Skip to main content

Hybrid Subaru SVX successor may be in the works, but will it be as radical?

1992 Subaru SVX
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Subaru fans aren’t shy about discussing ways to “improve” the WRX and BRZ, but there’s a third performance-car avenue for the carmaker that’s a little more esoteric.

Children of the 1990s will remember the Subaru SVX, a radically-styled, all-wheel drive sports car that was essentially a concept car for the road. At a time when Japanese carmakers were showing off like never before, the SVX was totally different, right down to its “window-within-a-window” glass.

Australia’s Motoring reports that this unusual Subie is being prepared for a comeback.

A source within the carmaker claims Subaru is planning an SVX-like model with a boxer-six hybrid powertrain. The original SVX boasted a six-cylinder engine – the first fitted to a production Subaru – but this time it will reportedly be teamed with an electric motor, battery pack, and control system borrowed from Lexus.

Subaru of course collaborated with Lexus parent Toyota on the BRZ and its Scion FR-S twin, so perhaps the two companies aren’t done collaborating. Using Lexus technology will save Subaru money, and would give it a more effective hybrid powertrain than the mild setup that debuted on the XV Crosstrek Hybrid.

The company is showing a lot of interest in hybrids at the moment. It debuted the second Viziv plug-in hybrid crossover concept at last November’s Tokyo Motor Show, and is reportedly mulling a production version as well as an all-electric powertrain.

Theoretically, the Viziv concepts could morph into the next Tribeca, which could then lend its powertrain (or a version of it) to the new SVX, which Subaru reportedly aims to have in showrooms by 2017.

If that happens, hopefully the designers will keep those crazy windows.

Editors' Recommendations

Stephen Edelstein
Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…
2021 Subaru Outback vs. 2021 Subaru Forester
2020-Subaru-Forester

Subaru's popular Outback and Forester models evolved in a similar way. Both started life as rugged, all-wheel drive station wagons, and they gradually morphed into crossovers to reach a wider audience. While they overlap in some areas, they're different cars positioned in separate segments and each aimed at a unique group of buyers.

Here's how these two mainstays of the Subaru range compare on paper.
Tech features
Subaru made a name for itself by offering go-anywhere, all-wheel drive cars, not tech-oriented ones. The base version of the Forester is markedly utilitarian. It comes with a 6.5-inch screen embedded in the center console, a bargain-basement four-speaker sound system, automatic climate control, and very few creature comforts. You'll need to explore the upper echelons of the trim ladder if you require features like navigation displayed on a bigger touchscreen, a push-button ignition, a power-operated tailgate, and a heated steering wheel.

Read more
Jeep’s plug-in hybrid Wrangler will silently prowl the great outdoors
Jeep Wrangler 4xe

Jeep is more often associated with go-anywhere off-roaders than with fuel-sipping hybrids, but it wants to prove these two types of vehicles aren't mutually exclusive with a gasoline-electric variant of the Wrangler. Called 4xe, it will be capable of driving on electricity alone for short distances when it arrives in the coming months.

Giving the Wrangler electric motors and a battery pack allowed Jeep to turn it into a different kind of off-roader than fans are used to. With a full charge, the Wrangler can explore the great outdoors in almost complete silence; the only noise comes from the tires. And, an electric motor delivers its full torque output as soon as the driver presses the accelerator pedal, so crawling over boulders, logs, or anything else that's in the way is relatively easy.

Read more
Subaru Crosstrek vs. Subaru Outback
2020 Subaru Outback

Station wagons and hatchbacks are practical choices, but most buyers prefer crossovers. To sell its wagons and hatches, Subaru has internalized the mantra “if you can’t beat them, join them.”

In 1995, Subaru launched the Outback, an all-wheel-drive station wagon with rugged, truck-like styling. Even as overall wagon sales declined, the Outback proved popular, helping establish Subaru as a major automotive player.

Read more