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| | Posted on Friday, October 21, 2005 - 9:43 am: |       |
Creating New Value through the Crossover Concept
Please find below press information issued on 29th September 2005 by Fuji Heavy Industries, Japan regarding the 39th Tokyo Motor Show.
Subaru showcases its commitment to building the cars at the 39th Tokyo Motor Show under the theme Think. Feel. Drive. - Creating new value through the crossover concept
Think. Feel. Drive. Has been Subaru's brand name tagline since the phrase was first used at the 37th Tokyo Motor Show in 2003. The three verbs represent Subaru's continuing efforts to develop and offer attractive products to car enthusiasts around the world: Think reflects Subaru's philosophy of car making and technology; Feel projects its passion for designing swift, nimble, and fun-to-drive cars; and Drive captures the pleasure of driving fast, safe, and beautifully crafted vehicles.
We at Subaru have placed priority on developing cars based on our established philosophy and proven technology and without being distracted by fads. We believe in the basic approach of building fast, fun-to-drive, and safe cars that provide drivers and passengers with both pleasure and peace of mind.
Through our work we have come to conclude that the integration of different values-different principles and opposing ideas, if you will-is always the key to creating new and attractive products. The Legacy Touring Wagon, which integrates high-performance driving with reliable utility; the Outback, which blends the comfort of a passenger car and the versatility of an SUV; and the Forester, which features the best of both worlds of a passenger car and an SUV have been all developed to embody Subaru's conviction. We call such integration the crossover concept, and it leads to the creation of new areas of driving pleasure and new functions. Creating new value through the crossover concept, a part of the Subaru theme at this year's Tokyo Motor Show, comes out of this thinking of ours.
Subaru exhibits a diverse array of vehicles at the Tokyo Motor Show, including the B5-TPH concept car and the B9 Tribeca, as well as many other crossover products, prototypes, and technologies that address environmental issues and social needs. We invite all the show's visitors to experience the exciting world of Subaru.
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) expands driving pleasure
We believe the most appealing feature of a car is the pleasure of driving. This pleasure can be interpreted in many ways. Some people find pleasure in the speed and competition of rallies and racing circuits, some in simply enjoying exact control and smooth maneuvering while making sharp turns at high speeds, some in a leisurely drive to a resort and the sensation of fresh air, and others may look for fun in driving off road, where they can enjoy a steady and powerful drive to a hideaway camping site.
Subaru vehicles, which are designed for any driving conditions, are always built to provide that pleasure. We constantly strive to elevate driving performance, believing it is our mission to develop such cars that provide driving pleasure, while we rigorously improve their safety features.
The basis of Subaru's driving pleasure lies in Symmetrical AWD, a perfectly balanced power train layout with a Horizontally-Opposed engine. We engineered this unique system in 1972. While the latest technologies and research were applied to the system during its 30-year development, the basic layout of the power train has not changed much, because it is still lightweight and compact, provides a low center of gravity, and excels in balancing the weight of a vehicle. In sum, it is packed with all the necessary features for essential vehicle performance and does not require major changes. Our claim has been proven by Subaru's achievements at the FIA World Rally Championship against competitors who are equipped with most advanced power trains. It is the exceptional features of Symmetrical AWD that have enhanced the crossover concept, and which also help bring out the unique character of our new vehicles.
SUBARU B5-TPH Concept car
Development objective
A new-generation crossover vehicle with a hybrid power train system
The Subaru B5-TPH concept car 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 AWD, the concept car provides a glimpse of a future sport specialty car that further enriches the driving experience.
Major features of the B5-TPH
The Turbo Parallel Hybrid (TPH) power train, a new AWD hybrid system, has been applied in the B5-TPH. Subaru has been developing the TPH with advanced, integrated Symmetrical AWD in view of its future mass production.
By combining the electric motor and the Miller cycle boxer turbo engine (2.0L), the TPH system not only provides powerful and pleasurable driving in the mid- to high-speed ranges when the turbocharger is active, as with conventional turbo models, but it also delivers excellent acceleration and fuel economy in all ranges. This superb, all-range performance is enabled by the motor assist feature, a motor that is designed to boost engine torque at low revolutions.
The TPH system places a thin motor generator between the vehicle's engine and its automatic transmission. This simple hybrid configuration makes possible the ideal weight balance of a vehicle, equal to the balance realized by Symmetrical AWD in a gasoline-only engine. Benefiting from the superb drivability guaranteed by Symmetrical AWD and the all-range smooth delivery of torque, the B5-THP ensures sporty, high quality performance.
The concept car promises versatile handling and maneuverability both on and off the road with its ground clearance of 200 mm and large-diameter tires.
Besides featuring functionality, the B5-THP 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.
Outline of the Turbo Parallel Hybrid (TPH)
The TPH is a simply structured, parallel hybrid system, connecting a thin motor generator directly onto the crankshaft of a gasoline turbo engine. The system improves on fuel economy in practical driving ranges, thanks to the combined effects of the Miller cycle boxer turbo engine and the motor assist feature of the electric motor. The motor assist also solves a problem inherent to a turbo engine, which is a lack of torque at low speeds. The TPH system has advanced the current turbo engine to the next-generation turbo engine with all-range performance.
At the same time, the TPH takes full advantage of the Symmetrical AWD layout, further heightening the levels of driving pleasure and performance, while reducing energy consumption and contributing to environmental conservation.
Other features
2-liter, Horizontally-Opposed, 4-cylinder, DOHC, Miller-cycle turbo engine
Through valve opening modifications in the Active Valve Control System (AVCS) of the 4-cylinder boxer turbo engine, the adopted Miller cycle principle delays the closure of the intake valve. The Miller cycle contributes to improvements in fuel economy in practical driving ranges. The issue of lower power output with the Miller cycle, on the other hand, has been resolved by improvements in the turbocharger system. While retaining the attractive character of powerful output from a turbo engine at high revolutions, the engine has achieved fuel economy improvements and reduced CO2 emissions.
Motor generator
Placed between the vehicle's engine and its AT torque converter, directly connected to the crankshaft, a thin motor generator plays an important role in boosting the engine's torque at low revolutions. By integrating such critical functions in the motor as propelling the wheels, electricity generation and battery recharging during regenerative braking, FHI has successfully developed the hybrid AWD power train system. Without compromising on the stable, agile driving and crash safety ensured by uninterrupted Symmetrical AWD structure, the hybrid system has strong environmental advantages.
Power control unit
The control unit for the motor inverter is packaged in a compact layout, which comprises the Intelligent Power Module (IPM), DC-DC converter, motor controller, and condenser, and is placed in the engine room, filling the space where a 12-V battery is usually located in a gasoline vehicle.
Battery pack
The B5-TPH is equipped with a manganese lithium-ion battery pack, which powers the motor generator. Compared to the nickel-metal hydride battery that is widely used for many hybrid electric vehicles, the manganese lithium-ion battery excels in tolerable charge/discharge electric power density, longevity, and is compact and lightweight. The battery pack is designed in all-in-one packaging with an electronic control unit for the battery, which facilitates its mounting onto the back of the vehicle, while taking safety measures against high voltage hazards and considering ease of maintenance.
B5-TPH preliminary specifications (for reference)
GENERAL INFORMATION
Wheelbase 2,670mm
Length 2,670mm
Width 1,820mm
Height 1,500mm
Ground Clearance 200 mm
Curb Weight 1380kg
Maximum passenger 4 people
TYRES Size 245/45 R19
SUBARU BOXER 2.0-liter H4 Turbo charged engine
Engine type Petrol DOHC 16 valve Dual AVCS (Active Valve Control System)
twin scroll turbo charged engine (miller cycle)
Compression ration 11.5
Power 191 (260) kW (ps)/6,000rpm
Torque 343?35.0?N?m?kg-m?/2,400rpm
Fuel economy (Japanese 10-15 mode) 17.0km/l
Motor generator
Motor type Permanent-magnet type synchronous motor
Maximum traction power 10kW
Maximum traction torque? 150N?m
Maximum generating electric power 8.5kW
Manganese lithium-ion batteries box
Nominal voltage 173V
Nominal capacity 4.3Ah
Outside size (except for fan) Length x Width x Height = 670mm x 360mm x 180mm
Weight 32.0kg
The B5-TPH Design
Design objective
A crossover theme is adopted for the B5-TPH concept car by blending fun-to-drive styling and functionality. The styling emphasizes both elegance and power, perfectly suited to any driving conditions, while the B5-TPH is fully equipped with functional and convenient utilities to augment the fun of traveling.
Major features
Outback-based styling
The design of the B5-TPH concept car has progressed from the basic form of the Subaru Outback, a crossover sport utility vehicle that combines the rugged versatility of an SUV and the sporty handling and comfort of a passenger car. The new sporty 2-door coupe features a streamlined coupe wagon style body and incorporates design elements that ensure versatile driving capabilities without any limitation. Despite its elegant profile, the car also expresses powerful drive train performance in its styling, which is conceived on the theme of a new-generation crossover vehicle with an environmentally friendly, hybrid power unit, widening the scope of driving opportunities in harmony with nature. A minimum road clearance of 200 mm and large-diameter tires are practical design features that heighten superb stability and drivability.
* The Outback was introduced in the U.S. and Australia as a variation of the second-generation Legacy in 1995. The same variation model was named the Legacy Grand Wagon in Japan in that year, and then renamed the Legacy Lancaster in 1997. Since 2003 Outback has been used worldwide.
New-generation Subaru design
The concept of the new-generation Subaru design was first introduced in the Subaru B11S concept car in 2003. Since then it has continued to evolve and has been adopted in the B5-TPH. Combining glamour and functionality, the silhouette of this new car projects a sophisticated coupe wagon style, while brining out casual sportiness and elegance. A wide glass canopy covers open, sun-filled interior space, which highlights an ideal balance of functionality and comfort, and has been designed around the concept theme of a car for long-weekend getaways for couples of any age.
Clam-shell-shaped rear gate opening
The large rear gate opens fully, like a clam shell. The wide glass hatch is intended to show luggage inside the trunk space, accentuating the theme of a couple's traveling car and visually stressing the fun of long-distance driving.
Body color
Named vital lunar pearl white, the color that envelops the car body is similar in tone to ivory. The color appears warm and elegant, yet under bright light or sunshine, it changes to bring out strong moonlit undertones, and the basic tone reveals a variety of hues within a spectrum of highlights, enhancing the B5-TPH's sporty image. This feature further echoes Subaru's crossover diversity concept.
SUBARU IVX-II [Technology exhibition vehicle]
The Subaru IVX-II* is a prototype of the next generation of intelligent vehicle, focused on ensuring driving pleasure, comfort, and advanced safety. Equipped with high-tech devices that function as human eyes, brain, and muscles, the IVX-II showcases Subaru's latest technologies and basic development achievements.
The crossover integration of high performance and safety is the technology development concept for this research vehicle. For example, handling and driving control optimization theory, part of the newly developed algorithms, takes meticulous control of the IVX-II and enhances pleasurable driving, while its integrated preventive safety functions help the car automatically avoid dangers and restores it to a safe driving position. Supported by its many safety features, drivers are able to make the most of the vehicle's potential and enjoy driving.
* IVX-II: Intelligent Vehicle X (X symbolizes the infinite)
Outlines of the IVX-II
Eyes
The IVX-II's eyes are its frontal recognition sensors, which are adapted from Subaru's Sensor Fusion technology in the Active Driving Assist (ADA) system that includes a pair of stereo cameras, as well as a milliwave radar unit in the Legacy Touring Wagon 3.0R. We have further improved on the stereo camera, first equipped in the Legacy Lancaster ?Legacy Outback?in 1999, and on its recognition algorithms. Specifically, processing speed has been accelerated in the new stereo cameras and recognition has been enhanced in the IVX-II. In addition, the camera unit and its controller are now packaged together in one module to be more compact and lower cost, making it the world's only frontal view recognition device that features this combination of advantages.
The new stereo camera device can not only detect multiple objects (cars, pedestrians, bicycles), road traffic lines, and conditions (climate changes, light changes, and other conditions), but it also calculates the distance between the car and an object (even at night) as well as the relative speed with which another car is approaching. It acts as a set of high-level eyes, assisting a driver to prevent human errors.
Brain
The IVX-II's brain is the next-generation high performance controller with capability realized by Subaru's updated algorithms. The integrated control algorithms apply newly developed handling and driving control optimization theory and dangerous risk evaluation theory; the former ensures optimal driving position based on patterns of a driver's maneuvering, and it maintains stable vehicle position by controlling road grip and traction force under such external conditions as strong winds and road surface changes; the latter plots a danger-avoiding route by evaluating the levels of danger. The integrated controller is fed information from frontal view sensors, as well as from sensors that detect a driver's habitual steering, driving manners/estimations and vehicle movements, along with signals from Real Time Kinematics Global Positioning System (RTK-GPS).
Muscles
The muscles of the IVX-II consist of components of by-wire technology, the next-generation chassis control technology, including steer-by-wire, throttle-by-wire, and brake-by-wire. Directions from the brain (integrated control algorithms) are transferred via the nerves of the car, a high-speed LAN network, and communicated through by-wire units to components of the chassis and drive train in order to control braking, traction force, and steering.
By-wire technology for the IVX-II implements the most advanced safety theory and uses system recover designs that are seen in airplanes and IT devices. It also uses a time-trigger type, high-speed communication LAN.
In addition to these fast and reliable systems, the IVX-II features Symmetrical AWD (All-Wheel Drive). 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.
We believe the raison d'etre of a car is to provide driving pleasure under any road and climate conditions. Enduring technologies demonstrated in the IVX-II have been tested and evaluated for high levels of safety and performance. We plan to apply these technologies in its future vehicles for drivers.
B9 Tribeca (North American spec.)
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 Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with a Horizontally-Opposed boxer engine that delivers agile and stable control yet while ensuring superb maneuverability as a SUV, and is the first - ever Subaru with available seating for seven passengers.
The largest model in the Subaru lineup, the all-new B9 Tribeca 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.
The B9 Tribeca is built at the Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA) plant in Lafayette, Indiana, and sold in the U.S., Canada and Chile from early summer of 2005.
Wheelbase 108.2 in. (2,749 mm)
Length 189.8 in. (4,822 mm)
Width 73.9 in. (1,878 mm)
Height 66.4 in. (1,686 mm)
Ground Clearance 8.4 in. (213 mm)
Engine SUBARU BOXER 3.0-liter H6 DOHC
Horsepower 250hp / 6,600 rpm (186kW ?253 PS DIN? / 6600 rpm)
Torque 219 lb.-ft. / 4,200 rpm (297 Nm / 4200rpm)
Note: All specification is U.S. model
Reference exhibits
* 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. The wagon features newly designed interior, front grille, rear bumper, and roof spoiler, and is fitted with 18-inch wheels. The body color is the Blitzen's original, premium red. The contrast between the voluminous front and lean rear end, with tight design from the sides to rear gates, takes its dynamic styling from the Blitzen 2005 Model, yet this 2006 Model expresses even more vigor.
(Blitzen means flash in German. The car is named after the flashing image of a fast passing car, like a sharp lightning strike. The first generation Blitzen was introduced in 2000.)
Length 4,720 mm
Width 1,730 mm
Height 1,475 mm
Curb weight 1,480kg
Engine SUBARU BOXER 2.0-liter H4 DOHC Turbo charged engine
Power 191?260?kW?ps?/6,000rpm
Torque 343 (35.0) Nm (kg-m)/2,400rpm
* Legacy Outback/Forester "Edge" style
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. Imagine leaving cacophony of the city to find peace in nature; the contrast of daily life to special occasions; the rigors of business versus relaxation at a resort. 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. The subtly deep grey-tone body color, diamond grey, makes the original designs look distinguished. The interior is highlighted by warm, ivory-color leather seats and trim that contrast with the black dashboard panel and stress elegance and openness. While it retains design elements that express powerful SUV driving, the Edge also integrates cosmopolitan sophistication suitable for city driving. A true edge in design and technology is proposed in this new crossover vehicle.
Legacy Outback "Edge" style
Length 4,730mm
Width 1,770mm
Height 1,545mm
Curb weight 1,510kg
Engine SUBARU BOXER 3.0-liter H6 DOHC
Power 184 (250) kW (ps)/6,600rpm
Torque 304 (31.0) Nm (kg-m)/4,200rpm
Forester "Edge" style
Length 4,485mm
Width 1,735mm
Height 1,590mm
Curb weight 1,390kg
Engine SUBARU BOXER 2.0-liter H4 SOHC
Power 103 (140) kW (ps)/5,600rpm
Torque 186 (19.0) Nm (kg-m)/4,400rpm
* Samber Dias Wagon
While it continues to incorporate improvements in convenience and utilities in the Samber commercial-use tradition, the new Samber Dias Wagon has adopted new designs that make it look more a passenger car. The streamlined exterior accentuates the straight-line, recessed band that stretches back from under the headlights. The interior, based on ivory-color tone, expresses a high quality feel.
* Subaru R2
The R2 mini car, in its uniquely beautiful design, comes with sensible packaging, superb fuel economy, and crash safety features. The R2 is versatile, easy to use, and offers agile driving. The new R2 model on exhibit features newly designed front grille and rear garnish, as well as modifications in the rear side glass that will facilitate rear view from the driver's seat.
* 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.]
Length 3,285 mm
Width 1,475 mm
Height 1,510 mm
Curb weight 900kg
Motor type / Max out put permanent - mangnet type synchronous motor / 40kW/6000rpm
Battery type / total voltage Manganese Lithium-ion / 346V
Running distance per one charge (Japan 10/15 mode) 120km
* Subaru 360
The Subaru 360 was introduced in 1958 as Japanese mini car. The vehicle received high evaluation as transportation tool of people who celebrate the motorization era came.
Length 2,990 mm
Width 1,300 mm
Height 1,380 mm
Curb weight 385kg
Engine type Air-cooled, 2-cycle, parallel 2-cylinder
Power 16ps/4500rpm
Torque 3.0kg-m/3000rpm
Suspension Front : Trailing-arm-type independent suspension
Rear : Swing-axle-type independent suspension
Specification is when introduced in 1958
WRC Challenge
Proving Subaru's driving pleasure and safety
Subaru has continuously participated in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) since 1990. Our response to the challenge presented by the FIA WRC is rooted in the belief that the fastest cars require the safest features. To build a car that can drive at its top speeds over a range of different terrains in the world, that is the FIA WRC challenge, and the speed challenge also entails the rigorous pursuit of technologies for improving vehicle stability and performance. Such technologies are always directly linked to all mass-produced Subaru models.
Subaru has close collaboration with the Subaru World Rally Team (SWRT) to strengthen this link. Subaru vehicles are benefiting from the collaboration, which recognizes and makes the most of a car manufacturer's resources and a rally team's know-how. There is a close relationship between Subaru cars and WR cars, since WR cars are based on mass-produced models. To make a competitive WR car, a base car must have suitable traits for rallying, and in return, the experience and know-how needed for the WR car can be used to improve on the base car.
Subaru continues to meet its FIA WRC challenge in order to develop and introduce safer high-performance cars.
Subaru Impreza WRC 2006 prototype*
The prototype is based on the new Impreza, which was introduced in June 2005 in Japan. Subaru's car designers were in charge of its exterior designs, as they were for the current Subaru Impreza WRC 2005 rally car. With know-how fed back from rallying experience, the prototype incorporates aerodynamic designs and adopts systems to improve its competitiveness in rallying events. The Subaru Impreza WRC 2006 model is scheduled to debut at the WRC Rallye Automobile Monte Carlo in 2006.
* FHI homologation application scheduled
Subaru Booth
Designed under the theme of Smart Cell, the Subaru booth is highlighted by a honeycombed look, its walls covered with illuminated hexagon panels that resemble organic cells. The composition of the cells represents Subaru's crossover concept, expressing the collective shape that is made up of discretely different values, ideas and advantages. Cells are illuminated from the inside by LED lights (Light Emitting Diodes), and the ambiance of the booth can be changed by adjustments to their lighting.
Exhibits of Subaru booth
1. B5-TPH (Concept car) World premiere
2. B9 TRIBECA (Silver) (Reference vehicle / US market model) Japan premiere
3. B9 TRIBECA (Red) (Reference vehicle / US market model)) Japan premiere
4. Blitzen 2006 MODEL Touring wagon (Reference vehicle)
5. Legacy Outback "Edge"style (Reference vehicle)
6. Forester "Edge"style (Reference vehicle)
7. Sambar Dias Wagon (Reference vehicle / Scheduled for market launch in Japan)
8. Subaru R2 (Reference vehicle / Scheduled for market launch in Japan)
9. Subaru Impreza 2006 Prototype Japan premiere
10.Legacy Touring wagon 2.0R B-SPORT
11.Legacy B4 3.0R
12.Impreza Sedan WRX STI
13.Impreza Sportwagon 1.5i G Package Transcare wing seat
14.Subaru R1 i
15.PLEO F Limited
16.SUBARU 360 (Reference vehicle)
17.TPH system (Technology exhibit)
18.IVX-II (Technology exhibit) World premiere
19.Symmetrical AWD (Technology exhibit)
20. SUBARU RALLY CHALLENGE
(Driving simulator) World premiere
21. R1e (Reference vehicle / Available at "Clean energy vehicle test ride)
Subaru Rally Challenge (Driving Simulator)
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. The Impreza rally car designs and virtual movements have been supervised by Tosihiro Arai, a leading Japanese rally driver who participates in the Production Car World Rally Championship. |
