New Subaru Concepts on Tap for Tokyo Show

Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. will take the wraps off two new Subaru concept cars the Impreza 5-Door and Viziv Future at this month's Tokyo auto show.

The 5-door Impreza design study previews the next-generation model expected to launch late next year. The 2017 car will be the first to ride on the new modular platform slated to carry a variety of upcoming Subaru vehicles including an all-new full-size crossover.

Sketches of the Impreza concept show a sporty stance, sloped roofline and a roof-mounted spoiler. The front end features swept headlights and an angular grille. Other styling cues include pronounced fenders and C-shaped LED rear lights.

The Viziv (short for vision for innovation) crossover follows similarly named concepts introduced in the last two years, but it appears to be more production ready than its predecessors. The concept teases Subaru's plans for several next-generation technologies and safety features, including telematics and autonomous driving.

The concept will include a more advanced version of Subaru's EyeSight pre-collision automatic braking system, surround-view sensors and next-generation GPS mapping technology, according to the carmaker. Among the other goodies are advanced human-to-machine interfaces, vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communications capability and a camera that monitors the driver's attentiveness.

The car's all-wheel-drive system consists of a small turbocharged direct-injection engine for the front wheels and an electric motor powering the rear axle. Subaru says the design provides smooth acceleration and improved fuel economy. It also eliminates the propeller shaft to provide more interior room and greater design freedom.

Subaru will begin transitioning to downsized direct-injection gasoline engines on 2017-model cars. Cylinder deactivation and lean combustion cycles will be added by 2020. A plug-in hybrid version of the new Impreza is rumored for 2018.