New Subaru hybrid coming to Tokyo

Dear 001,

Subaru, is displaying a high-powered concept car at the Tokyo Motor Show: a hybrid with higher standing-start torque than an Subaru Impreza Turbo.

Called the B5-TPH, for 'Turbo Parallel Hybrid', the three-door coupe combines a 260 PS 2.0 litre 'boxer' engine with an electric generator/motor fitted between the engine and transmission.



The manufacturer claims this provides a low-cost solution to giving driving enthusiasts lively acceleration and a high top speed but with excellent fuel consumption and low exhaust emissions.

The four-cylinder horizontally-opposed petrol engine features a Miller Cycle system which improves engine efficiency by reducing pumping losses thanks to a combustion expansion stroke that is longer than the compression stroke. Normally this system makes an engine sluggish at low speeds but thanks to the electric motor, standing-start torque is boosted beyond even an Impreza Turbo's.



The electric motor itself produces 10 kW and 150 Nm torque while the petrol engine has a 191 kW output with 343 Nm torque. A new type of manganese lithium ion battery charges to 95 per cent capacity in five minutes and operates not just in city driving but also when cruising.