Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI) has taken the wraps off of its new Subaru Global Platform, which will be the architecture used on all of Subaru’s next-generation vehicles. According to the carmaker, the new platform is designed with the future in mind and looks ahead to 2025.
The new platform is said to provide a significant enhancement in overall vehicle performance compared to its predecessor. Torsional rigidity throughout the body has been increased dramatically (a 70% to 100% increase over present models) thanks to an optimised frame structure and stronger joints, plus the increased use of high-tensile steel plates including materials formed by the hot press method.
Noise, vibration and handling aspects also get a boost thanks to the improved rigidity, allowing for better distribution of resonance and distortion throughout the body, greatly reducing vibrations from the steering wheel, floor and seat.
Revisions to the suspension system sees the platform achieve a centre of gravity that is five mm lower. Furthermore, the more rigid suspension mounting improves absorption capability, providing a smooth and comfortable drive. A rear stabiliser that is mounted directly to the body reduces the body roll of the vehicle by 50%, compared to present models.
Safety is part of the platform’s focus here as well, enablinge more efficient energy absorption in the event of a collision. Subaru quotes an improvement of 40% in terms of energy absorption over present models, and anticipates further improvement with new materials in the future.
Finally, the new platform also streamlines the development for all Subaru models in the future. This includes the adoption of petrol powertrains, featuring Subaru’s horizontally-opposed (boxer) engines and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. Furthermore, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric powertrains can be deployed if needed.
An added benefit here is the possibility to produce platform components for multiple models in the same production facility rather than manufacturing them in different factories, as has been the case in the past.
The Subaru Global Platform will be used in the development of all Subaru vehicles from now on, beginning with the next-generation Impreza, due to hit the market later this year. The new Impreza was previewed a while back, in five-door hatchback and sedan concept forms in Tokyo and Los Angeles respectively. Other models will follow suit, including the XV crossover, which was also previewed in concept form during the 2016 Geneva Motor Show.
GALLERY: Subaru XV Concept
GALLERY: Subaru Impreza Sedan Concept
GALLERY: Subaru Impreza 5-Door Concept at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show
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oooh! new impreza…. exciting times ahead…
i am impressed with this news and cant wait for the new models to roll out. saving my money for one of these future subarus
Can see the prop shaft tunnel on the floor. So AWD till at least 2025. Very good Subaru.
Seems a photo of the Land Rover gear stick sneaked into the Impreza sedan concept photo set.
Hopefully they increased the XV boot space