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Subaru chief reveals diesel and hybrid plans

 
3 2,423 views May 21, 2009

Subaru has already previewed its electric future with plug-in hybrid and all-electric concepts based on its Stella and R1 minicars

Subaru has already previewed its electric future with plug-in hybrid and all-electric concepts based on its Stella and R1 minicars

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Subaru doesn't offer much in the way of environmentally conscientious cars but this may be set to change as the company is considering introducing new hybrid models. Subaru's parent company, Fuji Heavy Industries, has revealed plans to introduce a new hybrid model along with a range of more efficient diesel engines in the near future.

An exact timeline was not given for when the new powertrains would be introduced but Fuji Heavy Industries chief Ikuo Mori has told Bloomberg that he expects new diesel and hybrid models to be launched by Subaru in the next two to three years.

Importantly, a 2011 or 2012 introduction for these models will give Subaru some time up its sleeve to get its entire fleet to achieve a fleet average fuel economy of 35.5mpg by 2016, the new goal set down by U.S. President Barack Obama.

The source of Subaru’s hybrid technology is likely to be Toyota, which currently owns a 16% stake in Fuji Heavy Industries. Subaru and Toyota are already working on a joint sports car and sharing components makes sense for both companies as they weather the current downturn in the industry.

It’s uncertain how a hybrid powertrain would fit in with Subaru's all-wheel-drive philosophy, but it has been suggested that a small electric motor could be used to power the rear wheels, while a conventional petrol engine powers the front. Alternatively, two small electric motors could be fitted to both axles, with a petrol generator to keep the batteries powered, although this solution could present weight issues and prove too expensive.

Subaru has already previewed its electric future with plug-in hybrid and all-electric concepts based on its Stella compact and R1 minicar. Both concepts have evolved to the prototype stage but any production possibility appears to be several years away still.



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Comments (3)

  1. By  mangan Posted: 1/9/2010 9:35pm PST

    Actually most "cheap" hydrogen comes from reformulated natural gas.This is why the oil companies loves them some hydrogen - it keeps them in control of the supply & distribution of transportation fuel.
     
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  2. By robin Posted: 10/1/2010 3:08pm PDT

    Subaru "not environmentally friendly" are you KIDDING? Or on another planet. All seven of Subarus manufacturing plants are ZERO LANDFILL, their cars are 99% recyclable and they send teams around the world teaching how to dismantle properly.Also thge majority of their cars are are PZEV's you can literally breathe the tail pipe gases and in places like LA you'd be better off doing so.
     
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  3. By Scott Posted: 11/18/2010 7:21am PST

    I want my Subaru AWD car/SUV than get get over 35 MPG. I don't care if it's a hybrid, diesel, gas. I love my Subaru and love AWD. In the 80s we had diesel VWs that got 44 mpg, where is the AWD model duh!! It WILL sell in US.
     
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