By Noel McKeegan
Subaru rolled-out its Hybrid Tourer Concept this morning in Detroit and what a feast for the eyes it is. Featuring gullwing doors, an array of screens including one integrated into the steering wheel and a wide open interior facilitated by a flat floor design, the Hybrid Tourer first seen at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show is a showcase for the company’s planned development of a gas/electric hybrid system based on the boxer engine set to hit the market in 2012.
The powertrain for the AWD Subaru Hybrid Tourer Concept Car is made up of a 2.0-liter horizontally-opposed direct fuel-injection turbo gasoline engine and two electric motors – one in the front and another in the rear – married to Subaru’s Lineartronic (CVT). The electric motors add 27 HP in the front and 13 HP in the rear.
The rear motor, which can be used without engaging the gasoline engine, is used for low speed maneuvers like parking while the front engine is used during normal driving. Under full acceleration the rear electric motor is also employed to maximize power. To further reduce reliance on the gasoline engine, a stop/start system is included which shuts down the engine when the car isn’t moving.
Other notable features include four independent seats, tiny rear facing cameras replacing the mirrors and new high-performance lithium batteries powering the electric motors.
ÆSTHETIQ 