Home - Automobile Reviews - Subaru to Show New Concepts at Tokyo Motor Show


Subaru to Show New Concepts at Tokyo Motor Show

Subaru Getting Techy for the Tokyo Show

For the 2005 (39th) Tokyo Motor Show, Subaru will be introducing several new concept vehicles as well as some interesting technologies. The brand chose the "Think. Feel. Drive." theme this year, as a platform to convey Subarus core message, that it produces cars that "realize pleasurable driving", have "very high safety" and "excellent environmental performance".

The first vehicle that Subaru will be presenting is the B5-TPH Concept, an futuristic crossover vehicle that mixes two parts sports coupe and equal parts SUV and station wagon. An interesting, if not
The first vehicle that Subaru will be presenting in Tokyo is the B5-TPH Concept, an futuristic crossover vehicle that mixes two parts sports coupe and equal parts SUV and station wagon. (Photo: Subaru of America)
over-done idea as it may seem, but the B5-TPH packs a technological full house designed to stun show goers.

From pictures, its difficult to pinpoint exactly what the B5-TPH concept is, with its not-quite hatchback and not-quite wagon roofline. The B5 is the first new car (concept or production)
The B5-TPH concept combines Subarus longtime obsession with symmetrical all-wheel drive and turbochargers with energy-boosting and fuel-saving hybrid technology. (Photo: Subaru of America)
in recent times to stray away from the airplane corporate nose. This particular vehicle sports a less aggressive snout that is well-integrated into its low-drag body. Ground clearance of 7.8 inches and deep-treaded tires allow Subaru to give the B5 an SUV nametag, but make no mistake - this is one for paved roads only.

What is unique about the B5-TPH concept is that it combines Subarus longtime obsession with symmetrical all-wheel drive and turbochargers with energy-boosting and fuel-saving
Subarus second major introduction at Tokyo is a technological showcase built from the Subaru Legacy Wagon. (Photo: Subaru of America)
hybrid technology. TPH, as a matter of fact, stands for Turbo Parallel Hybrid. The base motor in the B5 is a 2.0-liter boxer (horizontally-opposed) four cylinder thats advanced by the emissions-reducing Miller Cycle (once featured in the top-line Mazda Millenia), and a turbocharger to boost power.
To improve performance and fuel economy, the 2.0 H-4 unit has been assisted by a mild hybrid system, which uses an electric motor slotted between the engine and the gearbox to provide electric assist. Unlike Toyotas Highlander Hybrid which uses separate propulsion systems to power the front and rear wheels, the B5 makes use of the much proven Symmetrical AWD system
The most interesting of the IVXs technologies are centralized in the frontal recognition sensors, consisting of a Milimeter-Wave Radar and stereo cameras. (Photo: Subaru of America)
that Subaru has built its reputation on. Expect to see this kind of technology appear shortly on the upcoming Legacy Hybrid, due in 2007.

Subarus second major introduction at Tokyo is a technological showcase built from the Subaru Legacy Wagon. The concept, called IVX-II, for Intelligent Vehicle X (where X stands for Infinite, and II standing for a rather contradictory second generation), displays Subarus latest comfort and safety-enhancing technologies.

The most interesting of the IVXs technologies are centralized in the frontal recognition sensors, consisting of a Milimeter-Wave Radar and stereo cameras. These are the inputs which provide the cars Active Driving Assist system with information. The stereo camera is used to detect a variety of objects, such as lines on the road, as well as
Subaru will also be showing the R1e fuel cell/electric vehicle in Tokyo. (Photo: Subaru of America)
the rate of velocity of the vehicle. The Milimeter-Wave Radar is used to provide active cruise control. Together these systems help the car maintain an optimal driving path via Drive-by-Wire controls.
Page:  1

ADD TO:
Digg
Del.icio.us
Google
Blink
Furl
Simpy
Spurl
Y! MyWeb

Add to Technorati Favorites

Your Comments
Enter review title
 Choose a star rating
 Type in your review
Your Name (optional)
 Your Email (optional)


Relatd Vehicle Listings
User Tools
Discuss in our Forums
Photos of Subaru 
Print this Auto News
Email this Auto News
NEW Subaru PRICE QUOTE
Get a FREE, No-Obligation Internet Price Quote for Subaru !
Find Subaru Dealer | Search Auto Listings for Subaru



Acura   Audi   Bentley   BMW   Buick   Cadillac   Chevrolet   Chrysler   Daewoo   Dodge   Eagle   Ferrari   Ford   Geo   GMC   Honda   Hummer   Hyundai   Infiniti   Isuzu   Jaguar   Jeep   Kia   Lamborghini   Lexus   Lincoln   Lotus   Maserati   Mazda   Mercedes-Benz   Mercury   MINI   Mitsubishi   Nissan   Oldsmobile   Plymouth   Pontiac   Porsche   Saab   Saturn   Scion   Subaru   Suzuki   Toyota   Volkswagen   Volvo