Of
course, wrapping all this technology in a sporty two-door Legacy-based coupe body helped the B5-TPH get more attention at the North American International Auto Show then it would have if less aspirational. With Subaru's standard issue symmetrical all-wheel drive system combined with 200 millimeters (7.9 inches) of ground clearance means it looks like a crossover, but has a lower centre of gravity for more sporting handling.
And while the TPH drivetrain is destined for test-production in Japan in 2007, the body style will not see showrooms any time soon.
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ubaru has always been, and will continue to be, committed to safeguarding the natural environment that so many of our customers avidly enjoy," said Kunio Ishigami, chairman, president and CEO, Subaru of America, Inc. "We will continue to make these technologies a priority in our product development, manufacturing and business processes."
No doubt, a Subaru hybrid will become part of the automotive landscape soon, but the question remains if it will feature a drivetrain inspired by the TPH, or if it will arrive sooner than later thanks to development help from Toyota. After all, the first sign of Toyota's purchase was an announcement that its Camry production overflow would be built at Subaru's Indiana plant, and now that the Camry Hybrid is available, it only makes sense that Subaru would take advantage of its new relationship as well as the economies of scale that a shared drivetrain would allow. Only time will tell for sure.
Specifications:
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| Subaru released these photos, lending credibility to the claims that the THP system may see production in 2007. (Photo: Subaru Canada) |
And while the TPH drivetrain is destined for test-production in Japan in 2007, the body style will not see showrooms any time soon.
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| In profile the B5-THP is by far the best looking hybrid, bar none. (Photo: Subaru Canada) |
No doubt, a Subaru hybrid will become part of the automotive landscape soon, but the question remains if it will feature a drivetrain inspired by the TPH, or if it will arrive sooner than later thanks to development help from Toyota. After all, the first sign of Toyota's purchase was an announcement that its Camry production overflow would be built at Subaru's Indiana plant, and now that the Camry Hybrid is available, it only makes sense that Subaru would take advantage of its new relationship as well as the economies of scale that a shared drivetrain would allow. Only time will tell for sure.
Specifications:
- Body Type: 3-door hatchback
- Layout: front engine, AWD
- Engine: 256 horsepower, 253 lb-ft., 2.0L, turbocharged, Miller Cycle, hybrid flat 4
- Transmission: 5-spd automatic
- Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Web Site: www.subaru.ca
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