Subaru offers glimpse of Viziv 2 Geneva concept

Fri, 21 Feb 2014

Subaru clearly sees something special in its Viziv crossover concept. After debuting it at last year's Geneva Motor Show and evolving it for the Tokyo Motor Show, the Japanese brand is bringing a Viziv 2 concept to this year's Geneva show on March 4. It also has a few other cards up its Swiss sleeve, too, as it has plans to display its new WRX STI road car and racecar for the Nürburgring 24 Hours this summer.

The third iteration of the Viziv gets reshaped boomerang headlights and new LED foglights, but that's all we know for the moment, because Subaru has only released a single teaser rendering along with a tantalizing claim that the showcar "signifies a future path" for the brand's next models.

The powertrain for the Viziv 2 is also still a secret. Both previous concepts used three-motor hybrid systems matched to continuously variable transmissions. In the first concept, primary power came from a diesel engine, while gasoline power was said to motivate the second evolution in Tokyo.

Both street and racing versions of the STI have already been revealed, and we've even driven the road car, but Geneva will be the first chance for Europeans to check them out. We will have to wait and see if Subaru has done any more to the Viziv 2 other than the new front end, but for now, we're intrigued. If you are as well, scroll down to read the entire brief press release.

Exhibition Outline of the 84th Geneva International Motor Show

Tokyo, February 21, 2014 - Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the maker of Subaru automobiles, today announced that it will exhibit the "SUBARU VIZIV 2 CONCEPT" as a world premiere at the 84th Geneva International Motor Show to be held in Switzerland next month (Press day: March 4 and 5; Open to the public from March 6 through 16, 2014). In addition, FHI will exhibit the all-new Subaru WRX STI and the new racing car developed from the new WRX STI for 24 Hours Nürburgring endurance race in 2014, both making their European show debut. The Subaru press conference is scheduled at 10:45am on March 4th.

The special site opens today at 11:00 (Japan time) on the Subaru Global Site. http://www.subaru-global.com/2014geneva.html The site will feature information updates relating to the Geneva International Motor Show including the images of "SUBARU VIZIV 2 CONCEPT" as well as Subaru's press conference.

SUBARU VIZIV 2 CONCEPT
? SUBARU VIZIV 2 CONCEPT
"SUBARU VIZIV 2 CONCEPT" follows the footsteps of its predecessors "VIZIV CONCEPT", unveiled at last year's Geneva Motor Show, and "VIZIV EVOLUTION CONCEPT", revealed at Tokyo Motor Show 2013. It is a future-generation crossover concept that signifies a future path for the Subaru's brand value of "Enjoyment and Peace of Mind". The name "VIZIV" expresses Subaru's determination to continue the pursuit of this value because customers should be rewarded with nothing less when driving a Subaru. (The "VIZIV" model name is a coined word inspired by the phrase "Vision for Innovation", a glimpse of future that spurs revolutionary ideas.)

? All-new Subaru WRX STI
The all-new WRX STI is the top grade model of the WRX series. The product concept common to the whole WRX series, "Pure Power in Your Control", has been heightened in every aspect. In developing the all-new WRX STI, Subaru tested it under various driving conditions in several countries to perfect its driveability. The performances of the body, chassis and other vehicle areas have all been optimized and unified, thus advancing the overall vehicle capacity. It is the pinnacle of Subaru AWD sport performance which allows the driver to maneuver high power freely and at will.

? New WRX STI racing car for 24 Hours Nürburgring endurance race in 2014
Subaru will participate in the Nürburgring 24-Hour Race (from June 19 to 22 in Germany) for its seventh consecutive year. For this project, FHI and Subaru Tecnica International Inc. (STI)* reinforced their collaboration to create a novel and more competitive racing car based on the all-new WRX STI. The Nürburgring 24-Hour Race demands performance vehicles with both speed and stability. By aiming for victory in its class for the third time following its last win in 2012, Subaru will prove its engineering excellence that realizes the brand value "Enjoyment and Peace of Mind".
*: Subaru Tecnica International Inc. (STI; President Hiroyuki Karamatsu; located in Mitaka, Tokyo)

By Chris Bruce