For this year's Tokyo auto show, Subaru previews three cars it will put on display. First, there's the much-anticipated rally-tuned version of the Impreza, a car that got a major update in its standard form for 2008. Subaru will also show off two original concepts: the G4e, an electric car, and the Exiga, a touring car designed to hold seven passengers.
When we reviewed the 2008 Subaru WRX, we found that Subaru homogenized the car, taking it from sporty rogue to daily commuter. But we're hoping that the WRX STi version brings back some of its performance edge. The styling cues shown here suggest it's more beastly than its milquetoast platform.
Although the Subaru WRX gets a 2.5-liter turbo-charged engine, the STi model gets a lower-displacement 2-liter four-cylinder developed specifically for the car. With its twin-scroll turbo, it should produce 300 horsepower, 75 more than the base WRX.
The Japan model will be right-hand drive, of course. The car comes with a six-speed manual and a refined all-wheel-drive system, which Subaru says "will provide exhilaration and confidence in every driving situation." Interior cabin tech should match what's available on the base WRX.
G4e means Green for earth, according to Subaru, a name that hints at this car's electric drive system. The car has a visible charge point in the middle of the front bumper and uses a triangular exterior motif to represent forward motion and to improve its aerodynamic profile.
In true concept-car fashion, G4e uses lots of video screens around the dashboard and an odd-shaped steering wheel. Instead of mirrors, G4e uses rearview cameras mounted to the A-pillars. The screens would show the pictures from these cameras, among other information.
The Exiga could easily be the next Subaru Forester. The concept has room for seven passengers and would use a 2-liter turbo-charged boxer style engine putting power to all four wheels. The exterior design is realistic for a production car, although it has some futuristic touches such as LED headlights and rearview cameras instead of side mirrors.
The dashboard features the requisite multiple LCDs, some of which would show video from the rearview cameras. Eschewing a conventional shifter, the console seems to hold a dial for shifting the car's five-speed automatic transmission.
Part of the design for Exiga was to create an open and airy interior space, which explains the panoramic sunroof. And the rear seat video screen works for people who get tired of looking at the sky.
