Automotive

Subaru's Advanced Tourer Concept for Tokyo

Subaru's Advanced Tourer Concept for Tokyo
The Subaru Advanced Tourer Concept
The Subaru Advanced Tourer Concept
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The Subaru Advanced Tourer Concept
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The Subaru Advanced Tourer Concept
The Subaru Advanced Tourer Concept
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The Subaru Advanced Tourer Concept
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Subaru's biggest announcement for next month's Tokyo Motor Show was expected to be the BRZ sports car, but now news has arrived that it will also show an "Advanced Tourer Concept" powered by its trademark horizontally-opposed engine and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD), but with turbocharging and direct fuel injection, plus a single-motor hybrid system, all driving through a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

Paradoxically Subaru has fitted the car with its EyeSight driver assist system, and a steering wheel which incorporates a "large monitor" for access to "maps, television and internet services." Perhaps news about the carnage resulting from distracted driving hasn't reached Japan yet.

Subaru says the direct fuel injection turbo engine is "one of the main technologies that will guide Subaru's future engine strategy", noting its quick, smooth acceleration and environmental friendliness.

The turbocharged 1600cc engine and single electric motor are combined into a hybrid system that offers continuous all-wheel-drive even when it is in electric-only mode and manages to use all four wheels to regenerate electricity during deceleration.

Subaru's proprietary EyeSight™ driver assist system will be showcased on the vehicle, with the system now offering greater range and width. The steering wheel monitor will also be interesting to see. Distracted driving is one of the major trends associated with new technology, and putting it on the steering wheel seems like a recipe for encouraging taking your eyes off the road, but we don't know the full story just yet.

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6 comments
6 comments
Tony Morrill
I don\'t even care that it takes design cues from at least 3 other cars... I really want one of these!! (The production model would be rather watered down I\'m sure... but it wouldn\'t take long for the aftermarket to get it back to looking like this concept. Me likey!)
Slowburn
I like this car except for the moronically expensive electric hybrid system.
Mark Evans.
I apologize in advance because my reason for liking this car so much is the \'techy\' stuff in it, and it just looks way to cool.
Joseph Shimandle
Time for a diesel-electric drive car.
Donut
If anyones been to Australia lately this looks like a clone of the Holden (GM) Equipe Sports wagon... http://www.holden.com.au/vehicles/sportwagon/equipe
Slowburn
re; Donut
I don\'t see any undo similarities.