Subaru B5-TPH
In Subaru's desire to be more environment-friendly, it's manufacturer
designed a concept car that is more suited for couples driving
out on a honeymoon or newlyweds on weekend trips to distant havens.
These drives would otherwise put extra strain on the pocket and
delicate ecological balance unless one takes the Subaru B5-TPH
on these road trips.
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The Subaru B5 is definitely economical
for it runs at 40 mpg while generating relatively low Carbon
Dioxide emissions due to its hybrid configuration of gas
and electric motor. The car is a crossover SUV, though enthusiasts
look at it more like a premium hatchback with an 8 inches
ground clearance.
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TPH may not ring a bell but on a Subaru B5 it becomes the Turbo
Parallel Hybrid or the powertrain recently integrated with the
Subaru fleet. The TPH utilizes a powerful 10kw electric motor
that is placed between the automatic transmission and turbo-charged
boxer engine.
The gasoline engine oozes with 256 hp and 253 lbs-ft of torque
while the electric motor provides additional 111 lbs-ft of torque.
This extra torque of the electric motor aids the gas engine at
low-speeds to practically eliminate turbo lag that is noticeable
when a vehicle runs purely on gas.
The gas engine, which is the other half of the TPH, uses the
Miller cycle and increases the engine's efficiency of up to 30%.
In a complete cycle, the intake valve is left open for part of
the compression stroke. The process shortens the cycle compression
stroke and raises estimated mileage to a little over 40 mpg and
a shorter travel time should one need a boost in acceleration.
This powertrain efficiency is only possible with Subaru's patented
Lithium-Iron battery technology on a sporty two-seat grand touring
car and probably the finest designed car in looks to emerge from
Subaru.
Subaru's 2.0 liter Miller cycle boxer engine complements the
Symmetrical All Wheel Drive (SAWD) system devised for the B5-TPH
(turbo parallel hybrid). The engine and the 10kw electric motor
provides enough power to the SAWD, a perfected system that gives
awesome push to the vehicle in the mid-speed range especially
when the turbo charger is active (a standard feature for most
conventional models) to deliver excellent acceleration and corresponding
fuel savings. This important Subaru powertrain technology, though
still in the final development phase, will be the model for future
mass production of the company's hybrid vehicles.
Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI), the parent company of Subaru, has
been committed to a wider approach to environmental responsibility
that puts premium on current vehicle emissions and fuel efficiency.
The development of high technology Subaru vehicles is part of
its commitment of safeguarding the environment that avid consumers
support. As Kunio Ishigami, chairman and CEO, Subaru of America,
Inc. said "we will continue to make these technologies a
priority in our product development, manufacturing and business
processes".
The Subaru B5-TPH had its debut at the North American International
Auto Show and showcased a new revolutionary powertrain as well
as a manganese lithium-ion battery that can attain 95% power in
a mere 5 minute charging time. Aside from its high-edge technology,
the new concept vehicle features smooth contours, large tailgates
and opens through a hinge just behind the B post. Its crossover
design combines with the practical features of the hatchback to
furnish the vehicle with a stunning look and the all-terrain stability
of a SUV.
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