Along with the highly-anticipated debut of the BRZ sports car, Subaru will also reveal a concept car at the Tokyo Auto Show, giving a strong hint as to the brand’s first hybrid vehicle.
An evolution of the Hybrid Tourer Concept, the Advanced Tourer Concept will get a smaller 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine, using both direct-injection and turbocharging, paired with an electric motor. Energy will be stored using a high-tech lithium ion battery and the car will also feature regenerative braking. Subaru is targeting a 50 percent improvement in fuel economy over its current models.
As a Subaru, look for an all-wheel drive system, although not the traditional setup. Instead, the system will use electric power to enable a full AWD drive mode, with the car expected to run as a front-driver when powered exclusively by the gasoline engine.
Expected to arrive in 2013, the car will debut alongside the BRZ sports car in Tokyo.