Subaru has unveiled a revolutionary concept car, the B11S, at the Geneva Motor Show.
Combining sophisticated interior design with ample space, the B11S represents a new type of four-door coupe.
Developed to demonstrate possible future design direction, the B11S also features superb driving performance.
Since Kyoji Takenaka assumed the title of President and Chief Operating Officer of Subaru parent company, Fuji Heavy Industries, in June 2001, FHI has been enhancing its design capabilities.
Last year, experienced Subaru car designer, Kiyoshi Sugimoto, was promoted to the position of Vice President, Senior General Manager of Subaru Product and Portfolio Planning Division and General Manager of Subaru Design Department. This marked the first time that a car designer was appointed to the executive officers.
The Subaru B11S is the first concept car designed under the leadership of Mr. Sugimoto, with guidance from Mr. Takenaka in the initial concept development.
The Barcelona-based independent design studio, Fuore Design International, under the leadership of Erwin Himmel, which has been retained by FHI as a consultancy, contributed to the creation of the B11S.
Main features of the Subaru B11S
Concept
The B11S has been developed to pursue the concept of "Gran Utility Turismo", which embodies the perfect blend of sporty driving, comfort, functionality and elegance. It features attractive styling and packaging, which further reflect FHI\'s corporate philosophy: innovative, individual and courageous.
It also incorporates Subaru\'s technological strengths, such as the horizontally opposed Boxer engine and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, and driving performance equivalent to a high-performance sports car.
Exterior design
The exterior design, composed of sophisticated flowing curves, expresses an elegant, sleek coupe, while the car comfortably accommodates four adults.
The two pairs of side doors open gate-style and latch in the middle without a conventional B-pillar, an arrangement that allows easy access to the back seats and makes interior room seem even more spacious.
Developed specifically for the B11S, the frosted glass roof provides an open-air feeling and creates a pleasant soft light inside the vehicle that enhances the quality look of its interior.
Interior design
In sharp contrast to the white pearl body colour, blue has been selected for the B11S interior, influenced by Subaru\'s characteristic colour. B emphasis was placed on crafting an understated yet high-quality ambience in the cabin\'s design, reminiscent of Japanese interior decoration and its attention-to-detail approach. In addition, the folding backseats allow easy access to and from the trunk for luggage or sports equipment. The interior provides a comfortable space for passengers and offers practical solutions at the same time.
Driving performance
The B11S has been equipped with a new, horizontally opposed, six-cylinder engine. It will meet both the needs of driving pleasure and the demands of environmental considerations, and is currently under development. Thanks to twin-turbochargers, the engine will ensure a smooth ride in low- and middle-speed ranges while it achieves a maximum output of 294 kW (400 ps) and a maximum torque of 550 Nm (56.1 kgfm).
The Symmetrical AWD system integrated with a five-speed automatic transmission comes with VTD (variable torque distribution), Subaru\'s unique, electronically controlled torque distribution system.
The basic torque distribution ratio of front to rear wheels is set at 35% and 65%, respectively. However, the VTD optimally controls the torque distribution between front and rear wheels according to driving conditions and realizes a high level of balance between the yawing tendency of a vehicle and high-speed stability.
