Photo: Subaru
Modular platforms seem to be key to cutting costs and building better cars these days. The Volkswagen Group has two “modular toolkits” it can use, the MQB and MLB. Nissan and Renault have one too and it’s already underpinned 3 well received SUVs. Now Subaru wants a part of the action and is preparing its own.
Called the Subaru Global Platform, this new architecture will be offered starting in 2016 and will underpin everything from the Impreza compact to the Outback. The first application will be the next generation of the Impreza.
The current sedan is relatively new in America and has just received its ultra-hot 305 hp STI version. However, it’s been available in Japan since late 2011. The Impreza’s replacement will have a larger interior, better dynamics and will be even safer. Subaru prides itself on the safety of its models and has racked up quite a few Top Safety Pick Plus accolades from the IIHS.
Given the popularity of three-row SUVs in America, the company is also considering another Tribeca which could be locally produced at their North American facilities, somewhere between 2016 an 2020. It seems rumors of the Tribeca’s demise two years ago have been premature, or at least the decision has been reconsidered.
Also in 2016, Subaru will switch from indirect to direct injection. In order to meet more stringent emissions standards, the automaker will offer more economical combustion cycles and cylinder deactivation, both available by 2020. Subaru will also call on Toyota to make its first plug-in hybrid, why it has to offer in order to sell cars in North America.
It’s yet unclear what model will get the electric powertrain, but bespoke hybrids like the Prius has proven a tough sell outside of Toyota. Instead, Subaru might target one of its more popular niches, such as the midsize sedan. We’ll remind you that Honda’s first mass-market plug-in hybrid car is the recently introduced Accord sedan, so the next Legacy could be the one to go green.
Via Automotive News
The current sedan is relatively new in America and has just received its ultra-hot 305 hp STI version. However, it’s been available in Japan since late 2011. The Impreza’s replacement will have a larger interior, better dynamics and will be even safer. Subaru prides itself on the safety of its models and has racked up quite a few Top Safety Pick Plus accolades from the IIHS.
Given the popularity of three-row SUVs in America, the company is also considering another Tribeca which could be locally produced at their North American facilities, somewhere between 2016 an 2020. It seems rumors of the Tribeca’s demise two years ago have been premature, or at least the decision has been reconsidered.
Also in 2016, Subaru will switch from indirect to direct injection. In order to meet more stringent emissions standards, the automaker will offer more economical combustion cycles and cylinder deactivation, both available by 2020. Subaru will also call on Toyota to make its first plug-in hybrid, why it has to offer in order to sell cars in North America.
It’s yet unclear what model will get the electric powertrain, but bespoke hybrids like the Prius has proven a tough sell outside of Toyota. Instead, Subaru might target one of its more popular niches, such as the midsize sedan. We’ll remind you that Honda’s first mass-market plug-in hybrid car is the recently introduced Accord sedan, so the next Legacy could be the one to go green.
Via Automotive News
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