Looking bold and eminently capable of starting to roll down an assembly line within the next 12-18 months, the Subaru XV Concept made its global debut in Geneva. To the extent it accurately reflects the production Crosstrek expected to launch as a 2018 model, the new XV Concept is a bit larger overall and has a slightly longer 105.1-inch wheelbase, both of which bode well for its passenger and cargo space.
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The XV Concept is based on the new Subaru Global Platform that will debut on the next-gen Impreza set to launch later this year and features an even more robust modular structure. This prototype 5-passenger crossover utility visually embraces what Subaru calls its Dynamic X Solid surfacing and displays the latest edgy take on the automaker’s Wide & Low design themes. Crisp character lines, bold black-clad fender flares and side sills are set off with a pronounced 3D character to the front/rear fascia treatments as well the signature as hawk-eye head and tail lamps. The XV Concept rolls on 245/50 tires wrapped around 19-inch alloy wheels.
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No word at this point regarding what’s inside the spacious cabin of the XV Concept or its powertrain. However, it’s believed the production Crosstrek – which is tabbed to lose the XV prefix — will offer new direct-injected 4-cylinder boxer engines as well Subaru’s next-gen hybrid system first seen on the VIZIV Future Concept. A departure from the automaker’s existing Symmetrical AWD setup, it eliminates the conventional driveshaft and pairs a 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engine powering front wheels with an electric motor mounted on the rear axle drives those wheels while permitting torque vectoring.
More Concept Vehicles…
The Audi e-tron Quattro Concept previews the upcoming Q6 crossover
Mazda Koeru Concept offers a look at a new compact crossover model
Porsche Mission E Concept: a 600-hp EV on the fast track to production
