The study shown in Frankfurt is the same clear-bodied display model we saw at the Geneva Salon this past March with the only difference being in the different tint on the plastic body.
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The Impreza-based XV, which could make it into North America as a replacement to the Impreza Sport Outback, was displayed as a concept model at the 2011 Shanghai Auto Show earlier this year.
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Subaru’s new rear-wheel drive sports coupe, which is still currently under joint development with Toyota, will be named BRZ. According to the automaker, the name stands for “Boxer engine”, “Rear-wheel drive” and “Zenith”.
The Japanese company also revealed that the start of production for the BRZ is planned for spring 2012, but before that, it will show a second technology concept of the coupe named “SUBARU BRZ PROLOGUE - BOXER Sports Car Architecture II - ” at the 64th Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2011.
We'll remind you that Subaru displayed a see-through concept study of the coupe to exhibit the car's mechanical hardware at this year's Geneva Salon.
Subaru’s new rear-wheel drive sports coupe, which is still currently under joint development with Toyota, will be named BRZ. According to the automaker, the name stands for “Boxer engine”, “Rear-wheel drive” and “Zenith”.
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More specifically, here’s how Subaru described the concept in the press release: “The Subaru XV Concept is a design concept car that defines a new generation of crossover vehicle, blending exceptional SUV practicality with a fashionable form. It was specifically designed for customers who are looking for a vehicle offering looks, benefits and a packaging that stretch beyond those from the populated crowd of existing crossover models,”
Judging by the name, size and shape of the concept, and the similarities (A-column, hood lines etc) to the 2012 Impreza Sedan, we’d say the XV is most likely a thinly disguised concept for a successor to the current Impreza XV, which is a high-riding version of the five-door hatchback with beefier wheel arches and thick roof rails. That said, the XV Concept should also provide our first look at the standard five-door hatchback version of the new Impreza.
We’ll remind you that Subaru will debut the sedan version of the all-new 2012 Impreza at the New York International Auto Show (April 22- May 1).
It's been a long time in the making but we're finally going to get our first glimpse of Subaru's version of the Toyota FT-86 RWD Coupe, which is a joint project from the two companies, at the upcoming Geneva Salon in March. The somewhat blandly named “Subaru Rear Wheel Drive Sports Car Technology Concept” will share the spotlight with the Impreza Concept (pictured above) and the Trezio mini MPV, both of which will receive their European premiere at the Swiss motorshow.
Despite rumors suggesting that Subaru may present an all-wheel drive version of the coupe project, the Japanese carmaker is keeping the rear-wheel drive setup, at least for now.
Not surprisingly, the Subaru coupe will be powered by a boxer engine, possibly the same four-cylinder unit lent to Toyota for the FT-86. Subaru did not release any photos nor any additional information on the Coupe concept model.
As for the company's two European premieres, the Impreza Concept was first shown in LA last November and previews a new design direction for the production model, while the Trezio is a re-badged version of the Toyota Verso-S mini MPV, which will be offered in Europe with a 1.3-liter gasoline and 1.4-liter turbo diesel engines.
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At the 2010 Australian International Motor Show in Sydney, Subaru unveiled the Forester S-Edition, a concept study that points to a new Forester variant for 2011. Built on the existing turbocharged Forester XT, the S-Edition produces an additional 32 hp and 20 lb ft (24 kw and 27 Nm) over the Australian market XT's 227 hp and 236 lb ft (169 kw and 320 Nm) lifting the 2.5-liter boxer engine's output to 259-horsepower.
A flappy-paddle 5sp automatic gearbox, revised sports suspension and Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) all-wheel drive round out the mechanical package, whilst new styling and comfort features including STI sourced 17-inch alloys, Alcantara interior trim and drilled alloy pedals help further differentiate the S-Edition from the XT.
Subaru Australia's Managing Director is quite pleased with the Forester S-Edition concept: "We're delighted and honoured that Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI) have chosen Sydney for the worldwide unveil of this Forester concept. It points towards an exciting development in our Forester range early next year." he said.
At the time of writing, the Forester is Australia's best selling compact sports utility vehicle, with its major rival - Toyota's RAV4 - trailing close behind. Carscoop will have more information on the possible production model variant of the S-Edition study as we get it.
By Tristan Hankins
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