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.
