2013 New York Auto Show: Subaru shows hybrid crossover and concept WRX
Subaru introduced its first pairing of hybrid power and all-wheel-drive in its Crosstrek crossover today at the 2013 New York International Auto Show, along with a concept performance car.
The 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid is a hybrid version of the funky crossover hatchback the automaker introduced for 2013.
PHOTOS: Subaru brings Crosstrek Hybrid and WRX CONCEPT to N.Y.
The hybrid version pairs a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and a small electric motor to make the same amount of horsepower and pound-feet of torque as the gas-only model: 148 and 145, respectively.
PHOTOS: Highlights of the 2013 N.Y. Auto Show
The hybrid model is expected to get 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. This isn’t a huge jump from the gas model’s 25/33 mpg rating; the hybrid’s 300-pound weight gain probably doesn’t help.
The electric motor is powered by a 13.5 kilowatt nickel-metal hydride battery that sits under the rear cargo area. Subaru says the compact battery means hybrid buyers give up only 1.7 cubic feet of cargo room in the trunk.
The hybrid culls additional efficiency from regenerative brakes and an engine start/stop function.
The hybrid shares its all-wheel-drive system and continuously variable transmission with the gas model, as well. Features such as a backup camera, heated front seats and mirrors, and a color, multi-function display screen are all standard on the Crosstrek Hybrid. Subaru said the hybrid retains the gas model’s 8.7 inches of ground clearance.
Pricing on the Crosstrek Hybrid wasn’t announced. Subaru said it will hit dealerships in the fall.
Subaru also brought the WRX CONCEPT to the show. The automaker revealed few details about the car other than a fondness for capitalization.
The car is essentially a design study for what will become a production WRX, a compact turbocharged sedan based largely on the more pedestrian Impreza.
Because Subaru released a new Impreza for the 2012 model year, a WRX variant is expected soon -- possibly with unveiling at the 2013 L.A. Auto Show in November.
Don’t expect all the styling elements of the WRX Concept to make it to production. These includes the carbon-fiber roof that Subaru used to lower the car’s center of gravity; the aggressive rear diffuser; the deeply sculpted headlights; and the quad exhaust tips protruding from the rear (Subaru may save those for the even more powerful STI variant).
What should make it to the production car is the bulging hood and scoop. This feature channels air to the car’s engine and intercooler and allows additional clearance for a turbocharger, which the WRX will almost certainly have.
Subaru didn’t announce details on the rest of the car’s powertrain, but more details will probably trickle out as the production car nears its debut. See you in L.A.?
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