Automotive

Subaru gets active and automated with new Viziv concept

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Subaru shows an integrated bike carrier
The Viziv Future is the next evolution in the Viziv crossover concept family
Inside, the focus is on technology, comfort and versatile cargo hauling
The Viziv Future has an advanced telematics system with high accuracy GPS and predictive road/weather monitoring
Though Subaru doesn't say anything about it, it appears the Viziv Future is purpose-built for carrying bicycles, inside or out
The Viziv Future's technologies allow for automated highway driving and parking
Subaru shows an integrated bike carrier
Subaru shows an integrated bike carrier
The Viziv Future has a transparent roof and what appear to be tie-down loops/rack mounts
Subaru will premiere the Viziv Future at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show
The Viziv Future is an AWD hybrid powered by a downsized turbo engine and single electric motor
Subaru Viziv Future
Subaru Viziv Future sketch
Subaru Viziv Future sketch
The Viziv Future is a technology preview
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Subaru has already trotted three Viziv (Vision for Innovation) designs out over the past two years – the original 2013 Viziv concept, the 2014 Viziv 2 and the Viziv GT video game race car. Now it's reusing that semi-portmanteau once again for the Viziv Future concept. All the Viziv concepts have been forward-looking, but none more so than the Future. The new concept car is infused with next-generation technologies and design solutions inside and out.

Debuting at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show, the Viziv Future is part of the "new Subaru story" theme of Subaru's booth. It's designed to encourage customers to get out and active while providing them peace of mind and enjoyment.

Subaru will premiere the Viziv Future at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show

Like its show car predecessors, the Viziv Future is an AWD hybrid. However, it drops the the multi-motor hybrid configuration in favor of a sleeker system that uses a single electric motor mounted concentrically on the rear axle. That motor partners with a next-generation downsized turbo engine. As Subaru tells it, the compact mounting of the rear motor allows for a flat floor that opens up a spacious cabin.

The Viziv future is highly aware of its surroundings thanks to a combination of advanced sensor and telematics systems. An omnidirectional radar system joins the familiar EyeSight front-facing stereo camera system in working to prevent collisions with other road users, including vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists. With support from the high-accuracy GPS system and vehicle-to-external communications, those sensors also allow for automated highway driving and automated parking capabilities.

The Viziv Future has an advanced telematics system with high accuracy GPS and predictive road/weather monitoring

Inside, the Viziv future features an advanced telematics system that processes information about forthcoming weather and traffic trends, keeping the driver (and vehicle) apprised of what's immediately down the road, figuratively and literally. The system also conveys "information supporting the customer’s hobbies and other aspects of an active life." Subaru doesn't get specific as to what that means, but we interpret it as a personalized feature that can do things like keep a sports fan updated on game scores or let a skier know about an imminent snowstorm.

The Viziv Future's styling is much more straightforward and production-ready than the previous two Viziv crossover concepts. The front, rear and profile have been smoothened out and toned down, giving this Viziv a look that's more dealership lot, less art studio.

Of course, some of the Viziv Future's body language expresses its identity as a futuristic concept car. In place of traditional rails, the glass roof is flanked by orange-highlighted tie-down loops that tie together with the orange inserts on the wheels, bumpers and mirror housings. The bumper-integrated honeycomb front and rear lights also look like a design you won't see beyond the auto show dais.

Oddly, even with all its talk about "active life", Subaru doesn't explain the Viziv Future's defining exterior feature: the rear-integrated bike rack. Letting the pictures do the talking, the bumper slides out to reveal a dual bike holder. This cleanly integrated solution reminds us of the Opel's FlexFix bike rack we last looked at in 2012, though it doesn't appear that Subaru's design allows for easy tailgate opening.

Those that prefer to give their bikes the shelter of a roof can do so in back, as shown in the picture below.

Though Subaru doesn't say anything about it, it appears the Viziv Future is purpose-built for carrying bicycles, inside or out

There are enough holes in Subaru's Tokyo preview to suggest that it will reveal a few more details at the Viziv Future world premiere. We'll be looking for it when the Tokyo show opens up to the press on October 28.

Source: Subaru

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3 comments
Simons Engineering
Finally, a CUV showing what interior & exterior bike mounts could look like. Of course... the team Subaru who did this one didn't talk to their customers. The interior rack loads with the front forward. Nobody does that... The rear wheel goes in first and the fork mounts on an angle (to prevent multiple handlebars from hitting each other) at the back lift gate.
Production? I doubt it... they have been teasing these for about 20 years now.
The Hoff
I like the what the bumper slides out. I want a small electric SUV that does that but gives you a 4' lightweight bed with tailights on it that would satisfy most of my city truck needs. As far as the roof mounts for the front tires in the photo they are a joke. If the tire is low it would fall out since there is no lateral suport to keep bikes steady in the corners.
tsvieps
The drive system is what caught my attention. It has only an electric motor drive with a small tuned engine. Likely the engine runs in an efficient, limit range of RPM. This is really the smart way to build a hybrid. It is much more simple than the standard hybrid 2 engine drive that we have on our Prius.