like those used in hobby-grade RC vehicles, or that melt-down laptops and iPods on rare occaision.

A CAR ACCIDENT is a much more common occurence, and a much more destructive force.

I love the BMW's general look, the doors, the HUD (which I badly wish was more commonly used... especially on cars like R8, a new SVX, Reventon, and other cars that look like they should be jet fighters. )