The Subaru VIZIV is a series of hybrid concept sports SUVs designed and built by Subaru, the first of which was unveiled at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. The VIZIV series included several signature Subaru design features, such as the use of horizontally-opposed engines and all-wheel drive, and built on prior Subaru hybrid concepts such as the B9SC, B5-TPH, and Hybrid Tourer by using a three-motor layout. Since 2016, the VIZIV concept cars have previewed styling for upcoming production automobiles, and the hybrid powertrain has been dropped in favor of a conventional gasoline engine and all-wheel-drive.
Design
The name "VIZIV" was derived from the phrase "Vision for Innovation" and was meant to illustrate the Subaru concept of "enjoyment and peace of mind." The VIZIV concept was also meant to suggest the brand's future styling direction, and the hexagonal grille was reused in November 2013 for the Legacy Concept revealed at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
VIZIV (2013)
The VIZIV CONCEPT had its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2013. The 2013 VIZIV features a hexagonal grille standing proud of the body intended to serve as a future Subaru design feature. The use of electric motors for the rear wheels eliminates the need for a mechanical power shaft from the front-mounted engine, allowing the interior floor to be lower and flatter.
VIZIV Evolution (2013)
The VIZIV EVOLUTION debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show in October 2013 with the same layout and external dimensions as the 2013 Geneva VIZIV, but with a smaller direct injection turbo. The Subaru Levorg was also introduced at Tokyo Motor Show 2013 with a 1.6L DIT, but it was not confirmed they used the same engine.
VIZIV 2 (2014)
One year later, the VIZIV 2 debuted at Geneva in March 2014, featuring the smaller 1.6-litre direct-injection turbo engine from the VIZIV EVOLUTION in a slightly larger body with four doors. The shape of the headlamps was intended to evoke the horizontally-opposed engine.
VIZIV Future Concept (2015)
The VIZIV Future Concept had its world premiere at the Tokyo Motor Show in October 2015. It dropped the independent rear motors in favor of a single rear motor. The Future Concept uses an evolution of the FB16 DIT 1.6-litre direct-injection turbo first introduced in the Subaru Levorg for 2013.
VIZIV-7 (2016)
A VIZIV-7 midsize SUV concept was revealed at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show, using styling cues but not the hybrid powertrain from prior VIZIV concepts. The VIZIV-7 is a three-row vehicle intended to show the size and styling of a future Tribeca replacement for the North American market, to debut in 2018. An updated, smaller Subaru Ascent Concept was unveiled at the 2017 New York Auto Show, where Subaru confirmed plans to sell the Ascent by 2018.
VIZIV Performance Concept (2017)
The VIZIV Performance Concept was unveiled at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show. Subaru did not release details of the concept car's powertrain, except to say it "embodies the Subaru powertrain, which is part of the brand's identity". This led automotive news writers to speculate the next-generation WRX could be based on the VIZIV Performance Concept. An updated VIZIV Performance STI Concept was shown at the Tokyo Auto Salon in January 2018. Because Subaru did not release details about the car's powertrain, changes appear to be limited to the concept's exterior, which gains a rear spoiler and skirts along with carbon fiber accents.
VIZIV Tourer Concept (2018)
The VIZIV Tourer Concept was unveiled at the 88th Geneva International Motor Show on March 6, 2018. The VIZIV Tourer Concept is a five-door hatchback showcasing "Subaru's wealth of expertise in offering driver performance, practicality, and safety to deliver new value in a tourer form" and features Subaru's latest developments in automated driving technologies. Dimensions are comparable to the earlier Performance Concept, with seating capacity for four. The powertrain is mentioned briefly as "a boxer engine" with no indication whether hybrid technologies are used as in prior VIZIV concepts. Press coverage speculated the Tourer Concept could preview styling for a future WRX wagon/hatch or Levorg.
VIZIV Adrenaline Concept (2019)
The VIZIV Adrenaline Concept was unveiled one year later at the 89th Geneva International Motor Show on March 5, 2019. Subaru touted the concept vehicle as an evolution of the original "Dynamic × Solid" design philosophy introduced with the first VIZIV; the new design concept was termed "BOLDER" and represents the first vehicle to represent Subaru's new "bolder expression". The Adrenaline Concept crossover featured rugged styling and a unique roof design. No details on the mechanical configuration were available. Press coverage speculated the Adrenaline Concept could preview a future plug-in hybrid production car under either the XV/Crosstrek or Evoltis name.
Technical
The 2013 VIZIV featured what Subaru called an "independent-rear-motor-driven symmetrical AWD" system, where a 2.0-litre diesel horizontally-opposed engine drove the front wheels through the continuously variable transmission and provided power generation, and each rear wheel was powered by an independent electric motor. The front wheels could also be powered by a single electric motor. At low speeds and in city traffic, the vehicle is moved solely by the three motors under electric power, taking advantage of low-speed electric motor torque to provide good acceleration with low fuel consumption. At highway speeds, the diesel engine and CVT are used. The use of two rear electric motors allows the car to allocate torque from front to rear and laterally when the steering wheel is turned, enhancing the car's handling. The 2013 VIZIV is equipped with a driving assist system, which Subaru branded "EyeSight". EyeSight uses twin CCD cameras focused on a single point in front of the car to detect road conditions and objects in front of the car, enabling pedestrian detection, automatic brake engagement, and adaptive cruise control.
A sports version of the 2014 VIZIV 2 concept, called the VIZIV GT Vision Gran Turismo, was designed for the videogame Gran Turismo 6. The car features a large diffuser and roof-integrated spoiler, and was made available within the game in November 2014. According to the game's statistics, the VIZIV GT Vision Gran Turismo has a curb weight of with a maximum output of and.
