Subaru previews Levorg concept ahead of Tokyo reveal
Wed, 30 Oct 2013
When I was a kid I went with my family to a Subaru dealership. My brother, being clever as he is, pointed out that Subaru backwards spelled "you're a bus." The portly salesman was not amused, and we bought a Passat instead. Fast forward a couple of decades and we can't help but wonder if Subaru wasn't thinking the same thing when it named its new concept Levorg, which spells "grovel" backwards. The company itself says the name is a combination of the words "Legacy," "Revolution" and "Touring," but one way or another, that's what they're calling it, and here are the first preview images and details on the concept which Fuji Heavy will unveil at the Tokyo Motor Show this year.
Designed to combine the feel of a sports car with the practicality of a touring car, the Levorg looks set to preview the next step in a long line of performance-oriented Subaru wagons. It packs a 1.6-liter turbocharged boxer four and next-generation EyeSight technologies in what looks to be a svelte yet muscular form that could point the way forward for the next Legacy.
The Levorg, however, is not the only concept which Subaru will reveal in Tokyo this year. The Japanese automaker has also revealed plans to unveil the Cross Sport Design Concept (which could preview the replacement for the discontinued Tribeca), the Crossover 7 Concept (which looks like a taller version of the Legacy wagon with an apparent third row of seats), and an Evolution version of the Viziv concept presented in Geneva earlier this year. Scope them out in the gallery above and press release below.
Exhibition Outline of the 43rd Tokyo Motor Show 2013 Motor Show
Tokyo, October 30, 2013 - Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the maker of Subaru automobiles, announced today its presentation at the 43rd Tokyo Motor Show 2013. The main theme of the Subaru exhibition will be "Confidence in Motion" which corresponds to the Subaru brand statement. Through its models and interactive display booth, Subaru will present its future vision of "driving enjoyment and peace of mind" that the brand is committed to offering its customers.
At Tokyo Motor Show 2013, Subaru will introduce for the first time in the world the new sports tourer "LEVORG" (prototype). This model was developed to propose the next ideal in automobiles to the Japan market. Subaru devoted all of its latest technologies into the development of this model which merges driving, safety and environmental friendliness at an exceptional level.
The future of Subaru will be conveyed through its other displayed models as well. Technologically, Subaru's aims are represented in SUBARU VIZIV EVOLUTION CONCEPT and the next trend in urban SUVs is suggested with SUBARU CROSS SPORT DESIGN CONCEPT.
Press briefing by FHI President Yasuyuki Yoshinaga is scheduled at 8:30 a.m. on November 20 at Subaru booth (East Hall).
It will be broadcast via live webcast "SUBARU-USTREAM" (http://ustream.tv/channel/SUBARU-USTREAM)*.
The official Subaru website will feature a section dedicated to information on the Subaru booth at Tokyo Motor Show 2013. The site will open today at noon in Japan.
Subaru booth information site: www.subaru.jp/tms2013
*Ustream is a live video streaming website operated by Ustream Asia Inc..
Main Exhibits:
LEVORG features an exquisite and stylish design with a sports car feel. It offers the best in driveability, safety and environmental friendliness, combined with the practicality of a touring car. It is a new type of sports tourer targeting the Japan market.
LEVORG employs the most advanced technologies. For instance, the powertrain contains the newly-developed 1.6-liter Horizontally-Opposed direct injection turbo "DIT" engine which embodies both superb driving pleasure and extraordinary environmental performance. Also included is the next-generation EyeSight with many added safety functions and the newly launched steering support control.
Subaru is presenting to the world the new sports tourer LEVORG which transcends categorization and actualizes "driving enjoyment and peace of mind" at a higher standard.
In order to demonstrate the Subaru brand's future direction, both aesthetically and technologically, Subaru will debut in Japan the SUBARU VIZIV EVOLUTION CONCEPT. This is the advanced form of the future-generation crossover concept model named SUBARU VIZIV CONCEPT which was exhibited at shows such as the 2013 Geneva International Motor Show.
SUBARU VIZIV EVOLUTION CONCEPT carries a power unit which represents one of the ideas Subaru has for the future of its powertrains. It is a plug-in hybrid system that consists of the 1.6-liter Horizontally-Opposed direct injection turbo "DIT" engine, combined with high-torque-compatible Lineartronic (CVT) with one front motor and two rear motors. In addition, Subaru will illustrate its goal for the future of safety technology with the adoption of an innovative autopilot system.
SUBARU VIZIV EVOLUTION CONCEPT is an embodiment of Subaru's vision of the future.
[Major Specifications]
Overall Length x Width x Height (mm): 4,320 x 1,900 x 1,510
Engine Type: 1.6-liter Horizontally-Opposed direct injection turbo "DIT" engine
Transmission Type: Lineartronic (CVT)
Electric Motor Type: Interior permanent magnet synchronous motor; 1 front motor, 2 rear motors
Drivetrain: Independent-rear-motor-driven Symmetrical AWD (All-Wheel drive) + Plug-in hybrid system
Battery Type: Lithium-ion batteries
This model has a compact body with overall length of 4,300mm that allows brisk driving and yet makes available features such as easy seat access, comfortable interior, and abundant luggage space. SUBARU CROSS SPORT DESIGN CONCEPT is what Subaru perceives to be the next trend in urban SUVs.
A new face in the Subaru SUV lineup is a seven-seater crossover. Not only does SUBARU CROSSOVER 7 CONCEPT have a sophisticated urban look but its exterior also projects rough-road driving capability. The interior features original smooth tan leather seats that will bring out the desire to go for a drive in any adult. The elegant and roomy space will manage to provide "driving enjoyment and peace of mind" at all times.
[Major Specifications]
Overall Length x Width x Height (mm): 4,780 x 1,800 x 1,705
Engine Type: 2.5-liter Horizontally-Opposed engine
Transmission Type: Lineartronic (CVT)
Drivetrain: Symmetrical AWD
List of Exhibits:
- SUBARU LEVORG (world premiere; prototype)
- SUBARU VIZIV EVOLUTION CONCEPT (Japan premiere; concept car)
- SUBARU CROSS SPORT DESIGN CONCEPT (world premiere; concept car)
- SUBARU CROSSOVER 7 CONCEPT (concept car)
- SUBARU FORESTER X-BREAK (display model)
- SUBARU BRZ GT300 (display model)
- SUBARU BRZ Premium Sport Package (production model)
- SUBARU XV HYBRID (production model)
- 1.6-liter Horizontally-Opposed direct injection turbo "DIT" engine (technology exhibit)
By Noah Joseph
See also: Nissan exec Andy Palmer derides Toyobaru coupes as 'midlife crisis' cars, Subaru ending Tribeca production in January?, Drive looks at a pair of STI-ified Subaru Impreza RS Coupes.