{"id":241437,"date":"2023-10-10T14:49:01","date_gmt":"2023-10-10T14:49:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/automotobuzz.com\/?p=241437"},"modified":"2023-10-10T14:49:01","modified_gmt":"2023-10-10T14:49:01","slug":"subaru-sport-mobility-concept-to-preview-retro-inspired-ev-coupe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/automotobuzz.com\/car-reviews\/subaru-sport-mobility-concept-to-preview-retro-inspired-ev-coupe\/","title":{"rendered":"Subaru Sport Mobility concept to preview retro-inspired EV coupe"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The stars are coming out for Japan\u2019s 2023 Tokyo Mobility Show, and now it\u2019s Subaru\u2019s turn to preview what it has in store for the reformed motor show. Centre stage will be the Subaru Sport Mobility concept, a sporty electric coupe that could preview a future design direction, by referencing its past.\u00a0<\/p>\n
There are no official technical details about the model as yet, but the single dark image does reveal the concept\u2019s unmistakable three-box body, flat bonnet and slim headlights. Like many Japanese manufacturers, Subaru might not appear to have much in the way of design heritage in Europe, but this concept very clearly channels the eccentric XT coupe it sold globally between 1985 and 1991.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Look closer into some of the concept\u2019s details and you\u2019ll find more corresponding elements with the XT, such as the blacked-out a-pillars and square-shaped indentations on the bonnet\u2019s leading edge, referencing its pop-up headlights.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
The original XT was actually very progressive mechanically as well, pairing either a naturally aspirated or turbocharged flat-four (or a flat-six) petrol engine with an optional all-wheel drive system. Some models were even sold with a low-range transfer case, height-adjustable pneumatic suspension and a digital instrument cluster.\u00a0<\/p>\n
It\u2019s this innovation and out-of-the-box thinking that Subaru\u2019s hoping to channel with its new concept, something we might see applied more directly to its future road cars. Subaru\u2019s presence in the UK and Europe isn\u2019t nearly as prominent as it was during the WRC rally era in the late \u201890s and early \u201800s, but Subaru\u2019s international success has roared on since, driven largely by the American and Australian markets.\u00a0<\/p>\n
But as the brand expands its EV range so is it becoming more relevant to the UK and Europe, with Subaru keen to capitalise on additional markets to help drive its switch to battery power. For now, we\u2019ll have to wait a few more weeks to see what this future vision of a sporty Subaru could look like, but we can be sure that it won\u2019t be boring.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Now check out the latest Subaru news and reviews…<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n