Subaru Planning to Introduce a Hybrid in 2012
Subaru’s AWD Hybrid Concept Car
Based on comments made at the Tokyo Motor Show by Ikuo Mori, president of Fuji Heavy Industries (the company that makes Subarus), Subaru is well on their way to releasing their first gasoline-electric hybrid in 2012.
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Mori was less than specific with details, saying only that the vehicle will be a version of one of Subaru’s existing cars and will display typical Subaru driving characteristics—whether this includes all-wheel drive or not remains to be seen.
Although it’s not clear which car the hybrid will be based on, Subaru is showing an AWD hybrid touring concept car with two motors on each axle. If that car is any indication of what segment Subaru is targeting for hybrid sales, we will likely see an Outback Hybrid in the future.
I’m imagining that with the new fuel economy rules just announced by the US government, adding a hybrid to Subaru’s fleet was probably the easiest way to meet them.
Source: Automotive News (subs. req’d)
Image Credit: Subaru
I hope new hybrids will be less bulky. The less weight, the more efficient the car will be. I can’t wait to see a car I feel good about when I buy it! The talks about more efficient cars has gone on for more than a decade, alternative technologies have been around. Now it seems consumers have to ask for less bulk for more efficient alternative-fuel cars. It goes more efficiently than is the case now, even for hybrids; if you can loose the weight go for it manufacturers! I’ll be there to x-change my real car (30 year old) for a new real car that lasts 30 years and uses less resources then my current car does
I would love to see a hybrid Liberty.
Well, they have a diesel engine, which gets almost 50mpg. Now they got the CVT, for even more mpgs. Combine diesel, cvt and couple of electric motors, and price it at $30k US, and I will buy it. I am already saving up just in case this happens. I would also consider hybrid with gas engine, but at $22k maximum, provided it gets at least 35mpg combined.