Archive for Subaru
Subaru Hybrid Tourer Concept #Geneva
Posted by: | CommentsThe Subaru Hybrid Tourer Concept presents a breakthrough model created through the innovative evolution of “Grand Touring”.
Subaru has condensed its DNA, developed over many years, around Subaru’s core technology of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and Horizontally-Opposed engine, into the integration of a luxurious and high-quality cabin atmosphere and a sculpted form that cuts through the air.
In addition to further evolutions in Subaru’s traditional handling agility, riding comfort and superior safety performance recognized around the world, the model proposes a future grand touring car that excels in environmental friendliness featuring Subaru’s unique hybrid system
To further enhance the appeal of the Symmetrical AWD system, this unique hybrid two-motor system features a power/drive motor in the front and a drive motor in the rear.
At startup and extremely low speeds when fuel efficiency is low, such as when driving the car into a garage, the rear motor is primarily used to allow driving without utilizing the power of the engine.
During normal driving, the engine is primarily used. Pleasant and reliable driving is offered through a combination of the direct fuel-injection turbo gasoline engine with the Symmetrical AWD.
During acceleration, the rear motor assists the driving power of the engine to achieve the advanced driving performance that is a feature of the hybrid system.
Further, when accelerating uphill, the front motor, which is normally used as a power generator, assists to drive the front axel for improved performance.
The implementation of a non-idling function that stops the engine when the car comes to a halt reduces unnecessary fuel consumption.
The use of a high-performance lithium battery is based on experience and know-how achieved with the Subaru Plug-in STELLA electric vehicle, launched in 2009. This includes the use of a precise energy management system and regenerative brake controls, for improvements in excellent fuel efficiency.
Prodrive has launched the Impreza N2010 Group N Rally Car
Posted by: | CommentsProdrive has launched the Impreza N2010, its latest FIA specification group N rally car.
The Impreza N2010 uses the new larger 33mm air restrictor, introduced by the FIA to help balance the performance of Group N and the unrestricted Super2000 rally cars. Increasing the restrictor diameter from 32 to 33mm, fitting high flow fuel injectors and recalibrating the ECU increases peak power by 20 bhp, but more significantly, improves torque and responsiveness throughout the rev range.
The improvements in engine performance have been matched by enhancements to the car’s dynamics. The N2010 Ohlins dampers have been revised with extra travel front and rear, while all the suspension bushes have been strengthened.
“The engine and suspension changes make the N2010 far more competitive,” said Graham Prew, Prodrive sales manager. “On gravel the Impreza is certainly a match for any Super 2000, but it is on tarmac, that the additional engine performance will really come into its own and make the N2010 a competitive alternative to a Super 2000, but at about half the price and with significantly lower running costs.”
The Impreza N2010 prices start at £120,000 and for the first time Prodrive has introduced a financing option to enable the car to be leased over two years with an option to buy the car at the end of the agreement. The package includes insurance and system rebuilds.
Subaru Impreza R205 on Sale Japan Dealerships
Posted by: | CommentsSubaru :TOKYO – January 7, 2010
Based on the Impreza WRX STI, the R205 enhanced the sheer driving performance it shares with former special performance models, such as the “S203” and the “S204”, developed by STI. The R205 is the top performance model of the WRX STI. It features new and exclusive equipment and makes full use of specially designed features and performance parts
of the “WRX STI spec C” model, the sporty performance model launched 2009. The “R” of R205 stands for “Road Sport”.
Most efforts focused on refining handling performance by adopting STI tuned dampers, coil springs, flexible type strut tower bar, flexible type lower arm stiffener of front suspension, and Bridgestone’s specially designed RE070 tyres. Thus the R205 ideally balances agile driving and confident driveability by enhancing a linear steering response and excellent road-holding capability. This is exactly the distinctive ride quality that STI is pursuing as its vehicle development theme, “strength and nimbleness” driving. The R205 offers enhanced total driving control not only in city driving on the road or winding road but also in sporty driving at the circuit.
In addition, STI carried out verification tests of selected performance parts of the R205 through the participation of the 2009 Nurburgring 24-hour race with an Impreza WRX STI. Making full use of this precious race-track experience at Nurburgring – in which any road condition is condensed – STI successfully completed the model in order to offer sheer excitement and unique driving feeling as a distinctive “Road Sport Model”.
The R205 delivers an increased 235kW (320PS) of maximum output, and 431N.m (44.0kg.m) by adopting the exclusively designed turbocharger with ball bearings for the turbine unit.
