NEW YORK MOTOR SHOW: Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid
Subaru could reveal the next-generation WRX alongside a hybrid version of its popular XV in New YorkSubaru has announced it will stage the world debut of its first hybrid model, the XV Crosstrek Hybrid, and a “performance concept car” that could herald the next WRX at next week’s New York motor show.
So far Subaru has pre-revealed only the XV hybrid (in US-spec), which appears identical to the regular XV compact crossover available in Australia, save for the addition of discreet ‘HYBRID’ badging on the front doors.
No details of the XV hybrid have been supplied, but like the Japanese car-maker’s last petrol-electric concept -- the Hybrid Tourer Concept shown at the 2009 Tokyo show – the electrified XV is built around Subaru’s trademark symmetrical all-wheel drive system.
The 4630mm Hybrid Tourer Concept’s 2.0-litre direct-injection turbocharged flat petrol four-cylinder engine was supplemented by two electric motors -- a 10kW unit driving the front axle and a 20kW motor for the rear wheels.
The rear electric motor provided propulsion at start-up and from low speeds, while the front motor delivered extra torque when required and doubled as a power generator for the lithium battery, which was developed with experience gained from Subaru’s STELLA electric vehicle launched in Japan in 2009.
Subaru’s performance car concept, meantime, is almost certain to preview the next-generation WRX, which is due on sale next year based on the same platform as the latest Impreza (and XV) but dressed in all-new bodywork.
For the latest New York motor show news at motoring.com.au
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