2015 Subaru Viziv Future Concept

Subaru VIZIV Future Concept (world premiere)

Subaru VIZIV Future Concept is a SUV-type concept model embodying the future vision of car development for “enjoyment and peace of mind” that Subaru wants to provide to customers. Along with a package of design features that motivate the owner to get out and get active, this car gives a look at next-generation technologies that will further enhance the reputation of Subaru for “enjoyment and peace of mind” in driving. Among them are the automatic driving technology resulting from the ongoing evolution of EyeSight, and the power unit combining a downsized turbo engine with a hybrid system. Subaru remains focused on providing cars that enrich the lives of customers, as the start of an exciting new chapter. The Subaru VIZIV Future Concept gives a glimpse at the future Subaru has in mind for the brand.

1. Design

The design concept is “Subaru & Active Life”. Giving concrete form to the Subaru Dynamic & Solid design theme, the design clearly shows the value of “enjoyment and peace of mind”, while generating the urge to go out and actively discover the wide world.

Exterior

- The body as a three-dimensional solid form is given a clear polished surface enhancing the impression of high density and sturdiness. This design along with the powerfully extended fenders expressing the reliability of Subaru All-Wheel Drive (AWD) evoke the safety, enjoyment, and peace of mind of Subaru.

- A true SUV style is expressed throughout, by the strong motifs starting from the hexagonal grill that symbolizes the Subaru identity and flowing to the sides and then ascending to the rear pillar, as well as by the dynamic and wide bumper motif.

Interior

- The interior design heightens peace of mind and the anticipation of driving, by means of a dynamic motif spreading out symmetrically from the cutting-edge interface between the center and powerful frame.

- An active life style is evoked by the beige and black contrast along with the use of orange as a unified accent color inside and out, creating a sporty and joyful space.

- A camera for monitoring the driver is located on the instrument panel glare shield, further adding to peace of mind when driving.

2. Mechanisms

Advanced safety / human-machine interface (HMI) / telematics

“Enjoyment and peace of mind” have been expanded by making advancements to EyeSight, Subaru’s original stereo camera-using technology, and by merging the linking technologies like vehicle-to-external communications and telematics. Element technologies have been incorporated that will lead to development of automatic driving worthy of Subaru.

1) Combining the advanced front recognition of EyeSight with all-direction radar sensing, the traffic environment around the vehicle and risk from all sides are monitored. In addition, high-accuracy GPS and map data are used to pinpoint the vehicle location with high precision; and optimum control is applied based on curves, lane lines, and other information about the route ahead. Thanks to these technologies, not only is collision avoidance realized during straight-ahead movement, but avoidance of collision in all directions, with vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians, when turning at intersections or when backing up, is also enhanced. Automatic driving is realized at all speeds on expressways, and automatic parking is supported at home or in commercial facilities’ parking lots.

2) The adoption of technological advances in telematics and HMI enables anticipation of traffic, weather, and other conditions along the route ahead, as well as effective communication of intentions with people and vehicles. Communication of information supporting the customer’s hobbies and other aspects of an active life is another feature of automatic driving that imparts driving peace of mind while making car life more interesting.

Power unit

(a) Next-generation hybrid system

The next-generation hybrid system has advanced every aspect of the system first launched on the market with the Subaru XV Hybrid. The combination with a downsized turbo engine improves fuel efficiency, while at the same time the smooth, linear feel when accelerating brings driving enjoyment.

(b) Next-generation downsized direct-injection turbo engine

The downsized turbo engine adopted by Subaru for the first time in the Levorg has been further advanced, and optimized in all dimensions specifically for the next generation of cars. Compact size, light weight, and net thermal efficiency that is top in the segment raise to a new level the ability of Subaru to combine enjoyable driving with fuel efficiency.

The propeller shaft has been eliminated by mounting the single motor concentrically on the rear axle in a compact layout. In addition to AWD capabilities, a flat floor is realized for an expansive, comfortable interior space. Moreover, it inherits the Subaru AWD performance while further improving maneuverability, thanks to the vectoring effect of actively controlling front/rear driving force distribution.