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2006 NAIAS :: Reviews and Interviews

Subaru shows the B5-TPH hybrid and R1e electric

PHOTO BY JASON RZUCIDLO / AMERICAJR.com

Subaru unveils the B5-TPH concept car.

by Jason Rzucidlo

AmericaJR@AmericaJR.com

 

Subaru has two new vehicles on display at the 2006 North American International Auto Show. They are both concept cars, which means they may or may not go into production. Their names: B5-TPH hybrid and the R1e electric vehicle.

Let's start with the B5-TPH hybrid car. I spoke with Jennifer, a product specialist from Subaru. The gasoline engine in the B5-TPH will provide 250 horsepower and 252 torque. The electric battery will provide another 13 horsepower and 110 torque. Other features in the Subaru B5-TPH include all-wheel drive.

You will be able to drive for 75 miles before you have to recharge. Here's the key. You can recharge the battery for 90% of it's power in five to ten minutes. All other hybrids take hours to charge. Subaru is using a long-life lithium-ion battery.

The electric battery is located between the engine and the transmission. It is very thin and has a 10-15 year life. It provies for 30% better fuel efficiency. There are no estimates on the miles per gallon (mpg) at this time. The gasoline engine is a miller cycle boxer engine. It has a low center of gravity and operates 30% better than most gasoline engines It also provides lower CO2 emissions.

The Subaru B5-TPH will be tested first in Japan in the year 2007. There are no plans for testing them here in the United States as of yet. Subaru tests all their vehicles first in Japan before bringing them to the U.S. to ensure the very best in quality.

Subaru shows off it's R1e prototype

The R1e prototype is a completely electric vehicle. It is small as most electric vehicles are. It comes with a high performance lithium-ion battery pack. You will be able to drive 120 kilometers on a five minute recharge. Subaru is also developing a capacitor for a next generation vehicle.

Electric vehicles are expected to be 97% more cleaner for the Earth's atmosphere. The R1e can be recharged by plugging it into a 200V AC outlet. Subaru has produced 10 of these vehicles for the Tokyo Electric Power Company.

PHOTO BY JASON RZUCIDLO / AMERICAJR.com

Subaru displays it's R1e prototype at the 2006 NAIAS.

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