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. 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.
Like its show car predecessors, the Viziv Future is an AWD hybrid.
However, it drops the multi-motor hybrid configuration in favor of a sleeker system
that uses a single electric motor mounted concentrically on the rear axle.
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.
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 it is 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. 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.
The bumper slides out to reveal a dual bike holder. This cleanly integrated solution
reminds us of the Opel's FlexFix bike rack in 2012, though it doesn't appear
that Subaru's design allows for easy tailgate opening.
Source: Subaru
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