Automakers across the globe are readying teaser images for models they intend to debut at the 89th Geneva International Motor Show next month. For Subaru, that means the latest addition to its Viziv line of concept vehicles.
While initial Viziv concepts were highly conceptual designs, the line has gradually evolved to deliver models more in line with Subaru’s production vehicles. The 2016 Viziv-7 ultimately led to the creation of the Ascent and both the 2017 Viziv Performance Concept and 2018 Tourer Concept appear to directly foreshadow future incarnations of the WRX. But the new concept is an unknown quantity.
Bathed in the darkest of blue filters until its official debut on March 5th, the Viziv Adrenaline appears to be a crossover with no obvious production counterpart. While the general shape is slightly reminiscent of the Crosstrek, the Adrenaline appears significantly shorter in overall length. In fact, the uninterrupted side windows seem to indicate that this is a two-door vehicle. This is a colossal stretch, aided by some wishful thinking, but perhaps Subaru is thinking of reviving the Impreza 22B STI.
Alright, we know the odds of that happening are on par with Subaru bringing back the 360 and not making their next production vehicle all-wheel drive. It’s much more likely that the Viziv Adrenaline will be a sound place for the automaker to showcase its new e-Boxer powertrain and serve as a forbearer for a currently unannounced crossover.
The e-Boxer setup has already appeared in the Crosstrek XV and constitutes the automaker’s 2.0-liter horizontally-opposed engine working alongside the same hybrid tech found in the Prius Prime. However, there’s nothing about it that would alter one’s body chemistry enough to warrant it being dropped within the bowels of a model called “the Adrenaline.” We imagine the next Viziv has a few extra tricks up its sleeve to help ratify its rather bold name.
While Subaru hasn’t explicitly said the model will use an e-Boxer powertrain, at least two vehicles bound for Geneva will. Fortunately, we only have to wait a few more weeks to find out more.
[Image: Subaru]
Whatever it is, the production model will look a lot less attractive. Subaru has pulled that bait-and-switch way too many times going form concept to production.
Another attempt to turn crossovers into hot hatches. Because hot hatches have always sold so darn well and nobody really wants tall, useful crossovers.
It looks like it may be a Honda HR-V competitor.
Every SUV is going for the super aggressive and sleek look. This is another one of those SUV’s, perhaps a tweener between the Crosstrek and the Forester. It’ll have a CVT and maybe a turbo geared towards fuel economy. Nothing interesting to see here.