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Tilted Cat Head
Administrator
Location: Manhattan, NY
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Concept Car: 2004 Subaru B9SC
Quote:
SUBARU SHOWCASES TWO ALTERNATE-PROPULSION CONCEPT VEHICLES AT NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW
DETROIT, January 4, 2004 - Subaru for the first time displayed two advanced-technology concept cars in the United States, revealing details of the B9 SC hybrid-drive sports roadster and the R1e urban electric commuter vehicle to news media at the North American International Auto Show. Both of these Subaru concept vehicles also showcase signature elements of the brand's evolving design language being developed under the direction of Subaru Chief Designer Andreas Zapatinas.
The two-seat B9 SC roadster melds high-performance driving and environmental compatibility in an exciting, fun-to-drive sports roadster. Subaru believes that hybrid gas/electric powered vehicles will be the link in evolution from purely internal combustion engines to fuel cell-powered electric vehicles. Using its own hybrid drive technology, Subaru will be able to offer customers the kind of performance they are enjoying in the brand's growing roster of turbocharged models.
Subaru Develops New Type of Hybrid Technology
The hybrid system in the Subaru B9 SC is ideally suited to work with the brand's existing Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive systems and could be adapted to current vehicle platforms. The hybrid drive technology itself differs significantly from that used in most current production and proposed hybrid vehicles. In most hybrids, an electric motor is used to assist an internal combustion engine. The Sequential Series Hybrid Electric Vehicle (SSHEV) propulsion system in the Subaru B9 SC works the other way around.
The SSHEV system teams a powerful electric motor with a 2.0-liter DOHC Subaru boxer 4-cylinder gas engine. At low and midrange speeds, the gasoline engine is used primarily to charge the advanced laminated lithium-ion batteries. At speeds over 50 mph, the B9 SC runs only on its gasoline engine. Thus, the internal combustion engine always runs in its most efficient speed range. To provide extra performance on hills and when the driver demands quicker acceleration, the SSHEV system seamlessly combines output from both the electric motor and gas engine through a special two-way clutch. The compact SSHEV propulsion system could easily be housed within the footprint of the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system used in current Subaru models. The SSHEV system places a generator between the Subaru Boxer engine and the transmission. A two-way clutch, the high-performance electric motor and the AWD transfer gearing are all neatly integrated into the transmission case.
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, height-adjustable suspension and large wheels with run-flat tires give the Subaru B9 SC concept trail-driving capability, making it a sports car for all roads. The concept vehicle's lower body features a special protective paint that also wraps over the upper body behind the doors to provide unity to the design. The windshield is made of a special mirror reflective glass.
New Design Direction Takes Wing
Under the leadership of Andreas Zapatinas, Subaru is creating a new design direction to highlight the uniqueness of the brand. Formerly the head of design for Alfa Romeo, Zapatinas believes that the brand's wide ranging appeal - from outdoors enthusiasts to rally enthusiasts - can be communicated by a single design language. Viewing the B9 head-on reveals the design's most striking element: the front grill and air intakes shaped to suggest the wing of an airplane. Zapatinas and his staff drew on the brand's aircraft heritage to create the new theme, which can also be seen in the R1e electric commuter vehicle.
Sensible Urban Commuter
The Subaru R1e is a pure electric vehicle designed to appeal to singles or couples in urban markets where small, easily maneuverable commuter vehicles make sense for many drivers. The advanced laminated lithium ion batteries, developed by a joint venture between Subaru and NEC Corp., can be charged by plugging the vehicle into the type of AC outlet used for large home air conditioners.
About Subaru of America, Inc.
Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered near Philadelphia, the company markets and distributes All-Wheel Drive Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of nearly 600 dealers across the United States. Subaru is the only car company that offers Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as standard equipment on every vehicle in its product line.
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An interesting design and concept. reminds me of the commercial from the 80's....
"But Dad, it's a Subaru..."
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