Subaru Advanced Tourer Concept is an awesome angry wagon

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Subaru had provided early sketches of its Advanced Tourer Concept, and many of you in the comments weren’t confident that it would look as good in real life as it did in (digital) ink and paper. Dare we say it, but we think it looks better in the metal than it did in drawings. A mean, ground-hugging wagon with a 1.6-liter boxer-hybrid powertrain, its internals are close enough to production to make the jump in the not-too-distant.

Its interior, however, is another matter. Undeniably beautiful, features like the monitor in the steering wheel and the steel-rimmed wood pedals are treats we won’t be seeing anytime soon. No matter – if there were to be a wagon in our future, we’d hope this were it. There’s a bit more information after the jump, and a much closer look at it in the gallery of high-res photos.

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Tokyo, November 30, 2011 – Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. FHI, the maker of Subaru automobiles, announced its presentation at the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show 2011. It will focus on Enjoyment and Peace of Mind which is the core value provided to the customers through the Subaru automobile experience, the foundation being Subaru’s global brand statement Confidence in Motion.

Confidence in Motion is materialized in the concept car SUBARU ADVANCED TOURER CONCEPT which achieved its main goal to become a Revolutionary Sports Tourer. Also showcased will be the All-New SUBARU IMPREZA and the SUBARU BRZ – the latter a rear-wheel drive sports car currently under joint development with Toyota Motor Corporation carrying the Horizontally-Opposed Boxer engine. The exhibition will also feature Subaru’s original and latest technologies.

SUBARU ADVANCED TOURER CONCEPT
1 Concept
Exquisitely balancing the enjoyment of driving with environmental friendliness, the car, under its product concept of Revolutionary Sports Tourer, embodies Subaru’s theme of Confidence in Motion.

This C-segment class car was developed as a new-generation sports wagon providing both superior driving performance and utility. It features an innovative exterior design not found in conventional wagon models and expert wagon utility Subaru has cultivated over the years.

The well established sports power unit, the Horizontally-Opposed Subaru Boxer engine, is now with direct fuel injection. This highlight mixed with Subaru’s downsizing concept and original Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) expertise has enabled Subaru to make considerable progress on its unique Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) technology. An even sportier driveability and advanced environmental friendliness are both attainable in this new concept car.

2 Design and Packaging
< Exterior Design >
Subaru’s brand statement Confidence in Motion is portrayed in the outward design as well. The dynamic yet sleek look promises an enthusiastic drive, while the cabin offers all the usability of a C-segment wagon. A flowing line on the side surfaces augments the stylish design calling to mind a coupe style car.

< Interior Design >
In pursuit of Subaru’s human-centered philosophy, all passengers are assured a safe and pleasant ride in a comfortable and quality interior. An entire roof made of glass adds to the spacious feel. Various textures such as wood and metal are incorporated into the inside layout to produce ample ambiance. A large monitor is built into the steering wheel allowing access to maps, television and internet services. Information will be available at hand to support contemporary lifestyles even in the car.

3 Mechanisms
(1) Next-Generation Power Unit System
– Downsized direct fuel injection turbo engine –

The downsized direct fuel injection turbo engine is one of the principal technologies that will guide Subaru’s engine strategy in the future. Not only is acceleration quick and smooth with the new-generation Horizontally-Opposed engine, it is environmentally friendly. The direct fuel injection system which injects necessary amounts of fuel into the cylinders at appropriate moments, and a turbo system which efficiently supplies large amounts of air into the cylinders, along with the downsizing of current turbo engine displacements 2,500cc and 2,000cc to 1,600cc drastically improve combustion efficiency at practical driving-speed range compared to the existing turbo engine.

– High torque compatible Lineartronic CVT –
Lineartronic is Subaru’s continuously variable transmission device designed for the new era. It is the world’s first longitudinally-mounted chain drive CVT to be utilized in mass-produced AWD passenger cars. For the concept car, the Lineartronic was refined to satisfy the high-power output turbo engine.

– Hybrid system –
Subaru’s original hybrid system has been developed to harmonize with the Symmetrical AWD technology, another one of its specialties, and to further enhance its appeal. A single motor system was employed for its simple structure and light weight. This system has an Electric Vehicle EV mode which allows AWD motion using only the motor at start-ups and low-speed drives. When decelerating, the regenerating mechanism uses the motor as a power generator.

(2) EyeSight
Subaru’s advanced driving assist system EyeSight Version 2, well received since its release in May 2010, has made further progress. The recognition range of the stereo camera has expanded considerably, both in width and depth.

Major Specifications
Length x Width x Height: 4,580 x 1,840 x 1,430mm

Engine type: 1.6 liter Horizontally-Opposed direct fuel injection turbo engine

Transmission type: High torque compatible Lineartronic

Drive train: Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with hybrid system

Battery type: Lithium-ion battery