Subaru B5-TPH

First unveiled at the Tokyo auto show, the B5-TPH looks like a modern interpretation of Subaru's SVX sport coupe from the early to mid 90s. This sporty Outback-based 2-door coupe is a study in hybrid technology, which mixes in some crossover and wagon styling cues.In the engine bay, Subaru dropped in a turbocharged 2.0L flat 4-cylinder combined with AWD. Coupled to the internal combustion engine are electric motors. Unlike most hybrid vehicles, the Subaru uses lithium-ion batteries instead of the more conventional nickel-metal hydrid. Total combined output is 256 hp (plus the electric motor's 13 hp) and 252 lb/ft of torque (plus the electric motor's 110 lb/ft). TPH stands for Turbo Parallel Hybrid.Subaru plans to introduce their first production hybrids in Japan by the 2007 model year.The Lafayette Indiana (as well as the Yajima, Japan) plant has received the Zero Landfield Status, which means that everything that the plant produces is recycled or reused.Also unveiled was the R1e, a miniscule 3-door hatchback powered by an electric motor only. These two Subies use batteries that last longer than the current ones on the market, and have a life expantancy of 10 to 15 years. The R1e can be recharged in only 5 minutes.