Subaru Archives

STI builds 1,088 ps electric prototype as a near-future motorsport study project

Subaru Tecnica International, the carmaker’s motorsports division which Subaru fans know more as ‘STI’, is looking ahead to the era of electrified vehicles, and inevitably a time will come when motorsports will go fully electric. As it is, there is already a single-seater all-electric series (Formula E) and in the recently-ended Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia, Audi entered three electrically-powered rallycars.

To prepare for the new era, STI has initiated the E-RA Challenge Project as a near-future motorsport study project. This project (‘E-RA’ stands for ‘Electric-Record-Attempt’) has the aim of gaining experience and training of new technologies in the world of motorsports in the carbon-neutral era. The insights gained from this project will help Subaru contribute to the future electrified society.

To complement the studies that will be carried out, STI has developed the STI E-RA concept car which is on display at the Tokyo Auto Salon this weekend. The first goal of this model is to try to record a lap time of 400 seconds (6 minutes 40 seconds) in a time attack at Germany’s Nurburgring circuit from 2023 onwards. Before then, driving tests will be conducted at circuits in Japan during 2022 as part of the development program.

Subaru’s strength and long experience in in all-wheel control technology will be used to develop systems for the control of the high outputs. With 4 motors, these will reach maximum system output level of 800 kW (1,088 ps) and reach the road using proprietary 4-wheel torque vectoring technology

The unique torque vectoring system is a technology that equalizes the balance to the grip limit of each of the 4 wheels with a driver-focused control system. It raises the grip level to the maximum and stabilizes car body position.

In order to obtain the maximum effect, the best way is to independently apply the optimum drive torque to the 4 wheels as the load shifts. To realize this, the system calculates the signals from sensors in wheel speed, vehicle speed, steering angle, g-force, yaw rate, brake pressure, and wheel load, determines the drive/braking torque of each wheel to gain a target stability factor, and provides instructions to the inverter.

For the motors, a high-torque high-revolution type with an integrated inverter and a gear for hyper EVs, which were developed and supplied by Yamaha Motor have been adopted. This motor is driven by a lithium-ion battery with a storage capacity of 60 kWh.

The structure where the motors are directly attached to the 4 wheels enables a high level of responsiveness and a direct control of the yaw of the car body. Since this is considered to be a system which can maximize a vehicle’s kinetic performance, and is included in the regulations for future motorsport (FIA E-GT), STI will follow the direction for development.

Subaru Solterra EV unveiled in Japan, to go on sale in mid-2022

Subaru Solterra EV unveiled in Japan, to go on sale in mid-2022

It’s no secret that the new Subaru Solterra unveiled today is essentially the same as the Toyota bZ4X that had its global debut earlier. It’s the same thing as the Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ, which the two companies developed jointly and which is probably necessary because of the volumes. With this new battery electric vehicle (BEV), both companies are entering a new era of high-volume pure electric vehicles that will likely become mainstream by the end of the decade and certainly in the next decade.

Being a joint project, the key structural elements are shared so the Solterra would use the e-TNGA architecture of the bZ4X. TNGA stands for Toyota New Global Architecture and is used for virtually all its latest models. How much involvement Subaru had in the e-TNGA, which is a BEV-dedicated platform, is unknown and just to differentiate its product, it calls the platform the e-Subaru Global Platform.

*Toyota’s version of the BEV which is known as the bZ4X.*

Slightly different styling
Like the Toyota model, the Solterra has sharp lines and futuristic styling. Its look certainly makes a statement that it is a different sort of vehicle (which, being a BEV, it is). The SUV profile is the same as the Toyota but as is the usual case in shared models, things like the lights and front end have different styling, along with the wheels.

In the case of the Solterra, the front end has a hexagonal shape where the grille would be. There is no grille, since there is no radiator to be cooled, so it is just a flat panel. But the styling is rather messy, like loose jigsaw puzzle pieces and the intake vent along the lower section does not help make things any better.

The headlights are more expressive with distinctive DRLs around 4 LED cubes. The rear lights also differ from the Toyota’s a bit but there is a similar light strip that runs the width of the body.

One of the areas that would certainly be identical is the powertrain with high capacity 71.4 kWh battery packs placed under the floor. Being part of the structure, the battery pack positioning helps in body rigidity as well as lowers the centre of gravity which helps stability and driving dynamics.

FWD and AWD
There will be front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions, the latter providing AWD by having a second motor at the rear axle. Total system output is 160 kW with two motors, and 150 kW with a single motor. Factory tests have achieved ranges of around 530 kms and 460 kms for the FWD and AWD versions, respectively. Subaru doesn’t mention recharging time but for the Toyota model, an 80% charge is said to be possible within 30 minutes with a DC fast charging outlet.

*The e-Subaru Global Platform for BEVs.*

Subaru has had long expertise in AWD, having been a pioneer among Japanese carmakers, so its long experience and knowledge would probably have been drawn upon for developing the drivetrain. Like the other SUV models, the Solterra has an X-MODE AWD control system that enhances the sense of security on rough roads. By adding the new Grip Control function, which enables the vehicle to run at a constant speed while stabilizing the vehicle even on rough roads, the capability is further enhanced.

Identical cabin layout
Inside the SUV, if you remove any brand identification, it would be hard to tell whose model it is. However, Subaru has not shown that it will offer the unusual yoke-like steering wheel that the Toyota has (initially for China) and provides a conventional circular one.

It is hard to have different designs for dashboards since the platform fixes many elements like vents and aperture sizes for various displays. To be very different will mean extra cost as the order to the supplier will be smaller so it is practical from the cost point of view to just have common parts and differentiate with colour and trim.

The whole dashboard is set low while the instrument panel is positioned high ahead of the steering wheel. The higher position of the panel allows the driver to view the meters while also keeping eyes on the road ahead. Over at the centre is a large tablet-like panel which shows other information and route guidance.

Subaru plans to begin selling the Solterra from the middle of 2022, which is also the same time that Toyota will start sales of its bZ4X. While the Toyota GR86 is made at Subaru’s factory alongside the BRZ, the Solterra will probably be made at a Toyota factory in Japan and perhaps also in China. Initial markets will be Japan, China, North America and Europe. Now that the Malaysian government is willing to allow duty-free import and sale of BEVs, perhaps Motor Image will be considering offering the model. However, it would also have to consider the potential volume since, as an official distributor, it will have to invest in providing full aftersales support.

Toyota reveals details of production bZ4X EV to be launched in mid-2022 (w/VIDEO)

Toyota reveals details of production bZ4X EV to be launched in mid-2022 (w/VIDEO)

After pioneering the mass production of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) in the late 1990s, Toyota is starting its big push into full electrification with a more extensive line-up of battery electric vehicles (BEVs). Until now, it has focussed on HEVs although it has had a small range of BEVs but now the carmaker is making the big leap towards larger models and aiming for higher numbers.

The first of the 7-model bZ range (by 2025) was previewed at Auto Shanghai in April this year in the form of the Toyota bZ4X concept. To be made in China and Japan, worldwide sales of the production version of the new BEV is expected to start by the middle of 2022.

Details of the new model, which will be a SUV, released today show that the production model is pretty much like the concept car. This is not surprising as Japanese carmakers have not wasted time and money on making too many fancy concepts to wow people but which never get built. They have instead previewed near-production concept cars as a final step to get last-minute feedback on designs and features.

e-TNGA architecture
The new model, to also be known as the bZ4X, sits on a BEV-dedicated platform (first for Toyota) based on e-TNGA philosophy. TNGA stands for Toyota New Generation Architecture, a flexible architecture used for all of the latest models. The one for the bZ4X has been jointly developed with Subaru Corporation which will also have its own BEV to be called the Solterra.

The platform has the advantages that TNGA provides such as a low centre of gravity and high rigidity, all of which will contribute to better driving dynamics and even good off-road performance since this is to be a SUV.

FWD or AWD
The powertrain is straightforward with one or two motors, the latter for the all-wheel drive version. System output is 150 kW for the front-wheel drive version and 160 kW for the AWD version. The E-axle integrates the electric motor, transaxle and inverter while the Electricity Supply Unit consolidates charging and power distribution functions.

Battery performance and safety
As with all BEVs, the key points that motorists will want to know are the performance of the battery pack. The 71.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack (made by an affiliated company) is expected to provide a cruising range of about 500 kms’, even in cold regions.

Compatible with high-output chargers worldwide, an 80% charge is said to be possible within 30 minutes. Besides the usual methods of recharging, there is an optional solar panel on the roof that can also convert sunshine to electricity for the battery pack.

It is also targeting a top-class battery capacity retention ratio (90% after 10 years of use or 240,000 kms). More attention has been given to preventing battery failure by strengthening measures to prevent and detect abnormal conditions (eg overheating). There are also new technologies with a multiple monitoring system that ensures safety and security in case of emergency.

Toyota’s subsidiaries have been developing and making batteries for many years and have gained a lot of knowledge. They have now developed a production process that eliminates contamination, which is a cause of abnormal heating. There is also a high-resistance coolant which prevents fire from short circuits even if there is leakage of the battery’s liquid coolant.

Safety is not forgotten and this is new territory for carmakers. While the basic structure has similarities to combustion vehicles, the high-voltage systems require specific protection. To ensure a high degree of battery pack safety, the Toyota Safety Sense active safety package is used and the body structure has been adapted to withstand collision from any direction. The battery pack itself is also designed in a way that contributes to ensuring protective performance in a collision.

Toyota has also developed more proactive initiatives with regard to the end-of-life scenario for battery packs. The company has a Battery 3R – Rebuild, Reuse, Recycle – approach which will ensure a worldwide top-class battery capacity retention ratio. It proactively undertakes battery rebuild (inspection and reassembly) and reuse and promotes initiatives for battery recycling.

RAV4 size but more spacious
The bZ4X has an overall length of 4690 mm and overall width of 1860 mm, which is about the same size as a RAV4 but it is around 100 kgs lighter. Due to the entirely different powertrain and layout of components, the wheelbase is significantly longer than the RAV4’s – 2850 mm versus 2690 mm. This naturally means a more spacious cabin which is also extra wide. Toyota says that the tandem distance is equivalent to that of a sedan like a Camry.

As the pictures show, the cockpit area is futuristic with the meters positioned to be visible through the upper part of the steering wheel. This is the first time a Toyota vehicle has such an arrangement and it is emphasizes ease of viewing by reducing eye movement and enabling a distance point of focus.

This is the second time that Toyota’s interior designers have given more thought to viewing the meters. When the first Prius hybrid was designed, the meter display was located at the centre of the dashboard instead of its traditional place ahead of the steering wheel. This was to improve eye focus (especially for older drivers) by not having a short viewing distance to the meter and a longer one to see the road ahead. Positioning the display further away meant that the driver’s focus would be further away most of the time, reducing changes and improving safety.

2022 Toyota bZ4X EV — *Unique steering wheel will be initially available only on cars sold in China. Other markets will have a conventional circular steering wheel (below) which will be changed progressively.*

The modularized driving controls including a steering column with a wing-shape. The one-motion grip combining steer-by-wire system and uniquely shaped steering wheel will be first offered in cars sold in China and progressively added to those in other markets. Before then, the other markets will have a conventional circular steering wheel.

Different regions, different approaches
Clearly, Toyota intends to quickly move to the forefront of the EV market as it did with hybrid electric vehicles. It has different strategies for different markets and regions, depending on the supply of electricity and the recharging network. For Malaysia, the decision has been made that the first phase of electrification will be to assemble hybrid electric vehicles locally.

While the latest news today of full tax exemption for EVs does make it possible for models like the bZ4X to be sold, it is likely that Toyota’s production and marketing plans for the next few years have already been set. The major markets will already have given big numbers that will probably take most of the output from plants in China and Japan, so a smaller market like Malaysia may have to wait till later. At best, we may a small number of units imported more to gauge market response while UMW Toyota Motor focusses on growing HEV sales for which a RM270 million investment has already been made.

Toyota: “No customer is left behind” in quest for carbon neutrality

Original 1994 Subaru Prodrive 555 Group A Impreza found and auctioned in Australia

A rare Subaru Prodrive 555 Group A Impreza GC8 47D is currently being auctioned in Australia by Lloyds Auctions. The car was used by Colin McRae as well as Carlos Sainz in the World Rally Championship (WRC) is unrestored and in untouched condition from when it was retired in 1996.

This rallycar, developed in 1993, is a significant model in WRC history and was the first car to use the famous L555REP numberplates, celebrating Repsol’s sponsorship with Carlos Sainz and Subaru. It won 3rd place in the 1994 Monte Carlo Rally with Sainz at the wheel.

The Subaru is authenticated original by ICAAARS and Possum Bourne Motor Sport (PBMS) and has been in storage with only 3 owners since it was raced. It still has the original Prodrive 2-litre turbocharged boxer engine and 6-speed manual gearbox.

*The Subaru rallycar in action during the 1995 World Rally Championship.*

“When we originally saw this car, it was a barn find with an estimated value of A$15,000 – $20,000 (about RM45,600 – RM61,000). Today it’s had a wash and a check of its history, and it may well be worth more than A$1 million (about RM3.041 million),” said Lee Hames, Chief Operating Officer for Lloyds Auctions. The current bid for the car is A$255,000 (about RM775,600).

2022 Subaru WRX starts fifth generation of rally-bred icon

2022 Subaru WRX starts fifth generation of rally-bred icon

After nearly 20 years, the rally-bred Subaru WRX starts its fifth generation. As expected, many elements of its new looks are derived from the Viviz Performance Concept which was displayed at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show. It’s a familiar form that evolved from the Impreza, with differentiating features like the prominent bonnet scoop and wider bodywork.

*Viviz Performance Concept shown at 2017 Tokyo Motor Show.*

At the front, Subaru’s signature hexagonal grille is flanked by more compact LED, while prominent character lines across the front, sides, rear of the car express the dynamic character. The front fenders are now made of aluminium which reduces the overall vehicle weight by about 2.3 kgs. The bootlid has an integrated low-profile rear spoiler in matching body colour, with the taillights designed to glow like volcanic magma.

Apart from enhancing the looks, several functional aerodynamic improvements also enhance the new WRX’s performance and stability. An air outlet at the trailing edge of the front wheel opening allows air to exit from the wheel well more freely, contributing to reduced lift on the front tyres and improved driving stability. Another air outlet added at each side of rear bumper reduces body sway due to air trapped behind the bumper.

Molded wheel arches and lower trim feature an aerodynamic texture that reduces air resistance. Beneath the front end, the engine undercover also features this same aerodynamic texture, and augments it with a geometry that channels airflow to increase downforce at the front of the vehicle.

For the all-new model, the WRX gets a new 2.4-litre turbocharged boxer engine with an output of 271 bhp/350 Nm, with tuning to broaden the torque curve starting from 2,000 and continuing up to 5,200 rpm. The increased displacement, along with a turbocharger equipped with electronically controlled wastegate and air bypass valves, is said to provide improved responsiveness and acceleration.

It goes without saying that there is Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and customers can choose either a 6-speed manual transmission the new Subaru Performance Transmission which is an 8-speed CVT. While the manual transmission has quicker shifting, the CVT incorporates adaptive shift control that can quickly respond to perform rev-matching downshifts under braking, maintain the ideal ratio through corners, and respond faster on corner exit.

Besides, Active Torque Vectoring, the new WRX GT offers new electronically-controlled dampers, a first-ever for the model. These can tailor the dynamic performance to the driver’s preferences with Comfort, Normal, and Sport settings. The Drive Mode Select also offers additional options to configure steering feel, damper settings, SI-Drive settings, and more, with up to 430 different customization options.

Engine and automatic transmission operation can be tailored to driver preferences with three different settings for the SI-Drive Performance Management System. For additional driver involvement, an 8-speed manual mode can be accessed using steering wheel paddle shifters. An available external transmission fluid cooler improves durability and capability under demanding conditions.

The Subaru Global Platform on which the new WRX sits is a substantial upgrade in ride and handling performance. It has increased chassis stiffness and a lower centre of gravity. The platform has full inner frame construction and increased use of structural adhesives, delivering 28% increase in overall torsional rigidity and a 75% increase in suspension mounting point rigidity. A longer suspension stroke increases stability and lateral grip on uneven surfaces. The rear stabilizer bar, now mounted directly to the body (vs. the subframe), operates more efficiently and contributes to a roll rate reduction when cornering.

The track-tuned suspension has optimized geometry and reduced mass offset of the front suspension. A new dual-pinion electric power steering system separates the driver’s input shaft from the motor assist shaft. Together, these enhancements are said to deliver a quicker response to driver inputs, improved accuracy, and a more natural steering feel.

The interior of the WRX has typically been a functional driver-oriented space, given the performance orientation of the model. However, buyers also expect a more premium feel these days and for the new generation, the interior designers have revamped the approach to meet that expectation.

The interior uses a black theme with contrast red stitching and carbonfibre pattern accents. The driver gets a flat-bottomed, leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated switches for audio, voice recognition, and Subaru’s EyeSight control (driver assistance technologies).

A new and prominent feature is the tablet-style high-definition Subaru STARLINK 11.6-inch centre information display. This allows the driver to manage entertainment and vehicle settings, and also interface with a smartphone using Apple CarPlay, Android Auto or Bluetooth.

The navigation system, which uses TomTom in America, has a split-screen display, a first for Subaru. The display can simultaneously show two types of information, such as navigation and audio, for improved user interaction. The 11.6-inch multimedia systems retain physical buttons and knobs for frequently used functions like volume and temperature, which is a more sensible approach than touchscreens.

Subaru has not indicated the pricing for the new WRX, but first deliveries won’t be starting till early next year anyway.

50 years ago, Subaru was already selling cars with 4WD

50 years ago, Subaru was already selling cars with 4WD

All-wheel drive (AWD) is available in all types of vehicles today but until 50 years ago, they were not typically found in roadgoing passenger cars and only in off-road dual-purpose vehicles (which are today called SUVs or crossovers). While Audi could be said to have started the trend by coming out with AWD system for roadgoing models in the early 1980s, it was Subaru (then known as Fuji Heavy Industries) which can lay claim to offering the first 4-wheel drive car in 1972.

Although British carmaker Jensen did have a sportscar called the FF which had AWD, only 320 units were ever produced; Subaru made it available in a mass-produced model. The model was the Leone which had been introduced in 1971, and a 4-wheel drive system was incorporated in the stationwagon version that was launched in Japan in September 1972. The timing was just right as the Winter Olympics were held in Sapporo that year and having a car with all four wheels powered was advantageous in the snow and ice.

*FF-1 was the first Subaru to have the 4WD system but only limited numbers were produced. It was the Leone Stationwagon (below) which began Subaru’s mass production of cars with 4WD.*

4WD and AWD
Before going further, a bit of explanation about 4WD, which was installed in the early Subaru models, and AWD which is more commonly used today. 4WD (or 4×4) has power and torque going to all four wheels constantly which is useful in rough terrain and lower speeds, but not so good on roads. With AWD, all four wheels are also powered but there is ‘intelligent’ variation between the front and rear wheels according to grip conditions.

The first Subaru 4WD system was initially fitted to prototype vehicles as early in 1969 and by 1971, in a small number of FF-1 sedans. The engineers used feedback from those vehicles to improve and make the system more reliable and durable for wider application. The company was encouraged to finalise the 4WD project when the Tohoku Electric Supply Company, which supplied the mountainous and snowy Tohoku Prefecture in the north of the Japanese main island of Honshu with electricity, invited Subaru to tender for vehicle supply. The energy supplier was looking for a safe and reliable vehicle for its employees to use in all weather conditions and Subaru was ready with its 4WD Leone Stationwagon.

The 4WD SYSTEM was a simple one compared to today’s ‘intelligent’ systems like Subaru’s own Symmetrical AWD. It was mechanically activated via a dog clutch and power from the 1.4-litre boxer 4-cylinder engine was transmitted to all four wheels proportionately. The durability of the system was proven not just by owners who used the Leone in challenging conditions but also in 1977 at the marathon rally from London to Sydney. A Leone completed the 30,000-km drive, finishing fourth place in the AWD class.

Key selling feature
It would become a key selling feature of the Japanese brand and popularise its vehicles in markets, with more than 20 million AWD vehicles produced to date. In the USA, the Leone gained a sort of cult status and Subaru of America proposed the development of a compact lifestyle pick-up truck based on the Leone. The model the engineers in Japan came up with was described as a ‘Bi-drive Recreational All-terrain Transporter’ and the American marketing people immediately decided that it could be called ‘Brat’ when it was launched in 1978.

The Brat (also called Brumby in Australia) was a hit as well, especially with the beach communities on the West Coast. Even former President Ronald Reagan got one for himself, using it on his ranch. The Brat had the 4WD system, of course, and two engine choices were available – 1.6 litres and 1.8 litres. Some variants had a transfer case with High and Low ranges as well and 4WD could be selected at the touch of a button.

*Subaru Brat – the name actually stood for ‘Bi-drive Recreational All-terrain Transporter’.*

From 4WD TO Symmetrical AWD
As a pioneer in putting 4WD in passenger cars, it was not surprising that Subaru continued to develop more advanced drivetrains as the years went by. With more electronic technology available, it was possible to precisely control the amount of power flowing to the wheels for better vehicle stability and control.

The led to the permanent symmetrical AWD system that is available in virtually all Subaru models, except the rear-wheel drive BRZ. With Symmetrical AWD, the entire drive system, from the longitudinally-mounted engine to the rear differential, is mounted in a straight, symmetrical line. This precise orientation means each side of the system weighs the same, offering superior balance which benefits driving dynamics.

Active torque-split in the system distributes torque 60:40 front and rear, based on information from sensors constantly monitoring tyre grip, vehicle speed, steering angle, etc. The electronically controlled Multi Plate Transfer adjusts torque distribution to the front and rear tyres in real-time to suit driving conditions, as well as the transmission and driver inputs. The system is so advanced it can detect a loss of traction, or slip, of a wheel in less than one revolution of the wheel.

Another available feature is variable torque distribution which provides aggressive, sporty driving with increased turning abilities while retaining the fundamental driving stability offered by the Symmetrical AWD. An uneven 45:55 front and rear torque distribution is used for the front and rear ratio. Sending more torque to the rear wheels can reduce understeer, a trait that plagues 4WD vehicles. Torque distribution is controlled automatically up to an equal 50:50 front and rear.

Subaru to introduce first all-electric model in Europe by June this year

Daihatsu, Mazda, Subaru, Suzuki and Toyota to jointly develop specifications for vehicle communications devices

The auto industry has been developing autonomous vehicles that can operate on their own, without human control, and sometime in the future, perhaps all vehicles on the road will move around autonomously. However, besides imagery and sonar scanning to detect other vehicles and road-users so as not to knock into them, vehicles can also communicate with each other to enhance safety.

For example, if there is an accident around a blind corner, vehicles near it can broadcast the hazard and other approaching vehicles can take appropriate action to slow down. Likewise, at junctions, communications between vehicles could greatly improve safety and avoid accidents.

In order for this to be possible, there must be a common communications system that all vehicles can use and this is now being developed. Suzuki Motor Corporation, Subaru Corporation, Daihatsu Motor, Toyota Motor Corporation and Mazda Motor have reached an agreement to jointly develop technical specifications for next-generation vehicle communications devices and to promote the common use of communications systems.

Linking automobiles and other related elements
These systems will use connected services to link automobiles and other related elements with the aim of creating new appeal, value and services, to be standardized for early provision of safer and more convenient connected services.

Within the field of CASE (connected, autonomous/automated, shared, and electric), which is said to be bringing about major transformations in the automotive industry, rapid advances are being made in the connected domain, in relation to the communications and data aspects of technology and business including cloud services, Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data, and AI. Individual automobile manufacturers are independently developing vehicle communications devices, and even in cases where the same connected services such as remote operation functions are provided, each company is adopting a different approach in proceeding with development and deploying relevant resources.

Safer and more convenient connected services
In response to these circumstances, the companies can provide safer and more convenient connected services to customers as early as possible, by positioning the development of vehicle communications devices, which are basic functions of the connected car, as a cooperative domain; positioning the development of applications and services as an in-house domain; and achieving greater efficiency and accelerating the development of vehicle communications devices. Each company can focus more on the development of applications and services on this common infrastructure through these steps.

Having a common communications system is vital as individual systems will create a fragmented infrastructure. It can be likened to the establishment of the common Windows operating system. In the early years of computers, there were different operating systems and users could not easily communicate with each other, or even exchange data. Once the Windows system (or MS-DOS) became a common system, companies could focus on developing software that was compatible and this led to faster growth for the industry.

At this time, Suzuki, Subaru, Daihatsu, and Mazda, while incorporating their own technologies into the base vehicle communications technologies developed by Toyota, will together build systems for next-generation connected cars with common connection specifications from vehicles to networks and the vehicle communications device centre.

*A common communications system will allow vehicles of different brands and types to exchange information, reducing accidents.*

Optimizing R&D resources
As a result, by stabilizing the communication quality between vehicles and vehicle communications device centre further, it will be possible to provide more convenient connected services to customers, such as clearer calls between customers and operators and faster connection speeds. At the same time, it will be possible to reduce the development burdens of each participating company and simplify system operation and version upgrades that include additional new functions, thereby optimizing resources such as facilities and personnel.

The 5 companies will openly consider collaboration with other like-minded partners regarding the joint development agreed on at this time while continuing their efforts to develop services that enrich the lives of people and solve social problems.

Hino, Isuzu and Toyota to form new partnership in Commercial Vehicle Development

Subaru to introduce first all-electric model in Europe by June this year

To know more, visit www.bhpetrol.com.my.

With tightening regulations iyn Europe, carmakers have no choice but to switch their ranges to electrified powertrains. Subaru has already begun offering two electrified models – the XV e-BOXER and Forester e-BOXER – and will add a fully electric model before the middle of this year.

The model will be about the size of the Forester and will sit on a platform shared with Toyota. The news underlines Subaru’s efforts to reduce its environmental footprint in Europe and satisfy a growing demand for alternative powertrains. It also signals the brand’s second electrification step in Europe.

e-BOXER accounts for 60% of sales
So far, since being introduced, the two e-BOXER models already account for 60% of Subaru sales in Europe. The e-BOXER powertrain combines a 2-litre direct injection horizontally-opposed petrol engine with an electric motor. A lithium-ion battery unit is mounted within the boot floor and allows for pure-electric driving at speeds of up to 40 km/h.

Paired with an updated Lineartronic transmission and Subaru’s Symmetrical All Wheel Drive, the e-BOXER powertrain provides achieves smooth and linear acceleration with highly responsive torque. Power-split adjusts according to the driving condition and alternates between 3 driving modes: EV driving, Motor Assist driving and Engine driving.

In EV Driving mode, the vehicle is powered by the electric motor and can travel for a distance of about 1.6 kms at speeds of up to 40 km/h. This is suitable in urban conditions with stop-and-go traffic where a 10% improvement in fuel economy is claimed compared to the 2-litre variant with just a petrol engine.

During Motor Assist Driving, at medium speeds, the motor and the engine work together to improve power and performance. For higher speeds, the Engine Driving mode is utilised, and this operates with just the engine alone. Depending on speed and driving conditions, the engine will recharge the battery pack.

The Subaru Way
In designing the e-BOXER powertrain, the engineers stuck to the ‘Subaru Way” where it is arranged in a symmetrical layout. The electric motor assist and battery pack are aligned longitudinally with the heavy motor placed near the vehicle’s centre of gravity. The battery and other components are positioned above the rear axle which plants the car on the road giving noticeable handling improvements and achieving a balanced weight distribution.

First details and pictures of the new Subaru BRZ

First details and pictures of the new Subaru BRZ

Subaru’s all-new BRZ sportscar has been uncovered today at the Thermal Club Raceway in California and it comes with more power and better handling while retaining the original fundamentals of low weight, ultra-low centre of gravity, with precise steering and sharp handling.

Boxer engine gets more power, more torque
Running counter to the current trend of power over precision, the new BRZ maintains its simple concept with everyday comfort and practicality. It continues with a Boxer engine of 2.4 litres displacement, now producing 228 bhp, which is positioned lower than before, with a claim of the centre of gravity being on par with exotic hypercars. The naturally aspirated Boxer engine redlines at 7,000 RPM and has a 15% increase in torque.

Both manual and automatic transmissions will be available, with six ratios. The automatic transmission comes with a new Sport mode designed for more aggressive driving. It allows for more rapid downshifts with automatic throttle blipping and utilizes yaw sensors to hold the transmission in a lower gear during hard cornering to maximize performance.

Evolutionary, modernized design
The evolutionary styling is focused and functional aerodynamic details. The tidy coupe design is around 30 mm longer and about 12 mm lower than its predecessor. This gives a low and wide frontal area set off by large functional air intakes.

The grille is set low and capped by proud fender arches that allow just enough room for suspension points. A narrowed greenhouse accentuates the bold fender flares and the roofline features a subtle ‘double bubble’ appearance, a nod to vintage racing cars.

The aggressive design flows into bold front fenders with a large side vent. The functional side vent reduces drag by ducting air from under the bonnet and fenders. The released air is directed to a side sill spoiler that creates downforce at speed. A small fin at the back of the rear wheelarch also assists in airflow adding stability at speed.

At the rear, the large rear fenders and wider track flow into dual exhausts for a low and wide stance. This visual heft is lightened by a narrower greenhouse and rear hatch which flow into a dramatic upturned ducktail spoiler.

Utilizing aluminium for the roof, front fenders and bonnet, the new BRZ has an estimated curb weight of 1,280 kgs (the lightest version).

Driver-focussed interior
The new interior has every detail focused on the driver. A new customizable 7-inch digital dashboard is the focal point with the tachometer front and centre featuring an integrated digital speedometer readout. To the left of the tachometer is a programmable meter that can change to show amps, water temperature or a g-meter. When the BRZ is placed in track mode, the tachometer automatically shifts to a linear graph with a colour display that allows for a quick read.

The overall cabin design is contemporary and modular with improved driver amenities. The 8-inch infotainment touchscreen takes precedence in the centre stack and features the latest multimedia systems, including standard smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is also available, of course.

In keeping with its sportscar dynamics, the BRZ has a seating position that is low but features excellent sight lines. This is helped by the thin sections of the roof pillars which are made of high strength steel that ensures strength.

The 2+2 seating and folding rear seats within allow for the cargo area to be extended to take a mountain bike, golf clubs, or even four racing tyres and tools for track days.

Subaru Global Platform
The chassis takes full advantage of the ultra-low centre of gravity and high-strength body structure and near perfect weight distribution. The front suspension uses struts and coil springs to keep weight low. Using design elements from the Subaru Global Platform, the chassis has gained rigidity through a reinforced chassis mounting system, sub-frame architecture and other connection points.

Front lateral bending rigidity has been increased by 60% to improve turn-in and response. The front suspension features custom-designed MacPherson-type struts to optimize the low bonnet line while retaining a long stroke for ideal handling and ride quality. The double wishbone rear suspension system provides outstanding bump absorption to enhance tyre grip over varied surfaces.

For track driving, the Vehicle Stability Control traction and stability system offers the driver 5 different settings. The system has been redesigned to allow more input from the driver before it activates the traction system. For those who want full control, the system can be turned completely off.

Travis Pastrana gets the wildest Subaru WRX STi for new Gymkhana video series

Travis Pastrana gets the wildest Subaru WRX STi for new Gymkhana video series

Travis Pastrana, Subaru Motorsports USA’s driver, aims to take Gymkhana to the next level, with an outrageous WRX STI. His custom-built tyre destroyer is set to star in the next instalment of Hoonigan’s Gymkhana video series.

Back to the Gymkhana roots
Subaru and Hoonigan announced back in May that Pastrana would take over the Gymkhana series for 2020, bringing the series back to its roots, but promising a new take on the Gymkhana concept. With Pastrana’s decades of experience in rally, rallycross, supercross, freestyle motocross, NASCAR and stunts, Subaru was tasked with delivering a vehicle that could do things no Gymkhana car had ever been asked to do.

The build was done with technical partner Vermont SportsCar and took a production-based sedan to the limit of what was possible. The focus was on extreme performance and the raw carbonfibre bodywork received a wildly aggressive and wind tunnel-proven aero package unlike anything seen on a Gymkhana build before.

The Subaru Boxer engine also underwent modifications to Pastrana’s requirements while the suspension was given longer travel and the interior was made Gymkhana-ready.

“This STI is unbelievable!” said Pastrana. “We’ve never had the opportunity to do this before, to build a car with no restrictions. Engine, suspension, aero—everything is unlimited, clean sheet. It’s crazy fast, easy to control and get sideways and it was perfect out of the box in testing. Gymkhana is a new challenge for me but I want to raise the bar, and this is the car to do it!”

Subaru Tecnica International Unleashes Most Powerful Model Ever With Limited-Edition STI S209

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