Subaru to Take Impreza and VIZIV Concepts to Tokyo Motor Show
The Subaru VIZIV Future Concept is one of two new Subaru concept models debuting at the 44th Annual Tokyo Motor Show this month
The 44th annual Tokyo Motor Show will run from October 30th through November 8th, with press days on October 28th and 29th. So much for taking Halloween off from covering cars, amirite?
In all seriousness, the show in Tokyo will be a big one for Subaru, which is preparing to introduce a new global architecture for its entire lineup. At the show this year, Subaru will be showing off four new production models, all being announced on the 28th; four other models; and, two new concept models: the Impreza 5-Door Concept and the Subaru VIZIV Future Concept (VIZIV standing for Vision for Innovation).
The Subaru Impreza 5-Door Concept
I’m really excited about the Impreza 5-Door Concept, since it will be previewing the 2017 Subaru Impreza here in the States. The 2017 Impreza will be the very first model built on the new global architecture, acting as a shepherd for big changes to the Subaru lineup.
The Subaru VIZIV Future Concept
I’m equally excited about the Subaru VIZIV Future Concept, though. Subaru promises that the concept will give “substance to Subaru’s future vision by incorporating automatic driving functions and other advanced safety technology.”
This is an important step for Subaru, which exists in an industry aimed at autonomous operation but has done very little to achieve that goal, compared to other big name automakers like Mercedes or Volvo and even tech companies like Google.
The Subaru VIZIV Future Concept will give “substance to Subaru’s future vision by incorporating automatic driving functions and other advanced safety technology.”
The VIZIV Future Concept SUV was developed for “enjoyment and peace of mind,” according to Subaru. It, of course, benefits from Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and boasts–among other features–a camera that monitors the driver to keep him or her alert behind the wheel. The concept is powered by a next-generation downsized direct-injection turbo engine, paired with a hybrid system.
Among the features for the concept is a camera that monitors the driver for safety
Subaru’s theme at this year’s auto show is “New Subaru Story,” and with models pointing to the new direction that Subaru intends to take, I find it rather fitting. Five giant screens, dubbed “Subaru Life Theater,” will drive the message home, with visuals of the “enjoyment and peace of mind” that Subaru intends to incorporate into is branding. Also on display will be the SporVita Series, a WRX S4 special edition, a Legacy B4 special edition, the S207 (an STI), and an upgraded Forester and an upgraded XV.
Subaru’s press conference will be held on Wednesday, October 28th, at 1:45pm JST (Japan Standard Time), which is a whopping 13 hours ahead of those of us on the east coast in the US. Fuji Heavy Industries President Yasuyuki Yoshinaga will deliver the press briefing, which can be streamed here if you will be watching in the middle of the night.
The News Wheel is a digital auto magazine providing readers with a fresh perspective on the latest car news. We’re located in the heart of America (Dayton, Ohio) and our goal is to deliver an entertaining and informative perspective on what’s trending in the automotive world. See more articles from The News Wheel.