Subaru has doused cold water on rumors that claim it's secretly developing a mid-engined coupe.
"I've not heard that, I don't know what that is. I would like to know their source. Anybody can say anything, right?," repliedTom Doll, the president of Subaru of America, when asked about the coupe by Australian website Motoring .
For those who need a brief refresher course, Car & Driver recently reportedthat Subaru was in the early stages of testing an experimental, BRZ-based coupe powered by a mid-mounted flat-four and a pair of electric motors up front. The whole setup was believed to make about 330 horsepower, placing the coupe right between Porsche's 718 Boxster and 718 Boxster S models.
A mid-engined model isn't in the works, but enthusiasts who want a performance-oriented Subaru aren't out of luck. The all new fifth-generation Imprezawill spawn hot-rodded WRX and WRX STI models in about 2018, and a replacement for the rear-wheel drive BRZ is tentatively scheduled to land in 2019. The coupe will again be developed jointly with Toyota.
At the other end of the spectrum, Subaru will introduce a new gasoline-electric hybrid drivetrain in 2018. Doll explained Subaru's decision to go hybrid can be largely attributed to regulations in the United States.
"[Hybrid] is legislated to some degree, starting with California and other states. So from 2018 we have to begin bringing out our versions of hybrids and electric type vehicles," he pointed out. He stopped short of confirming which model will usher in the fuel-sipping drivetrain.
Note: Subaru Viziv GT Gran Turismo concept pictured.
Here at Leftlane, we believe the contributions of the community are just as valuable as those of our staff. The Web, at its core, is a medium for information sharing and communication. We strive to provide good information, but without you—the community member—there is no communication. Read More>>