North American Premiere of the "SUBARU VIZIV 2 CONCEPT" at the 2015 Montreal International Auto Show

Subaru Canada Inc.

MONTREAL, Jan. 15, 2015 /CNW/ - Subaru Canada, Inc. (SCI), in cooperation with Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the manufacturer of Subaru vehicles, held the North American reveal of the "SUBARU VIZIV 2 CONCEPT" today at the 2015 Montreal International Auto Show.

The "SUBARU VIZIV 2 CONCEPT" (VIZIV 2) is a future-generation crossover concept that represents the direction of Subaru's brand value "Enjoyment and Peace of Mind" following the "SUBARU VIZIV EVOLUTION CONCEPT" exhibited at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show. "VIZIV" is a coined word inspired by the phrase "Vision for Innovation" to express Subaru's future vision of innovation and the direction of the brand. By using the word continuously, Subaru expresses to pursue "Enjoyment and Peace of Mind" as an essential value offered for customers.

Main features
A future-generation crossover concept achieves integration of apparently-opposing elements such as "environmental friendliness and driving performance" or "design and utility" at a high level. It offers the brand value "Enjoyment and Peace of Mind" on all road surface conditions, driving environments and usage.

Compared to the VIZIV's 2-door body, VIZIV 2 employs a 4-door body which achieves a sporty cabin combined with utility. The stylish body was also given a design appropriate to allow four adults to ride comfortably on long road trips.

While emphasizing "dynamism" and "solidity", the design shares similar themes with other Subaru family models. Its hybrid system employs a small displacement turbocharged engine which is popular in many markets. Automated driving technologies are also adopted as important technologies to offer the brand value "Enjoyment and Peace of Mind".

Technologies
The VIZIV 2 is a plug-in hybrid, which consists of the 1.6-litre Horizontally-Opposed direct injection turbo "DIT" engine, combined with a high-torque-compatible Lineartronic (CVT) with one front motor and two rear motors. The components for the hybrid system, such as a high voltage battery, are installed while maintaining the Subaru's unique Symmetrical AWD (All-Wheel Drive) layout. The layout delivers superb driveability based on its low centre of gravity and superior weight balance. An "Independent-rear-motor-driven symmetrical AWD" system which is leading the way for a future generation of Subaru AWD technology has been adopted for the VIZIV 2. Subaru is constantly refining its unique AWD systems according to the development philosophy "Four-wheel management". The "Independent-rear-motor-driven symmetrical AWD" system provides impressive control of the four wheels to match the environment and road surface conditions.

Furthering the technology envelope, the VIZIV 2 features a next-generation EyeSight system with stereo cameras that can detect emerging traffic conditions. The revolutionary system combines with 360-degree sensing for autonomous driving.

Design
The solid body represents polished surfaces, rigidity and density, in turn an expression of Subaru's safety and security. Representative of the powerful, dynamic motif, the sides pose in a dynamic stance, coupled with strong fenders which flare out as if gushing out from the interior. Beginning with the hexagonal grille, the front represents the solid feel of the design. Together with headlights which evoke images of the BOXER engine within, large circular lights serve to emphasize the image of an active crossover. The core hexagonal shape of the body is repeated again in the rear. The rear combination lamps make the rear feel wider, and the strong fenders impress a sense of stability in their stance.

The rugged body framework has been incorporated as part of the interior design, creating an inspiring and dynamic space that fosters an enjoyable driving experience.

Specifications

Overall Length (mm): 4,435
Overall Width (mm): 1,920
Overall Height (mm): 1,530
Wheelbase (mm): 2,730
Engine Type: 1.6-litre Horizontally-Opposed direct injection turbo "DIT"
Transmission Type: High-torque-compatible Lineartronic (CVT)
Electric Motor Type: Interior Permanent magnet synchronous motor;
	Front: 1 motor; Rear: 2 motors
Battery Type: Lithium-ion batteries
AWD System: Independent-rear-motor-driven symmetrical AWD
Tires: 245/45ZR20
Seating Capacity: 4

Subaru Canada, Inc.
Subaru Canada, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of over 90 authorized dealers across Canada. For more information, please visit www.subaru.ca or www.pr.subaru.ca or follow @Subaru_Canada on Twitter.

SOURCE Subaru Canada Inc.

Image with caption: "Subaru VIZIV 2 Concept (CNW Group/Subaru Canada Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150115_C8156_PHOTO_EN_10226.jpg

Joe Felstein, [phone], [email protected]; Daniel Ponzini, [phone], [email protected]; Amyot Bachand, Media Relations, Quebec Region, [phone], [email protected]