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Subaru sports mobility concept unveiled at Tokyo motor show

There are hints of the cult classic WRX hot hatch and the BRZ sports car in the lines of the coupe revealed at this year’s Japan Mobility Show.

Subaru has taken the covers off a breathtaking electric sports car concept at the Tokyo motor show.

The drearily named Subaru Sports Mobility Concept might sound like something you’d see cruising the grounds of a retirement home, but it looks fast and futuristic.

Bulging wheel arches are reminiscent of the rally-bred WRX, while a hexagonal wheel design and a long strip of LED lights across the bonnet give off a spaceship vibe.

There are some interesting exterior surface treatments, including a bright blue strip in the front intake and marble-like highlights on the front bumper and sideskirts.

Subaru’s Sports Mobility Concept is a sleek looking two-door EV. Picture: Supplied.
Subaru’s Sports Mobility Concept is a sleek looking two-door EV. Picture: Supplied.

While electric vehicles dominated the concept reveals at the show, there was a definited sporty twist to proceedings as the Subaru vied for the limelight with a hybrid Mazda sports car that appeared to pay homage to the MX-5 and RX-7 and a modern interpretation of the Nissan GT-R.

Subaru wasn’t divulging any engineering details for the concept coupe, preferring to stick to flowery prose than technical detail.

“This concept model expresses the enjoyment that Subaru offers in the age of electrification, embodying the pleasure of going anywhere, anytime, and driving at will in everyday to extraordinary environments,” the company’s press release said.

The front end features some interesting surface treatments. Picture: Supplied.
The front end features some interesting surface treatments. Picture: Supplied.

“Driving with peace of mind allows us to embark on exciting new adventures,” it continued.

The maker said the electric concept represented the evolution of the company’s sporting values

The low-slung, muscular coupe has the driver at the centre “controlling all four wheels at will”.

The seat is set low in the cabin but Subaru claims it will provide “excellent visibility”.

Wild cars of the 2023 Tokyo Motor Show

Subaru isn’t talking about whether the concept will make it to production, but if it does it’s likely to share the all-wheel-drive underpinnings and electric motors of the brand’s first EV, the Solterra.

The Solterra, which was jointly developed by Toyota, has an 80kW motor on each axle making a combined 160kW.

The hexagonal wheel covers and blue highlights add a spaceship feel to the car. Picture: Supplied.
The hexagonal wheel covers and blue highlights add a spaceship feel to the car. Picture: Supplied.

A 71kWh battery allows for a driving range of up to 460km on the all-wheel drive model and charging to 80 per cent takes a claimed 30 minutes.

The brand also showed off an “air mobility concept” that previews a potential flying car.

Subaru’s press release says: “In the world of aviation, where electrification and automation technologies are advancing, there are growing expectations for new air mobility that will bring about an ‘air mobility revolution’.”

The brand says “engineers from the aerospace and automotive divisions are currently working together on flight demonstrations”.

Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/technology/motoring/hitech/subaru-sports-mobility-concept-unveiled-at-tokyo-motor-show/news-story/d1c5610c7966aaf12f7d34f713c2885c