Automotive

Subaru's new modular platform will be cheaper, smoother and safer

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Crash energy absorption is 40 percent better thanks to the new setup
The new platform is between 70 and 100 percent stiffer than current offerings
There's a new suspension layout which is said to cut body roll by 50 percent
The new platform can be adapted to fit everything from the Impreza to the big Outback or Forester
Crash energy absorption is 40 percent better thanks to the new setup
Subaru has opened itself up to a range of modern powertrain options with the new platform
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Fuji Heavy Industries has unveiled the new architecture that will underpin Subaru's next generation of cars. The Subaru Global Platform (SGP) is designed to offer greater refinement, safety and a sharper handling experience, as well as helping to cut down on development costs across its range.

The Global Platform is essentially Subaru's take on Volvo's SPA or Volkwagen's MQB setups, which allow a wide range of cars to be built around the same basic architecture without having to spend too much money on new production equipment. Instead, more money can be directed towards adding more models to the range or extra technology to existing cars – essential for a relatively small manufacturer like Subaru.

At the core of the Fuji Heavy Industries' new platform is a new focus on refinement and handling. The SGP is between 70 and 100 percent stiffer than the underpinnings it replaces, which makes for more responsive steering. This will be backed up by new suspension system and a center of gravity that's been lowered by 5mm.

Subaru has opened itself up to a range of modern powertrain options with the new platform

Subaru claims the new suspension setup, which has its rear stabilizers attached directly to the body, is so capable that roll has been cut by up to 50 percent compared to current models. Considering the pedigree the brand has in rallying, that's a claim that has us excited for the next generation of the WRX and WRX STI.

Of course, sharp handling will only win a small percentage of buyers over - the new platform needs to be refined and safe as well. The first of those concerns is dealt with by stronger joins between the individual parts of the floorplan, which cut down on vibration and harsh frequencies transmitted through the steering wheel, floor and seats.

On the safety front, Subaru claims its new architecture is 40 percent better at absorbing energy in an accident than its current models, with the potential to improve that as stronger and lighter materials become available over the next decade.

As you'd expect, the SGP has also been designed to take a full range of modern powertrain setups, including hybrid, all-electric and petrol setups.

The first car to be based on the new architecture will be the Impreza sedan and hatch, with a new Forester to follow.

Source: Subaru

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3 comments
DaveSavage
OH please please add the ability to move the front seats all of the way back to touching the rear seat. I want that few inches of extra space when nobody is in the back seat. You may need to provide a secondary / optional set of seat attachment mounts so that a tall person can reposition the seat rail brackets.
And please work with your sunvisor manufacturer to make the hardwarw with a quick disconnect mount from the roof attacment to allow for after marker suppliers to provide optional visors with special features.
And please make the fron passanger and rear seats easily removeable with quick attachment mounts like those available for seats in passanger vans. This will allow a whole new category of aftermarket storage and mobile office containers that would be great for sales reps.
And please provide a "plastic - vinyl" option to carpeted interiors. This would be great for people with little kids and those working in dirty environments.
IvanWashington
maybe in combination with progressive bump stops, they can finally dial in the magic carpet ride that many of us like.
ErstO
So does this mean automakers are shifting away from unibody construction back to body on frame construction?