TOKYO: Did you know that Subaru's legendary All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system is 50 years old?
Yes, it has been that long.
The Japanese car company is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the debut of its AWD system this year.
Since the introduction of the Subaru Leone 4WD Estate Van, Japan's first mass-produced AWD passenger car, in September 1972, the company has produced about 21 million AWD vehicles as of today.
AWD models currently account for 98% of Subaru’s global sales, and all of those AWD models feature the Subaru Symmetrical AWD system fitted with the horizontally-opposed “Boxer” engine.
The Leone in action.
The most distinctive feature of Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD is a symmetrically-laid-out drivetrain paired with a longitudinally-mounted Boxer engine positioned in line with it.
The combination of the low centre of gravity provided by the Boxer engine and the superior weight balance of the symmetrical drivetrain maximises stability and traction intrinsic to all-wheel drive, offering superb driving performance in a variety of weather and road conditions.
In addition to these hardware advantages, Subaru has been continuously honing its AWD capability.
Subaru’s AWD technology continues to evolve in electrified vehicles as well. In “e-BOXER”-equipped models sold in Japan and other regions around the world, a highly-responsive motor allows more precise control of AWD, which offers a greater sense of security on a slippery road surface such as on snow or ice as well as an enhanced driving capability on rough roads.
The dual-motor AWD system adopted in the all-new Solterra electric SUV has been developed incorporating expertise gained from the company’s motor AWD R&D initiative launched in 2005, offering the driving capability and enjoyment characteristic of Subaru.
“As one of the core technologies that underpin Subaru’s commitment to safety and driving enjoyment, Subaru’s AWD system has been continuously enhanced over half a century,” said Subaru president and CEO Tomomi Nakamura.
“Towards the age of electrification, we will further refine our long-cultivated AWD capability with electrification technology and continue to pursue the ‘Subaru Difference,’ such as stability, driving dynamics, and handling.”
