Reports are coming in that Subaru will be debuting its first hybrid vehicle by 2013. Subaru first teased a hybrid vehicle almost six years ago. The automaker feels the fuel economy offered by its present models can weather any moderate increases in gas prices, but according to Tom Doll, COO of Subaru of America, the addition of a hybrid model will only strengthen its position as an eco-conscious automaker.
Details on the system — or even which vehicles will be offered with it — are still scarce, but if the final product resembles what the automaker previewed with its 2005 B5-TPH concept, expect Subaru’s hybrid system to sandwich an electric motor between the engine and transmission. Interestingly, the vehicle will not use a hybrid drive system adapted from that used by corporate parent Toyota. Instead, Subaru’s system will be unique, and most importantly, compatible with both boxer engines and all-wheel-drive systems. Seeing as how the automaker has been working with electronics giant NEC to develop lithium-ion battery packs since 2002, such a battery could very well make it into the production model. Subaru has also been tinkering with lithium-ion capacitor technologies for some time.
Read More: http://blogs.automotive.com/6708338/concept-cars/subaru-parts-ways-with-toyota-with-first-hybrid/index.html
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