Geneva Auto Show 2014: Subaru unveils WRX STI saloon and Viziv 2 concept
Subaru has debuted its long awaited WRX STI sports saloon at Geneva. The car has witnessed strong demand in Europe and the first allocation of has already been reserved. The new model will be on sale from May 1, with a price of 28,995 pounds (Rs 29.62 lakh). But the attractive part for UK customers is that the new car is 4000 pounds (Rs 4 lakh) less than the outgoing car, this depreciation been attributed to changes in currency exchange rates.
2015 Subaru WRX STI
The new STI gets an all new exterior based on the concept that was previewed earlier though the production version doesn't seem to be as visually appealing. The new car is claimed to be more spacious and practical too with the boot space increasing by 40 litres. The interiors have undergone tremendous improvement over the previous generation and get a combination of carbon like and metal trims to lend the cabin a sporty feel. Soft touch materials are also placed at appropriate places to enhance comfort. Steering wheel is now D-shaped to improve feel.
Subaru has stiffened the body and chassis to improve torsional rigidity. Performance tuned suspension, stiffer steering rack along with Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) and Active Torque Vectoring claim to provide driving dynamics and experience.
The engine is Subaru's horizontally opposed, four-cylinder, turbo-charged Boxer which displaces 2.5litres and produces 300PS of max power and 407Nm of torque. Transmission is a six-speed manual which has been improved to provide quicker and shorter gearshifts.
Subaru Viziv 2 concept
Subaru also unveiled the Viziv 2 concept at Geneva. This is a hybrid vehicle aimed at the eco-friendly customer. It derives its power from a 1.6litre boxer diesel engine paired to a continuously variable transmission powering all the wheels. In addition to the diesel engine there are three electric motors- one at the front and two at the rear. Subaru says that the electric motors drive the car at low speeds and the diesel engine takes over when speed increases. Stop & Start functionality is included to add to the fuel economy figures. Subaru's SI-Drive system has been modified for the hybrid nature of this vehicle, when in eco cruise mode this system in conjunction with Eyesight safety feature monitors the road ahead and accordingly adjusts the engine power output thus conserving energy.
SUBARU VIZIV-2 CONCEPT REINVENTS ALL-WHEEL DRIVE
| New All-Wheel Drive Subaru VIZIV-2 concept revealed at Geneva Motor Show 1.6-litre Boxer diesel plug-in hybrid powertrain with three electric motors Hybrid SI-DRIVE, EyeSight and Eco-Cruise deliver remarkable fuel economy Rear wheels powered by independent electric motors One year after unveiling the original concept, Subaru has today revealed a new version of its two-door, four-seater future technology and design showcase vehicle the Subaru VIZIV-2 Concept at the 84th Geneva International Motor Show. The VIZIV-2 is a next generation crossover concept inspired by the phrase 'Vision for Innovation' and has been created to show how advanced technology can further improve the All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Subaru driving experience, while indicating at a possible future design direction for Subaru's production vehicles. The 4.4-metre long VIZIV-2 concept has been designed asthe ideal vehicle to support urban families with active lifestyles, powered by a 1.6-litre turbo-diesel 'DIT' (Direct-Injection Turbo) Boxer engine, plus three electric motors. Design With its large stretched 'C' shaped headlamps and prominent round LED fog lights, the VIZIV-2 presents the image of an active crossover with a solid body form, polished surfaces and an impression of rigidity that expresses Subaru's legendary safety and security. The core hexagonal shape of the body is present in the front grille and is repeated at the rear where the combination lamps are styled to make the car appear wider. In profile, the powerful flanks pose in a dynamic stance, coupled with robust bumpers that feature Subaru's characteristic cladding and vectoring lamps to highlight the car's stability and Subaru's AWD system. The concept car is finished in Magnetite Silver Metallic. Inside, VIZIV-2 features a cabin which inspires a dynamic, enjoyable driving experience. The interior space encapsulates function, safety and enjoyment with an authenticity that is uniquely Subaru. Viewed from the driver's seat, the instrument cluster design stresses drivability and ease-of-use, showing the operating status for EyeSight, Subaru's advanced driver assistance system, and the vehicle's multi-directional sensing systems. Powertrain Building on more than 40 years' experience of its hallmark AWD technology, Subaru's new independent rear motor-driven Symmetrical AWD system developed for VIZIV-2 points to a future generation of Subaru AWD technology. While the diesel engine and front electric motor power the front wheels, at the rear two independent motors allow the same or different levels of torque to be applied to the left and right rear wheels, depending on driving conditions. A third motor powers the front wheels, with power provided by a lithium-ion battery pack. Completing the plug-in hybrid powertrain, the four-cylinder 1.6-litre DIT diesel engine is coupled with a Lineartronic (CVT) automatic transmission. Besides helping acceleration and performance in all conditions, this ground-breaking AWD system employs torque vectoring to improve stability and agility minimising understeer by reducing power to the inside wheel and increasing power to the outside wheel. It ensures ease and confidence on the road and provides a new level of driving enjoyment, while increasing the active safety performance typical of every AWD Subaru model. This unique system automatically selects the best time to use each power unit according to its strengths and the driving conditions, achieving greater fuel efficiency and maximum stability and safety. The generous torque generated by the diesel engine and the electric motors ensures strong, linear acceleration and responsive performance in the best traditions of a Subaru. During low-speed or city driving, the front and rear motors supply much of the vehicle's propulsion, while the diesel engine and high-efficiency Lineartronic take over at higher speeds. The VIZIV-2's auto start/stop system and its multiple charging methods engine power generation, regenerative braking and plug-in charging further improve efficiency. VIZIV-2 features a new variation of Subaru's SI-DRIVE driving control system, Hybrid SI-DRIVE, which allows the driver to select different profiles for the engine and transmission. To the original system's 'Intelligent' and 'Sports' modes, this adds an 'Eco-Cruise' mode which works in conjunction with the EyeSight driver assist system. Travel conditions, monitored by the EyeSight's stereo camera, are continuously assessed and the data is used to fine-tune the engine and motor outputs in order to reduce fuel consumption and minimise emissions, while ensuring a safe and rewarding driving experience. | |
SUBARU VIZIV-2 CONCEPT REINVENTS ALL-WHEEL DRIVE
| New All-Wheel Drive Subaru VIZIV-2 concept revealed at Geneva Motor Show 1.6-litre Boxer diesel plug-in hybrid powertrain with three electric motors Hybrid SI-DRIVE, EyeSight and Eco-Cruise deliver remarkable fuel economy Rear wheels powered by independent electric motors One year after unveiling the original concept, Subaru has today revealed a new version of its two-door, four-seater future technology and design showcase vehicle the Subaru VIZIV-2 Concept at the 84th Geneva International Motor Show. The VIZIV-2 is a next generation crossover concept inspired by the phrase 'Vision for Innovation' and has been created to show how advanced technology can further improve the All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Subaru driving experience, while indicating at a possible future design direction for Subaru's production vehicles. The 4.4-metre long VIZIV-2 concept has been designed asthe ideal vehicle to support urban families with active lifestyles, powered by a 1.6-litre turbo-diesel 'DIT' (Direct-Injection Turbo) Boxer engine, plus three electric motors. Design With its large stretched 'C' shaped headlamps and prominent round LED fog lights, the VIZIV-2 presents the image of an active crossover with a solid body form, polished surfaces and an impression of rigidity that expresses Subaru's legendary safety and security. The core hexagonal shape of the body is present in the front grille and is repeated at the rear where the combination lamps are styled to make the car appear wider. In profile, the powerful flanks pose in a dynamic stance, coupled with robust bumpers that feature Subaru's characteristic cladding and vectoring lamps to highlight the car's stability and Subaru's AWD system. The concept car is finished in Magnetite Silver Metallic. Inside, VIZIV-2 features a cabin which inspires a dynamic, enjoyable driving experience. The interior space encapsulates function, safety and enjoyment with an authenticity that is uniquely Subaru. Viewed from the driver's seat, the instrument cluster design stresses drivability and ease-of-use, showing the operating status for EyeSight, Subaru's advanced driver assistance system, and the vehicle's multi-directional sensing systems. Powertrain Building on more than 40 years' experience of its hallmark AWD technology, Subaru's new independent rear motor-driven Symmetrical AWD system developed for VIZIV-2 points to a future generation of Subaru AWD technology. While the diesel engine and front electric motor power the front wheels, at the rear two independent motors allow the same or different levels of torque to be applied to the left and right rear wheels, depending on driving conditions. A third motor powers the front wheels, with power provided by a lithium-ion battery pack. Completing the plug-in hybrid powertrain, the four-cylinder 1.6-litre DIT diesel engine is coupled with a Lineartronic (CVT) automatic transmission. Besides helping acceleration and performance in all conditions, this ground-breaking AWD system employs torque vectoring to improve stability and agility minimising understeer by reducing power to the inside wheel and increasing power to the outside wheel. It ensures ease and confidence on the road and provides a new level of driving enjoyment, while increasing the active safety performance typical of every AWD Subaru model. This unique system automatically selects the best time to use each power unit according to its strengths and the driving conditions, achieving greater fuel efficiency and maximum stability and safety. The generous torque generated by the diesel engine and the electric motors ensures strong, linear acceleration and responsive performance in the best traditions of a Subaru. During low-speed or city driving, the front and rear motors supply much of the vehicle's propulsion, while the diesel engine and high-efficiency Lineartronic take over at higher speeds. The VIZIV-2's auto start/stop system and its multiple charging methods engine power generation, regenerative braking and plug-in charging further improve efficiency. VIZIV-2 features a new variation of Subaru's SI-DRIVE driving control system, Hybrid SI-DRIVE, which allows the driver to select different profiles for the engine and transmission. To the original system's 'Intelligent' and 'Sports' modes, this adds an 'Eco-Cruise' mode which works in conjunction with the EyeSight driver assist system. Travel conditions, monitored by the EyeSight's stereo camera, are continuously assessed and the data is used to fine-tune the engine and motor outputs in order to reduce fuel consumption and minimise emissions, while ensuring a safe and rewarding driving experience. | |
