Subaru Viziv is a diesel hybrid crossover we could learn to love
Tue, 05 Mar 2013
Of course, this is a pure showcar, and the four-seat crossover coupe's drivetrain is suitably next-generation as well. The plug-in hybrid drivetrain system features a 2.0-liter diesel boxer engine mated to a CVT, and a pair of electric motors drive the rear wheels for a through-the-road all-wheel-drive system. By going with motor-driven rear axles, Subaru says it has been able to provide larger rear-seat footwell and lower load floor. More excitingly, Subaru says its control systems allow for side-to-side torque vectoring for improved handling, and the system actually apportions more power to the rear wheels when the Viziv takes a corner.
In typical concept car fashion, the Viziv features flashy butterfly doors that provide access to both the front and rear seats, along with oversized 20-inch wheels and cutting-edge lighting. We like the Viziv's overall design direction – it looks more organic and all-of-a-piece than we're used to seeing from the Japanese automaker.
World Premiere of the "SUBARU VIZIV CONCEPT" at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show
Tokyo, March 5, 2013 – Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the manufacturer of Subaru automobiles, unveiled the "SUBARU VIZIV CONCEPT" today at the 83rd Geneva International Motor Show (Press day: March 5 and 6; Open to the public from March 7 through 17 in Switzerland).
"SUBARU VIZIV CONCEPT" is a future-generation crossover concept that represents the new design direction and technologies that will take the Subaru brand into the future. "VIZIV" is a coined word inspired by the phrase "Vision for Innovation" to express Subaru's future vision of innovation and the future direction of the brand.
The special site on the Subaru Global Site (http://www.subaru-global.com/ms2013/geneva/) will be updated with information relating to the Geneva International Motor Show. This will include images of the "SUBARU VIZIV CONCEPT" as well as a movie of Subaru's press conference.
By Chris Paukert
See also: Subaru Impreza shows off 360-degree passing technique, Lexus, Mazda and Subaru top Consumer Reports Brand Report Cards, Ford, Toyota clean up in Best Car For The Money Awards.