Subaru Viziv is a diesel hybrid crossover we could learn to love

[Weasel 555]

With the 2013 XV Crosstrek, Subaru reaffirmed its interest in niche crossovers, and early signs are that it's selling well, so will parent Fuji Heavy Industries green-light another one? That's the question begged by the new Viziv concept just unveiled here at the Geneva Motor Show.

Of course, this is a pure showcar, and the four-seat crossover coupe's drivetrain is suitably next-generation as well. The plug-in hybrid drivetrain system features a 2.0-liter diesel boxer engine mated to a CVT, and a pair of electric motors drive the rear wheels for a through-the-road all-wheel-drive system. By going with motor-driven rear axles, Subaru says it has been able to provide larger rear-seat footwell and lower load floor. More excitingly, Subaru says its control systems allow for side-to-side torque vectoring for improved handling, and the system actually apportions more power to the rear wheels when the Viziv takes a corner.

In typical concept car fashion, the Viziv features flashy butterfly doors that provide access to both the front and rear seats, along with oversized 20-inch wheels and cutting-edge lighting. We like the Viziv's overall design direction – it looks more organic and all-of-a-piece than we're used to seeing from the Japanese automaker.



read more: autoblog.com/2013/03/05/subaru-viziv-concept-geneva-2013/


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[gregroot198521]

Interesting in a way....

[Rambo]

That's surprisingly modern-looking for Subaru, although it looks a bit "Focus ST" from the front there, with the Aston grill.

Honda's new SH-AWD platform is exactly this sort of hybrid platform with electric motors powering the rear wheels, and the torque vectoring ability. I'd imagine with the close Toyota ties, though, that Subaru would borrow hybrid tech from them, and not Honda.

[Ruh Roh]

diesel? needz moar smoke stackz.

[xFalleNx]

I can honestly say that I loathe concept cars. The production models never really look anything at all like concept. I don't see the point in spending all the time/energy into building a "concept" car. Instead why not make something more reasonable for production.

[rage-wrx]

I like the idea. Diesel + hybrid would get great mpgs. I was on the verge of buying an A3 TDI. Love the torque diesel engines produce.

Sadly diesel prices are not lower than gas prices here like in many parts of the world. And which is why we may never see this car here in the US even if it does go into production.

[RayfieldsWRX]

I can honestly say that I loathe concept cars. The production models never really look anything at all like concept. I don't see the point in spending all the time/energy into building a "concept" car. Instead why not make something more reasonable for production.

I guess I see the point in why they build them...get reactions, let the designers experiment, etc. That said, it isn't that interesting to me, since they rarely have much to do with what I'm going to see on the road within the next year. I speed through the car magazine's coverage of show concepts, and move on to "First Drives".

[xFalleNx]

Exactly Ray. I do the same thing, skip right over any concept coverage and wait until I see something about road tests.