Simply because the collectively developed Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 function widespread styling inside and outside, Subaru’s upcoming Solterra battery-electric crossover will match the Toyota mannequin developed alongside it, the bZ4X.
The bZ4X was first shown as a concept in April and eventually revealed as a prototype final week. The Solterra made its personal debut as a manufacturing car in the present day in Japanese spec, with the U.S. model to observe subsequent week on the Los Angeles auto present. Each automobiles will attain U.S. showrooms in mid-2022 as 2023 fashions.
Whereas the bZ4X title signifies the Toyota as a member of a brand new BZ household of electrical automobiles, the Solterra title is a mix of the Latin phrases for “solar” and “earth.”
The Solterra is near Subaru’s Forester in dimension at 184.6 inches lengthy, 73.2 inches huge, and 64.9 inches tall. It is about 2 inches longer and wider than the compact SUV, however has a 7 inch longer wheelbase (112.2 inches). That ought to give the Solterra some further passenger room, particularly within the backseat. Each automobiles are in a position to seat 5.
Underpinning the Solterra and bZ4X is a devoted EV platform. Whereas growth of the platform was spearheaded by Toyota, Subaru was tapped for its experience in all-wheel-drive techniques. Therefore, each automobiles will function the acquainted “X-Mode” terrain selector for AWD fashions. Subaru has branded its model of the platform the e-Subaru World Platform, or eSGP for brief. Toyota calls its model the e-TNGA.
Introduced powertrain and battery specs match these of the Toyota. Every encompasses a 71.4 kwh battery pack and consumers will be capable of select from a front-wheel-drive powertrain with 201 hp or an all-wheel-drive setup with 214 hp. We aren’t certain a FWD model of the Subaru will make it to the U.S., that’d be some form of small heresy. Subaru did not point out acceleration or prime velocity figures, however the bZ4X
A prime velocity hasn’t been talked about however the bZ4X affords 0-62 mph acceleration instances of 8.4 seconds with FWD and seven.7 seconds with AWD. Anticipate related for the Subaru.
2023 Toyota BZ4X
Vary is an estimated 329 miles (FWD) or 286 miles (AWD) on the Japanese WLTC cycle. Subaru additionally did not specify charging particulars, however as soon as once more we will infer from the Toyota that charging at as much as 150 kilowatts is feasible that can allow an 80% cost in half-hour. The Solterra may also supply a roof-mounted photo voltaic panel may also be provided on the BZ4X in some markets.
Inside, the 2 automobiles as soon as once more look very related with the identical upholstered dashboard and huge touchscreen that sits atop a flowing heart console that swoops as much as the highest of the sprint. An elevated digital instrument panel sits behind the steering wheel; Subaru didn’t point out any yoke wheel availability (thank goodness).
For extra particulars and hands-on impressions, be sure you examine again right here subsequent week after we see the Solterra out in California for the primary time.
Manufacturing can be dealt with at crops in China and Japan.
Notice, the Solterra will not be Subaru’s first EV. That honor goes to the Subaru Stella electric minicar launched in Japan in 2009.
