Subaru Viziv Adrenaline Concept Hints at Possible New Hybrid Powertrain

author: Vineeth Joel Patel   

The 2019 Geneva Motor Show is right around the corner, as the auto show is set to kick off on March 7. Subaru is looking to make waves at the event with the introduction of the Viziv Adrenaline Concept. The automaker put out a teaser of the upcoming vehicle before its official debut. 

What's With The Mysterious Off-Roader?

There's not a lot to go off of with the sole photo, expect for the body shape, which appears to a compact to midsize crossover. The vehicle's body also seems awfully short, pointing toward it being a two-door model. And the location for the photo shoot points toward the vehicle's off-roading prowess, which is something Subaru is known for, as the vehicle looks to be in some rocky terrain. 

Besides that, everything else is left up for speculation. Subaru has been using the "Viziv" nomenclature for its concepts for some time now. The nameplate has been on everything from a massive three-row SUV to a high-performance coupe. So finding where exactly the Viziv Adrenaline Concept fits into the lineup is a larger puzzle. 

There's some rumors floating around that this concept could preview the next generation of the Crosstrek. While that may sound odd, as Subaru showcased a new model at the 2017 New York Auto Show, the vehicle's due for an all-new model soon. 

A Futuristic Plug-in Hybrid Powertrain Is Likely

According to Car and Driver, the juiciest detail of the Viziv Adrenaline Concept is the fact that it could be used to preview Subaru's upcoming hybrid powertrain. The new Crosstrek Hybrid is the automaker's first plug-in hybrid offering, but it surely won't be its last. Subaru's "e-Boxer" refers to an upcoming range of Boxer engines that have an electrified aspect. All Subaru has said about the engines is that they'll be hybrids and be unveiled on March 5, 2019, which is around the same time that the Viziv Adrenaline Concept will make its debut. 

As the outlet claims, the e-Boxer powertrain could have more all-electric range than the current Crosstrek Hybrid, which has a short range of just 17 miles, thanks to a larger battery pack. Subaru has also been criticized for having lackluster engines, so more power from a more powerful electric motor also makes sense. 

Last April, we reported that Subaru and Toyota's partnership could see the Japanese automaker come out with an upcoming plug-in hybrid called the Evoltis. Subaru filed a U.S. trademark for the moniker, so the Viziv Adrenaline Concept could be a concept version of the Evoltis we heard about last year. 

While the Crosstrek Hybrid is a great entry-level plug-in hybrid for Subaru, we were really hoping to see more impressive figures from the brand. When Toyota and Subaru announced that they would work together for the latter to come out with a plug-in hybrid using components from the Toyota Prius Prime, we were looking forward to an efficient crossover with Subaru's off-roading prowess, usability, and rugged design. Hopefully, the Viziv Adrenaline Concept delivers on all of those points.  

Vineeth Joel Patel

Joel Patel has been covering all aspects of the automotive industry for four years as an editor and freelance writer for various websites. When it comes to cars, he enjoys covering the merger between technology and cars. In his spare time, Joel likes to watch baseball, work on his car, and try new foods