|
text & photos Fuij Heavy Industries FHI
Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI),
a global manufacturer of transportation and aerospace-related products and the
maker of Subaru automobiles, today announced the major features of its vehicles
and technologies, which will be exhibited at the 39th Tokyo Motor Show 2005,
which will open its doors to the public in Makuhari Messe, Chiba from October 19
to November 6.
With the key word “Think. Feel. Drive. - Creating new value through the
crossover concept”, Subaru’s core message is to appeal a car that realizes
pleasurable driving, very high safety and excellent environmental performance.
In the booth, the concept car “B5-TPH” which equipped with original hybrid
system “Turbo parallel hybrid (TPH)”, technology exhibit “IVX-II” next
generation of intelligent vehicle which ensuring driving pleasure, comfort, and
advanced safety, and new crossover vehicle “B9 TRIBECA” (US model) will be
exhibited. By exhibiting these vehicles, Subaru will appeal the new areas of
driving pleasure and new functions by integrating the different values.
A press briefing is scheduled for Wednesday, October 19 Thursday from 11:40 to
12:00 at the Subaru booth (East hall) where President Kyoji Takenaka presented.
B5-TPH
Major exhibits of Subaru booth
* B5-TPH concept car）
The B5-TPH concept car was designed around the concept theme of a car for
long-weekend gataways get aways for couples. The vehicle develops the theme of
crossover elements in a future car –a crossover between a gasoline engine and
electric motor, and between a sport wagon and sport utility vehicle (SUV).
Incorporating Subaru’s signature Symmetrical All Wheel Drive (AWD), the concept
car provides an efficiency and comfort glimpse of a future sport specialty car
that further enriches the efficiency and comfort.
Major features of the B5-TPH
1. The Turbo Parallel Hybrid (TPH) power train, a new AWD hybrid system, has
been applied to 2.0liter Horizontally-Opposed turbo charged engine in the B5-TPH
2. By combining the electric motor and the Miller cycle boxer turbo engine
(2.0L), the engine has achieved fuel economy improvements and reduced CO2
emissions. This superb, all-range performance is enabled by the motor assist
feature, a motor that is designed to boost engine torque at low revolutions.
3. The vehicle promises versatile handling and maneuverability both on and rough
road with its ground clearance of 200 mm and large-diameter tires.
4. The designs express the pleasure of driving, and of being driven as a
passenger. Blending beautiful lines and the characteristics of the sport wagon,
personal coupe and SUV, the car accentuates the crossover of its designs and
function.
* IVX-II (Technology exhibit)
“IVX-II (Intelligent vehicle X, X symbolizes the infinite) the next generation
of intelligent vehicle which ensuring driving pleasure, comfort, and advanced
safety. Enhancing pleasurable driving, while its integrated preventive safety
functions help the car automatically avoid dangers and restores it to a safe
driving position.
Major features of IVX-II
1. Improved its frontal recognition sensors (Active Driving Assist system), that
include a pair of stereo cameras, as well as a milliwave radar unit. The new
stereo camera device can not only detect multiple objects, road traffic lines,
and conditions, but it also calculates the distance between the car and an
object as well as the relative speed with which another car is approaching.
2. Adopted the next-generation high performance controller with capability
realized by Subaru’s updated algorithms. the former ensures optimal driving
position based on patterns of a driver’s maneuvering. For the vehicle control,
By-wire technology, which is the next-generation chassis control technology is
used.
3. In addition to these fast and reliable systems, the IVX-II features
Symmetrical AWD. Its low center of gravity ensures excellent vehicle stability
and the ability to retain driving control, which allows a driver to handle the
vehicle at his will. High-tech devices co-exist with the driver’s enjoyment of
vehicle handling, and they interfere with a driver’s control only in necessary
instances.
* B9 TRIBECA (Display model / US model)
The B9 Tribeca was developed on the concept of a progressive sports utility
vehicle (SUV) that represents the next generation of crossover vehicles. The
first-ever Subaru crossover utility vehicle with available seating for seven
passengers, the B9 Tribeca features Horizontally-Opposed H6 boxer engine that
delivers agile and stable control yet while ensuring superb maneuverability as a
SUV. The vehicle reveals its roominess in flexible seating arrangements in three
rows for seven passengers. Its sporty and dynamic exterior design contrasts with
a sophisticated interior design that accentuates stylish comfort and safety.
* Blitzen 2006 Model: Touring Wagon
The Touring Wagon version was developed on the Legacy sedan Blitzen 2005 Model
introduced in December 2004 and has since enjoyed accolades. Based upon Legacy
Touring Wagon 2.0 GT spec. B., the vehicle features newly designed interior,
front grille, rear bumper, and roof spoiler, and is fitted with 18-inch wheels.
* Legacy Outback / Forester “Edge” style (Display model)
The development of the vehicle centered on the concept of psychological
restoration, and the Edge is a model that can play a significant role in
altering one’s mind set. A true edge in design and technology is proposed in
this new crossover vehicle. Exterior designs that are original to the Edge
include its front grille, front bumper under guard, side sill garnish, roof
rail, all of which partly use a high-luster finish and, as well as the new
aluminum wheels.
* R1e
Based on the 2-seater R1 mini car, the R1e has been developed as an electric
vehicle (EV). Using the high performance lithium ion battery pack, the EV not
only excels in power output but also boasts fast charging and easy maintenance,
both considered problematic aspects of existing EVs.
[The R1e is available at “Clean energy vehicle test ride” outside the Motor Show
premises, set up by the Motor Show organizer.]
* SUBARU IMPREZA WRC 2006 prototype
The prototype is based on the new Impreza, which was introduced in June 2005 in
Japan. The SUBARU IMPREZA WRC 2006 model is scheduled to debut at the FIA WRC
Rally Automobile Monte Carlo in 2006.
(FIA homologation application scheduled)
* SUBARU RALLY CHALLENGE
Based on its flight simulator technologies, the Aerospace Company of the Fuji
Heavy Industries and Subaru have jointly developed a fully automatic driving
simulator that is set in the Impreza rally car body. The new driving simulator
has a 6-axis motion unit that can support 1 ton of weight on its base, and it
allows visitors to choose rally routes and experience Subaru Impreza rally
driving.
|
