Subaru's Mysterious Concept SUV Will Show Off New e-Boxer Hybrid Tech
Subaru teases its Geneva auto show debut with a moody photo of a mystery SUV.
New plug-in-hybrid technology will be showcased under its sculpted hood.
The Subaru partnership with Toyota to license the Prius's hybrid drivetrain technology comes to fruition.
Subaru is gearing up to introduce its new e-Boxer hybrid powertrain at the 2019 Geneva auto show, and it'll do so in a mysterious crossover concept. The Viziv Adrenaline concept, from what the teaser (above) shows, should be cool. From the photo we can see a clear oval-shaped logo set into a trapezoidal grille-so far, so Subaru-but we can also see a round-topped windshield and side window glass that appears to indicate this off-roader is a two-door.
Could this be a look at the next-generation Crosstrek? Is it a new dedicated plug-in-hybrid model? Perhaps it's some sort of new off-road WRX coupe? The company has been using the word Viziv recently for its concepts, saying the word is a mashup of the slogan "Vision for Innovation." The name was used on a three-row SUV concept displayed at the 2016 Los Angeles auto show on what eventually became the Subaru Ascent and on a slick-looking wagon concept from the 2018 Geneva show. So far, only one of them has resulted in a production vehicle, so time will tell.
The real news is the hybrid powertrain showcased under its sculpted hood. Subaru currently offers a plug-in-hybrid version of its Crosstrek SUV, which we've found to be pleasant and slightly quicker than the gasoline-only model. The new e-Boxer powertrain is expected to offer longer electric-only driving range from a larger battery pack and should work its way throughout the Subaru lineup. Last year, we reported that Subaru had struck a deal with Toyota to borrow hybrid technology, which is likely what e-Boxer has evolved from (the Crosstrek hybrid also uses some drivetrain tech licensed from Toyota). We'll know more in a few weeks when we see the concept for ourselves in Geneva.
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