Subaru of America, Inc. unveiled the Subaru WRX Concept at the 2013 New York International Auto Show at the Jacob K. Javits Center. The design concept hints at the design language of the next generation WRX.
The bold and muscular design emphasizes turbocharged power and AWD grip in a more agile and athletic form. The Subaru WRX Concept blends the WRX's famous power and road-holding prowess with an even greater focus on sharp handling, steering and communicative chassis. To further improve handling dynamics, the Subaru WRX Concept features a carbon-fiber roof to enhance the already low center of gravity and reduce weight.
Considerably lower, sleeker and wider, the Subaru WRX Concept delivers even more street presence than previous generations of WRX. The new grille design is larger and bolder and sets off the classic WRX hood scoop. A pronounced powerbulge provides clearance for the new turbocharged engine and intercooler. A prominent hexagonal grille form and deep lower valences with air intakes are designed to enhance aerodynamics, add downforce and aid engine cooling.
The three dimensional mesh pattern of the grille denotes the sporting nature of the Subaru WRX Concept and sets the Subaru star cluster apart, while the new hawk-eye headlights integrate the Subaru family design heritage.
A sharp character line runs from the front corner through to the taillights, intersected by the boldly flared wheel arches emphasizing the Subaru's AWD system. The compact cabin greenhouse draws attention to the power and solidity of the body and focuses attention to wide stance that provides a visual link between body and chassis.
The rear design echoes the hexagonal design motif from the front grille and features a dramatically curved trunk lid that also acts as a rear spoiler. The distinctive wide rear bumper of the Subaru WRX Concept adds to the powerful street presence of the car and is off-set by large quad tailpipes denoting the powerful turbocharged engine. The aggressive rear diffuser improves vehicles aerodynamics.
The all-new Subaru WRX Concept features a new paint color, "WR Blue Pearl III", which modernizes the iconic WRX look. Fluorescent Yellow is used as an accent on the WRX badge on the front grille, the brake calipers and the exhaust tip finishers, adding character notes to the design.
Filling out the broad fenders are BBS "RI-D" One Piece Forged Duralumin wheels and featuring 245/40ZR20 Dunlop tires with an exclusive tread pattern.
"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.
Exterior DesignA future-generation crossover concept providing high efficiency and performance on all road surface conditions and driving environments has been created with a new Subaru design philosophy.
The basic design features simple and clean surfaces and lines. The aim was to create the ideal balance between a solid-looking body and a condensed cabin.
The front-end design boldly emphasizes the motifs common to Subaru products. The larger and outwardly projecting grille provides the keynote of the front-end design, and is the point from which the entire front end connects into a solid, dynamic design.
The simple and powerful motifs of the sides create a new Subaru design element. The grand outward sweep of the integrated fenders and the solid door panel forms create a dynamic side view design.
The upper cabin highlights the window graphics evocative of the shooting-brake body style. It contrasts with a solid body panel design, creating a sporty, lean silhouette.
The rear design also features the same Subaru motifs used in the front. The rear combination lamp features an iconic Subaru motif, and the hexagonal panel surrounded by lamps projects outward in the center.
The "Mistral Silver Metallic" exterior color highlights the dynamic, stylish exterior design of the "SUBARU VIZIV CONCEPT".
Interior DesignLike the exterior, the interior invokes the promise of dynamic road performance. While great care was taken to design a highly refined environment, interior space was also designed to embody Subaru's renowned functionality, peace of mind and fun for all occupants.
The cockpit features an instrument panel layout designed primarily for ease of driver operation and vehicle control. The instrument panel displays the operation status of Subaru's own driving assist "EyeSight" system.
The tachometer and speedometer in the center combine functionality and sportiness, featuring a unique cylindrical design and outstanding visibility.
Custom information displays in front of the front passenger seat and in the rear seating area let passengers share the thrill of being in the driver's seat.
PackagingTo implement Subaru's development concept of human-centered engineering, the two-door, four-seat stylish and sporty body was given a packaging design enabling four adults to ride comfortably even on long road trips.
The 100% motor-driven rear wheels eliminate the need for a propeller shaft, creating a lower floor that offers ample legroom for rear seat occupants despite its compact size.
Power Units"Subaru Boxer Diesel Hybrid", as a proposal to the future of Subaru power units, was mounted in the "SUBARU VIZIV CONCEPT". The powertrain is a plug-in hybrid system that combines a 2.0-litre Subaru Boxer diesel engine and high-torque-compatible Lineartronic (CVT) with a front motor that provides both vehicle drive and power generation, and two independent rear motors for vehicle drive only. By achieving solid environmental and road performance with this powertrain, Subaru's "Enjoyment and Peace of Mind" driving experience will be further advanced.
The powertrain selects the best time to use each power unit according to its strengths and the driving application, achieving high fuel economy. The motors start and drive the vehicle during low-speed or city driving, while the diesel engine and high-efficiency Lineartronic take over on the highway.
"Hybrid SI-DRIVE" system has an "Eco-Cruise" mode that provides coordinated control in conjunction with the "EyeSight" driving assistance system in addition to "Intelligent" and "Sports" modes. Engine and motor power are subjected to fine-tuned control according to the travel conditions captured and detected by the EyeSight's stereo camera, creating an intelligent driving feature designed for safety and environmental friendliness.
AWD (All-Wheel drive) System"Independent-rear-motor-driven symmetrical AWD" system which is leading the way to a future generation of Subaru AWD technology has been adopted for the SUBARU VIZIV CONCEPT. Subaru is constantly refining its unique AWD systems according to the development philosophy "Four-wheel management". "Independent-rear-motor-driven symmetrical AWD" system provides fine-tuned control of the four wheels to match the travel environment and road surface conditions.
Two motors exclusively developed for rear wheels' drive control the rear right and left drive power freely. Coordinated management system of the front and rear motor controls the division of drive power between the front and rear wheels. It increases Subaru's trademark active safety performance. Turning the steering wheel increases the drive power applied to the rear, creating a handling characteristic that responds nimbly to driver operations. Turning the steering wheel back increases the drive power applied to the front, creating a handling characteristic that emphasizes stability.
In stop-and-go city traffic, all wheels are driven by the motors when starting from rest, providing high starting torque and powerful acceleration, but low fuel consumption with quiet ride.
By independently controlling the drive power applied to the left and right rear wheels, the rear drive system provides more torque to the outside rear wheel and less to the inside rear wheel when cornering to generate inner-directed yaw momentum on the vehicle and achieve extremely quick and smooth "on-the-rail cornering". Besides helping acceleration and all-terrain performance, this groundbreaking AWD system also uses drive power to help turn the vehicle. Along with its thrilling handling and cornering that responds faithfully to driver operations, it also offers outstanding handling stability that ensures a high level of secure feeling and confident drive.
Minimum turning radius can be compact due to "Independent-rear-motor-driven symmetrical AWD" system, thus superior maneuverability has been achieved.
Overall Length X Width X Height (mm): 4,320 X 1,900 X 1,510
Wheelbase (mm): 2,640
Engine Type: 2.0-litre Horizontally-Opposed Subaru Boxer diesel engine
Transmission Type: Lineartronic (CVT)
Electric Motor Type: Interior Permanent magnet synchronous motor; Front: 1 motor; Rear: 2 motors
Battery Type: Lithium-ion batteries
AWD System: Independent-rear-motor-driven symmetrical AWD
Tires: 245/45 ZR20
Seating Capacity: 4
