Subaru is Developing a Mid-Engine Sports Coupe

Subaru is reportedly working on a really exciting new sports car.

Car and Driver reports the Japanese automaker is testing an experimental prototype in the form of a modified BRZ with a mid-mounted turbocharged boxer engine driving the rear wheels, while a pair of electric motors power the front. The reason the company is using the BRZ is because it’s the only rear-wheel-drive car in its lineup. “Whether the end result will be a two-door sports coupe or some kind of sports crossover/CUV is still in the evaluation stage,” the insider told Car and Driver. “A coupe seems more likely, though.”

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If the model does make it to production, expect it to be built on the new Subaru Global Platform the company just announced. It is most likely going to incorporate a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine and will be similar to what was found in the Viziv Future concept that debuted at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show. A torque-vectoring mechanism would take care of torque distribution between the two electric motors up front, similar to what’s found on the new Acura NSX. If total output is in the 330-horsepower range, it would be a great competitor to the Porsche Cayman.

As for news of a second-generation Subaru BRZ, the company is staying mum. Perhaps this prototype will take its place if Toyota and Subaru decide not to bring a successor to market.

[Source: Car and Driver]

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