Subaru is Moving Its Entire Lineup to a New Scalable Platform
Subaru has revealed a number of details on its upcoming scalable platform that will eventually underpin the brand’s entire lineup.
Starting with the redesigned Subaru Impreza which will hit the market before the end of 2016, the brand will be using the new Subaru Global Platform to build its vehicles on. Subaru’s classic selling features, those being boxer engines, all-wheel drive and the brand’s new Eyesight suite of safety technology is all still present, though there are some noteworthy changes.
In pursuit of “Enjoyment and Peace of Mind,” Subaru has made the new platform between 70 and 100 percent stiffer, the center of gravity has been lowered, the rear stabilizer bar has been attached directly to the body to reduce body roll by up to 50 percent and overall noise, vibration and harshness has been muted according to the brand. In regards to safety, the new platform absorbs impact 40 percent better than current models.
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Looking ahead to the future, Subaru says the stable straight-line steering of the new platform will suit autonomous driving well, while the platform is designed to accept hybrid, plug-in hybrid and all-electric powertrains.
Though no amount was offered, Subaru claims that moving to a single platform will help the brand save money which will be poured back into research and development to help improve the cars. It will also allow Subaru to build more than one model at a single assembly plant, another area where the automaker will become more efficient thanks to the new platform.
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Stephen covers all of the day-to-day events of the industry as the News Editor at AutoGuide, along with being the AG truck expert. His truck knowledge comes from working long days on the woodlot with pickups and driving straight trucks professionally. When not at his desk, Steve can be found playing his bass or riding his snowmobile or Sea-Doo. Find Stephen on <A title="@Selmer07 on Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/selmer07">Twitter</A> and <A title="Stephen on Google+" href="http://plus.google.com/117833131531784822251?rel=author">Google+</A>
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More refinement is always welcome as Subarus tend to feel a little rough around the edges in my humble opinion.
This has a lot of potential for good results--both for the automaker and customers. Except for the BRZ, most Subarus pretty much aim for the "get there safely and comfortably" market, and scalability will almost undoubtedly allow for improvements at low cost.