Report: Subaru close to finalizing hybrid, to debut at New York this year

Subaru has been lagging a little bit in the hybrid and alternative propulsion markets—markets that are crucial to the brand’s success as it seeks to fight against Japan’s other mass producers. That said, TheDetroitBureau reports that Subaru is supposedly readying its first hybrid model for the U.S.

Subaru themselves apparently didn’t specify which model will hit production, but that we can expect it to debut at this year’s New York International Auto Show in March.

Subaru’s director of product management for Subaru USA also confirmed that they’re working with Fuji Heavy Industries to develop a hybrid model.

If we wanted to reference any indicator as to what the future Subaru hybrid’s powertrain could be, we could refer to the Advanced Tourer Concept, which debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2011. It was powered by a 2.0L turbocharged inline four-pot paired to an electric motor providing around 13hp of assist. Electricity was stored in a compact lithium-ion battery pack.

– By: Chris Chin

Source: TheDetroitBureau