Subaru Hybrid

[Legacy777]

Not a bad looking car. I'm sure it will get pooped on for the masses before it makes it to production...

Steve (evo), there's even something for you in there

http://www.wired.com/autopia/2009/10/subaru-hybrid/

[evolutionmovement]

VERY derivative styling, but I don't think it looks bad. I may hate Audis, but they make some decent looking cars (I'm planning on using pieces of new TT taillights on my 3-wheeler). Sounds like a parallel hybrid, like a Toyota (which figures, I guess). Too bad about that. I'd like to see a series setup. But, DI! I don't know if I could squeeze a boxer into the narrow front fuselage of my Tigershark design (Curtis P-40 inspired), but definitely Cerberus (Corsair 4FU/Gee Bee R1/Focke-Wulf 190 inspired). I could use the NACA cowl, like the fw190, to house the radiator (though it would just be a regular square radiator, not annular).

[entirelyturbo]

It looks better than that B5-TPH abomination they came out with a few years ago.

Series is probably a better hybrid setup. I just test drove a 2010 Prius last week (I know, shameless plug), and the constant shutting on and off of the gas engine got kind of annoying.

However, to make the electric motor powerful enough to move the car with some authority would be a lot more expensive.

A series setup would dictate that Subaru's drivetrain would be fundamentally changed as well. There wouldn't be any 'symmetrical' transmission and axle setup. The AWD would probably end up being four electric motors at each wheel, or at least that would be the smartest way to make the AWD dynamic. Furthermore, since the gas engine is just a generator, it can essentially be mounted anywhere in the car, which takes away one of Subaru's marketing strategies that the low-mounted boxer engine gives better center of gravity.

At least they're getting on board with direct injection. About damn time if you ask me.

[kimokalihi]

No doubt, my auto tech teacher told us about direct injection about 5 or 6 years ago and I thought it would be in all cars by now.

If they split those gull wing doors in half so there were 4 it would look better and be more functional. But probably not as strong and you'd have to add pillars I suppose.

I don't love the look of it but I'll say this, it looks a lot better than the 2010 lineup does.

[evolutionmovement]

That's exactly why a series hybrid is better. It's a simpler system as well and more efficient. Works quite well for the second most efficient mode of transporting cargo (after container ship)—rail. Four wheel hub motors would be symmetrical awd and not need a transmission. The boxer generator could be placed closer to the firewall or even possibly where the gas tank sits traditionally. Batteries can be flat and located under the seats for low polar moment of inertia and low cg. There's little advantage to a parallel hybrid that couldn't be gained by lighter weight and better aerodynamics, perhaps with taller gearing at the top instead of a lot of penalty in complication and additional weight. There's a guy who built a '96 or so Civic into a 90mpg commuter by improving the aero considerably (and gaining luggage capacity as well). Blows away the Prius in mileage and likely in performance, though the newest edition might be able to get out of its own way, unlike the last two. There's far more potential with a series hybrid. Ultimately, I'd like to see about a series hybrid setup in one of my tadpole chassis.

[entirelyturbo]

I think I like this guy's idea better. He competed at the GRM $2009 Challenge this past weekend.

It's a Fiero with the original drivetrain in the back and an electric S10 motor in the front with a full Prius battery pack. Pics here and here.

That gives the driver more choice than either of them. You can run on 100% gasoline/0% electric or 100% electric/0% gasoline power, or both at the same time.

They're not tied into each other, making the overall package less complex. Also, if one breaks, just turn on the other.

Plus, instead of just regenerative braking, the batteries can be recharging the whole time the front wheels are spinning while the gas engine is powering the car.

I guess the problem is that it requires conscious thought on the part of the driver.

[Lunatech]

Then there is this friend of mine.

http://archive.mailtribune.com/archive/ ... 8local.htm

[evolutionmovement]

Mike, there's a scratch-build plan car like that, the Tri-Magnum, that has plans for both power sources that aren't connected. Prius packs are cheap off ebay, but they're not designed for the kind of cycles of running a car. For the GRM challenge, it doesn't matter. When battery tech gets better and cheaper, I'll have no problem moving to electric. Especially where the packaging is concerned. I'd design something a little more futuristic than my current projects to match (anything that looks like a WWII fighter plane needs a gas engine, I think). On the other hand, if i could get a speaker system that sounded like a Merlin or P&W R-2800, that would be sick! Even better, if I could disguise the battery pack look like a Merlin, but who knows when/if that technology will be accessible to someone of my budget.

[Smithcraft]

Not bad looking to me, and I must agree that it's better looking then the 2010 line up. However, I'd rather not have the gull wing doors.

SC