Hi there, I know many forum members are looking forward to hybrid options being offered in next gen Subaru vehicles. I've come across some new information today that I'd like to share.
Subaru Japan recently announced a new trim for the JDM Crosstrek featuring a "Subaru Strong Hybrid" system. They've launched a webpage for it and are accepting preorders starting 10/17.
From the official website, it's made clear that the hybrid powertrain will use a 2.5 NA engine, but no performance numbers were cited. However, I found a separate test drive article from a reasonably reputable website that offers more details:
1. The new hybrid system is an adaptation of Toyota's Hybrid System (THS) with Subaru's Symmetrical AWD, not an evolution of the existing 2.0 e-Boxer.
2. Powertrain specs:
- FB25 engine: 118kW (160ps) at 5600rpm, 209Nm torque at 4000-4400rpm, which seems lower than USDM FB25 specs.
- Electric motor: 88kW (119.6ps), 270Nm torque
- This is said to be a significant upgrade from the current 2.0 e-Boxer's 10kW/188Nm electric motor
3. From the performance numbers above, the combined max power could be around 280ps (276hp).
4. I'm not an expert in how Subaru's symmetric AWD works but there were mentions of "Subaru has maintained their propeller shaft-based AWD system but converted the previously hydraulic 4WD mechanism to an electronically controlled coupling system, improving responsiveness and control." Original text in Japanese: スバルは今回その駆動デリバリーでプロペラシャフト式を踏襲したが、電動化に際して油圧式だった4WD機構を電子制御カップリング式とすることで、応答性と制動性をも高めている。
5. The hybrid system's control units are mounted above the boxer engine, occupying space typically used for an intercooler in turbo models. So it's unlikely we'll see this hybrid system paired with a turbo engine like the FA24.
6. The battery capacity has increased from 0.6kWh in the 2.0 e-Boxer to 1.1kWh in the new system.
7. Fuel efficiency is expected to improve by about 20% compared to the current e-Boxer model (which achieves 15.8km/L in WLTC testing).
8. The fuel tank capacity has been increased by about 30% to 63L, potentially allowing for over 1200km of range on a single tank.
There is also a test drive video on Subaru JP's official Youtube account: video. What are your thoughts on these developments?
Subaru Japan recently announced a new trim for the JDM Crosstrek featuring a "Subaru Strong Hybrid" system. They've launched a webpage for it and are accepting preorders starting 10/17.
From the official website, it's made clear that the hybrid powertrain will use a 2.5 NA engine, but no performance numbers were cited. However, I found a separate test drive article from a reasonably reputable website that offers more details:
1. The new hybrid system is an adaptation of Toyota's Hybrid System (THS) with Subaru's Symmetrical AWD, not an evolution of the existing 2.0 e-Boxer.
2. Powertrain specs:
- FB25 engine: 118kW (160ps) at 5600rpm, 209Nm torque at 4000-4400rpm, which seems lower than USDM FB25 specs.
- Electric motor: 88kW (119.6ps), 270Nm torque
- This is said to be a significant upgrade from the current 2.0 e-Boxer's 10kW/188Nm electric motor
3. From the performance numbers above, the combined max power could be around 280ps (276hp).
4. I'm not an expert in how Subaru's symmetric AWD works but there were mentions of "Subaru has maintained their propeller shaft-based AWD system but converted the previously hydraulic 4WD mechanism to an electronically controlled coupling system, improving responsiveness and control." Original text in Japanese: スバルは今回その駆動デリバリーでプロペラシャフト式を踏襲したが、電動化に際して油圧式だった4WD機構を電子制御カップリング式とすることで、応答性と制動性をも高めている。
5. The hybrid system's control units are mounted above the boxer engine, occupying space typically used for an intercooler in turbo models. So it's unlikely we'll see this hybrid system paired with a turbo engine like the FA24.
6. The battery capacity has increased from 0.6kWh in the 2.0 e-Boxer to 1.1kWh in the new system.
7. Fuel efficiency is expected to improve by about 20% compared to the current e-Boxer model (which achieves 15.8km/L in WLTC testing).
8. The fuel tank capacity has been increased by about 30% to 63L, potentially allowing for over 1200km of range on a single tank.
There is also a test drive video on Subaru JP's official Youtube account: video. What are your thoughts on these developments?
