Tokyo 2009: Subaru Hybrid Tourer Preview

Surprisingly, low prices for gasoline haven't quelled the recent surge in alternative fuel development activity. Everyone wants to get in on the game, including Subaru. The company is eager to show how hybrid technology can be used alongside traditional Subaru traits like all-wheel drive and the horiz0ntally-opposed "boxer engine". Let's see how they fare in trying to do that!

The front end, a further development of Subaru's recent design theme (looking much better here) and the gullwing-doors are the design highlights of the Hybrid Tourer. The rear end seems Alfa Romeo-like, but we'll have to wait for the full gallery to know more. The main thing to discuss here though is the car's powertrain.

The Hybrid Tourer has a gasoline engine and two electric motors. Like I said earlier, the key for Subaru is to make hybrid technology work with the brand's classic traits. As such the "Boxer" engine features here, a turbocharged unit utilizing direct injection. It powers the front wheels and is mated to a Lineartronic CVT transmission.

An electric engine is hooked up to that unit and provides an extra boost of power when needed for acceleration as well as a generator to recharge the car's battery pack when needed. The second electric motor powers the rear wheels (it's a Subaru after all!) under low-speed driving conditions and when maximum power is required.

The concept looks nice enough, but I'm not sure what Subaru intends with it. It doesn't seem to preview an actual production model though, so it is most likely that this is Subaru's way of letting us know it's interested in adding hybrid powertrains to it's lineup.